Things to do in London
London is without a doubt one of the most thrilling and diverse cities in the world, with interesting and exciting things to do around almost every corner. With so much to choose from, a visit to the city can prove overwhelming, yet with just a little bit of planning there is every opportunity to experience a wide range of the sights and sounds the capital has to offer.
With landmark sights such as Big Ben and St Paul's Cathedral, historical sites such as Westminster Abbey and some of the best museums, art galleries and theatres in the world, there is something in London for every taste.
Despite the general expense of the city, there are also activities to suit every budget, with 238 attractions on offer free of charge! These include many of London's leading art galleries, which are also often late on Friday and Saturday nights, in case there just aren't enough hours in the day to fit them in! The National Gallery is one of the city's leading attractions, housing one of the greatest collections of European paintings in the world, including masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gough, Turner and Rembrandt.
The National Portrait Gallery is also well-worth a visit, featuring portraits in a variety of styles and contemporary work with exhibitions by individual artists. Modern art lovers should not miss the Tate Modern on the bank of the River Thames, which holds an ever-changing collection of original and contemporary pieces. There are museums a-plenty in London, many of which could take a whole day to explore, which include the imposing British Museum, the National History Museum, Science Museum and the award-winning Imperial War Museum.
The Throne Room, Picture Gallery and Ballroom are just some of the 19 State Rooms open to visitors in Buckingham Palace, all of which are lavishly decorated with artwork and tapestries from the Royal Collection. Tours of the Houses of Parliament are also available in the summer.
For an unbeatable view of the city, the London Eye is unmissable. Situated on the banks of the River Thames, the world's largest observation wheel provides extraordinary views of London's landmarks, with many visitors choosing to combine this with a circular cruise on the Thames. A free tour around the Tower of London is also a favourite activity, which includes visiting the priceless Crown Jewels, the infamous Bloody Tower and the Medieval Palace. For another chilling horror attraction, the London Dungeon delves into the grim and bloody history of the city.
For those wishing for a break from the hectic sightseeing, London contains plenty of beautiful open spaces. Hype Park is a favourite for tourists, which includes the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, an education centre and several catering outlets. South of the River Thames is Battersea Park, featuring a Japanese Pagoda, or further out the city is the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, which consists of four acres of conservatories housing an extensive range of exotic plants.
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Things to do
