Cultural Attractions in the City
London is a city with lots to see and if you are only here for a short period of time it is difficult to know which sites to include and which to leave out. Luckily for you some of the best of the city’s attractions are located around the South Bank area so you can see plenty without having to waste much time travelling from one side of the city to the other and back again.
London’s South Bank
A wealth of cultural venues and diversions are located between the bridges of Westminster and Waterloo, otherwise known as the South Bank. This is where you will find the incredible Sea Life London Aquarium with all of its watery attractions, the sea life centre never fails to be a hit with both adults and children and can be a lighter diversion than some of the heavier, more historic attractions. The London Eye will give you a good view of everything that is happening in the city as you take a turn around its giant wheel, and at the Southbank Centre you can immerse yourself in galleries which offer regular exhibitions from the ancient to the avant-garde. If live performance is more you, then you have the Royal Festival Hall, the Purcell Room and the Queen Elizabeth Hall to choose from where you can see performances from some of the most incredible dancers and orchestras in the world. This is also an area rich in theatre with not two, but three to choose from, including the Old Vic which boasts Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey as its art director.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is a must visit destination for anyone travelling to London, at its heart is the National Gallery; with the National Portrait Gallery just a stone’s throw away. At the Portrait Gallery you will find a rooftop restaurant which offers a unique view of Nelson’s Column. Time your visit right and you will be in time to catch a concert at the church of St Martin’s in the Field before heading north to Leicester Square and London’s iconic theatre district.
Greenwich
One of the oldest parts of the city it still manages to retain something of a village atmosphere. Greenwich is designated as a World Heritage Site and while here you really must experience the sights and sounds of Greenwich Market. Greenwich is where you will find the remains of the Cutty Sark as well as the Royal Museums and the Royal Observatory. In the midst of your sightseeing you should stop at take lunch at the Trafalgar Tavern, which was once the regular watering hole of Charles Dickens.
Bankside
The Tate Modern is the major landmark on Bankside, what was once a derelict power station is now one of the most iconic galleries in the world. The surrounding area of Pickford’s Wharf is now awash with bars and restaurants that cater for the city’s many visitors. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is also an attraction that is not to be missed, as well as the Clink Prison (the oldest jail in London) and of course the London Dungeon.
