Whether you’re the world’s greatest culture vulture or just like to absorb a bit of the local flavour, London is the place to be when it comes to art. Unfortunately, if you’re visiting the capital for a short while, there’s simply no way you will experience everything. That’s where we come in!
This week, we’re taking you on a tour of the city’s greatest cultural attractions. Check these six classic sites off your list and you’ll feel like you’ve done London some justice no matter how short your stay.
Let’s dive right in.
Nobody captures the human experience quite like William Shakespeare. The almost daily productions of his greatest works are the main attraction at the Globe, but you can also attend guided tours, poetry readings and exhibitions here, too. If you’re looking to connect with the very best of British culture, the Globe is the place to go.
The National Gallery is my personal favourite gallery in the world. You’ll find some of Europe’s greatest masterpieces here, from Van Gogh, to Monet, to Rembrandt. I still remember being brought to tears by the doleful beauty of Turner’s Margate (?) from the Sea. The depth and expanse of these treasured pieces are breathtaking.
If modern culture is more your style, we highly recommend a visit to the Tate Modern. From William Blake to Andy Warhol, you’ll find some of the most revered pieces of modern art housed in this red-brick temple of Brutalist architecture. The interior is almost as striking as the art it houses, with the mesmerisingly modern turbine room welcoming you to an afternoon of cultural exploration. Don’t miss out on classics like Dali, Picasso and Matisse.
This one will require some advance preparation, but its definitely worth the extra effort. The Royal Opera House is one of the most beautiful buildings in London and houses regular shows, from classic ballets and operas to modern orchestral performances, every day of the week. Their performance of Madama Butterfly was one of the most remarkable visual spectacles I’ve ever witnessed.
Culture isn’t just about the high arts; it’s also about how people enjoy their lives on a day-to-day basis. To get a slice of genuine London culture, you can’t do better than a night out in Shoreditch. It’s the place where edgy, hipster culture meets the corporate world – the perfect encapsulation of what it means to be young in London. Knock back a few cocktails at the Queen of Hoxton before heading on to Cargos for an all-night party.
To see more of London’s world-class culture, take a look at our great range of London tours. No matter whether art, architecture or history is your thing, we have the tour for you.
