Exploring the Best of London: History, Art, Food & Culture

Explore historic treasures

1. Tower of London: Visit the iconic Tower of London, where you can see the Crown Jewels and learn about this historic castle that has served as a royal palace, prison and treasury from one of the Beefeaters.

2. Westminster Abbey: Don't forget to visit the awe-inspiring Westminster Abbey, home to countless coronations, weddings and funerals over the centuries. Admire its Gothic architecture and pay respects to the illustrious figures interred within.

3. British Museum: Dive into the past at the British Museum, which houses a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.

4. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben: Wander through the historic streets of Westminster to marvel at the majestic Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

5. Buckingham Palace: Witness the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace that takes place at 11 am and lasts for about 45 minutes. Explore the beautiful surrounding St. James's Park for a tranquil escape.

6. Kensington Palace: Visit Kensington Palace, the former residence of Princess Diana. Explore the stunning gardens and learn about the lives of its royal inhabitants.

Indulge in art

1. Tate Modern: For contemporary art enthusiasts, the Tate Modern is a must-visit. Housed in a converted power station, it showcases cutting-edge artwork from British and international artists.

2. The National Gallery: Admire paintings by renowned artists like Van Gogh, Monet and Turner. Don't miss Leonardo da Vinci's enigmatic masterpiece, the Virgin of the Rocks.

3. Shakespeare's Globe Theatre: Experience the magic of the Bard's plays at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, a faithful reconstruction of the original Elizabethan theater. Attend a performance or take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating history.

Dive into cultural escapes

1. South Bank: Stroll along the vibrant South Bank of the Thames. Ride the London Eye, visit the SEA LIFE London Aquarium and enjoy street performances and cultural events.

2. Camden Market: Explore the eclectic and artistic Camden Market, known for its alternative fashion, vintage shops and diverse street food stalls.

3. East End Street Art: Discover the colorful street art of London's East End, with works by renowned artists like Banksy and vibrant neighborhoods like Shoreditch and Brick Lane.

4. Notting Hill: Explore the culturally rich neighborhood of Notting Hill, known for its colorful houses, bustling markets, Notting Hill Carnival and the Portobello Road Market, offering antiques, fashion and street food.

Savor culinary delights:

1. Borough Market: One of London's oldest food markets, at Borough Market, you can feast on street food delights from all corners of the globe, browse local produce stalls and discover hidden culinary gems.

2. Afternoon tea: Indulge in the quintessential British tradition of afternoon tea. Top spots include Brown's, Claridge's and The Savoy, where you can savor delicate sandwiches, scones and an array of teas.

3. Pub grub: Dive into British comfort food at a traditional pub. Try classics like fish and chips, shepherd's pie and bangers and mash. Visit Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, a historic pub frequented by literary giants like Charles Dickens and Mark Twain.

4. Brick Lane: Head to this vibrant neighborhood in East London, known for its multicultural flair and curry houses. Explore the lively street art scene and savor diverse flavors at the numerous Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi restaurants.