London - Highlights
The National Gallery
The National Gallery is considered to be one of the best museums in the world. Although the collection only consists of paintings it easily fits along museums like the Louvre in Paris, the Prado in Madrid or the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Paintings of all the great masters are represented. Monet, Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Raphael, Van Gogh, Velasquez, they are all there. The museum provides a good overview of European paintings of the period spanning from early 13th century. The collection is huge and as such the museum is organised into 4 areas: Paintings from 1260-1510, 1510-1600, 1600-1700 and one area for painting after that period. The museum occassionaly hosts exciting guest expositions. Check the website for more information.
The museum is located smack in the center at Trafalgar Square.
Here’s a nice bonus the National Gallery of London is free!
Address: Trafalgar Square, Londen (WC2N 5DN)
Website: www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Tate Modern and Millennium Bridge
When walking alongside the Thames, impressive buildings reach as far as the eye can see. One building that has not got the looks but does possess the grandeur to compensate that, is the Tate Modern museum. When you walk into the building, the great entrance hall always has a startling exposition in it, which you can visit for free. A few of the other floors are free to visit as well and worth your time. In front of the building, the Millennium Bridge, of course build in 2000, is an architectural tour de force. Walking over the bridge, there are several other, remarkable bridges to see on both your left and right hand side and in addition you’ll have a great view over the riverbanks.
The British Museum
One of the biggest museums in London is the British Museum. The entrance is free with the exception of special exhibitions. You could walk around for days here but surely take a look at the Reading Room; you wish everybody a library like this in their hometown.
London Eye
This great Ferris wheel is foremost nice to look at. The queue in front of it will take your mind of the thought of actually riding it. However, when Ferris wheels are really your thing, try to book tickets in advance online to avoid the queue. Then all you have to do, is hope for clear skies to enjoy the magnificent London skyline.
Tower bridge
One of the more beautiful bridges over the Thames is the Tower bridge. This mighty structure is one of the major landmarks of London. It’s easily recognizable and nice to cross. In the Northern tower, you can go halfway for free, or buy a ticket which allows you to climb cross the bridge at the top which has nicer views than downstairs.
Regent´s Park
Rain is not uncommon in the UK and the sun doesn’t show itself very often here. But when it does, be sure to make a small walk around Regent’s Park. Enter from the side of subway-station ‘Regent’s Park’ to walk through the flowers and at the end of the path, turn left to have a drink at the lakeside.
Big Ben
What is there to say about the Big Ben, one of the most characteristic buildings of this city? Yes, it is big. Yes, there is a tower. Yes, there is a clock. Yes, it looks impressive. And of course it really does have the world famous Big Ben bell chiming. But other than that, there is nothing much you can do here. Take a picture for your scrapbook and walk further to your next destination.
Buckingham Palace
This gorgeous palace can be visited only during summer. Expensive yet very beautiful, although you could argue if it’s worth your money. If it’s not possible to go in, look at the outside if the flag is raised. If it is, the Queen is home! The guards are another nice attractions but you cannot come close to them to try to get a reaction from these stoical guys.
Borough Market
Although the English kitchen perhaps is not known to be the most refined of all, Borough Market is an exception to the rule. This is the place to get your English breakfast and have a free taste of all the delicacies sold here. Its location under the bridge gives it a feel of your local village market but this one will provide you with much more than that, guaranteed.
Recommendations
Eric | 2010-11-22 21:59:55
A great way to discover London is by bicycle. Since figuring out where to go by yourself can be quite hasslesome a nice way to do this is by bicycle tour. We were a group of 10 lads and did a tour organised by a company called Fat Tire which in fact was really nice. They showed us all the great spots giving us some fun and good information without necessarily going to deep on all the historical facts which some tours tend to do. The route led us mainly across parks and did not cover to many busy roads so they have put quite some effort in finding the right routes. I would recommend this trip. http://fattirebiketours.com/london
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