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Attractions      Museums      Theater Reviews      Shopping

Attractions

London offers a vast array of attractions, museums, theater, and shopping experiences. This section only covers information for downtown London.

 

10 Downing Street, White Hall

  • The British equivalent of the White House, this is where Prime Minister Tony Blair resides. Just a short walk from Parliament.
  • Nearest Tube: Westminster

Big Ben

  • Parlaiment's clock tower is a universally well-known symbol.
  • Nearest Tube: Westminster

Buckingham Palace

    Visit the residence of the Royal Family. The changing of the guard takes place at noon daily, but it is adviseable to show up early for the best view.
  • Nearest Tube: Victoria

Hyde Park

  • Hyde Park is the perfect place to spend free time relaxing. Walk along the little Serpentine manmade river, or even rent a boat. On Sundays during the summer, citizens representing various causes give public speaches to anyone interested in listening. It can be highly entertaining at times.
  • Nearest Tube: Hyde Park Corner

Parliament

  • When Parliament is in session, it is sometimes possible for members of the public to hear some of the debates. Even if Parlaiment is not in session, the interior is well worth a tour.
  • Nearest Tube: Westminster

St. Martin in the Fields

  • This church is located in the heart of Trafalgar Square. Frequently classical music concerts are held inside.
  • Nearest Tube: Charing Cross

St. Paul's Cathedral

  • One of London's most famous landmarks, this cathedral boasts impressive arcitecture.
  • Nearest Tube: St. Paul's

Tower Bridge

  • The Tower Bridge is located right next to the Tower of London. From the Bridge one has a nice view of the city and the tower.
  • Nearest Tube: Bank

The Tower of London

  • The Tower of London has a long history dating back almost a thousand years. Once surrounded by a moat, the tower today houses the crown jewels.
  • Nearest Tube: Bank

Trafalgar Square

  • Trafalgar Square was created in honor of Lord Nelson's 19th century victory. Today it is home to both the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery as well as St. Martin in the Fields church.
  • Nearest Tube: Charing Cross

Westminster Abbey

  • Visit the abbey where Britain's previous monarchs are buried. Poet's Corner houses the remains of many of Britain's most celebrated authors.
  • Nearest Tube: Westminster

Museums

British Museum

  • The British Museum houses an amazing collection of British and international artifacts. Entrance is free. If possible, set aside at least two days to explore this landmark.
  • Nearest Tube: Holborn

The Impereal War Museum

  • The museum showcases war memorabilia from WWI and WWII.
  • Nearest Tube: Lambeth North

Madame Tuasaud's

  • The famous wax museum houses look-alikes of many celebrities. It is one of London's most popular attractions. Be prepared to wait in long lines.
  • Nearest Tube: Baker Street

Museum of London

  • This museum showcases many ancient artifacts from the London area and includes some very recent exhibits as well.
  • Nearest Tube: Barbican

Museum of the Moving Image (MOMI)

  • If you have ever wondered about the history of film, the Museum of the Moving Image will teach you. Filled with many interactive displays, it is entertaining for all ages.
  • Nearest Tube: Waterloo

National Gallery

  • The National Gallery houses many famous works of art spanning centuries. Admission is free.
  • Nearest Tube: Charing Cross

National Portrait Gallery

  • Next to the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery is a collection of portraits of many famous people, although some of the artists themselves are not well known. Admission is free.
  • Nearest Tube: Charing Cross

Tate Museum

  • The Tate Museum houses contemporary art from the likes of Turner to present-day artists. Admission is free.
  • Nearest Tube: Pimlico

Victoria & Albert Museum

  • This museum is a collection of eclectic items ranging from antique beds to period clothing. Admission is supposedly free though you are "asked" to pay a "voluntary donation fee" of £2 for adults, £1 for students.
  • Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge

Theater Reviews

Due to the ever-changing nature of the London theater scene, this section is for reviews of theater shows only. For an accurate listing of what is currently playing, visit the official London Theater Guide.

Chicago
Adelphi Theatre

The Complete History of America (Abridged)
Criterion
Tuesdays 8PM, no matinees
0171-369-1731

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
Criterion
Wednesday through Saturday 8PM; matinees Thursdays 3PM, Saturdays 5PM, Sundays 4PM
0171-369-1731

If you are looking for a theater bargain, try the half price ticket office located at the South side of Leicester Square. It opens from noon until 6PM Mondays through Saturdays. It is only possible to get tickets to shows for that evening. While none of the most popular shows are available through the half price ticket office, great bargains for some of the lesser-known shows are available. Seldom is their selection disappointing.

Shopping

Bond Street

  • Some of the most upscale fashion stores are located along Bond Street.
  • Nearest Tube: Bond Street

Camden Town

  • Camden Town is a great place to shop for eclectic and hand crafted items as well as for vintage 1960's clothing (especially Thursdays through Sundays). Set aside several hours to do justice to the area.
  • Nearest Tube: Camden Town

Carnaby Street

  • Carnaby Street is a miniture version of Camden Town, offering mainly vintage 1960's clothing and Dr. Martin shoes.
  • Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus

China Town

  • China Town is well known for excellent cuisine and several authentic Chinese grocery stores.
  • Nearest Tube: Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus

Covent Garden

  • Covent Garden offers a variety of miniature shops and inexpensive restaurants and pubs.
  • Nearest Tube: Covent Garden

Knightsbridge

  • The biggest shopping attraction in the Knightsbridge area is Harrod's department store. Harrod's sells just about every item imagineable. Harrod's has sales only twice a year: in January and also in July. Aside from Harrod's, there are plenty of other upscale stores nearby.
  • Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge

Leicester Square

  • An extremely popular destination with tourists, it is a good place for inexpensive meals and movie theaters. It is also the home to Planet Hollywood, the Fashion Cafe, and TGI Fridays. It is also a very short distance from China Town.
  • Nearest Tube: Leicester Square

Oxford Street

  • Oxford Street offers a large variety of department stores, specialty stores, and souvenir shops.
  • Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus

Piccadilly Circus

  • Piccadilly Circus is home to many shops, restaurants, and theaters. It is in the very heart of London and just a short walk from Regent Street, Leicester Square, Oxford Circus, and Trafalgar Square.
  • Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus

Portobello Road

  • On Saturdays, Portobello Road becomes an open air antique market. It is recommended to arrive early in order to catch the best bargains.
  • Nearest Tube: Notting Hill Gate

Regent Street

  • Regent Street is lined with upscale shops, including the famous Hamley's toy store.
  • Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus

Sloane Square

  • Another great shopping area mixed with upscale shops, souvenir shops, grocery stores, and restaurants.
  • Nearest Tube: Sloane Square

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