Guidebook for London
Arts & Culture
WeWork - Office Space & Coworking
90 York WayClassical music venue and arts centre.
Music, cinema and arts centre with frequent exhibitions and festivals.
509 locals recommend
Barbican Centre
Silk StreetMusic, cinema and arts centre with frequent exhibitions and festivals.
World-class centre for dance: flamenco, ballet, hip-hop, modern... Its all here.
253 locals recommend
Sadlers Wells Theatre (Stop UB) station
World-class centre for dance: flamenco, ballet, hip-hop, modern... Its all here.
Independent cinema (part of Curzon chain). Closed for refurbishment until December 2014.
70 locals recommend
Curzon Bloomsbury
Independent cinema (part of Curzon chain). Closed for refurbishment until December 2014.
A venue for ecclectic and entertaining science, historical or medicine-based exhibitions which are usually entertaining and highly original.
122 locals recommend
Wellcome Collection
183 Euston RdA venue for ecclectic and entertaining science, historical or medicine-based exhibitions which are usually entertaining and highly original.
ODEON Covent Garden
135 Shaftesbury AveMainstream Hollywood films and the occasional independent
Since 1663 the Theatre Royal Drury Lane has provided entertainment for the masses and has been visited by every monarch since the Restoration.
35 locals recommend
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Catherine StreetSince 1663 the Theatre Royal Drury Lane has provided entertainment for the masses and has been visited by every monarch since the Restoration.
A major arts and cultural centre. During summer months 55 fountains dance in the courtyard, and in winter you can skate on the popular icerink. Home to London Fashion Week.
217 locals recommend
Somerset House
StrandA major arts and cultural centre. During summer months 55 fountains dance in the courtyard, and in winter you can skate on the popular icerink. Home to London Fashion Week.
Collections includes the finest examples of fine arts from the 18th century to the present. Major arts exhibitions.
161 locals recommend
Royal Academy of Arts
PiccadillyCollections includes the finest examples of fine arts from the 18th century to the present. Major arts exhibitions.
The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world. Enjoy free entrance 361 days a year.
796 locals recommend
The National Gallery
Trafalgar SquareThe National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world. Enjoy free entrance 361 days a year.
One of the world's most innovative and accessible opera houses and production companies with outstanding theatrical and contemporary performances.
30 locals recommend
English National Opera
Saint Martin's LaneOne of the world's most innovative and accessible opera houses and production companies with outstanding theatrical and contemporary performances.
Southbank Centre
Major arts, theatre, cinema and exhibition venue.
BFI Southbank
0 Belvedere RdBritish film archive and cinema.
Opened in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain, the Grade I listed Hall is one of the world's leading performance venues. Food & drink: Riverside Terrace Cafe, Central Bar and Skylon restaurant.
12 locals recommend
Royal Festival Hall (Stop Q) station
Waterloo RoadOpened in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain, the Grade I listed Hall is one of the world's leading performance venues. Food & drink: Riverside Terrace Cafe, Central Bar and Skylon restaurant.
Britain's national gallery of international modern art, housing the UK's collection of modern and contemporary art from 1900 to the present day. It is the most-visited modern art gallery in the world.
2008 locals recommend
Tate Modern
BanksideBritain's national gallery of international modern art, housing the UK's collection of modern and contemporary art from 1900 to the present day. It is the most-visited modern art gallery in the world.
Essentials
Eastenders apparently drew inspiration from this traditional market, Tuesdays to Sundays. Organic market 10-2pm Sundays.
136 locals recommend
Chapel Market
Chapel MarketEastenders apparently drew inspiration from this traditional market, Tuesdays to Sundays. Organic market 10-2pm Sundays.
This 'royally appointed' supermarket has a great selection of food and drink for picnics, snacks etc.
385 locals recommend
Waitrose & Partners
366 Holloway RdThis 'royally appointed' supermarket has a great selection of food and drink for picnics, snacks etc.
This 'royally appointed' supermarket has a great selection of food and drink for picnics, snacks etc.
385 locals recommend
Waitrose & Partners
366 Holloway RdThis 'royally appointed' supermarket has a great selection of food and drink for picnics, snacks etc.
A street market created by the community. Ecclectic stalls and shops: bread, cakes and cheese, organics, fruit, vintage, books, cafes and pubs. Over 100 stalls open from 9am-5pm on Saturdays.
1735 locals recommend
Broadway Market
Broadway MarketA street market created by the community. Ecclectic stalls and shops: bread, cakes and cheese, organics, fruit, vintage, books, cafes and pubs. Over 100 stalls open from 9am-5pm on Saturdays.
Borough Market is a wholesale and retail food market. It is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London, and sells a large variety of foods from all over the world. Saturdays 8:00am – 5:00pm
1617 locals recommend
Borough Market
Borough High StreetBorough Market is a wholesale and retail food market. It is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London, and sells a large variety of foods from all over the world. Saturdays 8:00am – 5:00pm
Shopping
Antiques market, bric-a-brac, fashion and independent shops and cafes. Nice for a stroll on Saturday or Sunday.
213 locals recommend
Camden Passage
Camden PassageAntiques market, bric-a-brac, fashion and independent shops and cafes. Nice for a stroll on Saturday or Sunday.
This street won the prestigious nationwide Great Street Award from The Academy of Urbanism due to its many independent shops and cafes.
24 locals recommend
Lamb's Conduit Street
Lamb's Conduit StreetThis street won the prestigious nationwide Great Street Award from The Academy of Urbanism due to its many independent shops and cafes.
Chain shops, restaurants and a Waitrose supermarket around a square in a rennovated 1960s housing complex.
83 locals recommend
The Brunswick Centre
Bernard StreetChain shops, restaurants and a Waitrose supermarket around a square in a rennovated 1960s housing complex.
The centre of East End trendiness on weekdays. A mecca for fashion hungry tourists and locals at weekends.
42 locals recommend
The Truman Brewery
91 Brick LnThe centre of East End trendiness on weekdays. A mecca for fashion hungry tourists and locals at weekends.
Crafts, fashion, interior decoration, jewellery, coffee - a buzzing market most days.
696 locals recommend
Old Spitalfields Market
16 Commercial StCrafts, fashion, interior decoration, jewellery, coffee - a buzzing market most days.
Home punk and young designers in 1980s, now a sprawling tourist and shopping mecca. Food stalls, curiosities, ethnic goods and goths, and a smattering of music venues. Very busy Saturdays and Sundays.
1028 locals recommend
Camden Market
54-56 Camden Lock PlHome punk and young designers in 1980s, now a sprawling tourist and shopping mecca. Food stalls, curiosities, ethnic goods and goths, and a smattering of music venues. Very busy Saturdays and Sundays.
Everything Else
One of the world's greatest libraries, collections include over 150 million items in over 400 languages, with 3 million new items added each year.
430 locals recommend
The British Library
96 Euston RdOne of the world's greatest libraries, collections include over 150 million items in over 400 languages, with 3 million new items added each year.
From here you can take the Eurostar to Paris and Brussels, or onward to most other European destinations. Overland train to Luton. Victoria line to Walthamstow to connect with the Stansted Express.
80 locals recommend
King's Cross Station
Euston RoadFrom here you can take the Eurostar to Paris and Brussels, or onward to most other European destinations. Overland train to Luton. Victoria line to Walthamstow to connect with the Stansted Express.
Angel Station
A1Northern line tube station.
For Metropolitain, Circle and City&Hammersmith tube lines, as well as overland services to Gatwick and Luton airports.
11 locals recommend
78 Cowcross St
78 Cowcross StreetFor Metropolitain, Circle and City&Hammersmith tube lines, as well as overland services to Gatwick and Luton airports.
The biggest London Underground (tube) interchange in London: Victoria, Metropolitan, City&Hammersmith, Circle, Northern and Piccadilly tube lines. Links to overground national rail services too.
323 locals recommend
King's Cross
The biggest London Underground (tube) interchange in London: Victoria, Metropolitan, City&Hammersmith, Circle, Northern and Piccadilly tube lines. Links to overground national rail services too.
Sightseeing
Highly recommended for The Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies collections alone. This is a treasure trove of historical artifacts from around the globe in an impressive building.
1546 locals recommend
British Museum
Great Russell StreetHighly recommended for The Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies collections alone. This is a treasure trove of historical artifacts from around the globe in an impressive building.
This is meant to be one of the best museum's in London, packed with art and antiquities from the Victorian era. Its in the legal centre of London: Lincoln's Inn fields, and walking distance away.
183 locals recommend
Sir John Soane's Museum
13 Lincoln's Inn FieldsThis is meant to be one of the best museum's in London, packed with art and antiquities from the Victorian era. Its in the legal centre of London: Lincoln's Inn fields, and walking distance away.
There has been a livestock market on this site for 800 years. The site houses 3 listed buildings.
60 locals recommend
Smithfield Market
Grand AvenueThere has been a livestock market on this site for 800 years. The site houses 3 listed buildings.
Founded in AD 1123 this church has appeared in: Sherlock Holmes, The Other Boleyn Girl, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Shakespeare in Love, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.
30 locals recommend
St Bartholomew the Great
West SmithfieldFounded in AD 1123 this church has appeared in: Sherlock Holmes, The Other Boleyn Girl, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Shakespeare in Love, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.
Inspiring and interactive exhibitions detailing London's fascinating history. Good for a rainy day.
300 locals recommend
Museum of London
Museum of LondonInspiring and interactive exhibitions detailing London's fascinating history. Good for a rainy day.
My favourite building in London. The inside is breathtaking and the view across the City of London is astounding after a nerve-wracking climb to the top.
845 locals recommend
St. Paul's Cathedral
My favourite building in London. The inside is breathtaking and the view across the City of London is astounding after a nerve-wracking climb to the top.
You can walk west from Kings Cross to Camden Market, Primrose Hill and Regents Park, or east to Broadway market and the East End on a Saturday.
Regent Canalside
37 Camden RdYou can walk west from Kings Cross to Camden Market, Primrose Hill and Regents Park, or east to Broadway market and the East End on a Saturday.
Charles Dickens Museum
48-49 Doughty StThe house where Charles Dicken's used to live.
A site for radical protest since the 1500s, the Green also featured in Dicken’s novel Oliver Twist.
8 locals recommend
Clerkenwell Green
Clerkenwell GreenA site for radical protest since the 1500s, the Green also featured in Dicken’s novel Oliver Twist.
Re-create the famous scene in the Harry Potter film where you disappear through a wall with your luggage. Small queues.
80 locals recommend
The Harry Potter Shop
Euston RoadRe-create the famous scene in the Harry Potter film where you disappear through a wall with your luggage. Small queues.
Built in 1882, this court is the main criminal court for London, with many high profile cases. The building is grand Gothic revival architecture.
20 locals recommend
Royal Courts of Justice
StrandBuilt in 1882, this court is the main criminal court for London, with many high profile cases. The building is grand Gothic revival architecture.
Twinings
216 StrandFounded in 1706, this is the oldest tea shop in London.
Established in 1630, this park is on the edge of London’s historic legal district
31 locals recommend
Lincoln's Inn Fields
Lincoln's Inn FieldsEstablished in 1630, this park is on the edge of London’s historic legal district
A beautiful Georgian era park, near the tube stop, which was built in 1806.
69 locals recommend
Russell Square
A beautiful Georgian era park, near the tube stop, which was built in 1806.
Soho is a multicultural area of culture / entertainment, and housing for both rich and poor. It grew from sex, music, media and film industries. The area has a strong LGBT scene (cafes, bars, shops).
93 locals recommend
Soho Square
Soho SquareSoho is a multicultural area of culture / entertainment, and housing for both rich and poor. It grew from sex, music, media and film industries. The area has a strong LGBT scene (cafes, bars, shops).
Long Acre for mainstream fashion shops, Neal's Yard and Seven Dials for independent shops, the central square with its street performers, theatres and entertainment facilities.
955 locals recommend
Covent Garden
41 James StLong Acre for mainstream fashion shops, Neal's Yard and Seven Dials for independent shops, the central square with its street performers, theatres and entertainment facilities.
Explains the history and heritage of all aspects of transportation in London.
95 locals recommend
London Transport Museum
The PiazzaExplains the history and heritage of all aspects of transportation in London.
Great views up and down the Thames. Good way to get to the Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre.
129 locals recommend
Millennium Bridge
Great views up and down the Thames. Good way to get to the Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre.
A public space used for political demonstrations and community gatherings, such as the celebration of New Year'. Nelson's Column is at its centre, guarded by four lion statues.
634 locals recommend
Trafalgar Square (Stop B) station
A public space used for political demonstrations and community gatherings, such as the celebration of New Year'. Nelson's Column is at its centre, guarded by four lion statues.
Museum of the decorative arts founded in 1852 to support and encourage excellence in art and design. Fashion and arts exhibitions. Wonderful collections. Beautiful setting.
1694 locals recommend
Victoria and Albert Museum
Cromwell RoadMuseum of the decorative arts founded in 1852 to support and encourage excellence in art and design. Fashion and arts exhibitions. Wonderful collections. Beautiful setting.
London's museum and library of science, founded in 1857. Exhibitions cover all areas of science and technology. It is one of three major museums on Exhibition Road in South Kensington.
1157 locals recommend
Science Museum
Exhibition RoadLondon's museum and library of science, founded in 1857. Exhibitions cover all areas of science and technology. It is one of three major museums on Exhibition Road in South Kensington.
Major research and teaching collections cover botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology and zoology. Founded in 1881, stunning Romanesque architecture.
1954 locals recommend
Natural History Museum
Cromwell RoadMajor research and teaching collections cover botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology and zoology. Founded in 1881, stunning Romanesque architecture.
The official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837 and today is the administrative headquarters of the Monarch.
1912 locals recommend
Buckingham Palace
The official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837 and today is the administrative headquarters of the Monarch.
Visit the Houses of Parliament or take a 90 minute guided tour through the House of Lords & House of Commons, and finish with afternoon tea. Tours are on all Saturdays until 3 January 2015.
81 locals recommend
House of Commons
Saint Margaret StreetVisit the Houses of Parliament or take a 90 minute guided tour through the House of Lords & House of Commons, and finish with afternoon tea. Tours are on all Saturdays until 3 January 2015.
One of the largest parks in London, famous for Speakers' Corner. Divided by The Serpentine lake, there is a lakeside cafe and you can walk/cycle to Kensington Palace via The Serpentine Gallery.
3079 locals recommend
Hyde Park
One of the largest parks in London, famous for Speakers' Corner. Divided by The Serpentine lake, there is a lakeside cafe and you can walk/cycle to Kensington Palace via The Serpentine Gallery.
The largest grass area for sports in central London and offers a wide variety of activities, as well as an Open Air Theatre and the London Zoo. Accessible from King's Cross via the Regent's Canal.
1607 locals recommend
The Regent's Park
The largest grass area for sports in central London and offers a wide variety of activities, as well as an Open Air Theatre and the London Zoo. Accessible from King's Cross via the Regent's Canal.
Walk along the Southbank (the Southbank of the River Thames) to the Millenium Bridge or to the Millenium Wheel for views across London.
46 locals recommend
Waterloo Bridge
Walk along the Southbank (the Southbank of the River Thames) to the Millenium Bridge or to the Millenium Wheel for views across London.
Gothic architecture, choir services, historical atmosphere. If you do like the Royal family this building has hosted Royal weddings (William & Kate in 2011) and state funerals (Princess Diana, 1997).
668 locals recommend
Westminster Abbey
20 Deans YdGothic architecture, choir services, historical atmosphere. If you do like the Royal family this building has hosted Royal weddings (William & Kate in 2011) and state funerals (Princess Diana, 1997).
A pretty hill, often used in film sets, with views over Regent's Park, London Zoo and central London. Your can get to it on Regent's Canal (via Camden). Little cafes and coffee shops nearby.
790 locals recommend
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill RoadA pretty hill, often used in film sets, with views over Regent's Park, London Zoo and central London. Your can get to it on Regent's Canal (via Camden). Little cafes and coffee shops nearby.
Home to great baroque composer George Frideric Handel, from 1723 until his death. Celebrating Handel's life and works in finely restored Georgian interiors. Frequent rehearsals and concerts.
7 locals recommend
Handel & Hendrix in London
25 Brook StHome to great baroque composer George Frideric Handel, from 1723 until his death. Celebrating Handel's life and works in finely restored Georgian interiors. Frequent rehearsals and concerts.
Known as "the Walks", these grassy slopes were laid out by Sir Francis Bacon in 1606. Gray's Inn is one of the four Inns of Court (professional associations for barristers and judges) in London.
Gray's Inn Square and South Square Gardens
9 Gray's Inn SquareKnown as "the Walks", these grassy slopes were laid out by Sir Francis Bacon in 1606. Gray's Inn is one of the four Inns of Court (professional associations for barristers and judges) in London.
One of four Inns of Court (Inner Temple, Gray's Inn, Lincoln's Inn) exclusively entitled to call members to the English Bar as barristers. Headquarters of the Knights Templar until dissolved in 1312.
Middle Temple Lane
Middle Temple LaneOne of four Inns of Court (Inner Temple, Gray's Inn, Lincoln's Inn) exclusively entitled to call members to the English Bar as barristers. Headquarters of the Knights Templar until dissolved in 1312.
Museum open Monday to Friday only: 10.00am-5.00pm (last entry 4.45pm). Tells the story of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the United Kingdom's central bank.
48 locals recommend
Bank of England
Threadneedle StreetMuseum open Monday to Friday only: 10.00am-5.00pm (last entry 4.45pm). Tells the story of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the United Kingdom's central bank.
Built to commemorate the Great Fire, the Monument stands at 202ft high and exactly 202ft from where the fire started in Pudding Lane. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren between 1671 and 1677.
107 locals recommend
The Monument to the Great Fire of London
Fish Street HillBuilt to commemorate the Great Fire, the Monument stands at 202ft high and exactly 202ft from where the fire started in Pudding Lane. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren between 1671 and 1677.
Built between 1411 and 1430, Guildhall is home to the City of London Corporation and has been the centre of City government since the Middle Ages. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm all year, free entry.
8 locals recommend
Guildhall
71 Basinghall StBuilt between 1411 and 1430, Guildhall is home to the City of London Corporation and has been the centre of City government since the Middle Ages. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm all year, free entry.
The oldest part of London (1.12 sq miles) and still a powerful financial district, filled with banks, trading offices, coprorations and other financial instiutions.
131 locals recommend
City of London
The oldest part of London (1.12 sq miles) and still a powerful financial district, filled with banks, trading offices, coprorations and other financial instiutions.
A 46-storey building stretches 230m into the skyline. The tower is the tallest in the City and provides 36 storeys of office space with a restaurant and 'skybar' on levels 38-40.
14 locals recommend
110 Bishopsgate (Heron Tower)
110 BishopsgateA 46-storey building stretches 230m into the skyline. The tower is the tallest in the City and provides 36 storeys of office space with a restaurant and 'skybar' on levels 38-40.
Known as ‘The Gherkin’ since it was built in 2004, this has become an instantly recognisable addition to the City of London's skyline.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
30 Saint Mary AxeKnown as ‘The Gherkin’ since it was built in 2004, this has become an instantly recognisable addition to the City of London's skyline.
Richard Rogers’ famous 1986 ‘high tech’ modernist icon expresses its structure and exposed services on the outside, freeing up the interior. Stroll down Leadenhall to look at the futuristic elevation.
15 locals recommend
Lloyds of London
1 Lime StRichard Rogers’ famous 1986 ‘high tech’ modernist icon expresses its structure and exposed services on the outside, freeing up the interior. Stroll down Leadenhall to look at the futuristic elevation.
Food Scene
This bustling street is hone to award winning restaurants and bars. It has a lively street food market during the week, and several interesting local shops.
219 locals recommend
Exmouth Market
Exmouth MarketThis bustling street is hone to award winning restaurants and bars. It has a lively street food market during the week, and several interesting local shops.
This restaurant / bar is very popular on Sunday morning for its excellent breakfasts and coffee.
64 locals recommend
Smiths of Smithfield
67-77 Charterhouse StThis restaurant / bar is very popular on Sunday morning for its excellent breakfasts and coffee.
Coffee shops, cafes, bookshops and local stores on this quaint English street with a real sense of community.
Marchmont Sandwich Bar
69 Marchmont StreetCoffee shops, cafes, bookshops and local stores on this quaint English street with a real sense of community.
Good food at reasonable prices, nice atmosphere and good service. Opening: 10.00am-midnight, Sunday 10.00-10.30pm
18 locals recommend
The Wilmington Public House and Dining
69 Rosebery AveGood food at reasonable prices, nice atmosphere and good service. Opening: 10.00am-midnight, Sunday 10.00-10.30pm
Moro
34-36 Exmouth MarketAward winning restaurant serving Spanish food.
Authentic Japanese tapas, tea and cakes. Opening: 12.00-22.00
7 locals recommend
Necco Japanese Cafe Bar
52-54 Exmouth MarketAuthentic Japanese tapas, tea and cakes. Opening: 12.00-22.00
Sweet
64A Exmouth MarketDelicious cakes, pastries, tea and coffee. Opening: 07.00-19.00
Freshly baked breads, cakes, sandwiches, coffee. Opening: 08.00-19.00
32 locals recommend
GAIL's Bakery Exmouth Market
33-35 Exmouth MarketFreshly baked breads, cakes, sandwiches, coffee. Opening: 08.00-19.00
Reasonably priced pizza & pasta in the setting of an old bank. Good for those on a budget.
36 locals recommend
La Porchetta
265 Muswell Hill BroadwayReasonably priced pizza & pasta in the setting of an old bank. Good for those on a budget.
Little Bay Restaurant Farringdon
171 Farringdon RoadModern European food for a budget wallet.
For breakfast, brunch, tapas and mains. Mid-range pricing. Opening: 12.00-22.00
91 locals recommend
Caravan Exmouth Market | Takeaway & Coffee
11-13 Exmouth MarketFor breakfast, brunch, tapas and mains. Mid-range pricing. Opening: 12.00-22.00
Drinks & Nightlife
Named after the priory of St. John of Jerusalem, founded in 1411. Step back in time.
59 locals recommend
The Jerusalem Tavern
55 Britton StNamed after the priory of St. John of Jerusalem, founded in 1411. Step back in time.
Tea, coffee, Ping Pong, newspapers and magazines, solo female friendly. You can order in your own pizzas from across the road. Opening: 12.00-23.00
10 locals recommend
The Old China Hand
8 Tysoe StTea, coffee, Ping Pong, newspapers and magazines, solo female friendly. You can order in your own pizzas from across the road. Opening: 12.00-23.00
This gastropub and bar does a traditional British Sunday lunch. Opening: 12noon-2am, Sunday 12noon - 10.30pm
8 locals recommend
The Easton
22 Easton StThis gastropub and bar does a traditional British Sunday lunch. Opening: 12noon-2am, Sunday 12noon - 10.30pm