Look out for the mosaic floors in the main entrance and stairwell. Fascinating. Work by the same artist can be seen at Tate Britain.
The British Museum began from the collection of naturalist Sir Hans Sloane which he left to the nation on his death in 1753. Now it houses 7 million objects including more than 100 Egyptian mummies.
The square here was laid out by Inigo Jones in 1630, on land once used by the monks of Westminster Abbey as a garden, but confiscated by Henry VIII during the Reformation.
One of the world's great museums. To avoid the queues, use the 'secret' entrance on Exhibition Road.
The glass and iron hall built here for the Great Exhibition of 1851 was nicknamed ‘the crystal palace’ by Punch magazine. In 1854 it was moved piece by piece to south London and rebuilt.
The vision of American actor Sam Wanamaker, this replica of Shakespeare’s legendary theatre opened near the site of the original in 1997. It has the first thatched roof in London since the Great Fire.
Even if you are not visiting one of the many exhibitions and events organised here throughout the year, come to sit in its beautiful and quiet neoclassical courtyard away from London’s busy streets.
The V&A is the world’s largest museum of decorative art and design and holds 4.5 million objects. Henry Cole, the museum’s first director, printed the world’s first Christmas card in 1843.
Oxford Street’s biggest department store was opened by the American businessman Gordon J Selfridge in 1909, whose motto was ‘The customer is always right’.
Nothing beats the view of the city from this giant Ferris wheel. On a clear day, get a glimpse of Windsor Castle
The first national lottery was held in 1569, and the result was announced at the west door of (the old) St.Paul’s cathedral. It is unknown if the winner let it change him.
Every year a Norway Spruce is erected here and decorated as part of the Christmas festivities. The tree is a gift of thanks from the Norwegians for Britain's support during the Second World War
The Bankside Power Station was built as a ‘cathedral of power’ in 1963, but closed in 1981. It reopened as one of Europe’s finest modern art galleries in 2000. The Turbine Hall is 35m high.
There’s nothing more quintessentially British than a classic Liberty of London print. Scoop up the iconic shirts and accessories for friends back home.
Hampstead Heath was a favourite outing for Karl Marx and his family, and held a popular fair in the 19th century. Like the Guy Fawkes night bonfires held here, it oftern turned drunken and violent.
London’s only post-war Grade I listed building was opened in 1951 for the Festival of Britain. The hall officially reopened after its renovation in 2007 with a performance by rock legends Motorhead.
More than a home for some of London's best live music - also a great venue for a bite to eat during the day
For centuries the riverside district was dominated by industrial plants, but bombings in World War II ruined the area. The Festival of Britain transformed South Bank a cultural hub in 1951
For the best view of London walk to the top of Primrose Hill... sunrise, sunset - lovely!
In 1768 Benjamin Franklin, American statesman and Founding Father, conducted experiments in Mount Pond including pouring oil onto the water to examine how liquids behave. Anglers were not amused.
Have a wander down Brick Lane on a Sunday and take in the colourful sights and eclectic smells. All sorts of little stalls to nibble away at, alongside vintage fashion and unusual bric a brac
The acoustics here were once so bad, it was said this was the only venue where a composer could be sure of hearing his work twice. It was corrected in 1969 by putting diffusing discs on the ceiling.
In this colourful antique and flee market with over 2000 stalls on Saturdays, there are so many wonderful bargain finds to be made!
Probably London's most famous music heritage site. Made famous by the Beatles but plenty of other historic acts have recorded here too. Read more.
‘Billionaires Boulevard’ tells you all you need to know about local property prices. Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, the richest man in Europe, bought Nos.18-19 for £70 million in 2005.
This must-see museum houses over 160,000 portraits of famous Brits (think Mick Jagger, Queen Victoria) dating back to the 16th century. It also is home to a trove of Cecil Beaton images.
Perfect in the summer to just sit, chill out, read a book or whatever for a whole morning or afternoon in the sun :)
In Marylebone, the Golden Hind makes a very tasty, traditional cod and chips at a good price. Bring your own beer or wine and they'll supply cups for you.
