London

A city of infinite colour and variety, London is both richly historic, tracing its roots back over 2000 years, and unceasingly modern, at the forefront of fashion, music and the arts.

There is a fantastic amount to interest and entertain the visitor here: a selection of the best of the best is explored here.

Top 10 Must-See Sights

1. British Museum
The oldest museum in the world, it contains a rich collection of treasures and artifacts from every corner of the globe (see British Museum).

2. National Gallery
The nation’s most important art collections are held in these two galleries, which hold some of the finest paintings in the world (see National Gallery and Portrait Gallery).

3. National Portrait Gallery
This is one of the most unexpectedly pleasing galleries in London. Unrelated to the neighbouring National Gallery, it opened in 1856. Well known names can be put to some not-so-well-known faces, and there are some fascinating paintings from the time of the Tudors to the present day.

4. British Airways London Eye
This gigantic observation wheel (the largest ever built) is opposite the Houses of Parliament, on the South Bank, and offers great views of the city (see London Eye).

5. Tate Modern
London’s two Tate galleries house a superb collection of international art. Modern focuses on contemporary work after 1900, and Britain on national art from 1500 to the present.

6. Tate Britain
Opened in 1897 as the national gallery of British art, the magnificent collection at London’s first Tate gallery ranges from 1500 to the present day. The collection contains works by all Britain’s major painters, and was greatly added to by J M W Turner.

7. Natural History Museum
The enormous and varied collection here explores both the geology of the Earth and the incredible range of life it supports.

8. Science Museum
A huge museum with fascinating exhibits that demonstrate and explain the wonders of science.

9. Buckingham Palace
The official home of the Queen, Buckingham Palace is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, where the changing of the Queen’s guard happens every day.

10. Royal Parks and Gardens
Buckingham Palace overlooks two of London’s most central Royal Parks –St James’s and Green Park – and is just a short walk from Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Along with the other London parks, these provide year-round pleasure and an invaluable retreat for all who live, work and visit the city.

Discover more to see and do in London at www.traveldk.com/london.

Exclusive Heart offer
Get 25% off a DK Guide