See and Do in London

London is sufficiently big and diverse that even locals can be tourists in their own city on weekends. For expats, London is a city that is constantly being discovered, full of surprises and new adventures.

Key attractions like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Tower Bridge are really worth visiting as is St Paul's Cathedral or tranquil St James Park. The West End, with its bright lights and billboards of Piccadilly Circus is always interesting, and nearby Chinatown, Soho and Covent Garden are lively districts packed with both history and modern distractions. Don’t miss the world-class British Museum and Natural History Museum in South Kensington while the London Eye, the London Aquarium and Tate Modern are also wroth repeat visits.

Getting around to see the sights is easy, if a little uncomfortable at times. The city’s red buses (the double-deckers are no more, alas) and extensive underground train network link all the major attractions and residential areas.

 

Here is a subjective list of worthwhile but admittedly touristy attractions to start you off on your expat adventures in London town:

Tower of London
Built in the 11th century and site of more beheadings than Saudi Arabia. Also home to the crown jewels and the famous Yeoman guards. A fascinating place and an essential piece of British history.
www.hrp.org.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)844 482 7777
 
Houses of Parliament
Built 1,000 years ago and formerly the main residence of Britain’s monarchs, the Palace of Westminster is the administrative centre of the country. Best known for Big Ben and lively Commons debates.
www.parliament.uk
Telephone: 0870 906 3773
 
Tate Modern
The former Bankside Power Station has been reinvented as the Britain's new National Museum of Modern Art with an astounding and immense collection of 20th and 21st century art works. An excellent café and restaurant with wonderful views adds to the allure.
www.tate.org.uk
Telephone: (0)20 7887 8888
 
National Gallery
Britain’s National Gallery lines the northern side of Trafalgar Square, and is home to major works from all the major European schools from the 13th to the 19th century. The excellent guided tours enhance an experience that can be bewildering for all its variety.
www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Telephone: (0)20 7747 2885
 
British Museum
One of the world’s great museums, home to over 6,000 historical pieces from all over the world, the British Museum has collections of antiquities that include the Frieze or Elgin Marbles, Roman Portland Vase and the original Rosetta Stone.
www.britishmuseum.org
Telephone: (0)20 7323 8299 or (0)20 7323 8000
 
London Eye
Catch the best views in town aboard the gently revolving the London Eye, and gain a rare sense of geographical perspective in a city that is mostly flat.
www.ba-londoneye.com
Telephone: (0)870 990 8883
 
Shakespeare’s Globe
An excellent reconstruction of the original theatre the Globe celebrates Shakespeare’s life and times and houses performances of his plays.
www.shakespeares-globe.org
Telephone: (0)20 7902 1400,
 
Buckingham Palace
See the changing of the guards and take a sneek peek inside the Queens’ chambers. Cheesy to some, but a pilgrimage to others.
www.royal.gov.uk
Telephone: (0)20 7766 7300
 
Harrods
Quite simply one of the most luxurious and opulent shopping emporia in the world. Apart from the wonderful range of departments and services across seven floors, there are 22 restaurants to restore one’s energy levels. The Food Hall is the place to stock up on picnic goodies.
Telephone: (0)20 7730 1234
 
Camden Market
Hugely colourful and diverse shopping experience with a pleasant bohemian character to remind one of its 60’s culture heritage.
www.camdenlock.net
 
Greenwich
Visit the site of the Greenwich Meridian, where the split between the globe’s East and West is located and from where the world clock is set on zero degrees latitude. Also lots of markets, the Cutty Sark ship, and pleasant river views.
 
St. Paul's Cathedral
Sir Christopher Wren’s 1673 masterpiece is a truly iconic London building that miraculously survived the German bombing in World War Two. Head inside for some rare peace amidst all the London business.
www.stpauls.co.uk
Telephone: (0)20 7246 8357