Seven of the Best Cultural Things to Do in London

Dippy the dinosaur at London’s Natural History Museum
Credit: Kafai Liu on Unsplash

London has a wealth of world-class art, theatre, and museums. Here are a few of the best cultural things to do in London, whether you’re in town for a day trip or a long weekend.

Shakespeare’s Globe on London’s Bankside.
Credit: Hulki Okan Tabak on Unsplash

1.Stroll along the South Bank and Bankside

Between Southwark Bridge and Waterloo Bridges is about a mile of world-class arts venues. The Southbank Centre is the UK’s biggest arts centre and includes an art gallery, performance space, and poetry library.

Next to it is the British Film Institute (the country’s leading repertory cinema), and the National Theatre, which offers £5 seats to 16 to 25-year-olds

A stroll between the two along the leafy riverside walkway takes in a succession of landmarks on the opposite bank (Houses of Parliament, Somerset House and St Paul’s Cathedral) into the bargain.

Stop off at one of the many restaurants, street food markets, and historic pubs on the way to Bankside, home of the world-renowned Tate Modern art gallery and Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, a replica of the 1599 theatre.

2. Head to Exhibition Road

Contained within the same street in South Kensington, West London are three of the country’s finest galleries and museums.

Exhibition Road is home to the Victoria and Albert Museum (the world’s largest art and design museum), the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum. All three are free to get into (book tickets in advance), with additional ticketed temporary exhibitions and shows throughout the year.

The bustling cultural artery, once the main route to the Great Exhibition of 1851, leads to the grand Royal Albert Hall with its distinctive dome, and the tranquility of Hyde Park.

3. Straddle two hemispheres in Greenwich

The Royal Museums Greenwich shine a light on Britain’s history and relationships with the sea and the stars. More than 2.5 million items are held here, including art, navigational and astronomical instruments, and ship models.

The National Maritime Museum is a treasure trove of the island’s seafaring past and features memorabilia and art including Admiral Nelson’s jacket from the Battle of Trafalgar. Climb aboard the fastest sailing ship of its time, the Cutty Sark clipper, and at the Royal Observatory, stand on the Meridian Line that divides the two hemispheres.

The British Museum, a British icon
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4. Discover ancient treasures at the British Museum

Britain’s largest museum and the world’s first free national public museum, has an astonishing permanent collection of some eight million artefacts. Arranged by location, it displays a selection of two million years of global human history and culture. Highlights include finds from Ancient Egypt and Ancient Rome, the Rosetta Stone, the Sutton Hoo ship burial, the Lewis Chessmen, and the controversial Parthenon Sculptures.

Entry is free (booking advisable), with temporary exhibitions often selling out quickly.

5. See emerging artists at the Royal Academy

The Royal Academy of Arts in Burlington House, Piccadilly has championed art and artists for more than 250 years. Home to Britain’s oldest art school and a huge collection of painting, architecture, sculpture and drawing from around the world.

Its blockbuster Summer Exhibition (September 2021 to January 2022) is the largest open-submission arts show in the world. Held every year since 1769, it also exhibits work by its alumni and Royal Academicians. Past shows have included work by David Hockney and Tracy Emin.

6. Take in a show in the West End

London’s West End is the home to the bright lights of world-class theatre. Around 40 theatres in Covent Garden, Soho, and Piccadilly turn out a nightly (sometimes twice daily) performance of everything from big-name musicals to Shakespeare plays and award-winning contemporary writing.

Expect to find the cream of acting, writing and directing talent, along with high ticket prices. A handful of cheaper tickets are released on the day of the performance by individual venues; prepare to get there before the box office opens and queue.

National Gallery, London.
Credit: Zoe Holling on Unsplash

7. See a European masterpiece at the National Gallery

Occupying the north side of Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery. Home to the nation’s collection of more than 2,300 European masterpieces from the 13th to 19th century.

Highlights include Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Constable’s the Hay Wain, and Da Vinci’s The Virgin of the Rocks.

Entry is free, and there are a series of paid-for temporary exhibitions.