Museums
Tate Modern
Tate Modern’s collection of international modern and contemporary art attracts millions of visitors every year eager to discover art movements and artistic practices documented by the permanent collection. This collection includes Pablo Picasso’s vividly powerful Weeping Woman, Salvador Dalí’s brilliantly surreal Lobster Telephone and Mark Rothko’s Seagram murals presented in a specially-lit room. Since opening, the expansive Turbine Hall has showcased some major artist commissions, including Olafur Eliasson’s mesmerising The Weather Project and Ai Weiwei’s epic Sunflower Seeds.
The National Gallery
Overlooking the hubbub of Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery houses an impressive art collection spanning the mid-13th century to the 1900s. More than 2,300 works range from the early Renaissance through to Old Masters and important examples of Impressionism. Be sure you don’t miss the most-loved highlights such as Jan van Eyck’s The Arnolfini Portrait, Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Diego Veláquez’s The Rokeby Venus, and J.M.W. Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire.
Victoria and Albert Museum
The largest decorative arts and design museum in the world, the V&A galleries give you a tour of the world through ancient sculptures, a world-famous fashion collection, antiquities from Asia and a brand new Photography Centre. The exceptional interiors of the café were designed by James Gamble, William Morris and Edward Poynter, complete with stained-glass windows, painted tiles and elaborate decorative mouldings. And the building’s Italian Renaissance facade, visible from the John Madejski Garden, is a sight to behold.
The Wallace Collection
The Wallace Collection can be found in Hertford House, a grand 19th-century town house on Manchester Square. The former residence of the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace now plays host to the family’s extraordinary collection of art and artefacts, which features exquisite examples of Urbino maiolica and Sèvres porcelain, miniatures kept in covered cases, and imperious armoury situated on the ground floor. But the star attraction is the collection of works by European artists such as François Boucher, Anthony van Dyck, Peter Paul Rubens, and Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. Most notable is The Laughing Cavalier by Frans Hals and The Swing by Jean-Honoré Fragonard.
Camden Arts Centre
Housed in the old Hampstead Central Library on Finchley Road, Camden Arts Centre began life as a local initiative, providing art classes for the community. Now it is a powerhouse of contemporary art showing ambitious exhibitions by well-known British and international artists such as Kara Walker, Rose English, Ben Rivers and Jennifer Tee. The book shop stocks a range of artists’ editions and the garden is the perfect spot for a sunny afternoon.
Whitechapel Gallery
Whitechapel Gallery is known for hosting groundbreaking thematic exhibitions and retrospectives of formidable artists such as Eduardo Paolozzi and Sarah Lucas. In 1939, Picasso’s Guernica was presented at Whitechapel Gallery and over the years this space has helped introduce Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Frida Kahlo to a London audience. Today it has expanded through into the former library on Whitechapel High Street and continues to present an engaging exhibition and education programme, including the annual Whitechapel Open that champions new artists.
Serpentine Galleries
Situated in the leafy splendour of Kensington Gardens, the Serpentine Galleries present an innovative contemporary art exhibition programme by established and emerging international artists. The first gallery opened in 1970, in a former tea house on the south side of the Serpentine lake. In 2013, the Serpentine Sackler Gallery opened in a former gunpowder store with the late Zaha Hadid designing the futuristic restaurant extension. In addition to the hugely popular free exhibitions, which have included Marina Abramovic’s 512 Hours and Grayson Perry’s The Most Popular Art Exhibition Ever!, are the temporary architecture pavilions staged on the Serpentine Gallery lawn every summer.
Tate Britain
Located on the former site of the Millbank Prison, Tate Britain offers one of the most comprehensive collections of historical British art from 1500 to the present day. Founded by Sir Henry Tate, of global sugar brand Tate & Lyle, the striking neoclassical gallery boasts the world’s largest collection of J.M.W. Turner paintings as well as impressive works by William Hogarth, William Blake, Angelica Kauffman, John Constable, Richard Dadd, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore. The gallery is conveniently located on the River Thames, meaning visitors can take a scenic ride on the Tate Boat to its sister gallery, Tate Modern.
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery presents a who’s who of British history. Located just behind The National Gallery, this remarkable collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs, miniatures and works on paper takes visitors on a unique journey through British history featuring Tudor kings and queens all the way up to contemporary artists and actors. Some of the masters of portraiture on display include Hans Holbein, Sir Joshua Reynolds and Paula Rego.
Saatchi Gallery
Former adman Charles Saatchi initially opened a gallery in a disused paint factory in St John’s Wood in 1985 to show off his impressive personal art collection. However, by the early ’90s, Saatchi was championing Young British Artists (YBAs) such as Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin and knew he needed extra room. His gallery can now be found in the enormous neoclassical Duke of York’s HQ just off the Kings Road. Over the years, Saatchi’s ability to tap into the zeitgeist and spot the stars of the future means that the gallery’s free blockbuster art exhibitions are unmissable.
South London Gallery
The South London Gallery (SLG) began presenting art in the 19th century. Known for its cutting-edge exhibitions, installations and live art and film events, SLG showcases established British and international figures, as well as emerging artists. In 2016, Gabriel Orozco re-designed the gallery’s rear garden, and, in September 2018, SLG expanded across the road into the Fire Station, a converted Grade-II listed Victorian building that provided additional galleries, education rooms, a community kitchen and an archive space.
Chisenhale Gallery
Just across the canal from Victoria Park, the Chisenhale Gallery made its name when it began exhibiting a range of innovative young artists in the 1990s, including Wolfgang Tillmans, Gillian Wearing and Rachel Whiteread. Keen to engage dynamic artistic practices and a diverse audience, today the team at Chisenhale continue to commission and produce exhibitions by emerging talent alongside hosting ambitious educational and mentoring programmes.
Ben Uri Gallery
It has been over 100 years since the Ben Uri Gallery began its quest to represent the artistic history of migrant identity in all its myriad forms. Originally founded in Whitechapel by immigrant Russian artist Lazar Berson, the collection is broadly focused on artists of European Jewish ancestry, including Frank Auerbach, David Bomberg and Mark Gertler. However, the scope of work in this unassuming space has grown to encompass artists from different migrant communities around the world.
Zabludowicz Collection
The Zabludowicz Collection is housed in a former Methodist chapel and has a specific focus on emerging artists. Here you’ll encounter progressive group shows, immersive video installations by artists like Rachel Maclean and duo Lizzie Fitch/Ryan Trecartin, and pioneering performative practices by artists such as Donna Huanca and Marvin Gaye Chetwynd.
Parks
Hyde Park
One of London’s eight Royal Parks, Hyde Park is huge. Stretching all the way from Kensington to Marble Arch and Hyde Park Corner, it borders Kensington Gardens in the west to Green Park to the east. Check out the Diana Memorial Fountain, rent a boat or pedalo on the Serpentine Lake, hear some free speech in action at Speaker’s Corner (Sundays only) or catch a gig in the summertime.
Rembrandt Gardens
Rembrandt Gardens is located in the heart of Little Venice, where the Grand Union and Regent’s canals meet. The park has tulips which were presented to Westminster City Council in 1975, when it was linked with the City of Amsterdam. Together with other beautiful flowers, and the park’s luscious lawns, Rembrandt Gardens is a great place to catch the summer sun.
Kensington Gardens
Another of London’s Royal Parks, Kensington Gardens is much more than Hyde Park’s western neighbour. The Diana Memorial Playground is a great spot to take the kids for some fun after awe-ing and boring them with Kensington Palace and its history.
Porchester Square Gardens
First opened to the public in 1955, Porchester Square Gardens can be found in Bayswater, just a short walk from Royal Oak station. While some wonderful flowerbeds populate its beautiful lawns, the formal gardens also host a recently-refurbished play area that will keep the children happy.
Green Park
Another Royal Park in central London, Green Park is located right next to Buckingham Palace, making it a glorious place to soak up the London sun. Catch a Royal Gun Salute on a special royal occasion when ceremonial guns are fired or check out the war memorials.
Paddington Street Gardens (North & South)
Paddington Street Gardens lies in Marylebone, one of London’s more prosperous areas. Raised from the road by some steps, the northern gardens are full of memorials, tombs and gravestones. Meanwhile, the southern gardens are characterised by formal open grass areas, alongside various shrubs and picturesque flowerbed displays.
St. James’s Park
Bordering Green Park and Buckingham Palace to the west, The Mall to the north and Horse Guards Parade and Whitehall to the east, St. James’s Park is perhaps the poshest of the Royal Parks in London. Check out the pelicans, go see the famous flowerbeds or chill out by the lake and pass a sunny afternoon in bliss. There are plenty of places to get some drinks in nearby too so there really is something for everyone.
Leicester Square Gardens
Leicester Square Gardens is in the centre of London’s famous West End entertainment district, right by Soho and China Town. Try and spot someone famous at a film premier, check out the Hippodrome and Empire casinos, catch an evening of comedy or grab a drink in a bar.
Grosvenor Square Gardens
Home to the US Embassy, Grosvenor Square Gardens in Mayfair is London’s most American Royal Park, as well as being the smallest. Admire the Franklin Roosevelt Memorial Statue, visit the Eagle Squadron Memorial or pay your respects at the September 11 Memorial Garden.
Markets
Borough Market
Discover a gourmet’s paradise at Borough Market near London Bridge. It’s stacked full of fresh and organic produce, including fruit, veg, meat and cheese, as well as condiments, baked treats and delicious street food. Take home specialist ingredients, pick up a tasty lunch, or sit down at one of the many restaurants.
Brick Lane Market
Find both junk and gems at this east London market spread across several streets. At Brick Lane Market, you’ll uncover bric-a-brac, second-hand furniture, vintage clothes, shoes and lots more. There are also some fantastic stalls selling exotic spices and colourful saris. Sunday is the best day to visit the market.
Alfie’s Antique Market
Visit the largest indoor antiques market in London at Alfie’s Antique Market. This charming Marylebone destination has plenty of vintage clothes from the 1930s and 1940s, alongside other collectables and design pieces. Make sure to head to its rooftop kitchen for views over west London.
Portobello Road Market
Soak up the atmosphere at one of the oldest markets in London, on Portobello Road. There’s been a market here since the 1800s, but it’s become particularly famous for its antiques since the 1950s. Nowadays, you can also find everything from vintage clothes and bric-a-brac to music. This Portobello market is in full swing on Saturdays.
Camden Lock Market
Peruse more than 100 shops and stalls at Camden Lock, the central hub of the huge Camden market. Here, you’ll find an extensive range of goods such as designer clothes and accessories, one-off pieces of art and furnishings, alongside workshops, cafes, restaurants and bars.
Old Spitalfields Market
Explore this covered market in east London that sells everything from clothes to food and artwork. Old Spitalfields Market is full of cutting-edge fashion and accessories, from designer brands to independent boutiques. You’ll also find specialist shops, street food and restaurants nearby. Thursday is antiques day, Friday is best for clothes and art, while weekends have a bit of everything.
Greenwich Market
Pick up beautiful products from artisans and small cottage industries at Greenwich Market. Weekends are busiest, with about 150 stalls selling an enticing range of jewellery, pictures, clothes, accessories and unique gifts. There’s also a food court and local shops selling even more goodies.
Broadway Market
Chat to the local farmers, artists and craftspeople who display their wares at Broadway Market in Hackney. Shop here for delicious ingredients, tasty ready-made food, unique and unusual clothes and gifts, as well as furniture, lighting and more. Also check out nearby Netil Market, a smaller market focused on art and food.
Covent Garden London
Listen to street performers as you wander among the stalls and shops at Covent Garden Market. Housed in and around the iconic Market Building and Piazzas, this central London market is an architectural masterpiece. Along with the speciality shops, restaurants and cafes in the Apple Market, you’ll come across gorgeous crafts, antiques and jewellery.
Southbank Centre Market
Choose from the array of tasty treats on offer at the Southbank Centre Market, which is hosted in Southbank Centre Square behind the Royal Festival Hall on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and bank holiday Mondays. The rotating cast of street food vendors are specifically chosen for their dedication to delicious, sustainable and ethical food and drink.
Maltby Street Market
Venture beneath the railway arches near London Bridge station, and you’ll find foodie playground Maltby Street Market. There’s a fantastic range of street food sellers lined along the Ropewalk over the weekend, from New York style sandwiches at Sub Cult, to Little Bird gin cocktails and St John Bakery’s donuts. It’s open on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm and on Sundays from 11am to 5pm.
Columbia Road Flowers
Stop at Colombia Road Flower Market for plants, shrubs, bulbs and trees. This flower market in London is a must-visit for its super-colourful displays and fragrant blooms. You can also pick up gardening accessories from the surrounding shops in this east London hotspot, and make sure to take home some of the gorgeous cut-flowers on offer.
