London Things to Do Tips by acemj

St. Paul's Cathedral St Pauls Cathedral Review

<FONT COLOR='MAGENTA' SIZE='3'>St. Paul's Cathedral</FONT>
This place is huge! The central dome is impressive and looms over the city as perhaps the most noticeable aspect of its skyline. Go inside and gaze at the interior, but you won't be permitted to take photos inside. This is a postcard that I got in the gift shop.

St. Paul is the city's patron saint and the cathedral is the masterpiece by the famous architect, Christopher Wren, who is buried in the crypt below.

Directions: St. Paul's Tube (Subway stop)

Other Contact: 4 British pounds (around $4)

The British Museum British Museum Review

<FONT COLOR='MAGENTA' SIZE='3'>The British Museum</FONT>
Okay, there is a bit of controversy surrounding this museum, because of the collection of ancient Greek artifacts, but controversy aside, this is one of the top art museums in the world (along with the Louvre, Prado, and the Met). As with the other great museums of the world, be sure to budget a fair amount of time to see it.

Address: Great Russell Street

Directions: Holborn, Russel Sq., or Tottenham Court Rd. Tube Stations

Other Contact: free, donations accepted

Phone: 020/7327-8599

The Tower of London Tower of London Review

<FONT COLOR='MAGENTA' SIZE='3'>The Tower of London</FONT>
This fortress was begun in 1078 by William the Conqueror and today is the place that the Royal Jewels are kept.
I've never been on a tour, but if you're a history buff, this place offers over 900 years of it!

Directions: Right on the River Thames, Tower Hill Underground stop

Phone: 020-7709-0765

"Big Ben" Houses of Parliament and Big Ben Review

<FONT COLOR='MAGENTA' SIZE='3'>Big Ben</FONT>
A pretty elegant and dramatic way to keep time, isn't it? Another world-renowned landmark and monumental icon of the city is this giant clocktower attached to the Houses of Parliament. However, the term Big Ben actually refers to the largest chime, not the tower itself.

St. James's Park St James's and The Mall Review

<FONT COLOR='MAGENTA' SIZE='3'>St. James's Park</FONT>
Located right in front of Buckingham Palace, here's another great place to enjoy the birds, some trees and some open space. There is a beautiful lake with benches which make it a perfect place for an afternoon picnic.

Address: St. James's Park Underground stop

Houses of Parliament Houses of Parliament and Big Ben Review

<FONT COLOR='MAGENTA' SIZE='3'>Houses of Parliament</FONT>
Perhaps the most famous building in London and certainly the world's most famous Parliamentary edifice.
It is truly a breathtaking structure with a gorgeous Thames location. The famous clocktower is actually NOT Big Ben as many people believe. Big Ben actually refers to the largest bell in the chime in the clocktower.

Address: Parliament Square

Directions: Westminster Tube Station

Phone: 020/7219-4272

Website: http://www.parliament.uk

Camden Market Camden Town, Lock and Market. Review

<FONT COLOR='MAGENTA' SIZE='3'>Camden Market</FONT>
There are a number of great markets and other shopping venues in the city and Camden Market is certainly one of the most enjoyable. You'll find everything from cutting edge designer clothes to someone else's junk!

Address: Camden High Street

Directions: Camden Town Tube Station

Harrod's Knightsbridge, Kensington and Kensington Palace Review

<FONT COLOR='MAGENTA' SIZE='3'>Harrod's</FONT>
The world famous store is headquartered in London, but don't expect that fact to translate into great bargains. It's owner, Mohammed al-Fayed, has become more famous since his son and Princess Diana passed away together in a car accident in Paris. Check out the ground floor even if you don't want to buy anything.

Address: 87-135 Brompton Rd.

Directions: Knightsbridge Tube Station

Phone: 020/7730-1234

Madame Tussaud's Madame Tussauds and Planetarium Review

<FONT COLOR='MAGENTA' SIZE='3'>Madame Tussaud's</FONT>
The most famous wax museum in the world, you'll find some famous and surprising characters immortalized (barring a fire) here. It all started with early moldins of the French Court, but today it's most famous for the wax statues of modern stars. Honestly, it's a little overrated and overpriced.

Address: Marylebone Road

Directions: Baker St. Tube Station

Other Contact: Adults: 12 pounds

Phone: 020/7435-6861

Tate Modern Museum Tate Modern Review

<FONT COLOR='MAGENTA' SIZE='3'>Tate Modern Museum</FONT>
This is Britain's national museum of modern art. The building is impressive, particularly on the inside.
You'll find the works of Dali, Matisse, Picasso and many others.

Address: Bankside

Other Contact: Admission is free, but donations

Phone: 020/7401-7271

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk