London Things to Do Tips by NYC2TLV

Not many English people know that there is a lovely tower at the Monument tube station that gives you a nice view of the Thames. Climbing the 311 steps up the spiraling staircase can make you dizzy but it does not take long at all.

Built in 1671-77 by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr. Robert Hooke to commemorate the Great Fire of London in 1666. The fire started in a bakers shop on Pudding Lane. It is the tallest (62 meters/202 feet) free standing Doric column in the world made from Portland stone.

Entrance is two pounds for adults.

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Phone: +44-20-76262717
Address: Fish Street Hill, London EC3, UNITED KINGDOM
Directions: Monument underground station.

This busy traffic junction reminded me of Times Square in New York, NY, USA. Unfortunately, the number of neon and LED advertisements in Piccadilly seems to be shrinking due to large rental costs but is still pretty grand if you're coming out of the underground station at night and you're expecting darkness.

Amazingly, the name actually first arrived in 1626 as Pickadilly Hall, the address of one Robert Baker who used to sell Pickadilles or collars if you will. It was not until 1819 did it receive the name Piccadilly Circus. People often call the first alumnim sculpture in the circle, Eros. But in truth it was intended to be Anteros, the brother. The statue is holding a bow and arrow and is pointing the arrow at Wimborne Saint Gilles in Dorset which is the Earl's country seat. Just like many pieces of art, Alfred Gilbert's piece for the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain received criticism at first by those who felt it was vulgar or too sensual for such a respectable Earl.

Like many other tourist areas this one is also known for pickpocketing so be aware all times and don't carry your wallet in your back pocket. My favorite part is that it connects you to many great shops and is an excellent starting spot for anyone going on a little shopping spree.

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Address: Piccadilly Circus, SW1
Directions: The Piccadilly Circus underground station on the Piccadilly line between Green Park and Leicester Square or the Bakerloo Line between Charring Cross and Oxford Circus.

With continued development of East End commerce, the need arrised for a southern more crossing over the Thames River that wouldn't cut off the boats from accessing the ports as well. Finally in 1884, Horace Jones' design was chosen from over 50 designs sent in to a special Bridge Commitee. Unfortunately Jones' passed away before he got to see a finished version of the bridge. Just eight years it took to build this spectacular bridge which was opened by the Prince of Wales on the 30 of June 1894.

Now you can visit the bridge and the Tower Bridge Exhibition which provides visitors with an insight into the history and development of the bridge. Entrance for adults is £5.50 but there are plenty of deals for families, seniors, and students. I regret not actually going up to see the exhibit.

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Phone: +44-20-76263065
Address: Tower Bridge, London, SE1 2UP
Directions: Tower Hill station on the district or circle underground line. Bus lines 15, 25, 40, 42, 47, 78,100, D1, P11, RV1.
Website: http://www.towerbridge.org.uk

Showcasing art from 1900 to the present day, entry is free and this is a must visit to art lovers as Tate Modern is the national gallery for modern art in the UK. It is open Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 to 18:00 and Friday to Saturday from 10:00 to 22:00. They also have free daily guided tours which meet generally in the early hours, on the hour on level 3 or 5. There is also a cafe, shop and Tate Modern is also wheelchair and stroller accessible. There are also exhibitions open for limited periods of time that generally cost money, but there is enough to see for free that you shouldn't feel pressured into paying the fee to enter those exhibits.

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Phone: +44-20-7887-8000
Address: Bankside, London, UNITED KINGDOM SE1
Directions: Southwark or Blackfriars tubes
Website: http://www.tate.org.uk