8 Places to Learn Something New in London

London is a city steeped in history, but its museums tell stories from all across the world. Established in 1753 and set in a vast glass-roofed complex, the British Museum is a treasury of relics from cultures both new and old, across the globe. 

You can see authentic and beautifully designed Egyptian coffins, incredible Roman ruins, and early English artefacts. Don’t miss out on seeing the near-legendary Rosetta Stone, the key which unlocked the language of civilizations long extinct.

Any serious art-lover would need days to see all of London’s stellar galleries – whether they’re interested in quirky contemporary work or old-world masterpieces. Based in historic Trafalgar Square under the gaze of Lord Nelson's statue, the National Gallery houses a jaw-dropping collection of over 2,300 paintings. 

You'll marvel at the immense, imposing exterior of Neo-Classical stone columns and domes – a fitting entrance to a gallery which showcases work from early 13th century artists to European masters like Cezanne and Van Gogh.

Wherever you walk in central London you’re bound to stumble across a landmark, whether ambling by the river near St Paul’s Cathedral, or strolling through Westminster beside Buckingham Palace. And then there's this imposing, iconic landmark. The Tower of London, which dates back almost 1,000 years, is a must-see for history-buffs and appreciators of Norman architecture. 

You’re sure to get a kick out of pacing across its stone battlements, watching the black ravens in the green courtyards, and walking through the grand halls lined with shiny suits of armour. Be sure to see the White Tower - the oldest and most infamous part of the castle – which houses a Romanesque chapel.

London has always had a thriving theatre scene, particularly in the West End, although many visitors will also want to flock to the Globe to see the works of the Bard performed with classical flamboyance. Located by the banks of the Thames, Shakespeare’s Globe is an almost-exact reconstruction of the circular Globe Theatre, an Elizabethan venue where Shakespeare showcased many of his plays to awestruck audiences. 

The new Globe, built with extreme attention to historic detail, is constructed entirely from sturdy English oak and boasts London’s only genuine thatched roof. It hosts concerts by candlelight, modern dramatic productions, and of course, plenty of Shakespeare’s plays.

Those seeking a cool contemporary twist should check out the Tate Modern, which overlooks the shimmering Thames on its south bank in central London. Based within the former Bankside Power Station – a looming, red-brick behemoth of industrial architecture – the Tate Modern showcases artwork of the Expressionist, Surrealist, and abstract schools. See the work of great artists such as Matisse and Rothko, as well as up-and-coming geniuses.