Places to see in United Kingdom London - Attractions

There are probably must see West End performances on one's list, but all have their value. I am a novice in the area, visited London once two decades back, and know that most all others have greater expertise in the area. Still, I do think that as long as you are in London, each empty evening should be filled in part with a theatre perfomance, either a mandatory one of a play or musical you must see or one inspired by tickets that are available at the Leicester Square booth. By stopping by this center when an evening is otherwise free, anyone can add to their London visit with one of the plays available. I still well remember "Brigadoon", seen with tickets bought at this location, "Steel Magnolias" and less so "The Black Prince" all from discounted tickets.

The British Museum is amazing and allows you to visit the ancient world by viewing all that the British Empire and its agents gathered and brought to England.

The many state art galleries will allow you to view a wide range of artists. Pick some from those that intrigue you or might just intrigue you.

Anywhere in England has can't-miss places so I recommend checking out Frommer's for London and for England, and any others such available from the local library and turning it page by page to inspire as to what is a must see for this visit.

Home of the Rosetta stone this museum never fails to disappoint. This place is saturated with history, from the ancient Egyptians to WWII. One can see the carcoghagus of tuttakanmun and the next moment overwhelmed by a spitfire. Like most great museums, entry is free

Placed in the midst of Piccadilly Circus, Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum is one place that a tourist must not miss. With a collection of 500 one-of-a-kind articles, the museum takes you on a journey that may seem extremely uncanny and unreal. The museum gives you a chance to see odd, unexplainable, weird, unbelievable and unimaginable things that have over the years managed to baffle the most practical minds. Call for additional information.

The Southbank centre is in a great location near the river and offers a large number of free events ranging from music to dance and the visual arts. This is a great place to see talented young artists and performers as well as more established greats.

First Friday of every month, enjoy drinks, performances, exhibitions and music at the Tate Britain. It's all free and entry to paying exhibition is half price. Be part of the local scene when you visit London.

For certain performances, you can get great seats n the stalls (first row and back row) if you book in advance for only 10 pounds. This is 'the' place to see theatre in London.

The Tower of London is mainly perceived as a medieval place of imprisonment and execution. Nine hundred years of history are embraced within its thick, turreted walls. Even though the Tower's violent years are long gone, an aura of death and medieval torture remains. Today, guided tours are available. The main attraction for most visitors is the breathtaking Crown Jewels. It is also a chance to see the legendary ravens who live within the walls. Folklore has it that if they ever leave, Britain will again fall to foreign invasion. Interestingly enough, orders have been received to clip their wings!

What better way to explore London than having the independence of your own bike? The London Bicycle Tour Company has specially designed routes to make sure every cyclist gets the most out of their visit. Along the way, your guide will make periodic stops to offer a little bit of information on the attractions and places you're whizzing by. Each tour is designed to keep you as far away from traffic as possible and maximize your safety while you take the city at your own pace. Whether you're used to mountain bikes or just the classic cycle this is certainly a unique way to see everyone's favorite city.

The Cartoon Museum is a great place to soak in Britain's quintessential sense of humour. With over 750 cartoons and caricatures, a library of 2500 comics, and 4000 books on the genre, the London Cartoon Museum is a must see for young and old. Spanning from 18th Century to present day comics; this museum illustrates a comprehensive look at history, through the comic's perspective. Remember, don't hold back the chuckles; laughing aloud is encouraged! Be sure to check out the hilarious greeting cards and books in the museum's gift shop, where London Pass holders will receive a 10% discount. Check website for rolling exhibitions.

The Leisure Lounge is a two-arena basement that adopts the unlikely style of an airport departure lounge as its theme. Promoter Siobhan Cosgrove reportedly came up with the air-travel theme after rationalising that clubbing is like going on holiday - you take a break by getting high and traveling to another place for a while. The main area has four stages, with two tunnels leading from it to the actual leisure lounge, which houses the bar and chill-out area with its re-cycled British Airways seats. Saturdays see pumping house and blistering techno courtesy of Cream of da Crop, while Friday is the original gay indie night, Popstarz. Altogether now, 'come fly with me'. Dress code is smart and casual (no trainers allowed).

The Little Angel Theatre is a fun zone for the kids, with puppetry as the main attraction. Located north of Islington, the theatre features shows by local as well as visiting artists. There are string puppets, glove puppets, rod puppets and more to entertain the children. Some performances are limited to specific age groups. When you visit this place, do check out the workshop to get a glimpse into the life of puppets. A coffee shop is also on site. So what are you waiting for? Come by with your kids to see puppetry in all its forms and you are bound to enjoy as much as them! Check website for show timings, and additional information.

One of the largest central London gay bars, 79CXR is definitely a no attitude zone. Free from pretensions and designer gear, the mostly male crowd of all ages and types gather time and again for the cozy atmosphere, good drink prices and friendly and efficient staff. It makes a great venue for those new to the capital or the scene. Busy by day and teeming at night-time, the main downstairs bar is always packed and the upstairs balcony purveying the ground floor is a prime spot to see and be seen. Make sure to carry cash with you, as this place does not accept any other credit cards, except Maestro.

The National Theatre Lyttelton is part of the Royal National Theatre based in the South Bank Centre, a cultural center showcasing the best in theater, music, film and art. The theater holds approximately 890 seats, and also has seats reserved for wheelchairs. The Lyttelton puts on a range of productions, with a lot of emphasis on quality, so it's a good place to visit if you want to see something a little different to the West End musical hits. The RNTs other two theaters are the Cottesloe and the Olivier.

This venue has seen a mix of talent on its stage and is a great place to see original comic material as many comedians try their new jokes out here.

The newly remodeled Cambridge Theater is home to many popular performances and plays. Conveniently located in the Covent Garden area, you can see well-known shows like "Chicago" in a rather intimate setting. Originally built in the 1930s; the place used be frequently used to showcase trade film shows during the late 1930's and also towards the end of the 60's. Today it stands as a modern theater noted for its fresh, sleek appearance. Check website for calendar of events.