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World-class
 Rock's You Like A Hurricane |
157 Charing Cross Road London WC2 8EN United Kingdom +44 20 7434 9592 |
Astoria is one of London's most popular music venues. It has hosted world class artists, such as Roots Manuva, Lemon Jelly, De La Soul and many more. The Astoria also contributes towards benefits, such as the most recent Tsunami Benefit. If you're in London, here's your chance to catch a live gig. So put on your dancing shoes and raise those candles! As of now bookings are open for Megadeth, Cake, Simple Plan, The Donnas, Vine Neil, Ian Hunter, Asian Dub Foundation and a couple of other great bands. Astoria, a venue for bands from all corners of the globe, promotes all genres of music. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: www.martinlear.co.uk |
 Photo: abstract.boy |
 Photo: Laura Ward  |
 Photo: Matt Jones |
 Photo: Turquoise Boy |
 Photo: Daniel Heaf |
 Photo: Tim Labath |
 Photo: Ben Coombs |
 Photo: Clare Dixon |
 Photo: Ian Miller / rocktographer.co.uk |
 Photo: Tamsin |
 Photo: Alex Wollenschlaeger |
 Photo: Snap Punk! |
 Photo: zimpenfish |
 Photo: ulibrsrkr |
 Photo: lematt |
 Photo: Naadir Jeewa |
 Photo: MrsVedder |
 Photo: Stephan Rott |
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 Money and much, much more |
Threadneedle Street London, London EC2R 8AH United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7601 5545 http://www.bankofengland.co.uk... |
The Museum is housed within the Bank of England, at the heart of London. It traces the history of the Bank, also known as the Old Lady, from its foundation by Royal Charter in 1694 to its role today as the nation's central bank. Exhibits include early writing equipment, weapons once used to defend the bank against robbers, coins, photographs and archaeological finds uncovered when the Bank was rebuilt between 1925 and 1939, which, oddly enough, include four extremely rare Roman gold bars. The Bank also puts on regular exhibitions and activities for children. Admission: Free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Phillip Price |
 Photo: Andy Roberts |
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Hollow hulk |
188 Kirtling Street Battersea London, London SW8 5BP United Kingdom +44 20 7501 0688 http://www.thepowerstation.co.uk/ |
The Battersea Power Station awaits a new look. A team of experts plans to transform the barren industrial area into a residency township and much more. A huge cluster of hotels, leisure amenities and other recreational activities will also be constructed alongwith. With all this vision being implemented, The Power Station is predicted to be an architectural breakthrough for London. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: naughton |
 Photo: Paco Bardotti |
 Photo: Zi Yang Tan |
 Photo: Justin Lynham |
 Photo: Olly Courtney |
 Photo: Paul Mison |
 Photo: Mario Contreras |
 Photo: Tom Hatton |
 Photo: Kim Laughton |
 Photo: Martin Euden |
 Photo: botogol |
 Photo: Danny Hope |
 Photo: Francesco Negri |
 Photo: Phil Bowles |
 Photo: Andrew O'Reilly |
 Photo: minifig |
 Photo: George Mullin |
 Photo: Lord Gnome |
 Photo: pixelgroove |
 Photo: Matt Ludbrook |
 Photo: Ross Stubbs |
 Photo: Heather Watson |
 Photo: Simon Burnett |
 Photo: \mario.machado/ |
 Photo: Pamela Self |
 Photo: Mr Gibbon |
 Photo: Rupert Knowles |
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Most famous clock in the world |
Parliament Square London SW1A 2NE United Kingdom http://www.whitechapelbellfoun... |
"Big Ben" is the name of the clock inside the famous tower that also forms part of the Houses of Parliament. Its impressive mechanism weighs in at over 13.5 tons, and the pendulum, which beats once every two seconds, is 13 feet long and weighs 690 pounds. The clock was named "Big Ben" after the First Commissioner of Works, and since 1885 a light above it has been lit while the House of Commons is in session. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lior Schejter |
 Photo: emphasis |
 Photo: Sam Javanrouh |
 Photo: taichi_UK |
 Photo: Elisabeth Howson |
 Photo: Mark Menzies |
 Photo: Jason Steelman |
 Photo: Véronique Aunis-Vial |
 Photo: Gary A. Klein |
 Photo: Steve G |
 Photo: Sophia Huda |
 Photo: DeViajes |
 Photo: Tim Collins |
 Photo: Chris Carlson |
 Photo: alyandkris |
 Photo: jennemmer |
 Photo: philgthompson |
 Photo: Donatella Crucitti |
 Photo: Andrew Conn |
 Photo: stephaniecasbolt |
 Photo: john holland of midd |
 Photo: Terry Jane |
 Photo: Chris Grant |
 Photo: Miguel Barahona |
 Photo: sgherry |
 Photo: Bobby |
 Photo: Igor Kolenchenko |
 Photo: Marcelo Camargo |
 Photo: Christopher Knight |
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Her Majesty's address |
Buckingham Palace Road (Pall Mall) London SW1A 1AA United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7930 4832 http://www.royal.gov.uk/ |
Buckingham Palace has been the official abode of British royalty since 1837. The forecourt is the setting for one of London's most popular tourist events: The Changing of the Guard. The Mews are working stables, where you can see the Queen's horses and state carriages. The Buckingham Palace state rooms are only open during certain days in August and September. Just outside the front of the palace, you can enjoy the Queen Victoria Memorial Gardens and the Victoria Memorial, a striking and impressive sculpture facing the Mall. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: thewrongman |
 Photo: Orland Hoeber |
 Photo: Joy Columbretis |
 Photo: Dave Thackery |
 Photo: Pamela M |
 Photo: James Chiou |
 Photo: Stephen Lesher |
 Photo: Rick Monk.com |
 Photo: Camera Eye |
 Photo: Oli Mohd |
 Photo: Johann van Rensburg |
 Photo: Mark Paciga |
 Photo: George Parker |
 Photo: Molly Rose |
 Photo: Yanick Bédard |
 Photo: Todd Martin |
 Photo: João Miguel |
 Photo: Kiko Fronda |
 Photo: Daniel Godin |
 Photo: Steve Murrell |
 Photo: Ben Woodward |
 Photo: Julie Dugas |
 Photo: Glen Reynolds |
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 Photo: Mark White |
 Photo: FatBloke UK |
 Photo: Cezary Cz. (PL) |
 Photo: Denny Mendoza |
 Photo: Erica J |
 Photo: Nigel Flory |
 Photo: Tony Evans |
 Photo: ana_lee_smith |
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Royal ritual at Buckingham Palace |
Wellington Barracks (Buckingham Palace) London, London SW1A 1AA United Kingdom +44 20 783 9137 http://www.changing-the-guard.... |
The changing of the guard is common in most European capitals, but nowhere is it more famous than in London. The new guard leaves Wellington Barracks a few minutes before the change and marches down Birdcage Walk to Buckingham Palace. The actual ceremony (which lasts around 40 minutes) takes place within the gates of the palace, so get there early to secure a good vantage spot. In addition, the St. James's Palace detachment of the Queen's guard marches to Buckingham Palace at 11:15a and back to St. James's at 12:10p. Free admission. See website for dates scheduled. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mazzy G |
 Photo: Harald Haugan |
 Photo: Lindz |
 Photo: Justin Harter |
 Photo: Audrey Moon |
 Photo: jane mckinley |
 Photo: Mike Yang |
 Photo: Bill Ries |
 Photo: Craig Elliott |
 Photo: Stephanie Rauls |
 Photo: Ashlee Betteridge |
 Photo: Theresa J. Wang |
 Photo: Will Herrington |
 Photo: Kim Hocott |
 Photo: Bryan Faulds |
 Photo: icyshard |
 Photo: James Walton |
 Photo: Elizabeth Kalinski |
 Photo: Tri Minh Pham |
 Photo: jellybns_shinobu |
 Photo: Rob & Lisa Meehan |
 Photo: Andrew Ma |
 Photo: Wim Griffioen |
 Photo: Talia Koren |
 The one and only |
87-135 Brompton Road Knightsbridge London, London SW1X 7XL United Kingdom +44 20 7730 1234 http://www.harrods.com/ |
This is one of London's most prestigious shopping venues and serves as a glittering tribute to opulent and stylish things. Owned by Mohammed Al Fayed, each floor scales the heights of designer fashion clothing and accessories, luxury furniture, cosmetics, fine jewelery and classic toys. If you are in a hurry, you can have a complimentary Harrods personal shopper assist you. This Knightsbridge palace has 19 cafés and restaurants, an online casino and a pet department. Harrods's own brand provisions make perfect presents; you can have your purchases delivered anywhere in the world. In the basement, Al Fayed has erected a small gilded tribute to Princess Diana and his son Dodi who died tragically in August 1997. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Aaron May |
 Photo: Paul O'Connell |
 Photo: Robert and Tony |
 Photo: Gabe Fender |
 Photo: Clementine C |
 Photo: Gabe Fender |
 Photo: Skittle |
 Photo: Ivy Tsoi |
 Photo: Ricardo Liberato |
 Photo: Mavii |
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Seat of Power |
Parliament Street London SW1A 2AN United Kingdom +44 20 7219 4272 http://www.parliament.uk |
For over 900 years this impressive assemblage of Gothic buildings has been the home of British government. The building covers an area of eight acres and consists of 1100 rooms, 100 staircases and 11 courtyards. The House of Lords occupies the southern end of the building while the House of Commons occupies the area to the north. The best view of this massive expanse can be seen from nearby Parliament Square. Within the Houses of Parliament there is Westminster Hall, the Crypt Church, Members' Lobbies, the Commons Library and the Peers Library. The tower containing Big Ben looms just outside. To attend PMQ (Prime Minister's Question Time) in the House of Commons, UK citizens need to contact their local MP in advance. Otherwise, there is a queue at St Stephen's entrance. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: juliebee |
 Photo: Robin Riley |
 Photo: Clarissa Peterson |
 Photo: Gareth Potter |
 Photo: Aristide Guidotti |
 Photo: Dave Bushe |
 Photo: Jamie |
 Photo: yellowscientist |
 Photo: andrew wales |
 Photo: Lasse Havelund |
 Photo: hddod |
 Photo: Craig R |
 Photo: Cornelius |
 Photo: M Langford Photos |
 Photo: Daniel Pettinger |
 Photo: Bright Meadow |
 Photo: Linda O'Keefe |
 Photo: Jack Sheehan |
 Photo: Steve Leather |
 Photo: joorgebs |
 Photo: Christian Meermann |
 Photo: Ben Ward In Hove |
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City powerhouse |
1 Lime Street London, London EC3M 7HA United Kingdom +44 20 7327 1000 http://www.lloyds.com/ |
This ultra-modern edifice stands out among other city structures in London's financial district or Square Mile, as it is also known. It was constructed to take the place of two previous Lloyd's establishments, one from 1928 on the same site and the other from 1958 located at 51 Lime Street. Alas, there is no public access, but the exterior of the building, which is designed by Richard Rogers, gives a glimpse of modern London. At night, when the City is deserted, the famous insurance headquarters is illuminated in blue. A Corney & Barrow wine bar below the building, with access from outside, retains a good number of Lloyd's employees after 5p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fredrik Stai |
 Photo: James Davidson |
 Photo: Stephen |
 Photo: Sam graf |
 Photo: James Davidson |
 Photo: -sou- |
 Photo: Ben Rimmer |
 Photo: breathingjuice |
 Photo: Gareth |
 Photo: Andy Crowe |
 Photo: Rob Fuller |
 Photo: Amy Hood |
 Photo: Andrew Mwai |
 Photo: Marc Cox |
 Photo: David Bruce |
 Photo: Adam Croot |
 Photo: Nam-ho Park |
 Photo: courtney_sikes |
 Photo: laurenatclemson |
 Photo: Steve Frost |
 Photo: Richard Yeh |
 Photo: Jemma Harris |
 Photo: Simon Belcher |
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21st Century Landmark |
Westminster Bridge Road (Riverside Building County Hall) London SE1 9TA United Kingdom +44 870 500 0600 http://www.londoneye.com |
Known as both the London Eye and the Millennium Wheel, this huge 450-foot ferris wheel on the South Bank gives a fabulous bird's eye view of London, if your stomach is strong enough. Its inception in the beginning of 2000 honoured the Millenium; and the spectacular views stretch for 25 miles on a clear day to include views of Windsor and Tunbridge Wells. Up to 25 people can fit in each of the wheel's "capsules." The wheel turns surprisingly slowly-it takes thirty minutes to go round, so there's plenty of time to spot landmarks and take photos. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrey Smirnov |
 Photo: Lane Schneier |
 Photo: seb agudelo |
 Photo: Michael James |
 Photo: Daska |
 Photo: Megan Walton |
 Photo: wxvivian |
 Photo: martin allen |
 Photo: Chris Walsh |
 Photo: Iain Buchanan |
 Photo: Ndjana |
 Photo: Jules Marshall |
 Photo: Dongyi Liu |
 Photo: Sofia Gkiousou |
 Photo: Chris Hudson |
 Photo: Clare Hatfield |
 Photo: Sean Hawkey |
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 Photo: Jeff Barr |
 Photo: Tom Thorpe |
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 Photo: Eolo Parusel |
 Photo: Xavier Gonzalo Pons |
 Photo: Brian Gordon |
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 Photo: Andres Rueda Lopez |
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 Photo: Markus Wachter |
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 Don't come for the film |
Notting Hill London, London United Kingdom http://portowebbo.com |
Notting Hill - is there anywhere else like it? Back in the old days it was a huge slum, inhabited by the poorest West Indian and Irish folk. But these days, film crews, tourists, rock stars and Madonna come to visit all the time. You can't really buy Notting Hill cool but you can try. There is a plethora of great designer clothes shops you know (Paul Smith and Joseph) and newer labels you will want to get to know better (Debonair and Preen). On Fridays and Saturdays, you could luck out and find the next hot new designer at one of Portobello Road Market's clothes stalls. The vintage clothes and shoes are fabulous too. The Portobello Green Arcade, which, unlike the market, is open all week and has some lovely fashion boutiques. Oh and don't forget to observe how the locals wear the stuff in their natural habitat that is the various bars, brunch and dinner places in the area. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Finnur Magnusson |
 Photo: Atti-la |
 Photo: Chris Kruell |
 Photo: Loz Booth |
 Photo: Ringae Nuek |
 Photo: Tom Rovers |
 Photo: Michael Young |
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Las Vegas lights in London |
Piccadilly Circus London, London W1V 9LB United Kingdom http://www.london.cx/piccadill... |
For many years, Piccadilly Circus - at the junction of five busy streets - has been a major London landmark, seen by many as the capital's centre. In the daytime it's a bustling area filled with shoppers, business people and tourists. But visit in the evening to see the area really come alive, with its sparkling illuminated signs and heady mix of clubbers and couples ready for a big evening out. At the heart of Piccadilly is a fountain topped with the aluminium statue of an archer. Although affectionately known as Eros by Londoners, it's actually the Angel of Christian Charity by Sir Alfred Gilbert, and it was so unpopular when first unveiled that he opted for self-imposed exile. Today the statue is one of London's most famous sites and a haven for tourists and romantic couples alike. This is truly the gateway to the West End. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: john varghese |
 Photo: Pete Charles |
 Photo: Scott |
 Photo: Nick Wright |
 Photo: ArigatoMan.com |
 Photo: Nathan Williams |
 Photo: Brian Rosner |
 Photo: Fabian Pfeiffer |
 Photo: Matteo Barbieri |
 Photo: Mike chernucha |
 Photo: Jamie Joseph Pulley |
 Photo: Gergana Prokopieva |
 Photo: Silvana Rees |
 Photo: Peter Chown |
 Photo: Mariusz Sznerch |
 Photo: Javier Gomariz |
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 Photo: M.L. Panagos |
 Photo: Gary Yau® |
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The world's a stage - theatrical tourist favourite |
21 New Globe Walk Bankside London, London SE1 9DT United Kingdom +44 20 7902 1400 http://www.shakespeares-globe.... |
Visit the glorious reconstruction of Shakespeare's original playhouse, built some four centuries later. This version of the Bards venue also boasts of the first thatched roof in London since the Great Fire. The partially open-air theater provides a standing area and some seating provisions. The Globe Theater Company, Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition and Globe Education work together to provide a historical and educational experience while putting on some of the finest performances in this fabulous theater. Come and soak up the atmosphere even if you are unfamiliar with the Bard's work. Tickets can be bought via the internet or directly from the Globe Box Office. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nathan Harrison |
 Photo: Trevor Pipe |
 Photo: Norman Walsh |
 Photo: Nathan Harrison |
 Photo: Richard and Gill Long |
 Photo: Greg Heywood |
 Photo: Jen Datka |
 Photo: Sarah J. Ball |
 Photo: butterflies fly |
 Photo: G Crouch |
 Photo: Emily Schlick |
 Photo: Zanda Bernane |
 Photo: Randy Sesser |
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From Shakespeare to the present |
Russell Street Covent Garden London, London WC2E 7PR United Kingdom +44 20 7943 4750 http://theatremuseum.vam.ac.uk |
The Theatre Museum is home to the world's largest collection of all things relating to stage and screen, from marionettes to manuscripts. There are both permanent and changing exhibitions, as well as a daily programme of events, including guided tours, costume workshops and make-up demonstrations. The museum was first suggested in 1955 by Laurence Irving, grandson of Sir Henry, and actually opened in 1963 in an annexe of Leighton House. It now serves as an arena for promoting live performing arts with everything from the circus to music halls represented within its walls. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The most ornate bridge in London |
Tower Hill London SE1 2UP United Kingdom +44 20 7403 3761 http://www.towerbridge.org.uk/ |
Designed by Sir Horace Jones and opened in 1894, Tower Bridge is famous the world over. Due to the volume of river traffic at the time, Tower Bridge was designed to have twin bascules that could be raised. This famous landmark also has fabulous views over the Tower of London and of river life on the Thames. Visitors can ascend by the North Tower and traverse the river protected from the erratic English elements in an enclosed walkway before descending by the South Tower. Also on offer is The Tower Bridge Experience, a fascinating exhibition situated inside the towers and engine rooms. Want to get a great view of the Tower Bridge from afar, but not too far? Head on over to Potters Fields Park, right next to City Hall, where you can enjoy a picnic with a view. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Robert Brook |
 Photo: Jamie |
 Photo: David Sim |
 Photo: Robert Hunter |
 Photo: Frank Chao |
 Photo: Jon Lucas | www.jonathanlucas.com |
 Photo: Leon Beckles |
 Photo: Si Hammond |
 Photo: Mike Gavin |
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Home of Nelson's Column |
Trafalgar Square London, London United Kingdom http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor... |
Trafalgar Square was built following the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The man responsible for this famous naval victory, which finally destroyed French naval power and secured Britain from invasion, was Admiral Horatio Nelson. A column, with an 18ft statue of Nelson at the summit is the centrepiece of the Square. At the base of the column are the renowned Landseer lions. Renovations in 2003 removed traffic lanes to make room for a sizable staircase, connecting the National Portrait Gallery to the square. The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery border one side of the Square, and it's a good place to sit and soak up the atmosphere on a sunny day. The Square is also famous for the large number of pigeons that congregate there. It's one of the main places that visitors come to take pictures. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Hepburn |
 Photo: Karen Pritchett |
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 Photo: Ian Littlewood |
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 Photo: Ian Howells |
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 Photo: Nadine Spizzirri-Phillips |
 Photo: Tony Nunn |
 Photo: Shahbaz Majeed |
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