Shakespeare’s Globe, London

Lonely PlanetOct 2

The Top 16 Things to Do in London

Local tips from London-based writers on the best things to do and how to best do them.

Facsimile theater, a triumph of authenticity.

25 things in this story

Kew GardensGardenIts living collections include some of the 27,000 taxa curated by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, while the herbarium, one…
Hyde ParkParkLarge urban park with diverse activities and features.
Tate ModernArts centreModern and contemporary art gallery in former Bankside Power Station.
London EyeSightRotation offers spectacular views of iconic landmarks.
Tower of LondonAttraction11th-century fortress housing the Crown Jewels and armor.
Westminster AbbeyPlace of worshipGothic wonder, venue for royal weddings and coronations.
British MuseumMuseumVast collection of artifacts, art, and antiquity.
Natural History MuseumMuseumAstonishing melding of science and imagination.
Science MuseumMuseumInteractive exhibits mesmerize adults and children.
West EndNeighborhoodArea for famous faces and well-known musical productions.
Shakespeare’s GlobeTheatreFacsimile theater, a triumph of authenticity.
The ShardSightBritain's tallest building.
Borough MarketMarketMarket with pubs, restaurants, dairies, bakers, and gourmet food stalls.
Black History WalksPlaceWalking tours in central London focusing on Black history.
Museum of London DocklandsMuseumLearn about the capital's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.
198 Contemporary Arts and LearningMuseumDiscover some of the city's best Black artists.
V&A EastMuseumExhibition about Black British music until January 2027.
Victoria & Albert MuseumMuseumWorld's leading collection of decorative art objects.
Donmar WarehouseTheatreIt first opened on 18 July 1977.
Soho TheatreTheatreIt produces and presents new works of theatre, together with comedy and cabaret, across three performance…
Kensington GardensParkThe gardens are shared by the City of Westminster and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and sit immediately…
Royal Albert HallTheatreIconic venue facing Prince Albert's memorial.
Buckingham PalaceSightOfficial London residence of the Royal Family.
Lamb & FlagPubCharacter-filled, centuries-old pub.
Shakespeare's Globe TheatreSight

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National GeographicSep 14

The Time Traveler's Guide to London

The River Thames is the soul of England’s capital. Along its hallowed banks, it’s possible to glimpse the past lives and possible futures of one of the world’s most storied cities.

Thatched roof stares down on foreshore exploration.

23 things in this story

The National GalleryCaféSite once prowled by cave lions.
LongplayerPublic artwork1,000-year musical composition started in 1999.
British MuseumMuseumHolds bronze head of Roman emperor Hadrian.
Natural History MuseumMuseumVisitors flow into entrance hall under whale skeleton.
Shakespeare’s GlobeTheatreThatched roof stares down on foreshore exploration.
TrafalgarSightCabinet holds canine tooth of hippopotamus from 125,000 years ago.
The StrandNeighborhoodOnce roamed by straight-tusked elephants.
St Paul'sPlace of worshipSun tints clouds pink above it.
Millennium BridgeSightForeshore exploration tour runs between here and Queenhithe.
QueenhitheSightAncient dock where Saxon coins were found.
London BridgeSightSite near where Roman emperor Hadrian's head was found.
Eel Pie IslandNeighborhoodNine-acre island with artists and creatives.
Pink FloydPlaceDavid Gilmour joined in 1967.
TheatreshipTheatrePerforming arts venue in Canary Wharf.
Canary WharfSuburbMain financial district, home to Theatreship.
Five GuysFast foodT-shirt worn by singer.
Prospect of WhitbyPubPub built in 16th century, nicknamed Devil's Tavern.
Executioner's DockSightPatch of water where pirates met their end.
Trinity Buoy WharfSightArts and culture hub with a lighthouse.
O2 ArenaSightThe O2 in London.
Chelsea EmbankmentSight
The Rolling StonesPlace
David BowiePlace

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Lonely PlanetAug 21

How to do London on a budget

Plan a London trip on a budget with these public transit hacks, tips on affordable hotels, low-cost food recs and key money-saving advice.

standing tickets for £5–10

25 things in this story

Kensington PalaceAttractionIt has served as a residence for the British royal family since the 17th century and is currently the official London…
The National GalleryCaféfree, by Trafalgar Square
Tower of LondonAttractionIt lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, which is separated from the eastern edge of the square mile…
British MuseumMuseumfree to visit, with global antiquities
PaddingtonSuburbA medieval parish then a metropolitan borough of the County of London, it was integrated with Westminster and Greater…
Shakespeare’s GlobeTheatrestanding tickets for £5–10
Museum TavernPublocated in Bloomsbury
V&AMuseumfree to enter, very different architecture and collections
ZedwellHotelcapsule hotel bed from £30
The HoxtonHoteldouble room from £200–350
Monmouth coffeeDeliaround £4
Seven Dials MarketMarketstreet food costs £10–15
Noodle & BeerRestaurantChinatown, dinner for two £50–80
The Coach & HorsesPubSoho, pint of beer £7.50
YHA St Paul’sHostelwell located, plenty of dorm beds
Prime BackpackersHotelsocial events for younger travelers
Good HotelHotelcompact rooms on a former ship
Premier InnHotelUK-wide chain, kids eat free breakfast
GeneratorHotelglobally recognized hostel, twin and king rooms
The StandardQuartercool interior design, rooftop bar
Batty Langley’sHotelsumptuous Georgian rooms
Banqueting HouseAttractionIt is the only large surviving component of the Palace of Whitehall, the residence of…
Royal OperaArts centrestanding tickets for £19
Bush TheatreTheatreshows up-and-coming talent for lower prices
Hampton Court PalaceSight

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Lonely PlanetAug 7

A perfect day in London

Spend the perfect day hitting London’s most popular sights and still have time to notice the city’s street-level details.

25 things in this story

St Paul’s CathedralPlace of worshipSt Paul's Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of St Paul in London, is an Anglican cathedral in London, England,…
Tate ModernArts centreIt forms part of the Tate group together with Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives.
London EyeSightLandmark passed on ferry.
Tower of LondonAttractionRoyal palace with 1000 years of history.
Westminster AbbeyPlace of worshipExamine facade from outside if no tickets.
British MuseumMuseumWorld treasures under one roof, free entry.
National Portrait GalleryGalleryNational Portrait Gallery, London.
Tower BridgeSightViews of the bridge from Coppa Club and The Ivy.
Trafalgar SquareSightIt was established in the early 19th century around the area known as Charing Cross.
Coppa ClubBarCoppa Club offers a space for anyone to enjoy any time of day.
WatchHouseCaféFormer warehouse serving cardamom buns and coffee.
Thames ClipperPlaceCatamaran ferry sailing west to Westminster Pier.
Shakespeare’s GlobeTheatreShakespeare's Globe is a reconstruction of the Globe Theatre, an Elizabethan playhouse first built in 1599 for which…
Southbank CentreArts centreBrutalist landmark passed on ferry.
10 Downing StreetSightPeer through gates on way to Trafalgar Square.
The Portrait Restaurant by Richard CorriganRestaurantBritish haute cuisine with views, set lunch menu.
Covent Garden PiazzaNeighborhoodBoutique shopping, market stalls, buskers.
London Transport MuseumMuseumGood spot for kids and transportation enthusiasts.
BloomsburySuburbIt is considered a fashionable residential area, and is the location of numerous cultural, intellectual, and…
Seven DialsNeighborhoodWalk via this area to the British Museum.
Museum TavernPubHistoric pub opposite the British Museum.
St. John cafePubCourtyard cafe next to London Review of Books.
SketchRestaurantTop restaurant for fine dining.
The National GalleryCafé
The IvyRestaurant

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Shakespeare’s Globe

In the coverage4 stories

The Top 16 Things to Do in London

The Time Traveler's Guide to London

How to do London on a budget

A perfect day in London