While many art museums in London can be overwhelming in size and scope, the Courtauld Museum offers a refreshingly concise experience. Established in 1931 by Samuel Courtauld, a prominent textile magnate, the museum was created to showcase his exceptional private art collection. It stands out as one of the world's premier galleries for impressionist and post-impressionist art, featuring works by a wide range of artists, from Bonnard to van Gogh. Each wall in the museum seems to offer a sense of déjà-vu, adorned with masterpieces by Cézanne, Degas, Seurat, Monet, and more.

Additionally, the museum boasts a remarkable selection of works by artists like Botticelli, Bruegel, Tiepolo, and Rubens, thanks to the generous bequest from Count Antoine Seilern's Princes Gate collection. The German Renaissance paintings section includes the awe-inspiring "Adam and Eve" by Lucas Cranach the Elder. For those seeking a more experimental and thought-provoking experience, the second floor features masterpieces like Modigliani's renowned "Female Nude".

Visitors should keep an eye out for the museum's regularly changing program of special exhibitions, which often feature blockbuster displays. And don't forget to visit the charming café downstairs for a delightful tea break or explore the nearby riverside eateries and courtyard, complete with a playful fountain.

Bush House is a Grade II listed building at the southern end of Kingsway between Aldwych and the Strand in London. It was conceived as a major new trade centre by American industrialist Irving T. Bush, and commissioned, designed, funded, and constructed under his direction. The design was approved in 1919, work began in 1925, and was completed in 1935. Erected in stages, by 1929 Bush House was already declared the "most expensive building in the world".

Now mainly part of the Strand Campus of King's College London, Bush House previously served as the headquarters of the BBC World Service. Broadcasting from Bush House lasted for 70 years, from winter 1941 to summer 2012. The final BBC broadcast from Bush House was the 12noon BST news bulletin on 12 July 2012. The BBC World Service is now housed in Broadcasting House in Portland Place. King's College London has taken over the premises since acquiring the lease in 2015.

The longtime occupation of part of Bush House by HM Revenue and Customs (and its predecessor department the Inland Revenue) ended in March 2021 when it vacated the South-West Wing. This wing will also become a part of King's College London's Strand Campus, ensuring all wings of the building are now occupied by the University.

Perched proudly in splendid isolation on a traffic island, this magnificent church was crafted by Christopher Wren in 1680. Its appellation harks back to an earlier church constructed on this spot by the descendants of Danish invaders permitted by Alfred the Great to settle in London during the 9th century. From the 17th to the 19th centuries, it served as the final resting place for numerous individuals, and their commemorative plaques now reside in the underground crypt.

Although the church suffered severe damage during World War II, it underwent reconstruction and emerged as the central place of worship for the Royal Air Force (RAF). Inside, the RAF's symbols, memorials, and monuments dominate the space. The nave and aisles are adorned with more than eight hundred squadron and unit emblems, while weighty volumes encased in ornate glass cabinets bear the names of over 150,000 men and women who lost their lives while serving in the RAF. Occasionally, RAF bands hold concerts here.

The bells outside chime to a variety of melodies, including the tune from the classic nursery rhyme "Oranges and Lemons". which mentions the church in its lyrics. Meanwhile, right in front, a statue of Gladstone is flanked by four allegorical female figures, with two air chiefs on either side: Lord Dowding, the overseer of the Battle of Britain, and "Bomber" Harris, the mastermind behind the intense bombing campaign on Germany that resulted in the deaths of 500,000 civilians (as well as over 55,000 Allied airmen, whose names are commemorated on the plinth). While Churchill held ultimate responsibility, Harris bore the brunt of the criticism.

Temple's collection of courtyards and structures encompasses two of the four Inns of Court: Middle Temple and Inner Temple. Its name has its roots in the Knights Templar, a noble order that had its headquarters here during medieval times, and it is believed that their initiations occurred in the crypt of Temple Church. Erected in the 12th century and under the care of the Inns since 1608, the church showcases a remarkable Elizabethan organ in the chancel and 13th-century effigies of the Knights Templar within the circular Round.

Entering Middle Temple feels akin to stepping back in time to Dickensian London. Dickens himself described it as follows: "You can read on its gates: 'Who enters here leaves noise behind.'" Over the centuries, a host of historical figures, including Sir Walter Raleigh, William Makepeace Thackeray, and Charles Dickens himself, held membership in Middle Temple.

Among the other historic structures in Temple, Middle Temple Hall stands out as perhaps the finest example of an Elizabethan Hall in London. It measures over 100 feet in length and 40 feet in width, featuring a magnificent double hammer-beam roof and walls adorned with ornate Coats of Arms and splendid oil paintings. While predominantly used by Middle Temple members, access to the general public is typically limited to invitation-only events and concerts. In close proximity to the hall lies Fountain Court, exuding a monastic ambiance, where law students often dine. Dickens even mentioned the fountain in "Martin Chuzzlewit".

Another lovely locale is Garden Court, a leafy square with a view of the Thames, immortalized in "Great Expectations". This is where Pip, the protagonist, resided when the convict Abel Magwitch arrived one fateful night to disclose a life-altering secret. In the novel, Pip describes, "We lived at the top of the last house, and the wind rushing up the river shook the house that night, like discharges of cannon or breakings of a sea". On that tempestuous night, Pip receives a message at the Temple gate: "Don't go home." But, of course, he does...

Situated just off Fleet Street in what was once the heart of English print and newspaper publishing, Saint Bride's is famously known as "the journalists' church". Within its walls, a small altar in the north aisle serves as a memorial to honor the growing number of reporters, photographers, and crew members who tragically lost their lives while covering conflicts in the 21st century.

The church is another magnificent example of English Baroque architecture designed by Sir Christopher Wren, completed nine years after the devastating Great Fire of 1666. It is particularly cherished for its distinctively tiered steeple, which happens to be Wren's tallest creation. Interestingly, Benjamin Franklin contributed to its design by introducing a lightning rod. Legend has it that this tiered steeple inspired a baker who was also a parishioner to craft a wedding cake with a similar tiered structure, giving rise to the modern wedding cake design.

Historically, Saint Bride's has undergone multiple reconstructions, and this is believed to be the eighth church on this site, with the first one dating back to the 7th century. Evidence supporting this historical legacy, including a portion of a Roman mosaic sidewalk, has been unearthed in the crypt. Visitors can now explore the crypt, which houses numerous archaeological discoveries, including artifacts from thousands of coffins.

For those interested in delving deeper into the church's history and architecture, guided tours lasting ninety minutes are available on Tuesday afternoons, commencing at 2:15 pm. Additionally, Saint Bride's hosts regular lunchtime concert recitals that are open to the public at no charge.

For centuries, this iconic structure has symbolized London's enduring spirit of survival and rejuvenation, captivating visitors both inside and outside its grand walls. Sir Christopher Wren embarked on the design of the present-day cathedral in 1666, immediately following the destruction of the prior medieval building, founded in 1087, during the Great Fire. This historical context is evident in the inscription "resurgam" ("I shall rise again") on the pediment of the south entrance. Saint Paul's Cathedral once more became a symbol of the city's resilience during the Blitz, as local volunteers bravely fought to extinguish a fire on the dome (though despite their efforts, a significant portion of the building's eastern end and its high altar were lost). It has frequently served as the backdrop for momentous state events, including Winston Churchill's funeral and the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

Construction commenced in 1675 and took 35 years to complete. Interestingly, this was Wren's third architectural proposal: the initial design was rejected for being too modern, while the second was deemed too modern and too influenced by Italian (Catholic) architecture. The "Great Model" of this second design, a 20-foot representation, can be seen in the crypt. In a compromise with the Anglican clergy, Wren included a traditional English spire but ultimately installed a neoclassical triple-layered dome, the second-largest cathedral dome globally after Saint Peter's in Rome.

The cathedral's interior showcases a remarkable example of English Baroque design. Ascend 257 steps up the meticulously engineered Geometric Staircase, a stone spiral marvel, to reach the Whispering Gallery, named so because a whisper against one wall can be heard clearly on the wall 112 feet away. Another 119 steps lead to the Stone Gallery, encircling the dome's exterior and offering panoramic views of London. For those with a head for heights, an additional 152 steps lead to the small Golden Gallery, an observation deck at the dome's zenith. At 278 feet above the cathedral floor, it presents even more breathtaking vistas.

Descending to ground level, in the south choir aisle, rests the grave of John Donne, the poet who served as dean of Saint Paul's from 1621 until his passing in 1631. His marble effigy stands as the cathedral's oldest surviving memorial and one of the few to endure the Great Fire. The intricately carved figures on the nearby choir stall are the creations of master carver Grinling Gibbons, who also adorned Wren's great organ. Behind the high altar lies the American Memorial Chapel, dedicated to the 28,000 American GIs stationed in the UK during the Second World War. Notable figures interred in the crypt include the Duke of Wellington, Admiral Lord Nelson, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Henry Moore, and Wren himself. Aptly, the Latin epitaph above Wren's tomb reads, "Reader, if you seek his monument, look around you."

***CHARLES DICKENS TOUR***
Saint Paul's serves as a prominent backdrop in many of Dickens' novels. In "Master Humphrey’s Clock", for instance, he portrays Master Humphrey ascending to the summit of the cathedral, then the tallest structure in London, to relish the sweeping panorama of the city. He writes, "Draw but a little circle above the clustering house tops, and you shall have within its space, everything with its opposite extreme and contradiction, close beside." Another Dickens work, "David Copperfield", takes Peggotty to the top of Saint Paul's to savor the impressive views over London, a practice that visitors continue to enjoy to this day.

The vicinity surrounding this iconic cathedral was intimately known to Dickens, and he frequently visited for various reasons, including attendance at significant public events such as the Duke of Wellington's funeral in 1852.

***SHAKESPEARE WALK***
During Shakespeare's era, the vicinity around Saint Paul's was quite distinct from its present appearance. Beyond serving as the hub of religious, political, cultural, and social activity in the city, the Cathedral also played a pivotal role in London's book trade, significantly impacting the literary creations of that time. By the year 1600, Shakespeare had become the most widely published professional playwright, and the earliest versions of his plays, such as "Titus Andronicus", "Richard II", "Much Ado About Nothing", and "The Merchant of Venice", were all bought and sold in the vicinity of Saint Paul's Churchyard. It is highly probable that Shakespeare himself frequented the local bookstores in search of materials that could serve as source material for his own works. To a considerable extent, the atmosphere around Saint Paul's influenced the Bard's writing and played a significant role in its survival and reception.

***HARRY POTTER MOVIE***
Other than architecture and history buffs, nowadays Harry Potter fans also have their reason to visit Saint Paul's. The focal point of their interest lies is the spectacular spiral Geometric Staircase (also referred to as the Dean's Stair) that creates the illusion of floating out from the walls of the Cathedral's South West Bell Tower. Recognizable from "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban", this winding staircase served as the pathway for students ascending the stone steps on their way to Professor Trelawney's Divination classes, which were held in a classroom situated atop one of Hogwarts' North Towers. Additionally, the same staircase was featured in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" as the Turris Magnus staircase. To catch a glimpse, you'll need to enter the Cathedral with a visitor ticket.

Why You Should Visit:
An architectural marvel and an iconic representation of London.
There's a wealth of exploration to be had, whether you venture above ground or into the crypt.

Tip:
Entrance to this cathedral requires a fee. Opt for online ticket purchase to streamline your visit and save time.
Additionally, you have the option to purchase an audio tour at the entrance.

The Millennium Bridge boasts three noteworthy distinctions: it stands as the Thames River's newest crossing, serves as London's exclusive pedestrian-only bridge, and has earned a place in history for having the shortest duration of operation before closure, shutting just two days after its grand inauguration.

The bridge was conceptualized to coincide with the year 2000, symbolizing the dawn of the 21st century. In 1996, Southwark Council conducted a competition, inviting architects from around the globe to devise a new structure that would embody the spirit of the new era. The winning designs, submitted by Foster & Partners and Ove Arup & Partners, marked the commencement of construction in 1998.

This strikingly contemporary suspension bridge spans a length of 325 meters and is supported by eight suspension cables intentionally positioned low to preserve unobstructed views of Saint Paul's Cathedral and Tate Modern. These cables are precisely tensioned to exert a formidable 2000-ton force against the sturdy piers rooted on each bank.

The bridge was formally inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II and originally opened its gates in 2000. However, an unforeseen oscillation, brought about by the immense pedestrian throng (comprising 90,000 individuals) on its opening days, earned it the 'Wobbly Bridge' moniker. This issue was rectified by retrofitting 37 fluid-viscous dampers, designed to dissipate energy and control horizontal movement, as well as installing 52 tuned mass dampers to regulate vertical movement. Consequently, the bridge was reinstated in 2002 and has since remained free from significant vibrational disturbances.

***HARRY POTTER MOVIE***
It might have been this bridge's association with instability that led the filmmakers to depict it as a target of Death Eaters in the film adaptation of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince", deviating from the book where the Brockdale Bridge suffers a similar fate. Thankfully, despite its dramatic destruction in the harrowing opening scene of the film, where it snaps and crumbles as Death Eaters wreak havoc across London, the now iconic Millennium Bridge was not harmed during filming and you can safely walk on it today.

Why You Should Visit:
An excellent connection between the Tate Modern and Globe Theatre on one side and Saint Paul's Cathedral on the other, making it highly convenient for those exploring both riverbanks. This pedestrian-only bridge offers a delightful walking experience, with the cathedral serving as a picturesque backdrop.

Tip:
Wear comfortable shoes. Take an umbrella or a rain-proof jacket, just in case.
Also, note the paintings or stickers that are on the floor of the bridge.

This impressive transformation of a power station from the mid-20th century has become one of the world's most frequently visited museums of contemporary art. Its extensive permanent collection, spanning from 1900 and featuring artworks from iconic modernists like Matisse to the latest creations by cutting-edge contemporary artists, is organized thematically into eight distinct areas rather than following a chronological order. In addition to this, its highly anticipated temporary exhibitions have highlighted the works of individual artists such as Gauguin, Rauschenberg, Modigliani, Picasso, and O'Keefe, among many others, while also delving into conceptual themes, such as pieces created by Soviet and Russian artists during the period between the Revolution and Stalin's death.

The expansive Turbine Hall serves as a dramatic entrance, specifically designed to showcase large, daring installations that often attract significant attention. Previous notable exhibits have included Olafur Eliasson's colossal glowing sun, Ai Weiwei's intricate porcelain "sunflower seeds", and Carsten Holler's enormous metal slides.

On the lower level of a ten-story addition, visitors will discover The Tanks, dedicated galleries showcasing various forms of contemporary art, including moving images, performances, soundscapes, and interactive creations. At the highest level, a rooftop terrace offers amazing panoramic views of the London skyline. Between these two extremes are three exhibition floors, providing ample space for expansive installations, international (non-Western) art, as well as digital and interactive projects. The Start Display (on Level 2) offers an introductory experience to the collection, highlighting art from diverse countries, cultures, and eras, all connected by the theme of color.

Tip:
For those seeking picturesque views of the Thames, consider heading to the restaurant located on Level 9, the café on Level 1, or the Espresso Bar on Level 3. The 3rd-level balcony, in particular, offers one of the most exceptional vistas of Saint Paul's Cathedral in all of London. Near the café, you'll also discover the Tate Draw, where you can create artwork on one of several digital sketch pads and then project your creation onto the gallery wall for all to see.

To the east of Gabriel’s Wharf, you'll find the iconic OXO Tower, originally an old power station converted into a meat-packing factory in the late 1920s by the Liebig Extract of Meat Company, renowned in Britain for producing OXO stock cubes. To circumvent the local council's prohibition on illuminated advertisements, the company ingeniously integrated the letters into the tower's windows, illuminating them from within.

Today, thanks to CSCB, the building houses an exhibition gallery on the ground floor, while the 1st and 2nd floors host a series of retail workshops where designers craft fashion, jewelry, home accessories, textiles, prints, photographs, furniture, and various design items. At the pinnacle of the tower, there's a stylish restaurant and bar that offers a compelling reason to ascend for a drink, offering a fantastic panoramic view of London. However, you can relish the view without dining or imbibing here by simply taking the elevator to the 8th-floor public viewing gallery, accessible through the bar (although it's not prominently signposted).

Gabriel's Wharf boasts a variety of riverside attractions, providing a distinctive combination of dining and shopping experiences with stunning views of the Thames. What was once an empty space has undergone a remarkable transformation, illustrating how waterfront areas have a special potential not only as public spaces but also as opportunities to bolster local businesses and entrepreneurs.

The diverse range of unconventional activities, artistic events, and local artisanal creators harmonize perfectly with the site's South Bank location. Now recognized as a unique destination for visitors, it proudly carries the distinction of being London's oldest pop-up establishment. It continues to host an array of designer boutiques, quirky art galleries, fair trade shops, as well as a selection of bars, restaurants, and cafes. Interestingly, each storefront boasts a unique design, with artists involved in the design process.

Many regard Gabriel's Wharf as a waterfront town square—a remarkable achievement, especially considering that the entire project was developed in just three months at a cost of a mere £78,000.

These four cinemas, managed by the British Film Institute, boast the finest selection of programming in London and effectively serve as a national film hub. They showcase over 1,000 films annually, featuring art-house and foreign-language premieres, restored classics and silent films, experimental and niche-interest works, as well as short films, all prioritized over recent Hollywood blockbusters.

Additionally, this center houses a gallery, a bookshop, hosts various events, and offers a "mediatheque" where visitors can freely access films and television content from the National Archive (closed on Mondays). For dining options, the Riverfront Bar and Kitchen provides a scenic setting, while the BFI Bar offers a casual and lively atmosphere.

Situated beneath the southern end of Waterloo Bridge, this establishment is an integral part of the cultural complex along the South Bank of the River Thames. It serves as one of the venues for the renowned BFI London Film Festival and hosts a variety of minifestivals, seminars, and guest speaker events throughout the year.

Waterloo Bridge, named in commemoration of the British triumph at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, marks the eastern boundary of the Southbank Centre and is renowned for more than just its stunning sunsets. During the Second World War, it was predominantly constructed by women, and in 1978, it gained notoriety as the site of the assassination of Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov, who fell victim to a ricin-loaded umbrella. On clear evenings, it's a common sight to encounter a lineup of both professional and amateur photographers along its length. This vantage point offers a 360-degree vista of the London skyline, providing fantastic photographic opportunities in both daylight and nighttime settings.

For a particularly romantic perspective of London, stand at the midpoint between the north and south banks of the Thames on the bridge. Facing east, you'll behold the magnificent Saint Paul's Cathedral and the graceful neoclassical facades of Somerset House, along with contemporary landmarks such as the distinctive "Gherkin" skyscraper on the north side and the towering Shard pyramid to the south. Gazing westward, you'll spot the iconic Victorian Gothic towers of the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) and Big Ben on the north bank, as well as the Edwardian elegance of The Savoy hotel and the National Liberal Club. You'll also catch a glimpse of Westminster Abbey. Turning your attention to the south bank, your eyes will be drawn to the London Eye's wheel and the striking Southbank Centre with its Brutalist architecture. If timed right, you may witness the sunset that inspired the Kinks' famous song.

Tip:
Should you find yourself in London during a full moonlit night, take the opportunity to spend an hour on this bridge after sunset and indulge in the awe-inspiring vistas!