London is a vibrant metropolis of 300 languages, where 200 museums house amazing finds and over 22,000 live music shows ring through the city every year. A cultural powerhouse, London’s diversity and youthful energy flow through streets rich in history and tradition. London’s arts and culture scene attracts millions of global visitors every year, so we have curated our favourite London cultural attractions so you can create the visit you want, from inspirational sights to gastronomic delights.
Wander the museums
Three of the world’s top ten museums are right here, providing some of the best cultural activities in London. Sitting at the top of Trafalgar Square overlooking Nelson’s Column is The National Gallery, a cathedral of masterpieces by Vincent van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci and J. M. W. Turner and many, many more. Whether you’re an expert on the Pre-Raphaelites or a casual observer, a few hours inside one of the world’s great art galleries will leave a lasting impression.
The British Museum reveals the history of humanity through an unrivalled collection of treasures from ancient civilisations. The Rosetta Stone, Parthenon Sculptures and Crouching Venus are just a few of the cultural big hitters here. Paintings at the National Portrait Gallery focus on the significance of the subject, not the artist, displaying the faces of Britain’s greatest historical figures. From Elizabeth I in all her regal glory to an early portrait of Diana, Princess of Wales, in casual attire.
At 6 Burlington Gardens, the Royal Academy of Arts is known for its innovative exhibitions and blockbuster works by John Constable, David Hockney and Tracey Emin et al. Tate Britain is also a fantastic art museum displaying the best of British creativity spanning centuries, with the controversial Turner Prize exhibition displayed every year from October to January.
Black Cultural Archives, Brixton
With its unparalleled collection of archive material, fascinating artefacts and stories, the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton celebrates the voices and lives of generations of Black people in the UK. This educational institution is the only centre in Britain documenting the experiences of the nation’s African and Caribbean citizens. Although primarily a space for community events and for research, this Brixton centre welcomes visitors to see its regularly changing exhibitions to learn about the pivotal role Black culture plays in London’s identity.
Culture through music
Feel London’s beating heart through its live music, day and night. Punk rock rebellions continue in the iconic 100 Club at 100 Oxford Street, global pop stars deliver glittering spectacles at the O2 Arena and Soho’s world-famous Ronnie Scott’s serves up world-class jazz, nightly. If a jazz night appeals, head here for more about jazz clubs in London.
London became Bob Marley’s second home in the late ’70s, and he wasn’t alone in bringing Jamaican rhythms to this concrete jungle and letting London culture influence the Jamaican reggae beat. Today, you can hear roots, reggae, hip hop and ska at Brixton’s iconic Hootenanny.
Transporting music from the streets of Havana to London, Cuban music in London flourishes in venues like Cubana in Waterloo. But London’s most musical neighbourhood is Camden, with legendary rock music spots like The Roundhouse and Electric Ballroom still going strong. For seeing upcoming artists and an eclectic programme in a truly beautiful setting, visit Camden’s Union Chapel.
London food culture
Go on a gastronomic culture trip across London, tasting flavours and recipes from across the globe. London has more than its share of Michelin stars and fine dining, and Mayfair is a fantastic neighbourhood for the best food from the best chefs in London.
Bite into a prime cut at a steak restaurant in Mayfair where you have your pick of top restaurants, from fine dining at Goodmans to sizzling gastropub grills at The Guinea. Mayfair also has some of London’s best Indian restaurants, such as the Michelin-starred Benares restaurant and the gorgeous Bombay Bustle, with its design nod to Mumbai’s railway carriages. You can find more Indian cuisine nearby here.
Covent Garden is a foodie haven right in the centre of London, with fabulous brunches at Apple Butter Cafe and delicious Chinese–Indian Hakka dishes at Fatt Pundit. If you fancy some Italian flavours, there are plenty of delicious places to try. Ave Mario is a three-floor restaurant filled with colour where chefs create sublime dishes of pasta, pizza dough and gelato. We have a few more Italian favourites in Covent Garden here and also a selection of delicious Chinese restaurants in Covent Garden.
But the place to go to for amazing Chinese food is Chinatown. It has an abundance of specialist supermarkets stocked with ingredients rarely found outside Asia. There are dim sum parlours, bao bun takeaways, high-end Cantonese restaurants and the prettiest fish-shaped sweets from Taiyakiya.
Another source of incredible food steeped in historic London culture is the city’s thriving street market. Look for the stalls with the longest queues for a clue to the most popular food. There’s the scent of freshly cooked dishes from up-and-coming chefs in Borough Market, shipping containers brimming with treats in BOXPARK Shoreditch and a conveyor belt of cheese in Seven Dials Market.
Why not add a little heritage to your London culture trip with a stay in our handsome hotels, The Clermont, Victoria and The Clermont, Charing Cross. We assure you a stay full of home comforts and luxury touches.
