Things to do in London

London has an endless number of attractions, and is especially famous for its range of museums. The British Museum is one of the oldest, and is well respected around the world. With a number of good art galleries, buildings of architectural interest, and the popular London Zoo, there is something for everybody here.

Tate Modern and Tate Britain

Tate Modern is Britains national museum of Modern Art and opened in 2000 as part of the millennium celebrations. The gallery is as popular with Londoners as it is with tourists, and is a must visit for any visitor to the city. Located in an old power station which closed in 1981, the building itself is an impressive structure and houses a vast collection of international modern art including names like Warhol, Picasso, Dali, Hockney and Matisse, among many others. Entry to the permanent collection is free and there are regular temporary exhibitions. Tate Britain on Millbank, which opened in 1897, now focuses on historical and contemporary British works of art, and is also well worth a visit. Phone: +44 20 7887 8888; website: www.tate.org.uk.

Victoria & Albert Museum

Located in South Kensington this interesting and large museum is known locally as the V&A. The museums vast collection focuses on various art forms including jewellery, weapons, clothes, furniture, photography, and sculpture, and is an easy place to lose yourself in, with 150 galleries divided into a number of wide categories. The V & A was established in 1852 following the success of the great exhibition of 1851 and was named in 1899 in honour of Queen Victoria and her adored consort. The building is quite stunning and there are a number of cafs where you can enjoy tea and some tasty food and cakes. Phone: +44 20 7942 2000; website: www.vam.ac.uk.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey has seen nearly all Britains monarchs crowned since William I in 1066, and shouldnt be missed on even the shortest visit to London. The current Abbey is an architectural masterpiece of the 13th to 16th century periods, a rebuilding of the 11th century church founded by Edward the Confessor. Most of Britains monarchs are buried here, and its a great place to learn about Britains rich history. On Sundays the Abbey is open for worship only, with no visitor viewing. Opposite Westminster Abbey are the Houses of Parliament and the iconic clock tower known as Big Ben, and it is possible to attend debates and see the workings of government in action. Phone: +44 20 7222 5152; website: www.westminster-abbey.org.

London Zoo

When it opened in 1828, London Zoo, located at the north of Regents Park, was the worlds first scientific zoo and remains one of Londons most popular and loved attractions. The zoo has well over 600 species of animals and is currently undergoing a major and ambitious project to create enclosures that recreate the animals natural habitats as much as possible. The zoo is open from 10:00 every day, except Christmas Day, and has a number of eateries on site. Phone: +44 20 7722 3333; website: www.zsl.org/london-zoo/.

British Museum

Londons British Museum in Bloomsbury was established in 1753 and is one of the most impressive museums of human history in the world today. The museum focuses on human culture from the beginnings up to the present day. Probably the most famous display here is the Parthenon Marbles (commonly known as the Elgin Marbles), due to their controversy. Greece has demanded that they be returned, but the British Museum strongly rejects these claims. Entry to the museum is free and its an easy place to spend a few hours. Phone: +44 20 7636 1555; website: www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk.

St Pauls Cathedral

Perhaps the most recognisable symbol of London, St Pauls Cathedral is Sir Christopher Wrens masterpiece and took 35 years to build before completion in 1710. The Cathedrals dome is one of the largest in the world and it is possible to climb up a spiral staircase into the dome itself. The Whispering Gallery is something of an acoustic phenomenon; a whisper to the wall can be heard on the other side, over 100 feet away. The Whispering Gallery is reached by a climb of 259 steps. Further up the dome you reach the Stone Gallery and the highest point, the Golden Gallery. Phone: +44 20 7236 4128; website: www.stpauls.co.uk.