London is home to countless historical and modern attractions, from the London Eye to the National Gallery and Tower of London. Visit London lists its top 10.
Tate Modern
The impressive Tate Modern is Britain's national museum of modern art. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the banks of the River Thames, the gallery displays major works by Matisse and Picasso as well as contemporary work, exhibitions and installations.
Details: Bankside, London, SE1 9TG, 44 (0)20 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk.
British Museum
The imposing British Museum, founded in 1753, exhibits the works of man from prehistoric to modern times with collections drawn from all around the world. Famous objects include the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon and the Portland Vase.
Details: Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG, 44 (0)20 7323 8000, www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk.
National Gallery
The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of European painting in the world. With paintings ranging from 1250 to 1900, the collection includes work by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Cezanne and Van Gogh.
Details: Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN, 44 (0)20 7747 2885, www.nationalgallery.org.uk.
Natural History Museum
As well as the permanent dinosaur exhibition, the Natural History Museum boasts a collection of the biggest, tallest and rarest animals in the world. Don't miss the life-sized model of the Blue Whale, the 40 million year old spider, the earthquake simulator and an elephant bird egg.
Details: Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, 44 (0)20 7942 5000, www.nhm.ac.uk.
British Airways London Eye
The BA London Eye is a major feature of London's skyline. It is the world's highest observation wheel and offers passengers spectacular views of over 55 of London's most famous landmarks - all in just 30 minutes.
Details: Riverside Building County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB, 0870 5000600, www.ba-londoneye.com.
Science Museum
See, touch and experience the major scientific advances of the last 300 years at the largest museum of its kind in the world. The Science Museum has over 40 galleries and 2000 hands-on exhibits, step into the future in the Wellcome Wing, visit the IMAX cinema and virtual reality simulator.
Details: Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2DD, 44 (0)20 7942 4000, www.nmsi.ac.uk.
The Victoria & Albert Museum
The V&A celebrates all things art and design, and is home to 3,000 years worth of amazing artifacts from many of the world's richest cultures. See their amazing collection of ceramics, furniture, fashion, glass, jewellery, photographs, sculpture, textiles and paintings.
Details: South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL, 44 (0)20 7942 2000, www.vam.ac.uk.
The Tower of London
Take a free guided tour with one of the Yeoman Warders around one of the most famous fortified buildings in the world. Discover its 900 year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house.
Details: London, EC3N 4AB, (020) 7488 5662/3, www.hrp.org.uk.
St Paul's Cathedral
With its world-famous dome, St Paul's is a major feature on the London skyline. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710, it houses famous works of art and intricate mosaics. Climb to the top of the spiral staircase for amazing panoramic views of the city.
Details: The Chapter House, St Paul's Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD, 44 (0)20 7246 8346, www.stpauls.co.uk.
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery features portraits in all mediums depicting well known British people. In addition to historical portraits, it exhibits a rapidly changing collection of contemporary work with exhibitions by individual artists, and hosts the annual BP Portrait Prize competition.
Details: St Martins Place, London, WC2H 0HE, 44 (0)20 7306 0055, www.npg.org.uk.
For more information about London and what it has to offer, visit www.visitlondon.com.
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