DK Travel : London

A city of infinite colour and variety, London is both richly historic, tracing its roots back over 2000 years, and unceasingly modern, at the forefront of fashion, music and the arts. There is a fantastic amount to interest and entertain the visitor here: a selection of the best of the best is explored here.

British Airways London Eye

The highest observational wheel in the world, offering amazing views of the city and beyond. While waiting for a flight, visit the attractions in nearby County Hall –Saatchi Gallery, London Aquarium, Namco Station and Dalí Museum.
British Library

Now housed in a spectacular new building in St Pancras, the British Library holds copies of everything published in Britain, as well as many historical publications from around the world. Members have free access to these, while non-members can enjoy the magnificent space and the regular exhibitions put on here. A dazzling, permanent display in the John Ritblatt Gallery includes the earliest map of Britain (1250), a Gutenberg Bible (1455), Shakespeare’s first folio (1623), Handel’sMessiah (1741) and many breathtaking illuminated manuscripts. The glass walls in the core of the building reveal the huge leather volumes from the King’s Library, donated by George III. There are regular talks and events, a café, restaurant and, of course, a well-stocked bookshop.
British Museum
British Museum

The oldest museum in the world, and one of London’s most fascinating, contains treasures and artifacts from all over the world.
British Museum

The oldest museum in the world, it contains a rich collection of treasures and artifacts from every corner of the globe (see British Museum).
British Museum Shop

Find exquisite crafts and jewellery in this museum shop. Everything from a pair of earrings modelled on those of ancient Egypt or a replica Roman bust to contemporary crafts.
British Telecom Tower

At 190 m (620 ft), this was the tallest building in London when it opened in 1965. Sadly, the revolving restaurant on top has been closed, for security reasons, but the Tower Tavern in Cleveland Street has a good large-scale diagram explaining the tower’s constituent parts (as well as hand-pulled beer).
Brixton Academy

This is a great place to see big names from across the music spectrum. Although it holds 4,000, the hall retains an intimate, clubby atmosphere with good views of the performers from across the auditorium.
Brixton Market

This colourful market lies at the heart of London’s Caribbean community. The atmosphere is lively, with music stalls pumping out a variety of sounds, and the scent of aromatic ethnic foods. Look for secondhand vinyl, fresh produce and bargain fabrics.
Broadway Market

Lovely street market every Saturday. Some highlights are bread stalls, cheeses, olives, oils, vinegars and pie stalls. Either buy a home made fishpie or gourmet burger for lunch or head to one of the many cafes to watch the world go by.