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.

Au Lac

Vietnamese restaurant - spacious place, good food and lovely staff.
Australia House

The interior of The Australian High Commission features in the film Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as the Wizard Bank, Gringotts. Run by Goblins, the bank keeps witches and wizards money and valuables safely locked away. The building isn't usually open to the public but you can peer through the main door to try and sneak a look.
Balans Café

Invariably packed in the evenings, this lively bar stays open 24 hours. Hot dishes and sandwiches are on hand to keep people on their feet. Their eggs benedict is to die for!
Bam-Bou

Set in a lovely four-storey Georgian townhouse, this is a traditional Vietnamese restaurant.
Bank of England Museum

Liveried doormen greet visitors to this excellent museum, housed in a marvellous building designed by Sir John Soane. A variety of material is on display, including 45 bars of gold bullion at the centre of the 1930s rotunda. There is a map of the City’s financial institutions and an electronic trading desk similar to those used by dealers today.
Bankside Gallery

The gallery for the Royal Watercolour Society and Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers has work for sale, as well as a shop.
Banqueting House

Built by Inigo Jones, this magnificent building is particularly noted for its Rubens ceiling. It was commissioned by Charles I, who stepped from this room on to the scaffold for his execution in 1649.
Bar Chocolate

Cute, low-lit bar serving a myriad of cocktails. Mojitos are particularly good with lots of fresh mint.
Bar Italia

Sit at the bar or out on the heated pavement and enjoy the best Italian coffee in London. A huge screen at the back of the bar shows Italian football matches. Open 24 hours.
Barbican Centre

Home of one of the best music companies in the world - the London Symphony Orchestra, the Barbican is the City’s most important arts complex. Theatre, cinema, concerts, dance and exhibitions can all be seen here, and there are plenty of restaurants, cafés and bars. The centre also contains a library, convention hall and music school.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes, and extra charges.
- under £15
- £15–£25
- £25–£35
- £35–£50
- over £50