Things to Do in London

The third theater to have stood on this Covent Garden site, the Victorian-era Royal Opera House (ROH) was given a major facelift at the turn of the 21st century. The landmark venue now hosts performances by two of the United Kingdom's most prestigious companies: the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera. 

Anyone wandering Covent Garden can admire the classical-style pillared facade of the opera house. The exterior can also be seen in passing on sightseeing tours of central London, both on bike and on foot. 

To explore the interior of the ROH, travelers have two options. Book a ticket to a performance in the 2,256-seat auditorium or join a guided tour. Backstage tours last 75 minutes and showcase front of house as well as behind the scenes; participants may even get to see Royal Ballet dancers in class. The 45-minute Velvet, Gilt, and Glamour tour focuses on the architecture and history of the theater. 

The ROH is situated on Bow Street in central London and is best accessed by public transport. Take the Piccadilly tube line to Covent Garden station, or one of many city buses that stop at the nearby Aldwych Theatre. 

Tours are very popular so book well in advance to ensure a spot. Performance ticket holders should arrive about 30 minutes before curtain; latecomers are not permitted to enter until a suitable break in the performance. 

Fires destroyed the original ROH and its replacement in the 19th century. Though today's facade, foyer, and auditorium date from 1858, much of the rest of the complex is the result of an extensive reconstruction project that took place in the late 1990s. A claim to fame of the opera house: In 1839, it became the first indoor theater in the world to use limelight, a kind of spotlight created by adding lime to a flame produced by an oxyhydrogen blowpipe, creating a very bright white light.

Is this India or England? Shri Swaminarayan Mandir would have anyone believe they've travelled halfway across the world in the blink of an eye thanks to its distinct architecture. The pristine white Hindu temple was built using entirely traditional methods and materials and up until 2000 it held the Guinness World Record of biggest Hindu temple outside India.

The construction posed two major challenges: the temple had to be built in accordance with the steel-free Vastu Shastras, India's ancient architectural texts, all while respecting Britain's strict building code in order to withstand the occasionally harsh weather. 3,000 tons of Bulgarian limestone and 1,200 tons of Italian Carrara marble were shipped to India to be carved and coded by professionals, returning to North London two years later as one gigantic, 26,300 pieces 3D jigsaw puzzle.

The temple is dedicated to reverence, adoration and gratitude and consists of a traditional Hindu mandir (which acts as the focal point of the complex and place of worship), the "˜Understanding Hinduism' permanent exhibition and the richly-carved Gujarati Haveli, a cultural and multi-functional center carved from Burmese teak wood.

From steam locomotives to space travel, to cutting-edge science experiments, London's  Science Museum is one of the city's most engaging and interactive museums, offering a fun introduction to science for all ages. With over 300,000 items on display and 7 floors of exhibitions, there are endless learning opportunities, including children's discovery zones, hands-on experiments and multi-media displays.

Star exhibits of the Science Museum include Stephenson's Rocket, James Watson's DNA model, the "˜Puffing Billy' steam locomotive, the world's first jet engine and the Apollo 10 command capsule. Additional highlights include a fascinating collection of medical artifacts and instruments; the world's oldest display of clocks and watches; a Spacelab 2 X-ray telescope; and an I-MAX 3D cinema.

Packed with cultural hot spots and boasting a uniquely laid-back atmosphere, the South Bank district is a must for anyone curious about London life. Locals and visitors alike stroll the riverbank for striking views of Westminster and beyond, or pop into any of the museums, galleries, theaters, or pubs for which the area is famous.

South Bank boasts many of London's top landmarks, and a number of city sightseeing tours offer the opportunity to explore by foot or boat. The London Eye and the London Dungeon are popular family-friendly attractions, while art enthusiasts flock to the Tate Modern and Tate Britain. Southbank Centre hosts many cultural events across its venues, and the National Theatre, Young Vic, and Old Vic offer affordable and trendy West End alternatives.

Waterloo Station, nestled in the heart of South Bank, is served by the Jubilee, Bakerloo, and Northern lines, as well as direct National Rail links to Clapham Junction. Westminster, Blackfriars, and Embankment stations are also located nearby. South Bank is easily accessed by river bus and city cruiser, with London Eye and Festival piers serving the area.

As throughout the rest of London, there is always something happening along the South Bank, making it well worth a visit at any time of year. Winter brings Christmas markets and festive decorations, while funfairs and festivals arrive between April and August.

Though South Bank as it exists today is a relatively new district, the south bank of the Thames has been an entertainment hub since the Middle Ages. Even in Elizabethan England, it provided a popular escape from heavy regulation in the city, with draws including Shakespeare's own Globe Theatre. Today, a reconstructed Globe sits farther along the bank, and visitors can catch a show from the traditional standing yard.