Seven Must-See Cultural Attractions in London

Any good capital features an array of cultural attractions—and London is no exception. From world-class museums and iconic theatres to famous historic sites, there is a wide range of things to see and do in London to suit every taste.

In this guide, Berkeley Group uncovers some of the best cultural attractions in London.

Seven of the Best Cultural Things to Do in London

Whether you're drawn to art, theatre, history or food, there are countless cultural attractions in London for everyone to enjoy.

Here are seven must-see cultural places to visit in London for you to explore on your next visit.

1. V&A

The V&A, short for the Victoria and Albert Museum, is a world-renowned cultural attraction in London dedicated to arts, design and performance.

Originally built to house items from the Great Exhibition of 1851, the V&A has expanded its collection to include over 2 million decorative art objects.

From mediaeval metalwork to Renaissance sculpture, this museum provides a fascinating journey through design and decoration from around the world.

It's easy to get lost in the V&A's vast collection. Some of the key highlights include Tippoo's Tiger—a unique Indian barrel organ—and the original sketches for the Crystal Palace of the Great Exhibition.

2. The British Museum

One of the most loved and visited attractions in London, the British Museum houses a staggering collection of artefacts and treasures. Located just a short walk from Marylebone, this venue is one of the largest and most famous museums in the world.

Some highlights of the British Museum include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon Marbles, Egyptian mummies and a life-size army of terracotta soldiers, horses and chariots. These are just a few of the many highlights the British Museum has to offer—its vast collection spans thousands of years and cultures.

Best of all, entry is free, making it an accessible way to explore the world’s cultures.

3. Borough Market

If you’re a food lover, Borough Market is a must. It’s one of London’s oldest and most popular food markets, offering a wide variety of fresh produce,
artisan goods and street food. Whether you’re in the mood for gourmet cheese, freshly baked bread or just fancy a look around, Borough Market is a great place to spend a few hours.

This market also hosts cooking demonstrations, tastings and other events celebrating food and its connection to community and culture. Many of the vendors even offer free samples, allowing you to try before you buy and discover new flavours.

4. Tate Modern

One of the largest modern and contemporary art galleries in the world, Tate Modern was a bold risk when it was first announced in 1994. Initially, there were doubts about whether or not it would appeal to the public, but as we now know, it was a huge success upon opening. To this date, Tate Modern is one of the most visited art galleries in the world—making it a must-see cultural attraction in London.

The Turbine Hall is the Tate Modern's most famous space and often hosts a single, large-scale art installation. In the past, visitors to The Turbine Hall have witnessed installations like Olafur Eliasson's simulated sunset and Doris Salcedo's enormous crack that stretched across the entire hall.

5. Westminster Abbey

Another incredible building from the reign of William the Conqueror, Westminster Abbey has seen the coronation of every English and then British monarch since his own in 1066. As well as this incredible historical legacy, Westminster Abbey is a beautiful building to behold—its interior is a journey through British history and culture.

In Westminster Abbey, you'll find the tombs of many eminent people, including scientists like Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking.

One of the most notable tombs to see is that of Elizabeth I and her half-sister Mary I, entombed together despite their turbulent relationship in life.

6. West End Theatre

London's West End theatre is the heart of the city's theatre scene.

Known for its high-quality productions, this area is packed with theatres showcasing everything from long-running musicals like ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ to contemporary plays like ‘Mamma Mia!’.

A night out in the West End is a quintessential London experience, especially around Covent Garden and Leicester Square.

7. Royal Albert Hall

For music lovers, the Royal Albert Hall is a must-visit. This iconic venue has hosted performances by some of the greatest musicians in the world, from
classical orchestras to rock legends like Led Zepellin and The Rolling Stones.

The Royal Albert Hall is known for its stunning architecture and incredible acoustics. It also hosts the annual BBC Proms, a summer-long celebration of
classical music. With so much to offer, it's clear to see why the Royal Albert Hall is one of the most significant cultural attractions in London.

Whether you’re attending a concert or just taking a tour, a trip to this venue is guaranteed to be a memorable experience.

Live the London Life With Berkeley Group

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If you prefer a more rural lifestyle with easy access to the best cultural attractions in London, take a look at some of our favourite commuter towns near the capital.

Explore our range of popular development locations or learn more about the process of buying a new build home with Berkeley Group.