Lonely Planets Discover London

DISCOVER LONDON

TOP SIGHTS, AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

Welcome to London

One of the worlds most visited cities, London has something for everyone, from history and culture to fine wine and good times. Its energy is intoxicating and its sheer diversity is inspiring.

With a third of all Londoners foreign born, representing 270 different nationalities, London is marvellously multicultural. These cultures season the culinary aromas, the often exotic clothing people wear and the music they listen to. Londons diverse cultural dynamism gives it a fascinating international flavour.

A tireless innovator of art and culture, London is a city of ideas and the imagination, and the citys creative milieu is streaked with left-field attitude, from ground-breaking theatre to contemporary art, pioneering music, writing and design. And dont forget the food comestibles in all their permutations have become almost an obsession in certain circles.

Contrasting with the up-to-the-minute restaurant and arts scene, London is also a city immersed in history, with more than its share of mind-blowing antiquity. Londons buildings are eye-catching milestones in the citys compelling biography, and its museums have collections as varied as they are magnificent. Of course, London is as much about leafy spaces and wide-open parklands as about high-density, sight-packed exploration, and there is always a glorious green escape waiting to soothe the senses.

Aerial view of the River Thames flowing through the city of London / JON ARNOLD/GETTY IMAGES

Over 100 major galleries participate in this contemporary art fair (www.londonartfair.co.uk), now one of the largest in Europe, with thematic exhibitions, special events and the best emerging artists.

Held in the last two weeks of January, this festival (www.mimefest.co.uk) is a must for lovers of originality, playfulness, physical talent and the unexpected.

Chinatown fizzes, crackles and pops during this colourful street festival, which includes a Golden Dragon parade, eating and partying.

Opened in June 2016, the new Tate Modern extension makes an already fabulous museum even more compelling. Check out the permanent collection in its new home and dwell in those wonderful South Bank views.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA; www.bafta.org) rolls out the red carpet on Leicester Sq to hand out its annual cinema awards, the BAFTAs (the British Oscars, if you will). Expect plenty of celebrity glamour.

Whether youre single or part of a loved-up couple, youll be able to choose from themed and alternative parties, special movie nights and dedicated menus. Book ahead as its a popular night.

The nights are long and cold so what better way to cosy up than inside the stunning to revel in world-class opera or ballet? (Plus its a great chance to dress up.)

This is the top festival for the Irish in London, held on the Sunday closest to 17 March, with a colourful parade through central London and other festivities in and around Trafalgar Sq.

This LGBT film festival, organised by the British Film Institute (www.bfi.org.uk/flare), runs a packed program of film screenings, along with parties, talks and events for schools and families.

Some 400 crews take part in this colourful annual boat race (www.horr.co.uk) held over a 7km course on the Thames, from Mortlake to Putney.

Spring is in the air the days are getting longer, its mild, the daffodils carpet the capitals lawns, the squirrels are out in force head to Hyde Park or St Jamess Park for a giddy walk in the spring air.