British scribe William Hazlitt once wrote, "Modesty is the lowest of virtues." Thankfully, despite all its lofty propriety, modest is one thing London is not. The city's museums promise nothing short of telling the history of the world and its art. Its theatrical stages are internationally renowned; its monuments have been anointed by royalty. Forget humility. If London were a man, you could say he was eager to show the full monty.
It's no wonder that the term "tabloid" originated in London. Before compromising photos of the Beckhams and Amy Winehouse were splashed all over The Sun, common Londoners were preoccupied with famous personalities, royal and otherwise. At the National Portrait Gallery, which features paintings and photos of illustrious Brits throughout time, you can get a history lesson via celebrity. Rub elbows with royalty at Buckingham Palace, the official home of the Queen. The palace's lavish staterooms are open to the public only for a short window in late summer/early fall, so take advantage of this sanctioned voyeurism if your travel dates coincide. Head to the Tower of London–a royal fortress of Her Majesty and the site of many a famous beheading–for a glimpse of the Crown Jewels (we told you London was keen on showcasing the “family jewels”).
All the world's a stage at London theaters–be sure to hit Leicester Square for discount tickets to top shows–and at the city's museums. The British Museum, one of the oldest museums in the world, showcases historical treasures from around the globe, most notably ancient Egyptian artifacts like the Rosetta Stone. The National Gallery (next door to the National Portrait Gallery) fulfills the ambitious mission of chronicling the history of European painting, 1250 to 1900 (whew!). At the Victoria and Albert Museum, we love the fashion collection of costumes from all over the world, 1600s to present, including couture from the major fashion houses of today. The Geffrye Museum provides a complement, exhibiting domestic interiors from the same historical periods. Contemporary art, too, has a commanding presence in the city, from the Tate Modern to Saatchi Gallery to Gagosian Gallery.
In the midst of such grandeur, that's not to say there aren't smaller pleasures to be had in London. Hyde Park and Regents Park draw the most visitors, but we find small, ornate St. James's Park–bordered by Buckingham, Westminster, and St. James's Palaces–to be the most interesting. Obscure houses like that of 19th century architect Sir John Soane (the bloke had a catacomb in his basement) and of artist Dennis Severs (a candlelit mystery tour of an 18th century abode) offer London flavor off the beaten path.
But the London Eye is perhaps the greatest symbol of London's see-and-be-seen immodesty. The glass Ferris-wheel-type monstrosity offers astounding views over the whole city. It's worth paying extra for premium express lane tickets on crowded days–you might as well get in the London spirit and dispense with humility.
Photo of St. James's Park
