Tate Modern, London (must see)
This impressive transformation of a power station from the mid-20th century has become one of the world's most frequently visited museums of contemporary art. Its extensive permanent collection, spanning from 1900 and featuring artworks from iconic modernists like Matisse to the latest creations by cutting-edge contemporary artists, is organized thematically into eight distinct areas rather than following a chronological order. In addition to this, its highly anticipated temporary exhibitions have highlighted the works of individual artists such as Gauguin, Rauschenberg, Modigliani, Picasso, and O'Keefe, among many others, while also delving into conceptual themes, such as pieces created by Soviet and Russian artists during the period between the Revolution and Stalin's death.
The expansive Turbine Hall serves as a dramatic entrance, specifically designed to showcase large, daring installations that often attract significant attention. Previous notable exhibits have included Olafur Eliasson's colossal glowing sun, Ai Weiwei's intricate porcelain "sunflower seeds", and Carsten Holler's enormous metal slides.
On the lower level of a ten-story addition, visitors will discover The Tanks, dedicated galleries showcasing various forms of contemporary art, including moving images, performances, soundscapes, and interactive creations. At the highest level, a rooftop terrace offers amazing panoramic views of the London skyline. Between these two extremes are three exhibition floors, providing ample space for expansive installations, international (non-Western) art, as well as digital and interactive projects. The Start Display (on Level 2) offers an introductory experience to the collection, highlighting art from diverse countries, cultures, and eras, all connected by the theme of color.
Tip:
For those seeking picturesque views of the Thames, consider heading to the restaurant located on Level 9, the café on Level 1, or the Espresso Bar on Level 3. The 3rd-level balcony, in particular, offers one of the most exceptional vistas of Saint Paul's Cathedral in all of London. Near the café, you'll also discover the Tate Draw, where you can create artwork on one of several digital sketch pads and then project your creation onto the gallery wall for all to see.
The expansive Turbine Hall serves as a dramatic entrance, specifically designed to showcase large, daring installations that often attract significant attention. Previous notable exhibits have included Olafur Eliasson's colossal glowing sun, Ai Weiwei's intricate porcelain "sunflower seeds", and Carsten Holler's enormous metal slides.
On the lower level of a ten-story addition, visitors will discover The Tanks, dedicated galleries showcasing various forms of contemporary art, including moving images, performances, soundscapes, and interactive creations. At the highest level, a rooftop terrace offers amazing panoramic views of the London skyline. Between these two extremes are three exhibition floors, providing ample space for expansive installations, international (non-Western) art, as well as digital and interactive projects. The Start Display (on Level 2) offers an introductory experience to the collection, highlighting art from diverse countries, cultures, and eras, all connected by the theme of color.
Tip:
For those seeking picturesque views of the Thames, consider heading to the restaurant located on Level 9, the café on Level 1, or the Espresso Bar on Level 3. The 3rd-level balcony, in particular, offers one of the most exceptional vistas of Saint Paul's Cathedral in all of London. Near the café, you'll also discover the Tate Draw, where you can create artwork on one of several digital sketch pads and then project your creation onto the gallery wall for all to see.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Tate Modern on Map
Sight Name: Tate Modern
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in London, England
Create Your Own Walk in London
Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
South Bank Walking Tour
The South Bank is a stretch of the Thames in London that is beautiful to walk through because there are so many iconic and magnificent things to see along the way. A lively and ever-changing area at the heart of London’s cultural scene, it also has the advantage of offering views across the Thames to some of the most famous buildings anywhere. The Palace of Westminster is the major feature in... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Covent Garden Walking Tour
A shopping and entertainment hub on the eastern fringes of London's West End, Covent Garden is a district historically associated with the former fruit-and-vegetable market – currently a shopping spot popular with locals and tourists alike.
Once a slum area, today the north of the district is given over to independent shops centered on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials. Both places offer... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Once a slum area, today the north of the district is given over to independent shops centered on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials. Both places offer... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Jane Austen’s London
The celebrated English novelist Jane Austen primarily lived between Bath and Hampshire. However, London also held a special significance in Austen's life. Many of her novels drew inspiration from the capital, like Lydia Bennet and Mr Wickham’s elopement in “Pride & Prejudice.”
One of Austen's cherished spots in London was Twinings, a renowned tea shop. Jane Austen was known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
One of Austen's cherished spots in London was Twinings, a renowned tea shop. Jane Austen was known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Kensington/Knightsbridge Walking Tour
Situated just below Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and South Kensington are two adjacent neighborhoods with grand Victorian homes and leafy garden squares. Home to London’s most expensive homes, Knightsbridge has some of the highest density of millionaires in the world. This is clearly reflected in the selection of stores & restaurants in the area, including the famous Harvey Nichols and Harrods... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Harry Potter Walking Tour I
The arrival of Harry Potter books, followed by tremendously successful Hollywood adaptation, has made London an even more popular destination now with the Harry Potter fans all over the world. The list of attractions in the city associated with Potter’s journeys includes both, newly-invented as well as some long-standing locations.
On Part I of the self-guided Happy Potter Walking Tour, you... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
On Part I of the self-guided Happy Potter Walking Tour, you... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Bridges of London
Around thirty bridges span the Thames river in London, each with its own story. Our self-guided walk takes you to see nine such historical structures located in the heart of the city, starting from the storied Westminster Bridge and ending at the iconic Tower Bridge.
The latter has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognizable bridges in the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
The latter has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognizable bridges in the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
London Souvenirs: 20 Distinctively British Products for Travelers
Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...