London is without doubt the cultural hub of England, housing a plethora of galleries, art events, theatres, sustainable attractions, parks and architectural gems.
At the heart of culture is music and art. London holds a variety of concerts throughout the year, with upcoming concerts including the London Symphony Chorus’ adaptation of Bach’s St Matthew Passion at the Barbican Centre and the St George’s Day Gala at the Royal Albert Hall.
Art-wise, the Royal Academy of Arts, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, National Gallery, Somerset House and The Haywood are some of London’s most popular art attractions. In these galleries, you will be able to take in the likes of Damien Hirst, Caravaggio and Stubbs, in some of the most decadent surroundings in the world.
Whilst London is full of Classical, Georgian and Postmodern architecture, for something a little more Brutalist, the Barbican Estate offers a stark contrast. Constructed during the 1960′s, the estate was to be a utopia for modern living. Despite other Modernist tower blocks of similar style falling out of favour, the Barbican, possibly due to its central London location and cultural roots, remained popular – being granted Grade II listed status in 2001.
For a relaxing experience, take a picnic to one of London’s Royal Parks. Greenwich Park is a favourite, covering 74 hectares of land. The park is home to a small herd of deer and the famous Greenwich Royal Observatory. Giving encompassing views of the Thames and St Paul’s, the park will also be home to the equestrian element of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
For those wanting a snippet of London’s nightlife culture, Camden and Soho are trendy locations, with bars and clubs such as Koko, China White, The Electric Ballroom and Geisha being en vogue options amongst a smörgåsbord of choice.
Archive for January, 2010
Cultural Activities to do in London
January 8th, 2010Nightlife in Bucharest
January 7th, 2010Whether you’re in Bucharest on a cultural pilgrimage, for business, or just to relax and take in the sites as you stroll the city’s boulevards and parks, the nightlife in this liveliest of cities is a must see. From the chic clubs of the Strada Smardan, home to cafe terrace-style relaxation in the evening and energetic yet relaxed clubbing at night, to its dance clubs and Irish style pubs, there is something for for everyone in this energetic cultural hub.
Ideally an evening will start with a meal after time spent relaxing in your chosen Bucharest Hotel. With Asian, French, Italian, Lebanese and local food all strongly represented, you can’t go wrong eating out, so long as you stick to the basic rules: eat where there are plenty of locals and not in the very touristy areas. Try Bistro Atheneu or La Cocosatu for the best mici, a simple Romanian dish of rolled grilled meat and herbs, ideal for keeping you going throughout the day and night! For simplicity, La Mama, a Romanian chain selling surprisingly good authentic Romanian food, provides sustenance for those troopers destined for the night even after a long days sight seeing!
If it’s intrigue you’re after, the English Bar, old time haunt of cold war spies, is still frequented by diplomatics sipping cocktails: Shaken not stirred! Those staying centrally may want to try dj club Terminus, between the Raddison Blu and the Hilton Bucharest Hotels. Or for something completely different head to the Ramayana cafe and hookah lounge, where the decor – somewhere between startlingly original and kitsch – attracts a hip yet discerning crowd.
For something edgier, try the Other Side and the Kristal Glam club for dance music, or the Kulturhaus for punk and indie. For those confident of their dancing skills, popular Salsa venues such as the aptly names ‘Salsa Club’ are an ideal port of call. But beware, the Romanians take their dancing very seriously!