As a city steeped in such a wealth of history and culture, any visit to London is going to leave travellers pondering which sights to see, which venues to visit – especially so if the travel itinerary is tight – as you plan your adventures around the English capital.
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One fun way to set your daily visiting objectives is to focus on particular themes, so if you have a keen eye and admiration for architecture, these spectacular art-nouveau buildings might be right up your alley. What’s more, contained within the sumptuous late 1800s and early 1900s exteriors of these historic locations is a wide variety of activities to enjoy.
Whitechapel Gallery
Boasting a pioneering history since its doors first opened in 1901, The Whitechapel is internationally renowned for its exhibitions of modern and contemporary art and pioneering educational reach. This was the first venue to display masterpieces such as Picasso’s Guernica and showcase the works of iconic American abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock to the British public.
Considered to be a genuine hub of the contemporary art movement, you can easily lose track of time as you wander through the beautiful galleries, taking in the unique visual splendor of the latest exhibitions. With a comprehensive schedule of events at the official Whitechapel Gallery website, there is always something fascinating to see.
Hippodrome Casino
Just in case you didn’t know, Hippodrome as a word refers to places of entertainment, and since this historic venue originally opened in 1900, many of the most famous musical and acting talents have appeared here for over a century. Indeed, the first ever show was a music hall revue featuring none other than Charlie Chaplin, prior to his rise to fame on the silver screen.
Undergoing much evolution over the decades as a leading entertainment venue, these days as The Hippodrome Casino, this building remains one of the premier hotspots to visit in London’s popular West End, offering music shows, theatre and casino games. In fact, in the case of the latter, the brand has expanded its offering to the online world. On the Hippodrome Casino online website, you’ll find more information about the venue’s three gambling floors and live entertainment on offer as well as interactive online casino games, including slots, roulette and blackjack.
The Black Friar Pub
Built in 1875 on the site of a Dominican friary, The Black Friar pub in Blackfriars is revered for its range of real ales and traditional “pub grub” on offer, lovingly served with the most generous of British hospitality. This historic Art Nouveau establishment preserves all the original charm, with jolly friars appearing throughout the pub’s sculptures, mosaics, and reliefs.
You will genuinely feel like you’re taking a step back in time as you sit down for a hearty meal and a pint of proper British ale, with many to choose from, all produced at traditional breweries around the UK. To get a flavor of what to expect, whet your appetite with a good look through the website, which also offers 25% off your next food bill and a special birthday treat every year.
Burlington Arcade
Amusingly, Burlington Arcade was reputedly built prevent passers-by tossing oyster shells and assorted rubbish over the neighboring house, owned by Lord George Cavendish. First opened in 1819, the Arcade would prove to be the precursor to the mid-19th-century shopping gallery and even modern shopping centers. Many of the huge shopping malls that we know today might not have existed were it not for this pioneering location.
A stroll down this pedestrian arcade which is covered by a glazed roof and packed with quaint and smartly uniform shop fronts is like an authentic walk into the past itself, running along the back of Bond Street and through to Burlington Gardens. Some of the fine goods in the upmarket antique and jewelry stores might be a little out of range of many pockets, but, of course, there’s nothing to stop you window shopping the marvelous goods on display.
The Apollo Theatre
No visit to the West End of London would be complete without taking in a show, whether it’s an award-winning and impactful stage drama, a comedy that tickles your funny bones, or a lively and vibrant musical production. Nestled in the very heart of the famous Theatre District is the beautifully refurbished Apollo Theatre.
It was actually an American musical comedy, “The Belle of Bohemia,” which graced this famous stage when the theatre first opened its doors in 1901, but nowadays there’s a wide range of themes and genres on offer. Before visiting in person, it’s always worth hopping onto the Apollo Theatre website, so you can peruse the latest schedule of shows and performance dates.
Art Nouveau Appreciation – London Style!
While it’s fair to say that some modern London architecture is far from pleasing to the eye, these spectacular Art Nouveau gems have been lovingly restored and preserved for future generations of visitors to enjoy. They all offer a wide range of different experiences as you pass through the doors of their fanciful facades, but all retain their historic charm and beauty.