Bohemian Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia
You will find located in the heart of London lies the neighbouring quarters of Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia. These were developed as London spread north in the 17th and 18th centuries, and contain an array of historic and contemporary buildings and landmarks.
Indeed, walk along their streets just north of Oxford Street and follow the footsteps of famous residents including Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens, George Orwell and the "Bloomsbury Set" such as the novelist Virginia Woolf. In addition, Bob Marley, Ricky Gervais and the novelist Ian McEwan have also lived there.
Bloomsbury has many beautiful garden squares to explore which act as lungs for the city. As well as being the historic home of literary giants it houses museums, pubs, restaurants and impressive academic and medical institutions. Fitzrovia meanwhile is particularly known for its pubs and as a fashionable address.
Make a beeline for the British Museum in Great Russell Street. One of the greatest museums in the world, it is therefore good to know that entrance is free. Allow yourself plenty of time to view everything from Egyptian mummies to the Elgin marbles. What's more, its Print Room is a hidden gem containing many works by the great masters, as well as contemporary artists.
The streets around the British Museum are crammed with a wide variety of ethnic restaurants reflecting the diversity of London. As such, you can choose between Japanese, Greek or Italian food, or alternatively plump for a traditional British pub lunch.
Heading north you can take in the impressive variety of architecture that makes up the University College London. The Octagon dates from 1827 and is an impressive example of neoclassical style. Meanwhile, Senate House in Malet Street is an Art Deco design building which has featured in many films and TV programmes.
In contrast to its rather stern appearance you can rest your eyes on the greenery of one of the beautiful landscaped garden squares which date back to the founding of Bloomsbury in the 18th century. Bedford Square has some of the finest Georgian architecture in London with its rows of grand townhouses and equally admirable London hotels.
Closeby you can also see famous London institutions such as Great Ormond Street Hospital, the British Medical Association in Tavistock Square and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in Gower Street. RADA has its own theatre which often stages public performances.
Round off your visit by a foray into Fitzrovia where the iconic BT Tower dominates the landscape. As such, head for the Fitzroy Tavern on Charlotte Street which gives the area its name. This has been the hub of a bohemian and creative scene since the 1920s, with a similar atmosphere to the famous cafes of the Parisian Left Bank.
Indeed, London is immersed with fascinating architecture and cultural activities to experience; the most difficult aspect is attempting to fit everything into your visit.
Indeed, walk along their streets just north of Oxford Street and follow the footsteps of famous residents including Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens, George Orwell and the "Bloomsbury Set" such as the novelist Virginia Woolf. In addition, Bob Marley, Ricky Gervais and the novelist Ian McEwan have also lived there.
Bloomsbury has many beautiful garden squares to explore which act as lungs for the city. As well as being the historic home of literary giants it houses museums, pubs, restaurants and impressive academic and medical institutions. Fitzrovia meanwhile is particularly known for its pubs and as a fashionable address.
Make a beeline for the British Museum in Great Russell Street. One of the greatest museums in the world, it is therefore good to know that entrance is free. Allow yourself plenty of time to view everything from Egyptian mummies to the Elgin marbles. What's more, its Print Room is a hidden gem containing many works by the great masters, as well as contemporary artists.
The streets around the British Museum are crammed with a wide variety of ethnic restaurants reflecting the diversity of London. As such, you can choose between Japanese, Greek or Italian food, or alternatively plump for a traditional British pub lunch.
Heading north you can take in the impressive variety of architecture that makes up the University College London. The Octagon dates from 1827 and is an impressive example of neoclassical style. Meanwhile, Senate House in Malet Street is an Art Deco design building which has featured in many films and TV programmes.
In contrast to its rather stern appearance you can rest your eyes on the greenery of one of the beautiful landscaped garden squares which date back to the founding of Bloomsbury in the 18th century. Bedford Square has some of the finest Georgian architecture in London with its rows of grand townhouses and equally admirable London hotels.
Closeby you can also see famous London institutions such as Great Ormond Street Hospital, the British Medical Association in Tavistock Square and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in Gower Street. RADA has its own theatre which often stages public performances.
Round off your visit by a foray into Fitzrovia where the iconic BT Tower dominates the landscape. As such, head for the Fitzroy Tavern on Charlotte Street which gives the area its name. This has been the hub of a bohemian and creative scene since the 1920s, with a similar atmosphere to the famous cafes of the Parisian Left Bank.
Indeed, London is immersed with fascinating architecture and cultural activities to experience; the most difficult aspect is attempting to fit everything into your visit.