London Attractions Familiar Attractions National GalleryNational Gallery - Covent Garden
The National Gallery is the largest and the premier (hence the name) gallery in the UK, with collections spanning the early Middle ages to the 20th century. 
The building itself is grand and cavernous with enormous care having been taken to present the works in a digestible and logical sequence. There are so many well known canvases in The National Gallery that around every corner there's an 'ooh' and 'ahh' of recognition. Amongst others you'll find works by: Titian, Turner, Raphael, Caravaggio, Botticelli and Rubens. Rooms are lit from above in the Sainsbury Wing and supplemented by automated lighting if the sun goes behind a cloud, so you never see the paintings in anything less than their best light.
The Medieval Art has been restored (which has received much criticism by 'experts'), so that they positively gleam, whereas previously, they were dun and rather lacking colour. There's too much to take in, in one visit, so probably best to visit in several stages. With such a central location, this presents no problem and if you live in the capital, there's nothing to prevent you visiting the National Gallery as often as you like.
The main crush will be around the impressionist paintings which draw the largest and most enthusiastic crowds - Van Goch, Seurat and Monet are well represented and ten-deep with admirers, but it's all in good spirit. People are just pleased to see them and the atmosphere is always polite and well mannered. Along with the Tate Britain, the National Gallery is an essential stop on a visitor's tour of London. Aside from the well-known canvasses - it's the lesser known works and the extraordinary beauty of the gallery itself, that will stay with you.
Head east along the Strand, passing in front of Charing Cross Station and shortly you'll arrive at Bedford Street on your left. A brief walk north will bring you into the main piazza of Covent Garden. You can explore the shops, cafes and numerous street acts (the main cobbled area at the west end of Covent Garden always has some kind of performance in progress). Be sure when you're done to head north, passing the Tube station on your left, and into Neal Street. Many boutiques and independent designers are based here. Taking a left onto Shorts Gardens and you will see a sign on your right, half-way up, pointing to the quirky conglomeration of shops which make up Neal's Yard. This 'Seven Dials' area is one of the best shopping districts in London and a favourite with Hollywood celebs. Many appearing in theatres such as the Donmar Warehouse stay in the informal luxury hotels here.
Open: Daily 10am–6pm, Fridays 10am–9pm
Admission: Free
The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN.
Charing Cross or Leicester Square Tube.
Call: 020 7747 2885
Covent Garden Piazza, London, WC2E 8RF.
Covent Garden, Leicester Square or Charing Cross Tube.
