Major arts destination
An impressive if infuriatingly convoluted brutalist-style arts complex, the Barbican Centre [opened in 1982] was once the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company but now stages visiting international productions. Other features include an excellent concert hall with very good acoustics [mostly classical music], an art space and three cinemas showing an eclectic range of indie, foreign and Hollywood movies at prices that are inexpensive by London standards. Plus a gallery shop, restaurants, indoor and outdoor cafés and myriad special events. Located between Smithfield and Clerkenwell [two areas worth investigating] and best reached via Barbican tube station. Within walking distance of the City of London proper and, slightly further afield but well worth it for 17th/18th-century architetcture and atmosphere, Spitalfields. Recommended nearby restaurant: St. John [see entry]. The Barbican is a 12-minute bus ride east of Soho.

Tags: Architecture , Cafe / Bistro , Theater , Cinema , Art , Music , Gallery