Two London Art Gems You Can’t Miss
A Day at Tate Modern: Why It’s My Favorite Spot in London
If you’re looking for a perfect mix of art, good vibes, and a killer view of the Thames, let me tell you about my visit to Tate Modern in September. It’s hands down my favorite place in London, and trust me, you don’t need to be an art expert to love it here.
First off, you can just walk right in—no reservations needed for the permanent exhibitions, which is super convenient. I spent a good couple of hours wandering through the free sections, which cover three floors, and there’s so much to see. You’ll recognize some famous pieces if you've ever watched an art documentary, but it’s also great to stumble upon things you haven’t seen before. And even better, it’s never too crowded, so you can actually take your time enjoying everything without feeling rushed.
Now, if you want to catch one of their special exhibits, you’ll need to grab a ticket. Pro tip: book those online in advance because they do limit how many people can go in. But even if you’re just sticking to the free stuff, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained for hours.
One thing that caught me off guard was how tricky it can be to find your way around. There’s no map (seriously, why not?), and you kind of get funneled through the gift shops—which, by the way, are packed with some very cool but very pricey books and gadgets. I guess that’s how they manage to keep the permanent exhibitions free, though.
But let’s talk about the real highlight—lunch at the cafe on the upper floor. You get this absolutely amazing view of the river and St. Paul’s, which totally crowns the visit. I had pizza and a slice of Victoria Sponge cake (yes, dessert is a must), and it was honestly perfect. The cake has this wild combo of cream and jam on top, which shouldn’t work but totally does. Much like a lot of the art there!
Speaking of art, one of the pieces that stood out to me was Helen Chadwick’s snow sculptures—so ethereal and thought-provoking. That’s the cool thing about Tate Modern, though—you never know what’s going to catch your eye. You don’t need to plan too much ahead; just walk around, and you’ll find something that speaks to you.
If you’re into solo trips, this place is perfect. It’s so peaceful, and you can just enjoy the art at your own pace. You don’t need to rush or feel pressured. Plus, even though it’s one of London’s major art galleries, it never feels too busy. Every time I go, I discover something new. And honestly, I always feel like I’m in my own little bubble of creativity while I’m there.
Why You Should Visit the Moco Museum in London
If you’re looking for something fun and different to do in London, the Moco Museum is one spot I’d totally recommend, especially if you’re exploring solo like I was when I went in September. It’s relatively new on the scene, but wow, it’s already made a big impression on me!
I initially went to check out Robbie Williams’ art (yep, he paints on the side—who knew?), but honestly, the whole museum had so much to offer beyond that. It’s spread over three floors, with everything from traditional paintings to super cool visual installations. My personal favorite was this crazy mirror room where both the floor and ceiling are mirrored. It felt like I’d walked into another dimension!
They also have a calming Japanese garden room and a marble Porsche (because why not?). Every exhibit just pulls you in and makes you stop and think for a moment. It’s one of those places where you can take your time and really appreciate the variety of art, which is perfect if you're visiting on your own and want to go at your own pace.
The museum has such a chill vibe too. It’s super clean and modern, and the lighting is on point—it enhances the art without being too much. Plus, the staff was really friendly from start to finish, which made the whole experience even better. The building isn’t packed with people either, so it’s easy to just wander around and take it all in without any rush.
One of the highlights for me was a video installation by Ezequiel Pini from Six N. Five Studio. It was super out-of-the-box and visually stunning. It’s the kind of thing that stays with you long after you leave.
Oh, and if you’re into souvenirs, definitely check out the gift shop. It’s got all kinds of cool merch and books featuring artists from the exhibits. I may have spent a little too much time browsing there.
Now, I know London has a lot of free museums, so you might wonder if Moco is worth the ticket price. Honestly, for me, it totally was. The museum is fresh and different from the more traditional places you usually visit, and it features work from huge names like Banksy and Damien Hirst, plus some newer, lesser-known artists. The fact that it’s still kind of under the radar means it’s not packed, which is always a plus in my book.
If you’ve only got an hour to spare, that’s plenty of time to see a good chunk of the museum. But trust me, you could easily spend more time there if you want to dig deeper into the exhibits. I had such a great time just exploring on my own, getting lost in the art, and feeling inspired.
So if you’re in London and looking for something unique to do, give Moco a shot. Whether you’re a big art fan or just curious to see something different, it’s definitely worth checking out—especially if you're traveling solo and want a place to explore at your own pace!
