Overview

Suffocated by the concrete tower blocks and skinny skyscrapers that swamp the Barbican, The only way for a first-timer to locate the Barbican Centre is to pay strict attention to the yellow lines on the ground which guide you from the nearest tube stations. Architecturally, the center is something of a 1960s-style monstrosity, but the hive of activity inside more than makes up for that. Contained in the complex you'll find the Barbican Cinema, which is always at the cutting edge of art house cinematography; the Barbican Theatre, which plays host to the Royal Shakespeare Company, among others; the Barbican Hall, home of the London Symphony Orchestra; and the Barbican Gallery, which showcases unique talent from around the world, such as Helmut Newton and Iranian contemporary artists. You can even enjoy a pre or post theater meal at the excellent restaurant, Searcy's.