Part of the Southbank Centre—the United Kingdom’s largest arts center, comprising multiple venues—the Royal Festival Hall was built during the Festival of Britain, and was the city’s first postwar building to be granted protected status. Home to the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the venue also attracts world-renowned musicians and other performers to its stage.
Given its pride of place on the South Bank, you’ll likely glimpse the Royal Festival when sightseeing in London, whether you’re on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, a Thames river cruise, or a private driving tour. It’s also easy to book tickets to a show and go on your own.