Whether you love it, hate it, or have never managed to understand it, modern art is always a great talking point.
It’s for that reason that I was super excited when my date proposed to have our first meeting at the Tate Modern.
It’s a nice ice breaker because there’s so much happening around you – it makes for great conversation: you have some of the most iconic artists, groundbreaking new exhibitions and the hustle and bustle of London’s culture-scene all under one roof.
The best thing about the Tate Modern - besides everything they have inside the building, is its location. The Southbank is one of the most versatile places to start – with just about anything a person could want on a first date within walking distance.
Tip #1
I would recommend is to check out their website to see what’s on or plan your route around the gallery – www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern. I wasn't prepared and I felt a bit lost from time to time.
The Tate Modern is filled with wonderful art, but perhaps the most beautiful thing to be found here is up on the roof. Nope, it’s not some avant-garde art project – it’s the stunning views of central London. The Tate Modern Viewing Platform offers picture-perfect vistas of the city, and best of all, it’s free.
Once you’ve completed a lazy meander around the Tate Modern, you’d do well to take the lift to the top of the Blavatnik Building.
Tip #2
Wear comfy shoes. Due of the long waiting at the elevators to reach the viewing platform, we decided to take the stairs. Great cardio exercise but it would have been challenging if I didn't wear the right shoes.
Up on the tenth floor sits the Tate Modern Viewing Platform, which offers 360-degree views of the city. Amongst the sights to be seen up here are St Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge, The Shard, Canary Wharf, and on clear days, Wembley Stadium.
The views may not be as high as the ones from say, the Sky Garden, but they are pretty dreamy. Particularly on sunny days, when the Thames is sparkling, as opposed to filthy. The Tate Modern Viewing Platform also boasts a bar, which happily means those views can be enjoyed with a drink in hand.
“The best part of my date was the Tate Modern’s viewing platform: it offers gorgeous views of London - for free.”
Whilst the views are gorgeous by day, the platform is transformed by night. With the lights of London twinkling below you, the city almost looks like a painting.
Good to know.
Location
Level 10, Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG. Nearest stations are Southwark and Blackfriars. See it on Google Maps.
Opening hours
10am-6pm (Sunday to Thursday)
10am-10pm (Fridays and Saturdays)
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Entry: Free Website: https://www.tate.org.uk