London - Royal Albert Hall of Arts & Sciences

Must-see attractions nearby: St Paul's Cathedral Tower of London Trafalgar Square Westminster Abbey British Museum Victoria & Albert Museum Greenwich

It was hailed by contemporaries as a noble building, worthy of Rome in its golden age - a judgment not wholly confirmed by later generations. Although originally noted for its poor acoustics - a defect which was later put right - this huge amphitheater with its great glass dome has developed over the years into one of London's most popular concert halls both for classical and popular music.

The famous "Proms" take place here every year from July to September. The programs range over the repertoire from the Baroque period to the present day. Tickets are reasonably priced and the audiences are large and heterogeneous. Particularly popular is the "last night of the Proms", a traditional occasion on which the atmosphere is good-humored and relaxed and the conductor has to maintain his hold over the audience as well as over the orchestra.

One of the first concert halls built anywhere, this building was modeled on the Coliseum of Rome.