Shakespeare's Globe, London (must see)

Welcome to Shakespeare’s Globe—or, as some like to call it, the Bard’s comeback tour, 400 years in the making. This stunning open-air theater is a faithful, full-thatch, no-nails, "mind the splinters" replica of the original Globe Playhouse. The original Globe opened in 1599 but met a rather dramatic end in 1613 when a stage cannon misfired during a performance. Boom! Theater barbecue...

A few centuries on, enter Sam Wanamaker—an American actor and director with a British theater obsession and the patience of a saint. He spent decades rallying support to resurrect the Globe, and by 1997, his dream was finally realized. The new Globe stands just 200 yards from where the original once stood, crafted with the same old-school tools and materials (no concrete shortcuts here). Today, it stages Shakespeare’s hits, deep cuts, and even some gems by his playwright pals.

Now, if you're planning to channel your inner Elizabethan and stand as a "Groundling"—congrats! You'll be closest to the action. But don’t expect a seat or sympathy for your aching feet. Want to sit like a civilized 17th-century noble? Great, there are benches—wooden, backless, and full of historical charm. Pro tip: rent a cushion. Or bring one. Or risk the full Tudor chiropractic experience...

And yes, this is an open-air venue. Come rain or shine, or heatwave, or hail—the show must go on. Umbrellas are a no-go (sorry, your neighbor’s view matters too), but you can grab a stylish Globe poncho, which doubles as a weather shield and souvenir.

The main season runs from April to October. If you prefer candlelit drama without the outdoor breeze, head next door to the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, a 350-seat Jacobean gem lit entirely by candlelight. It’s cozy, atmospheric, and yes—some benches are still backless. You’ve been warned.

Why visit? – You may ask. Because this is as close as you’ll ever get to actual time travel without a DeLorean (remember that car from the Back to the Future trilogy). So, if you’re a die-hard Shakespeare fan or just in it for the costumes and swordfights, the Globe delivers the drama, the laughs, and the full Renaissance vibes all the same.

Curtain up, ponchos on—see you in Southwark...

Tip:
Join a guided tour before 4 pm (unless a matinee’s on, then get in before noon). Wanamaker tours are rarer, so book those in advance if you're lucky enough to find one.