Travel Channel

John Soane was the most interesting architect practicing at the turn of the 19th century, and he transformed his home (two average townhouses) into a showcase of what he was capable of. His big talent was doing things with ‘space’, and he created jaw-droppingly innovative interiors that play with your sense of proportion. As if this weren’t enough, he was an avid collector of everything, and it all survives, two hundred years later. To walk around the house is to enter another world. If they are not already on display, ask the stewards to show you the Piranesis (they love being asked) and gasp in amazement as they literally fold back the walls! Admission to this gem is free, and to avoid overcrowding, you may have to wait outside a few minutes. Tip: the first Tuesday of each month is opened late, and with candlelight!