Tate Modern

I visited Tate Modern for the first time earlier this year and thought it was brilliant. So much so in fact that I decided to become a member which gives free entry to paying exhibitions at all four Tates and access to members' rooms, amongst other things.

It's probably not for people who don't enjoy modern art unless they're prepared to visit with an open mind.

A previous reviewer mentioned that the audio/multimedia guide (which features not only audio but pictures and videos) was difficult to use. I disagree I found it very easy to navigate around and it added to my enjoyment of my visit to the museum enormously.

I LOVE the Tate Modern! I been there twice and it was totally worth it both times. First, you might not like modern art but it is a great conversation piece (my 3 yr old could do that!). Second, most of it is FREE! The only part you have to pay for is the special shows. The benefit of paying is that they are less busy. The free rooms are packed full of screaming kids. Third, the food is pretty good so when you get tired, grab a banana bread, some water and enjoy the view. Finally, the store is pretty good. You could spend quite a bit of time in the store alone.

The bad parts are, no photography and people seem to enjoy bringing their screaming kids.

I went to the Tate Modern yesterday. I am so glad we joined up the free guided tours they offered at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Had I known how helpful the tours would be, I would have gone earlier in the day for the 10 and 11 o'clock tours for the two other galleries. I now know what to look for in these art forms that had quite escaped me before. The Soviet propaganda poster exhibit was especially intriguing, and opened a window to what life must have been like in a country where information was so tightly controlled.

Lunch in the restaurant on the 7th floor was lovely, but to get a seat next to the window, I advise booking a reservation in advance.