This is a rebuild of Shakespeare's Globe theater, ...

This is a rebuild of Shakespeare's Globe theater, which burnt down in 1613 during a performance of Henry VIII. It's situated in Bankside (on the south side of the Thames), around 250 meters from the original site which is under archeological protection and cannot be viewed. If you want to look at the original site, look for the Financial Times building, and it's right opposite that. This new Globe was opened in 1997 as a result of the tremendous efforts made by the American actor, Sam Wanamaker, a Shakespeare enthusiast. Getting there is very easy, just take the tube to London Bridge or Southwark and walk around 9 minutes towards the river or the Millenium bridge. I recommend first taking a tour of the theater before attending a show because you get to see parts of the layout and construction of this iconic building. Tickets for the tour are easily available, and there are tours in several languages on an hourly basis. If you're lucky, you might actually get the opportunity of watching a rehearsal (we walked in on The Merry Wives of Windsor), although you'll be instructed to be absolutely silent and motionless during the dry run. The theater itself is around half the size of what it used to be during Shakespeare's time. You might be allowed to walk around and take pictures, although I was told that this is generally not the case. I could have spent an entire day admiring the construction, but during the tour which lasts 40 minutes, you have only around 15 - 20 min inside the actual theater. After the tour, decide if you want to attend a show. There are some matinees, but mostly evening shows starting after 7 PM. We were able to get tickets for Henry IV Part I, a fantastic production. The Globe ensemble is currently one of the best and most highly trained troupes in the world, with the acting and delivery being simply superb. Groundling tickets (standing only) are just 5 pounds and an immensely interactive experience. The best seats are in the front gallery (sitting), right opposite the stage, and cost around 48 pounds each. It does get quite chilly after the sun goes down, so carry warm clothing. The wooden seats can unfortunately be quite uncomfortable, but you can hire a cushion on site. If you've decided to be a groundling, carry a raincoat because umbrellas are not allowed and the pits are unroofed. In the winter months, performances take place in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, which is right next door. After the show, enjoy an ale and some tasty pub grub in one of the pubs on either side of the Thames while discussing the Bard.