Thinking about what to do in London? Be sure to pencil in time for some culture and learning, London museums are some of the best in the world. Better still, the majority of them are absolutely free.
If you’re wondering where to start, have a look at our round up of the biggest and best museums in London…
VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM
The Victoria & Albert Museum, locally known as 'the V&A', is the world leader in exhibiting art and design, showcasing a permanent collection of over 4.5 million objects. Go back in time to discover art through the ages, some of which dates back 5,000 years. Discover fashion, sculptures, photography, books, and more. All for free.
Price: Free, excluding selected temporary exhibitions.
SCIENCE MUSEUM
Founded in 1857, the Science Museum is one of London’s main tourist attractions. Hosting a collection of over 300,000 items, the museum also features a dedicated library and an IMAX 3D Cinema showing science and nature documentaries. It’s free, and offers loads of interactive exhibits and fascinating history, including the famous 'Puffing Billy', the oldest surviving steam locomotive, dating from 1813-14. Discover how science shaped the world here.
Price: Free, excluding selected temporary exhibitions.
MUSEUM OF LONDON
One of the best places to visit in London when you want to learn all about the city’s rich history through time is the iconic Museum of London. Attracting over a million visitors each year, you can expect to go on a deep discovery spanning Ancient, Roman and Medieval London all the way to present day. Ideal for kids with interactive children’s galleries, free activity bags and stimulating online games, there’s enough to keep the young ones entertained while the adults get clued up on all there is to know about England.
Price: Free, excluding selected temporary exhibitions.
TATE MODERN
The Tate Modern displays modern and contemporary art from 1900 to the present. It’s an absolute must-see in London, even if you're not an art lover. The newly opened Tanks and Switch House tower opens up the gallery for further exhibits and is well worth a visit on its architectural merit alone. The ground floor of this converted power plant is a great place to chill out and people-watch, and the shop stocks a wide range of books on art and culture. In fact, it’s home to the largest collection of art books in the UK. Check out the gallery’s impressive set of works from artists like Mark Rothko, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró. There are also special exhibitions, which you can enjoy for an additional fee. And don't miss out on a trip to the café on the 3rd floor, which has amazing views of London.
Price: Free, excluding selected temporary exhibitions.
TATE BRITAIN
Still in the mood for art? Take the Tate Boat along the Thames to the Tate Britain. This classical gallery was opened in 1897 and is home to iconic British art from the 16th century to the present day, including works by the Pre-Raphaelites, J. M. W. Turner, Henry Moore and William Blake. The Tate Boat runs between the Tate Modern and the Tate Britain every 40 minutes, taking you through the heart of the city. Get a spot on the outdoor deck for the best views of both sides of the river.
Price: Free, excluding selected temporary exhibitions.
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
If you’re wondering what to do in London, we suggest going to gaze at the most extensive collection of portraits in the world. With free access to over 200,000 portraits from the Tudors to the present day, you’ll see everyone from Shakespeare, Amy Winehouse to The Duchess of Cambridge, and Kate Middleton. Once you’re done working your way through the art, pop by one of the local cafés and grab a treat to eat on the steps of Trafalgar Square.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
If you're looking for things to do in London with kids, then this is the perfect choice. They’ll love the dinosaurs, and the earthquake simulator. There's also a special science lab for kids aged up to 14 years, where they can study specimens from the animal and plant worlds.
If you're visiting on a weekend, be sure to take part in an Animal Vision show, where kids have the opportunity to handle animals such as chameleons and snakes. Find out more about family activities with the museum's Parents Survival Guide.
Price: Free, excluding selected temporary exhibitions.
BRITISH MUSEUM
No visit to London would be complete without a trip to the British Museum. It’s home to over 8 million artefacts, including the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon Marbles. There are so many things to see in this museum that even a full day spent here will barely scratch the surface. Avoid museum fatigue by following their very own guide to the top sights to see if you're short of time. And if you find yourself fading, why not stop for a treat at the Museum's Court Restaurant - their High Tea is just the ticket when it all becomes a bit much. While you're in the area, make sure to have a wander around - Bloomsbury is a lovely area to explore, with a long history of culture and learning.
Price: Free, excluding selected temporary exhibitions.
WELLCOME COLLECTION
Just a short walk away from the British Museum is the Wellcome Collection, the ‘free destination for the incurably curious’. Discover a fascinating collection exploring the connection between medicine and art. Top of the list of unusual things to do in London, you’ll leave the venue with a new-found appreciation for all things health and fitness. Enjoy the exhibitions, live programming and published pieces then head to the café which offers generous portions of fresh, tasty food.
Price: Free, excluding selected temporary exhibitions.
Our list of the top museums in London is guaranteed to keep you busy throughout your trip to the UK. Make it a goal to visit as many as you can during your time in London or pick the one you’re most interested in to learn more about the city’s history, culture and art. And once you’re done, why not go for dinner at one of The Most Famous Restaurants in London?
