A trip to London would not be complete without a few museum visits. But with almost 200 museums in the English capital, making a decision as to which one should be on your must-see list and which ones you can pass on is not an easy feat. The selection below includes seven of the best museums in London if you’re into art, history, or if you’re exploring the city with kids in tow. Even if you’re a repeat visitor, you’ll find something new to check out. And don’t fret about the travel budget: Many of the best museums in London are free.
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The Best Museums in London for Mummies, Giant Whales, and Big Red Buses
Where are the best museums in London located?
The best museums in London for art aficionados
Tate Modern
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Since its opening in May 2000, Tate Modern has become a global destination for contemporary art, attracting more than 40 million visitors in a little more than two decades. In the striking building that used to be a former power station, Tate Modern displays national and international modern artwork (paintings, sculptures, and more), which includes pieces by Pablo Picasso and Aboriginal artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye. There are also regular temporary exhibitions such as Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirror Rooms. Tate Modern is located across the Thames from St Paul’s Cathedral by the pedestrian-only Millenium Bridge, now an iconic piece of modern London architecture.
Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG, UK
Hours of operation: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6 PM. Closed on December 24, 25, and 26.
Cost: Free and unticketed admission to the permanent collection. Some exhibitions carry a separate charge and require a ticket.
The Victoria and Albert Museum
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If you’re looking for an exciting museum experience that goes beyond the typical archaeological finds and paintings, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum, also known as the V&A. With its focus on art and design, the vast collection offers something to satisfy all tastes — from quirky ceramics to stunning items of clothing; glamorous jewels to funky pieces furniture; immense sculptures to contemporary art installations. Take one of the many themed free tours available and carve some time to stop at the museum café, specifically the Gamble Room, the Poynter Room, and the William Morris Room, where the decor is dazzling, to say the least.
Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL, UK
Hours of operation: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:45 PM. Open until 10 PM on Fridays.
Cost: Admission is free. Some exhibitions and events carry a separate charge.
The National Gallery
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The National Gallery is the perfect destination for an afternoon of admiration and inspiration. Whether you join a free one-hour tour (Tuesday to Thursday from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM) or take in 700 years of paintings at your own pace, you’ll discover some iconic artworks from greats like Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh, as well as British artists John Constable and JMW Turner — all under one immense and stunning 19th century roof.
Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, UK
Hours of operation: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6 PM. Open until 9 PM on Fridays. Closed on December 24, 25, and 26, as well as January 1.
Cost: Admission is free. Advanced booking is strongly advised. Some exhibitions and events carry a separate charge.
The best museums in London for history lovers
The British Museum
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The British Museum is arguably the most famous cultural institution in London and visitors should be remiss not to visit it. Explore its vast collection of artifacts and artwork from all over the world, including the famous Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and the Sutton Hoo helmet. The most popular rooms in the museum are #62 and #63 on level three, where the Egyptian mummies are kept.
Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, UK
Hours of operation: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5 PM. Open until 8:30 PM on Fridays. Closed on December 24, 25, and 26.
Cost: Admission is free. Advanced booking is strongly advised. Some exhibitions and events carry a separate charge.
The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
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If you’ve already seen the Ancient Egypt gallery at the British Museum and want more, head over to the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology. Home to over 80,000 Egyptian and Sudanese archeological artifacts from the Pharaohs’ era through to the Islamic period, the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology is lesser-known, but very much worth a visit. There are everyday objects like jewelry, weapons, and pottery, and timeless relics such as Roman footwear, the world’s oldest dress in existence, and an example of pot burial.
Address: University College London, Malet Place, London WC1E 6BT, UK
Hours of operation: Tuesday to Friday from 1 PM to 5 PM and Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Cost: Admission is free and no booking is required.
The best museums in London for kids
The Museum of Natural History
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Get an up-close look at history and explore the wonders of nature by visiting London’s National History Museum. Beautiful both inside and out, the Museum of Natural History is well suited for children but will also satisfy the curiosity of adults. Start with a stroll through Hintze Hall to take in awe-inspiring views of Earth’s largest mammals, a massive 4.5 ton blue whale skeleton. For something equally impressive yet quite different, venture over to the Vault gallery to see the world’s largest collection of coloured diamonds, some of which glow in the dark. Kids visiting will love getting face time with dinos from long ago in the Dinosaur gallery where a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton awaits them.
Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
Hours of operation: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5 PM. Closed on December 24, 25 and 26.
Cost: Admission is free for the permanent collection but entry ticket must be booked online in advance. Some exhibitions require a separate charge and tickets must also be purchased in advance.
The London Transport Museum
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From horse-drawn buses to vintage tube trains, the London Transport Museum explore the city’s rich transport history. Check out retired vehicles that used to zoom on and under the streets of London from the start of the 20th century to the 21st, such as trams, trolley buses, trains, double-decker buses, and more. Enjoy looking at the many maps, transport signs, and photographs showcasing how transportation shaped one of Europe’s great cities — then take home some unique mementos from the gift shop, such as retro posters, classic signage, and even bus and train models. All Aboard, the museum play zone for kids, lets your little ones dress up in uniforms and explore a mini fleet of vehicles.
Address: The Piazza, London WC2E 7BB, UK
Hours of operation: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6 PM.
Cost: A ticket to The London Transport Museum will cost you $26 (£21) and is valid for 12 months so you can go again if you wish to do so. Visitors under the age of 17 enter for free. There are discounts for seniors (aged 60 and over) and students with a valid ID.
Where to stay in London to be near the city’s best museums
We’ve already rounded up the best London Airbnbs across the city. Here are our top picks for stylish Airbnb stays near London’s top museums.
We hope you love the Airbnbs we recommend in London! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Apartment in the heart of Kensington
Just a few minutes on foot from the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum, this sophisticated apartment located in the heart of Kensington is a mix of contemporary and traditional architecture and design. The living room, with its extensive library, chandelier, and fireplace will inspire relaxation and luxury while the fully equipped kitchen will let you make your own elaborate meals if you so choose. With its two beds and two bathrooms, the apartment can accommodate a maximum of three guests, all of whom must be adults.
Penthouse Studio with view of the Thames
Located right by Millenium Bridge and the Tate Modern, this Penthouse studio is the ideal place for those who want to explore London on foot. St Paul’s Cathedral is across the river via the aforementioned bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe is next door, and London Bridge is a short walk away on the river bank. The decor is simple and contemporary and the space is light and airy. The balcony allows for great views of the city and the Thames. There is no separate bedroom as the large bed is located in the living space. This studio is suited for two guests only.
Luxury apartment in Fitzrovia
A short stroll away from both the British Museum and the The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, this luxury apartment is beautifully decorated, clean, full of light, and newly renovated. The apartment can accommodate four guests, but only has one one private bedroom (there is a sofa bed in the living room) and one bathroom. There is a washing machine in the apartment for travelers needing to do a spot of laundry and an elevator in the building so you don’t need to sweat your way up the stairs with your luggage. This luxury apartment is located in a stunning historical building. 