During your visit to London, you absolutely must take some time to explore some, or all, of the city’s world-class museums!
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Keep reading to discover a hand-picked list of London’s 10 top museums that you will not regret visiting. Known for rich history and infamous collections, London is a cultural hub, home to some of the world’s most renowned exhibits and art.
Each of London’s museums are famous for their own reasons, but all London museums are recognized for their accessibility and affordable admission, interactive and engaging displays that appeal to all ages, and cultural icons on display.
✨Which London museum will you be adding to your travel bucket list?✨
Keep reading for the saveable & downloadable Museum Map!
WHAT TO BRING & NOT BRING
When preparing for your museum excursion, remember to bring the essential items! Keep in mind that you will be walking a lot, and there may be security checkpoints at entrances, so you’ll want to pack lightly, but efficiently.
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WHAT TO BRING
Here’s a list of helpful items you might want to bring on your museum trip:
- Small Bag – to hold your phone, camera, tickets, and brochures.
- Reusable Water Bottle – check your museum’s guidelines, and potentially empty it before entering!
- Portable Charger
- ID/Wallet
- Light Layers (see below)
When visiting a museum, it’s always important to be aware of each museum’s set of rules and guidelines. You also don’t want to be stuck carrying around a bunch of unnecessary items, having to pay for a locker, or being denied entry. Here is a list of 6 items you will don’t want to bring on your museum trip:
WHAT NOT TO BRING
- Large backpacks or bags – many museums won’t allow you to bring in large backpacks or bags. You might have the option to rent a locker but this will depend on the museum. It is also not advised to wear your backpack on the front while in museums because it can be obstructive.
- Sharp objects – a safety risk!
- Food and drinks – Most museums have rules against bringing outside food and drinks.
- Pets – With the exception of service/working animals.
- Flash photography – Avoid taking any photos with your flash on to avoid disturbing others and prevent damaging any artifacts.
- Obstructive tripods or selfie sticks – As a general rule of thumb, if you do bring a tripod or selfie stick, expect that an employee might tell you to put it away, because they can pose a risk to other visitors!
WHAT TO WEAR
With a day full of learning, adventure, and lots of walking ahead, you will want to dress comfortably – but also cute! Remember you are likely to be on your feet for an extended period of time. Lastly, keep in mind that out of respect for your cultural and artistic surroundings, it is always best to dress modestly.
Also consider bringing an extra light layer in case different parts of the museum vary in temperature.
COST & TICKETS
Many of London’s museums are actually free to visit. This is due, in part, to various government departments, such as the DCMS and the Treasury, who did away with entrance fees in 2001 with the goal of widening access to the country’s culture and heritage.
However, not all museums in London are free. Continue reading to discover which museums are free of charge, which ones are paid, and how to get tickets!
If you plan to visit multiple attractions or paid museums/tours, consider getting a London Go City Explorer Pass, which allows you to customize your trip and get admission to 2 to 7 attractions for one fee!
10 BEST MUSEUMS IN LONDON
This list is in no particular order – each museum has its own unique offerings!
1: The British Museum
The famous British Museum is known for its extensive collection of artifacts and artwork that spans centuries and millenia, representing diverse cultures from around the world. The British Museum is home to the iconic Rosetta Stone – a symbol of linguistic and Egyptian history, the Elgin Marbles – Greek marble sculptures and portions of the Parthenon, the Benin Bronzes – a collection of Bronze sculptures and plaques from the Kingdom of Benin (now Nigeria), and many, many more.
TICKETS AND TOURS
COST | Tickets are free, special exhibits may require a fee.
ADVANCED BOOKING? | Yes
You can technically get tickets upon arrival but it is highly advised to book in advance. Make sure to reserve a timeslot here.
For a personalized experience, consider booking a guided walking tour or booking afternoon tea at the museum (how fun)!
2: The Victoria and Albert Museum
Also called the V&A, the Victoria and Albert Museum is another one of London’s world-famous museums known for its collection of art, design, sculptures, architecture, photography, theatre, and more. It was founded in 1852 and originally coined as the Museum of Manufactures, but in 1899 was renamed the Victoria and Albert Museum when Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone of new buildings along Exhibition Road and Cromwell Road.
This museum is a cornerstone for art and history. Make sure to spend some time in the lovely courtyard, and grab a snack or meal at the opulent dining hall!
TICKETS AND TOURS
COST | Tickets are free, special exhibits may require a fee.
ADVANCED BOOKING? | No. You don’t need to reserve a timeslot. See all the information here.
For a personalized experience, consider booking a guided walking tour!
3: The Natural History Museum
The notorious Natural History Museum is a popular visitor attraction, but also serves as a science and research center. Its exhibits, some of which are interactive, appeal to guests of all ages. The notable Romanesque exterior of the building is a pinnacle of prestige, and the interior is full of exhibits that highlight the Earth’s history, biodiversity, and natural wonders.
Here you’ll find an array of exhibits that showcase dinosaurs, minerals, the story of our planet’s evolution, and much more!
TICKETS AND TOURS
COST | Tickets are free, special exhibits may require a fee.
ADVANCED BOOKING? | Yes. Reserve your timeslot here.
For a personalized experience, consider booking a self guided audio tour!
4: London Transport Museum
Located in Covent Garden, the London Transport Museum dives into the city of London’s extensive transportation history. While this theme may be a bit niche, it will take you through an evolutionary journey through time from the origin of London’s iconic red buses, to its tube trains, and other forms of public transportation.
Here you can find vintage vehicles, interactive exhibits, and great photo ops (🤭), all which will help you gain a deeper appreciation for the active role transportation plays in London’s identity.
TICKETS AND TOURS
COST | Tickets are paid, but free for guests 17 or under.
ADVANCED BOOKING? | Yes. You need an annual pass (£22-£24) and a timed entry ticket. All ticket/pass info can be found here.
For convenience, I recommend purchasing a one time ticket through GetYourGuide or Viator.
5: The Imperial War Museum
As a homage to stories, history, and the human spirit in the face of adversity, London’s Imperial War Museum provides a somber yet insightful and important reflection on the cost of conflicts, and resilience of those who lived through them. This museum features collections of artifacts, documents, and historical narratives from World War I through present day.
TICKETS AND TOURS
COST | Tickets are free, special exhibits may require a fee.
ADVANCED BOOKING? | Yes. You can technically get tickets upon arrival but it is highly advised to book in advance. Make sure to reserve a timeslot here.
For a personalized experience, consider booking a luxury private tour.
6: The Design Museum
Needing an inspirational spark? Look no further! The Design Museum in London is located in Kensington, and is sure to offer you an explorative venture of designs in all forms. From architecture and fashion, to industrial design, to graphics, and more, you will find curated exhibitions offering deep insights into the world of design that will leave you feeling profoundly intrigued and inspired.
Fun fact: in 2018 this museum won the European Museum of the Year Award! A testament to its quality of thought-provoking exhibitions and commitment to showcasing the power of design and innovation.
You’ll find amazing artifacts here like the London 2012 Olympic Torch, Sony Walkman, Apple iPhone and even the British road signage system.
TICKETS AND TOURS
COST | Tickets are free, special exhibits may require a fee.
ADVANCED BOOKING? | It is advised to pre-book for paid exhibits. All ticket information can be found here.
7: The Museum of London
Take a historical journey through the lively city of London by visiting The Museum of London. This museum covers history dating back to prehistoric, all the way up to modern times, with a wide array of artifacts, displays, and interactive exhibits. A visit to this museum promises a comprehensive understanding of London’s past, present, people, and ever-evolving hub of excitement and culture that makes it one of the world’s most captivating cities.
TICKETS AND TOURS
COST | Tickets are free, special exhibits may require a fee.
ADVANCED BOOKING? | Not required. Read all information here.
8: The National Gallery
The National Gallery in London is a magnificent home to a collection of world-famous European art. This museum is situated at the iconic Trafalgar Square where you will uncover the story of countless artisitic masterpieces by noteworthy artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet, and more.
TICKETS AND TOURS
COST | Tickets are free, special exhibits may require a fee.
ADVANCED BOOKING? | Yes. You can technically get tickets upon arrival but it is highly advised to book in advance. Make sure to reserve a timeslot here.
For a personalized experience, consider booking a guided tour or booking afternoon tea at the museum (how fun)!
9: Wimbeldon Lawn Tennis Museum
Located on the All England Lawn Tennis Club grounds, be prepared for a unique and fascinating experience that spotlights sports and athleticism. The Wimbeldon Lawn Tennis Museum immerses you into the tennis world and takes you through the history of Wimbeldon where it showcases the evolution of the event and sport. Vintage tennis attire and championship trophies are on display, and you can also step onto the iconic Centre Court!
TICKETS AND TOURS
COST | Tickets are free, special exhibits may require a fee.
ADVANCED BOOKING? | Yes. All visits must be pre-booked. Read all the information here and book your ticket here.
10: The Tate Modern
Located on the banks of the River Thames, The Tate Modern, is an impressive contemporary art gallery with over 100 years of art. Here you’ll find work from artists such as Pablo Picasso, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Jenny Holzer, and more. From modernism in the early 1900’s to present-day work, you can delve into the world of modern and contemporary art. This is a must-visit cultural gem!
TICKETS AND TOURS
COST | Tickets are free, special exhibits may require a fee.
ADVANCED BOOKING? | Booking a ticket is recommended for exhibitions, but some tickets may be available at the door. Read all of the information here.
For a personalized experience, consider booking an exclusive guided tour!
FINAL VERDICT
London’s wide selection of museums appeal to a diverse range of interests, and you’re sure to find a museum (or two, or three..) that you will fall in love with! Embrace a wealth of creativity, art, and history while you diversify your array of knowledge, all of which is waiting to be discovered within London’s renowned museums!
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LONDON MUSEUM MAP
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