London is one of the best cities in the world for museum lovers. From ancient Egyptian artefacts and dinosaur skeletons to famous paintings, royal collections, science exhibits and objects from thousands of years of human history, the city’s museums offer something for almost everyone.
The best part is that many of the best museums in London are free to enter, making it possible to experience world-class collections without spending a fortune.
Whether you are visiting London for the first time, travelling with children or simply curious about history, art and culture, these are some of the best museums in London to add to your itinerary.
1. The British Museum
Best for: World history, ancient civilisations and archaeology
The British Museum is one of the most famous museums in London and one of the best places to explore human history under one roof. Its collection spans millions of objects from different cultures and periods.
Some of its best-known treasures include the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, Parthenon sculptures and ancient Greek and Roman artefacts.
You can easily spend several hours here, but you do not need to see everything. First-time visitors may want to focus on the museum’s most famous galleries before exploring areas that match their personal interests.
Entry ticket for The British Museum
General admission is free. Some temporary exhibitions and special displays require a separate paid ticket.
Tip: The museum is large, so choose a few galleries before your visit rather than trying to see the entire collection in one day.
2. Natural History Museum
Best for: Dinosaurs, animals, fossils and natural history
The Natural History Museum is one of the most popular museums in London and a favourite with both adults and children. Its spectacular building is filled with fascinating exhibits covering dinosaurs, mammals, human evolution, volcanoes, earthquakes and the natural world.
The dinosaur galleries are among the biggest attractions, while the museum’s architecture itself is worth taking time to appreciate.
Entry ticket for Natural History Museum
General admission is free, although advance booking is recommended. Some special exhibitions and experiences may require paid tickets.
Tip: Families should allow at least two to three hours because there is a lot to see, especially if children want to explore the dinosaur and animal galleries.
3. Victoria and Albert Museum
Best for: Art, design, fashion and decorative arts
The Victoria and Albert Museum, commonly known as the V&A, is one of London’s leading museums for art and design. Its vast collection includes fashion, jewellery, sculpture, furniture, photography, ceramics and decorative arts from different periods and cultures.
The museum is particularly rewarding for visitors who enjoy design because the exhibits show how art and everyday objects have evolved over centuries.
Entry ticket for Victoria & Albert Museum
General admission is free. Certain exhibitions and special events require a paid ticket.
Tip: Check the exhibition programme before visiting. A temporary exhibition can completely change the experience of a visit to the V&A.
4. Science Museum
Best for: Science, technology, space and engineering
The Science Museum is one of the best museums in London for anyone interested in science and technology. The museum combines education with interactive experiences, making it particularly suitable for families.
Its galleries cover subjects ranging from space exploration and medicine to engineering, computing and industrial history. Among the museum’s highlights are historic aircraft, spacecraft, locomotives and scientific instruments.
Entry ticket for Science Museum
General admission is free in Science Museum London. Some exhibitions, experiences and special screenings require paid tickets.
Tip: If you are visiting with children, check the museum’s current programme before your visit because interactive activities and family events can be very popular.
5. National Gallery
Best for: European paintings and classical art
Located in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery houses one of the world’s most important collections of Western European paintings. Its collection includes works by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, Claude Monet and Johannes Vermeer.
The gallery is large enough to reward repeated visits but manageable enough for first-time visitors to explore several major highlights in a few hours.
Entry ticket for National Gallery, London
General admission is free. Some special exhibitions require a paid ticket.
Tip: If you are short on time, look up the gallery’s major works before visiting and create a short route rather than wandering through every room.
6. Tate Modern
Best for: Modern and contemporary art
Housed in a former power station beside the River Thames, Tate Modern is one of London’s most distinctive art museums. The museum’s collection includes modern and contemporary works from internationally recognised artists. The building itself is also part of the experience, with its huge industrial spaces creating an unusual setting for the artwork.
The riverside location makes it easy to combine Tate Modern with Millennium Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and South Bank.
Entry ticket for Tate Modern Museum
General admission is free, although some exhibitions require paid tickets.
Tip: Even if modern art is not usually your thing, visit the Turbine Hall and explore a few galleries. The building and riverside location are attractions in themselves.
7. Tate Britain
Best for: British art and British history
Tate Britain focuses on British art from the 16th century to the present day. It is particularly useful for visitors who want to understand Britain’s artistic history rather than focusing only on international modern art.
The collection includes works by major British artists including J.M.W. Turner, John Constable and William Blake. Its Pimlico location also makes it a quieter alternative to some of central London’s busiest museums.
Entry ticket for Tate Britain Museum
General admission is free, while major temporary exhibitions usually require a paid ticket.
Tip: Allow around two hours for a good introduction to the collection and check which temporary exhibitions are running during your visit.
8. Imperial War Museum
Best for: World War history and military history
The Imperial War Museum London explores the human experience of war, with a particular focus on the First and Second World Wars and conflicts involving Britain and the Commonwealth.
Visitors can see military vehicles, aircraft, weapons, photographs, personal belongings and other historical objects. The museum does not only focus on military equipment. Many exhibits tell the personal stories of civilians and soldiers, making the experience particularly powerful.
Entry ticket for Imperial War Museum
General admission is free. Some special exhibitions may have separate admission charges.
Tip: Give yourself several hours if you want to explore the major galleries properly.
9. Museum of London Docklands
Best for: London’s docks, trade and industrial history
The Museum of London Docklands tells the story of the River Thames, London’s docks and the city’s development as a major trading centre. Its galleries explore subjects including trade, migration, slavery, industry and life around the docks.
The museum is housed in a historic warehouse in Canary Wharf, giving the visit an authentic connection to London’s maritime past. It is an excellent choice if you want to understand a part of London that is very different from Westminster and the West End.
Entry ticket for Museum of London Docklands
General admission is free. Anyone can visit here waithout any charge.
Tip: Combine your museum visit with a walk around Canary Wharf and the surrounding Docklands area.
10. London Transport Museum
Best for: London Underground, buses and transport history
Located in Covent Garden, the London Transport Museum explores how public transport helped shape the modern city. Its collection includes historic buses, Underground trains, signs, maps and other objects connected with London’s transport network. The museum is especially interesting for visitors who want to understand how London’s famous Tube system developed.
Entry ticket for London Transport Museum
Paid admission applies. Tickets generally allow return visits for a period after the initial visit, subject to the museum’s current terms. Check the official London Transport Museum website for the latest ticket price before visiting here.
Tip: This is one of the best museums in London for families because many exhibits are interactive and visually engaging.
11. Museum of London
Best for: London’s history from Roman times to the modern city
The Museum of London has traditionally been one of the best places to understand the history of London itself, from prehistoric times and Roman Londinium through medieval London and the modern capital. Its collections cover everyday life, major events, social history and the development of the city.
Important: The Museum of London at its former Barbican location closed permanently in 2024 as part of the development of the new London Museum project.
Entry ticket for Museum of London
The former museum location is closed. The new London Museum is being developed at Smithfield and is planned to become the museum’s new home. After opening the ticket price will be disclose.
Tip: Check the official London Museum website for the latest opening plans before including it in your itinerary.
12. Design Museum
Best for: Modern design, architecture and creativity
The Design Museum in Kensington explores how design influences everyday life. Its exhibitions cover architecture, fashion, technology, product design and visual culture.
The museum is a good choice if you enjoy modern ideas and creative work rather than traditional historical collections. The building itself is also interesting and its location makes it easy to combine with other attractions in Kensington.
Entry ticket for Design Museum London
General admission to the permanent collection is free, while some temporary exhibitions require paid tickets.
Tip: Check the current exhibition schedule because temporary exhibitions are often the main reason regular visitors return.
13. Museum of London Archaeology Collections
Best for: Archaeology and London’s hidden past
London has a remarkable archaeological history, and collections managed through London’s archaeological organisations reveal what has been discovered beneath the modern city.
These collections include objects and evidence from Roman, medieval and later London, helping researchers understand how people lived, worked and travelled through the city over the centuries. For visitors fascinated by archaeology, these resources provide a different perspective from London’s major public museums.
Entry ticket for Museum of London Archaeology Collection
Access varies depending on the specific collection, exhibition or event. Not all archaeological collections are open as conventional public museums.
Tip: For publicly accessible Roman history, consider visiting the London Mithraeum and Roman Amphitheatre at Guildhall.
14. Sir John Soane’s Museum
Best for: Architecture, art and an extraordinary historic home
Sir John Soane’s Museum is housed in the former home of architect Sir John Soane and feels very different from a conventional museum.
The house contains paintings, sculptures, architectural drawings, antiquities and objects collected by Soane. Rooms are packed with fascinating details, making exploration feel almost like discovering a private collection. The museum is particularly rewarding for visitors interested in architecture and historic interiors.
Entry ticket for Sir John Soane’s Museum
Free admission is available, although booking may be recommended for certain visits or special events.
Tip: The museum is relatively compact, so it can be combined with other attractions in Holborn and central London.
15. Museum of Brands
Best for: Advertising, packaging and everyday consumer history
The Museum of Brands offers a surprisingly entertaining look at everyday life through products, packaging and advertising. Its collection includes thousands of items showing how brands, packaging and popular culture have changed over more than a century. It is less formal than many traditional museums and can be particularly enjoyable for visitors interested in design, marketing and social history.
Entry ticket for Museum of Brands, London
Paid admission applies. Ticket prices can vary, so check the museum’s official website before visiting.
Tip: Allow around one to two hours and combine the visit with exploring the shops, cafés and streets of Notting Hill.
16. Museum of London Archaeology at the London Wall
Best for: Roman London and the ancient city walls
The City of London contains some of the most important archaeological remains in the capital. The surviving sections of the London Wall provide a glimpse into the Roman settlement and its later development.
Although much of the original wall has disappeared beneath the modern city, surviving sections and archaeological displays help visitors understand how Roman Londinium was protected.
Entry ticket for Museum of London Archaeology
Several surviving sections of the London Wall can be viewed free of charge from public areas. Access to specific archaeological exhibitions or sites may vary.
Tip: Combine the London Wall with the Roman Amphitheatre at Guildhall and London Mithraeum for a deeper look at Roman London.
17. Wallace Collection
Best for: European art, armour and historic interiors
The Wallace Collection is one of London’s finest smaller museums and is often overlooked by first-time visitors.
Housed in a beautiful historic building near Oxford Street, the museum contains paintings, furniture, sculptures, arms and armour from different periods of European history. Its intimate atmosphere makes it a pleasant alternative to London’s enormous national museums.
Entry ticket for Wallace Collection
General admission is free. Anyone can visit here without any charge. Special exhibitions may require paid tickets.
Tip: Because the collection is more compact than the British Museum or V&A, it is a good option when you have only a couple of hours.
18. Royal Observatory Greenwich
Best for: Astronomy, time and Greenwich history
The Royal Observatory Greenwich is one of London’s most interesting museums and historic scientific sites. It is closely associated with the development of modern timekeeping and the Prime Meridian, which became the reference point for measuring longitude. Visitors can explore historic astronomical instruments, learn about the history of time and stand across the famous meridian line.
Entry ticket for Royal Observatory Greenwich
Paid admission applies to the Royal Observatory. Ticket prices vary according to visitor type and booking date. For accurate price you should visit official website of this museum.
Tip: Combine the observatory with the National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House and Greenwich Park to make a full day of exploring Greenwich.
19. National Maritime Museum
Best for: Britain’s maritime history and exploration
Located in Greenwich, the National Maritime Museum explores Britain’s long relationship with the sea. Its collection includes ship models, paintings, maps, navigation equipment and objects connected with exploration, trade and naval history. The museum is particularly interesting for understanding how maritime activity influenced Britain’s economy, empire and global connections.
Entry ticket for National Maritime Museum
General admission is free. Anyone can visit here without any charges. Although some special exhibitions and events may require tickets.
Tip: Give yourself at least two hours and combine the museum with the Royal Observatory and Queen’s House.
20. London Museum of Water & Steam
Best for: Industrial history and Victorian engineering
The London Museum of Water & Steam in Brentford explores the history of London’s water supply and the engineering systems that helped provide clean water to the growing city.
The museum is located at a former pumping station and includes historic steam engines, industrial machinery and interactive displays.
It offers a fascinating look at the engineering behind everyday life in Victorian London.
Entry ticket for London Museum of Water & Steam
Paid admission applies, with ticket prices varying by visitor type and special events. For accurate price check the official website of this museum.
Tip: Check the museum’s opening days before travelling because its schedule can differ from larger central London museums.
Best Free Museums in London
One of the biggest advantages of visiting London is that many major museums offer free general admission & you can visit without any ticket. Some of the best free museums in London include:
- British Museum
- Natural History Museum
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Science Museum
- National Gallery
- Tate Modern
- Tate Britain
- Imperial War Museum
- Museum of London Docklands
- National Maritime Museum
- Design Museum
- Wallace Collection
- Sir John Soane’s Museum
Some special exhibitions and temporary displays may still require a paid ticket even when general admission is free.
Best Museums in London for Families
If you are travelling with children, these museums are particularly worth considering:
- Natural History Museum
- Science Museum
- London Transport Museum
- British Museum
- Imperial War Museum
- National Maritime Museum
The Natural History Museum and Science Museum are especially good choices for younger visitors because of their interactive displays and large collections.
Best Museums in London for History Lovers
For a strong introduction to London’s and Britain’s history, consider:
- British Museum
- Imperial War Museum
- Museum of London Docklands
- National Maritime Museum
- Royal Observatory Greenwich
- Sir John Soane’s Museum
- London Transport Museum
For ancient London specifically, combine the British Museum with archaeological sites such as the London Mithraeum and Roman Amphitheatre at Guildhall.
How Many Museums Can You Visit in One Day?
Trying to visit several large London museums in a single day can quickly become exhausting. A better approach is to choose one or two museums and give yourself enough time to enjoy them. For example:
South Kensington:
- Natural History Museum → Science Museum → V&A
Trafalgar Square:
- National Gallery → walk through St James’s → Buckingham Palace
South Bank:
- Tate Modern → Millennium Bridge → St Paul’s Cathedral
Greenwich:
- National Maritime Museum → Queen’s House → Royal Observatory
Tips for Visiting Museums in London
1. Check whether you need to book
Many museums offer free admission but recommend or require advance booking during busy periods.
2. Check temporary exhibitions
A museum’s permanent collection may be free while special exhibitions require a separate ticket.
3. Don’t try to see everything
Large museums can take an entire day to explore. Pick the galleries that interest you most.
4. Check opening days and times
Museum schedules can change because of special events, holidays, conservation work or exhibitions.
5. Use nearby attractions
Plan museums geographically. London is large, but many major museums are close enough to combine with other attractions.
Londonpuri Tip
London’s museums are one of the biggest reasons the city is so rewarding for curious travellers. You can walk through ancient civilisations at the British Museum in the morning, explore dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum in the afternoon and finish the day with modern art at Tate Modern.
Many of the city’s most famous museums offer free general admission, you can explore some of the world’s greatest collections without spending a fortune.
Don’t build your London itinerary around seeing as many museums as possible. Pick the museums that genuinely interest you and give yourself enough time to enjoy them. A slower museum visit is often much more memorable than rushing through ten galleries just to say you visited them.