London is undoubtedly one of the most vibrant and central capital cities in Europe, with countless reasons to visit. It boasts a wide range of attractions, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, several churches, world-class restaurants, and high-end shopping centers featuring top brands. It also houses some of the largest and best museums in the world, dedicated to various fields such as history, the natural world, painting, aircraft, sculpture, and more. This is of course the city of London, not to be confused with the smaller 'City of London'.
No trip to London would be complete without visiting some of these well-known institutions, and we have compiled a list of the most recommended ones in this article, some of which are even free to enter. To help you navigate this overwhelming selection of museums, we have provided their locations on a city map.
Click on each site's name to see its location on a map
In memory of the British soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War, a museum was established in 1917, which now showcases various military equipment, photos, videos, and audio clips from past and present wars and conflicts that England has participated in. While the museum primarily focuses on the English perspective of the world wars and similar events, it is recommended for history enthusiasts from all over the world. T
he museum is exclusively dedicated to displaying around 195,000 portraits of famous people from British history, including intellectuals, nobles, scientists, military leaders, explorers, and industrialists. Visitors can have a unique experience wandering through the gallery rooms, where they are watched by the portraits of these influential figures. The gallery also hosts various exhibitions on different topics, making it an appealing destination for art and history enthusiasts. Moreover, starting from 2019, admission to the museum is free of charge.
At this museum, visitors have the chance to explore six large exhibition halls showcasing the history of aviation, with some halls dedicated to specific aircraft types such as bombers and historical planes. There are approximately 130 noteworthy items on display, including an Avro Lancaster bomber that completed 137 bombing sorties during the 1940s, a Gloucester Meteor which was the British Royal Air Force's first jet fighter, a Supermarine Spitfire that was a top fighter plane during World War II, and planes from Germany, among others. Along with these exhibits, the museum offers several information stations, historical narratives, and even simulators. As of 2019, admission to this museum, like the portrait gallery, is also free.
Located in close proximity to the National Portrait Gallery, The Tate Museum is a remarkable edifice that boasts an impressive collection. Established in 1897, it is the oldest institution among the Tate Gallery chain, comprising of museums in St. Ives, Liverpool and another museum dedicated to modern art in London. The museum displays works of British artists from 1500 to the present, including masterpieces by renowned artists such as William Blake, Thomas Gainsborough, and William Turner. As one of the largest museums in England, it is highly recommended for visitors to London, especially since it is accessible for free.
A vast assortment of European art, porcelain, weapons, suits of armor, antique French furniture, and various other items are housed in a grand mansion located in Manchester Square. This impressive collection stems from the personal holdings of Sir Richard Wallace, an English art collector who lived from 1818 to 1890. Following his death, his widow donated his possessions to the state. The Wallace Collection is currently accessible to the public free of charge, making it a convenient destination even for those with limited time. Visitors are welcome to spend as little as an hour exploring the collection.
y visiting this intriguing complex, you can immerse yourself in the very place where critical decisions were made during World War II that impacted the future of England and beyond. The museum is situated in the original military citadel located in the basement of the British Ministry of Finance building, which was primarily utilized by the British government and its leader, Winston Churchill. Through interactive exhibits, the museum enables visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the war and Churchill himself. While minor renovations and restorations have taken place, the rooms have been preserved in their original design and remain a faithful representation of the past.
Situated in close proximity to the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum in the City of London is a remarkable edifice that should be a part of your itinerary for an entire day trip dedicated to expanding your knowledge and satiating your curiosity regarding the marvels of the world. The museum is housed within an ancient building that boasts stunning architecture and a diverse range of art objects. It contains an extensive collection of exhibits and articles that focus on product design - both aesthetically and functionally. Launched in 1852, the museum has approximately 4 million unique items spread across 145 galleries, grouped into four major collections: 1. Asia 2. Furniture, textiles and fashion 3. Sculpture, metal works, ceramics and glass 4. Word and image. In summary, there's something to interest virtually every art enthusiast that visits the museum.
When discussing museums in London, it would be remiss not to mention the well-known establishment that originated in 1881 as a private collection gifted by Sir Hans Sloane, an Irish physician. Today, this museum is a must-visit destination for tourists, boasting approximately 80 million exhibits related to the natural world and the life sciences, past and present. Both children and adults can enjoy the unique experience provided by this museum. Highlights include the robotic dinosaur models, the spacious mammal gallery, and the regular nature photography displays. Of course, visitors must not forget to take a picture with the giant blue whale skeleton that hangs from the ceiling in one of the halls.
When visiting London, the museum that is renowned for being one of the biggest and most popular in the world should be on your list of places to visit. It is advisable to dedicate at least a day to exploring the museum, although even then, it may not be possible to see everything in-depth due to the vast number of displays. The museum showcases various ancient artifacts, such as archeology treasures, delicate ornaments, jewelry, mummies, and ancient paintings. To make the most of your limited time, it is recommended that you plan your visit in advance and map out a route through the 94 galleries. This will ensure that you can see some of the rarest and oldest items on display, such as the Elgin Marble, the Rosetta Stone, the Declaration of Cyrus, the White Obelisk, and the Royal Miracle of Light.
