If you think London's historic allure stops at the majestic facade of Buckingham Palace or the timelessness of Big Ben, think again!
London is home to an incredibly diverse array of museums, holding a wealth of history and art within their walls.
And the best part? Many museums in the United Kingdom, and all the museums listed here, are free!
Each of these London museums deserve a top spot on your London itinerary, so which one you choose is up to you and your interests.
From glimpses into the ancient world to the cutting edges of contemporary art, you'll find a London museum to suit your fancy.
Note: While these are free museums, there may be a charge for special or temporary exhibitions. You also may need to reserve tickets online in advance, especially at busy times of year.
1) The British Museum
Ever fancied a trip around the world but found yourself short on time or funds? The British Museum has got you covered.
With its global collection, you can see a collection that spans all of human history in the space of just a few hours. After all, where else in London can you meet a pharaoh, decode hieroglyphs, and marvel at Greek sculptures all in one day?
Collection Highlights:
The Rosetta Stone: The key to unlocking ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, this artifact is a linguistic bridge to the past.
Elgin Marbles: Breathtaking sculptures from the Parthenon in Athens, telling tales of ancient Greek gods and mortals.
Egyptian Mummies: Peek into the afterlife beliefs of ancient Egyptians and come face-to-face with mummies that have stood the test of time.
Location: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
2) The Victoria and Albert Museum South Kensington (V&A)
If you want to strut alongside centuries of style icons without changing your outfit once, The Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington is where history is always in vogue.
The V&A is perfect for anyone with a penchant for the beautiful, the innovative, and the downright stylish. It's where you can lose yourself among ancient textiles and contemporary fashion designs that push the boundaries of imagination.
The V&A, the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum are all located close together along Exhibition Road, so if you just want to hit the highlights of each you can visit more than one in a day. But they're worth a day each if you have the time.
Collection Highlights:
World's Largest Collection of Post-Classical Sculpture: Marvel at the intricate beauty of sculptures that have been whispering stories of the past for centuries.
The Ardabil Carpet: Step softly beside this masterpiece of Persian art, one of the world's oldest and most magnificent carpets.
Fashion Galleries: Take a walk through the evolution of style in the fashion galleries, where every garment tells a story of cultural shifts and artistic expression.
Location: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL
3) The Natural History Museum
Rumors of the dinosaurs' extinction have been greatly exaggerated. They've simply taken up residence in South Kensington.
You'll find them roaming the halls of The Natural History Museum, so if you're ready to come eye-to-eye with a T-Rex the Natural History Museum should be your next stop.
Just remember, no feeding the dinosaurs!
Collection Highlights:
The Blue Whale Model: Stand beneath the awe-inspiring life-size model of a Blue Whale, the largest creature ever to have lived, and feel the scale of nature's marvels.
The Darwin Centre: Delve into the mind of a genius in the Darwin Centre, where you can explore thousands of specimens, including those collected by Charles Darwin himself.
Dinosaurs Gallery: Step back in time in the Dinosaurs gallery, where the giants of the prehistoric world, from the fearsome T-Rex to the towering Diplodocus, are brought back to life.
Location: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 5BD
4) The National Gallery
In a world where the latest and the loudest often grab the spotlight, The National Gallery stands as a gentle reminder that sometimes, the older things in life can be the most Instagrammable.
Perched majestically on the edge of Trafalgar Square, the this amazing art gallery holds many of the treasures of European painting from the Middle Ages through to the 20th century.
From the delicate hues of a Botticelli to the bold strokes of a Van Gogh, the National Gallery proves that true beauty is timeless, and the classics never go out of style.
Collection Highlights:
Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers': Let the vibrant yellows and impassioned brushstrokes of one of five Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' on display around the world brighten your day and inspire your inner artist.
Botticelli's 'Venus and Mars': Marvel at the divine beauty and intricate detail of Botticelli's mythological scene, a testament to the allure of Renaissance art.
Leonardo da Vinci's 'Madonna of the Rocks': Witness Leonardo da Vinci's revolutionary style using shadow to define his subjects in this pivotal 16th-century work.
Location: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
5) The Science Museum
Who said science has to be all about lab coats and textbooks? The Science Museum turns that stereotype on its head, offering a high-voltage experience where you can touch, see, and interact with the milestones of scientific progress.
It's a place where you can marvel at groundbreaking achievements in space exploration, understand the forces that powered the industrial age, and get to grips with the innovations that keep us connected in the digital era.
Collection Highlights:
The Apollo 10 Command Module: Get up close with the spacecraft that orbited the Moon, a tangible piece of space exploration history.
The Energy Hall: Explore the Industrial Revolution and its legacy, showcasing the engines that powered the past and the technologies fueling our future.
The Information Age Gallery: Journey through the last 200 years of communication, from the telegraph to the smartphone, and discover how connectivity has shaped our world.
Location: Exhibition Rd London SW7 2DD
6) The National Portrait Gallery
Ever fancied a soiree with Shakespeare, a tête-à-tête with the Tudors, or a coffee with Winston Churchill?
From the enigmatic gaze of the Tudor monarchs to the candid expressions of today's cultural icons, the National Portrait Gallery offers an intimate encounter with the individuals who have woven the rich tapestry of British history.
Consider it your ticket to mingling with Britain's finest, no time machine required. So, if you're up for an afternoon of hobnobbing with history's A-listers, the National Portrait Gallery awaits.
Collection Highlights:
The Chandos Portrait of William Shakespeare: Possibly the most famous portrait of Shakespeare, this piece offers a glimpse into the face behind the words that have captivated the world for centuries.
The Tudor and Elizabethan Courts: An array of regal portraits that bring you face-to-face with Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and their courts, offering a window into the opulence and intrigue of the Tudor era.
Modern Portraits: From the iconic to the controversial, the gallery's modern portraits, including those of contemporary celebrities and figures, reflect the evolving identity of British society.
Location: St. Martin's Pl, London WC2H 0HE
7) Tate Modern
Where else could you find a place where the energy of a bygone power station now fuels the creative spark of modern art? The Tate Modern is where the raw meets the refined, and the result is nothing short of electrifying.
This museum challenges perceptions, provokes thought, and celebrates the diversity of contemporary artistic expression.
It's a place where you can contemplate a Picasso, get lost in a Rothko, chuckle at a Warhol, and still have time for a Dali.
So if you're ready for an art experience that's as dynamic and diverse as the city of London itself, head across the Thames to the Tate Modern.
Collection Highlights:
Works by Picasso: Immerse yourself in the revolutionary visions of Pablo Picasso, a pioneer who reshaped the art world.
Dali's Surreal Creations: Step into the dreamlike world of Salvador Dali, where the boundaries of reality are blurred.
Warhol's Pop Art: Experience the iconic pop art of Andy Warhol, which captures the essence of 20th-century consumer culture.
Location: Bankside, London SE1 9TG
8) The Imperial War Museum
If the vast expanse of history and human conflict were meant to be binge-watched, the Imperial War Museum would undoubtedly be the ultimate box set.
With each exhibit, gallery, and artifact acting as an episode, the museum unfolds the gripping, heart-wrenching, and sometimes heroic tales that have shaped our world.
Through its powerful exhibitions, the museum invites you to reflect on the causes, course, and consequences of war, from the trenches of the First World War to the secret strategies of espionage.
Far from glorifying conflict, the Imperial War Museum delves into the human stories behind the battles, offering a poignant exploration of war's impact on individuals and societies alike.
Please note that while the Imperial War Museum is free, other museums in the IWM organization, including the Churchill War Rooms and the HMS Belfast, do have a charge for entry.
Collection Highlights:
The Holocaust Galleries: A deeply moving and educational journey through one of history's darkest chapters, providing a stark reminder of the horrors of persecution and genocide.
The First World War Galleries: Step back in time to the trenches of the First World War, where personal stories, artifacts, and multimedia bring the reality of the Great War to life.
The Secret War: Uncover the shadowy world of espionage, covert operations, and code-breaking that has played a crucial role in modern conflicts.
Location: Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ
9) Tate Britain
If you've ever wondered where the ghosts of Britain's artistic past linger, look no further than the Tate Britain. This fantastic gallery celebrates the diversity and depth of British art and artistic expression.
With every step through its hallowed halls, you'll find a seamless artistic narrative spanning from the 1500s to the present day.
Whether you're a staunch traditionalist, a lover of the avant-garde, or somewhere in between, come for the Turners, stay for the Moores, and leave with a fantastic appreciation for British art.
Collection Highlights:
John Everett Millais' 'Ophelia': One of the most popular Pre-Raphaelite works in the Tate's collection, painted one leaf at a time for incredible detail.
J.M.W. Turner's Masterpieces: Behold the breathtaking beauty of Turner's seascapes and landscapes, capturing the sublime power of nature with revolutionary techniques.
Henry Moore's Sculptures: Encounter the organic forms and profound humanity of Moore's sculptures, reflecting the modernist exploration of abstraction and figuration.
Location: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG
10) National Maritime Museum
Ever wanted to sail the seven seas but felt a bit queasy at the thought? The National Maritime Museum promises a voyage like no other. Think of it as a landlubber's gateway to oceanic adventures, minus the seasickness.
Here you can chart a course through Britain's nautical past, rub elbows with maritime legends, and even confront the darker tides of naval history, all with your feet firmly on dry ground.
While you're in Greenwich, taks some time to visit some of the other museums as well. The National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory, Queens House and Cutty Sark are all part of Royal Museums Greenwich. There is a charge for the Royal Observatory and the Cutty Sark.
If you're interested in London history, specifically its maritime history, also consider a visit to the Museum of London Docklands in Canary Wharf.
Collection Highlights:
Turner's 'Battle of Trafalgar': J.M.W. Turner's largest and most controversial painting hangs in its own dedicated gallery.
The Nelson Gallery: The gallery tells the story of the Royal navy as well as Admiral Nelson, and includes the uniform he wore at the Battle of Trafalgar.
The Atlantic Slave Trade Exhibition: Confront the harrowing history of the Atlantic slave trade, exploring its impact and legacy through a powerful and educational display.
Location: Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF
The bottom line: The best London museums
From the ancient whispers of the British Museum to the solemn halls of the Imperial War Museum, each of these London museums are well worth a visit.
Before you set off on a museum marathon, a word to the wise: London museums are ever-evolving, with special exhibitions, events, and interactive sessions breathing new life into their timeless collections.
So make sure to check the latest happenings and visitor guidelines on their official websites to make the most of your visit. You might just find a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition that perfectly aligns with your interests.
If you enjoyed this post, find additional London travel information here.