Museums to Visit in London

Many of London’s national museums offer free admission for the permanent collections. Special exhibitions often require a paid ticket. Additionally, you should reserve your free tickets a few days (if not weeks) in advance, as they do sell out. While you can typically wait in line without a ticket, the queues can be exceptionally long and you are not guaranteed entrance.

Portrait Gallery

Founded in 1856, the The National Portrait Gallery is home to over 200,000 portraits that chronicle the lives of significant figures in British history. From monarchs and political leaders to cultural icons, notable portraits range from the regal Tudor family & Queen Elizabeth I to contemporary stars like David Bowie. 

The British Museum

The British Museum is one of the world’s greatest museums, offering a vast collection of over eight million objects spanning the history of humanity. It is like the Louvre of the United Kingdom. Founded in 1753, the museum offers a journey through time, with exhibits that span millennia of human history and culture. The museum houses invaluable artifacts such as the Rosetta Stone, Benin Bronzes, and the Elgin Marbles, which showcase ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome. 

Of course, there is a contemporary social conversation going on about whether or not these artifacts, most of which were stolen during Britain’s colonial history, should reside at the British Museum. Until now however, they remain inside this museum. To avoid large crowds, visit early in the day or on weekdays, as the museum can get quite busy, especially on weekends.

Natural History Museum

Housed in a magnificent Romanesque building, the Natural History Museum is home to some of the world’s most fascinating specimens. Most notably in the main atrium is a towering blue whale skeleton. The dinosaur fossil collection is also quite impressive. Some say that this museum sparked the idea of the movie franchise “Night in the Museum.” Founded in 1881, the museum is renowned for its interactive exhibits that explore geology, evolution, and the natural world’s wonders. For a unique experience, book a ticket for the popular “Dino Snores” sleepover event, where you can sleep under the dinosaur exhibits for a night of adventure and fun.

Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of London’s oldest and most iconic landmarks, steeped in nearly 1,000 years of history. Originally built by William the Conqueror in 1066, this UNESCO World Heritage site has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. Today, visitors can explore its historic walls, hear stories of royal intrigue, and view the dazzling Crown Jewels. Tickets can be bought in advance to skip long queues, ensuring a smooth and memorable visit.

Although it is “touristy”, I loved taking a guided tour with the famous Yeoman Warders, known as Beefeaters, inside the Tower of London. I had an especially good Beefeater guide, Scott Kelly who can be found as Beefy409 online. His tour was captivating and a masterclass of theatrical tour guiding. At one point on our tour, he had over 100 guests following his stories and fascinating anecdotes about the tower’s dark past. 

Churchill War Rooms

Located beneath the streets of Westminster, the Churchill War Rooms offer an immersive look into Britain’s wartime history. This underground bunker served as the nerve center for Winston Churchill and his government during World War II. Preserved exactly as they were during the 1940s, the rooms provide a fascinating insight into strategic decisions that shaped the war. 

The museum also showcases Churchill’s legacy with personal artifacts, photographs, and a dedicated exhibit on his life. Situated near St. James’s Park, it’s best to explore with an audio guide for a more enriching experience. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, particularly during peak tourist seasons.