hayward gallery sculpture

Best Art Galleries in London

By Dom Bewley

Sometimes we all need a little inspiration. Whether we spend too long binging awful television, or work too much and play too little, a little inspiration can go a long way. So go out and be inspired! And where should you go for some of that sweet inspiring nectar? Well, an art gallery, obviously! Luckily, London is brimming with galleries, and those galleries are brimming with art. You might be wondering which ones to visit? Wonder no longer. With painstaking preparation, we've painted the perfect list down below, just for you. Read on, and discover the best art galleries in London.

Featuring:

  • Tate Britain
  • Tate Modern
  • National Gallery
  • Saatchi Gallery
  • National Portrait Gallery
  • and more!
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Tate Britain

The artist formerly known as Tate Gallery, Tate Britain is one of London's most renowned art galleries. Step inside, and you'll find a wealth of artistic inspiration waiting to be absorbed! The gallery's Spotlights exhibit shines a light on exciting works from lesser-known artists, so definitely check it out! The Turner Collections is bound to have some food for the soul too.

Tate Modern

The Tate Britain's hip younger brother, The Tate Modern is one of London's premier modern art galleries. Foregoing traditional artists and styles, it instead focuses on the weird and wonderful creations that modern technology, and sensibilities, have created. You'll find dark rooms with projected videos, bizarre sculptures that reveal themselves through perspective, and enough surrealism to shake a strange stick at. If you're looking to have your mind blown, go check out the Tate Morden; it's easily one of the best art galleries in London!

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National Gallery

If you're in the mood for something more timeless, you can't do much better than the National Gallery. Featuring over 2000 paintings from the 13th to the 19th century, it's a feast for the eyes. Some of the world's most recognisable paintings stand within its walls, including Seurat's Bathers in Asnières, van Eyck's The Arnolfini Portrait, and Ruben's Samson and Delilah. So, if you want to be transported back to what many consider the golden age of art, do yourself a favour and check it out!

Saatchi Gallery

Back to the more contemporary side, the Saatchi Gallery is one of the more youthful on this list. For over 36 years, its focus has been on spotlighting emerging talent in the art world, and giving them a platform to shine. They usually have a few special exhibitions on, so it's worth looking at their website to see what the flavour of the month is before heading there. However, what you can expect is to be disarmed and bedazzled by artists you've never heard of before. Definitely one of the best art galleries in London, the Saatchi Gallery is a worthy visit for any inspiration-hungry individuals!

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National Portrait Gallery

We humans are naturally drawn to people's faces. You only need look at YouTube thumbnails to see that. Well, why not visit a place that puts faces at the forefront? The National Portrait Gallery is just that, as the name suggests. Inside, you'll find a mix of photos and paintings of faces, some famous, others not so much. Each image tells a story, both of the subject and the creator. And, with a rotation of exhibitions, and competition prize-winners on show throughout the year, it's worth visiting any time of year!

Somerset House

If your tastes are varied, a visit to Somerset House might sate your appetite for inspiration. Variety is the spice of life, after all. With a huge mix of visual, aural, and interactive exhibitions year-round, Somerset House is a great shout for those of you who want something different. With photography award exhibitions, art installations, and even live music, it's a feast for all the senses. And, as it's just a stone's throw from Central, it's the perfect gallery if you're visiting from outside London.

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Royal Academy of Arts

The Royal Academy of Arts is part learning centre, part exhibition extravaganza. For nearly three hundred years, this 'by artists-for artists' gallery has welcomed some of the most recognisable artists of all time. As such, expect a wide mix of electrifying exhibitions from artists worldwide. And, if you so desire, the opportunity to study there too. Just, don't walk in the door and expect to get a seat in the lecture theatre.

Whitechapel Gallery

Whitechapel Gallery became famous in the early-mid 20th century for its showcase of post-war art, including Picasso's famous - and distressing - Guernica. Nowadays, you'll find a more varied affair, with exhibitions dedicated to British artists, counter-culture, and the surrounding area of East London. They also hold many events there, including talks, painting classes, and community support shindigs. If you want something a little leftfield, Whitechapel Gallery is definitely one of the best art galleries in London.

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Hayward Gallery

Next, we have Hayward Gallery, nestled in the cultural marvel of the Southbank. Within the brutalist Southbank Centre, you'll find an altar to contemporary art. Featuring thought-provoking works from artists across the globe, expect a mix of paintings, sculptures, and larger standing exhibits. It might not be one of the better-known places on this list, but it's definitely one of the best art galleries in London! So open your mind and absorb all that delicious inspiration.

Dulwich Picture Gallery

Last but not least, if you're looking for the perfect mix of unknown new artists and classic paintings, take a trip to Dulwich Picture Gallery. Inside, you'll find timeless masterworks from the likes of Rembrandt, Gainsborough, and Poussin, as well as modern marvels from the hottest artists on the scene. They also have events on throughout the year, if that floats your inspiration boat.

And that about rounds up our list of the best art galleries in London. No matter your sensibilities or mood, you're sure to find one that fits like a glove. If some of the entries on this list have you longing for more history, there's plenty of that in London too! Or, if you want time to relax and process the works, why not try something relaxing when you're done?

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best free museums in london
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Best Free Museums in London

No word sparks the minds of people quite like 'free.' The absence of payment can be a strong pull for us tax, rent, or mortgage payers who need to put oven chips on the table. We can all agree that getting something for nothing is awesome - especially if that free thing is culture. Culture can be inspirational, informative, and eye-opening in equal measure, giving us a look back into the past, allowing us to process the present, or helping us look forward to the future. So, if you're looking for a shot of free culture to go right into your veins, free museums are just the thing. But which ones? Why, these ones, of course! Here are the best free museums in London. Including: British Museum Natural History Museum V&A Museum Science Museum Museum of London and more! British Museum How does 2 million of years of free culture sound? Well, look no further than Britain's very own museum, the British Museum! Enter a world of other worlds, with sections dedicated to many eras of our planet. You'll find carvings and tablets from early man, artefacts from ancient Greece and Egypt, all the way through to Rennaissance paintings. And while you'll have to pay to enter some of the exhibits, on the whole, the bulk of the museum is absolutely free. Natural History Museum Do you want to see freaking dinosaur skeletons? Of course you do. Head over to the Natural History Museum and see them for yourself! Get a glimpse into the distant past as you explore creatures great and small throughout 65 million years of our planet's history. Meet giant sloths, extinct dinosaurs, and a big old blue whale skeleton that hangs over your head. And, other than a couple of paid exhibits, all of this is entirely free for you to explore. So go see some big bones, baby! Oh, and pick up a free guidebook and map combo while you're at it. V&A Museum A celebratory marriage of art, design, and history, the V&A Museum is one of the best free museums you can visit in London. Opened back in the 19th century, and named after then Queen Victoria and her husband Albert, the V&A Museum is an inspiring collection of over 5000 years of art artefacts. Art-efacts? Yes. You'll discover ancient clothes, jewellery, sculptures, and prints that will give you key insight into past cultures and their people. They also have some late events, if you're more of a night owl. Science Museum See how far science has come at a museum dedicated to it. The Science Museum is a mind-opening experience for any curious human, giving you a look back at how science and technology have changed our lives throughout history. From progress in medicine, to monuments to the space race, you'll find a world of wonder within. There are interactive exhibits, a massive collection of scientific artifacts, and much more. And yes, other than a couple of specific paid exhibitions, including the IMAX 4D cinema, you're free to wander and wonder, free of charge. Royal Museums Greenwich Discover the history of humanity's relationship with the oceans at the Royal Museums Greenwich. At the National Maritime Museum, you'll discover the origins of Greenwich Mean Time and timezones, the history of Britain's sea exploration, and heaps of seafaring artefacts. Then, head over to Queen's House, where you can walk up the famous Tulip Stairs, marvel at all the marble, and study some fantastic paintings from notable luminaries of the brush like Turner. And yes, as you may have gathered, it's all completely free. Museum of London Want to get a better insight into the history of the city itself? Then head on over to the Museum of London. There, you'll discover the capital's rich history, from Roman occupation all the way through to the 2012 Olympics. You'll discover how the Great Fire of London resulted in much of the city's redevelopment and redesign. You'll see artefacts from throughout the city's history, from Tudor dresses to medieval tapestries. If you want to learn more about the capital, it's definitely one of the best free museums in London! Imperial War Museum It appears that war is a sad, unavoidable part of human existence. At least, until we finally decide to put our difference aside and work together and transcend. Anyway, enough about that! For the time being, you might want to know a little more about war and the people who take part. Well, the Imperial War Museum is the perfect place to discover the modern history of war, and the horrors it has wrought. Step inside, and you'll find exhibitions dedicated to the First World War, the Second World War, the Holocaust, and how military technology has progressed since. Maybe not the cheeriest of visits, but undoubtedly interesting. And free, so it's perfect for this list! Museum of London Docklands Ever wondered what the life on the docks would be like? Well, there is an entire museum dedicated to dockworkers and their prowling ground. Head over to the Museum of London Docklands and learn about how boats, ships, and other sea-riding vehicles changed our lives forever. There is a load of free exhibitions available that explore the evolution of the docks, worldwide transportation of goods, and the technology that's responsible. If you're looking for free dockland fun, it's easily one of the best free museums in London! Horniman Museum & Gardens And finally, if you're looking for something a little more unusual in your free museum quest, give Horniman Museum & Gardens a gander. Inside, you'll find a comprehensive collection of anthropological artefacts, ancient musical instruments, taxidermied animals from across the globe, and much more. Right now, there's an entire exhibition dedicated to the untold stories of hair. It's called Hair: Untold Stories, because why not? There, you'll find an intimate range of stories and showcases from filmmakers and artists, exploring the history of hair and why it matters so much to us humans. It might sound strange, but it's worth checking out! And that's our list of the best free museum in London! Alongside fantastic museums there are plenty of other free things to do in London too. Take your pick, and enjoy free, cultural bliss.
Dom Bewley
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London Itinerary - 3 Days in London for First Timers

Only have three days in London or just looking for a streamlined list of fun things to do in London during your upcoming trip? Follow our 3 Days in London Itinerary to see all the major highlights and experience the essential top attractions in London, England. This itinerary includes: Coca-Cola London Eye Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Planet Hollywood & Piccadilly Circus Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, & National Portrait Gallery St. Paul's Cathedral Wembley Stadium Tour Photo Opp at Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, & Parliament Hyde Park & the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain Spending less time in London? Check out our one day in London or weekend in London 2 day itinerary for other fun ways to plan your trip. Save on Attraction Admission Many of the popular attractions in this itinerary are available on the London Explorer Pass. Visit the available attractions outlined here and save up to 35% off combined admission vs. paying at the gate. Remember, this 3 days in London itinerary is just one of many ways to experience the area. The London Explorer Pass gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose over a dozen top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests. Day 1 Stop #1 - Coca-Cola London Eye Head to the Coca-Cola London Eye right at 10:00 am to beat some of the crowds and take advantage of prime daytime lighting for your photos of and from one of London's top landmarks. Take the 30-minute spin around the eye to get 360-degree panoramic views from your observation pod. At its highest point, you'll be 443-meters above ground with one of the best views of the city of London. Each observation pod features interactive touch screens with detailed maps and historic information to give context to the sights you'll see from your pod. You'll be able to identify stand-out buildings, historic sites, parks, and more as you look out around you. Your admission to the London Eye includes admission to the Coca-Cola London Eye 4D Experience, too, a fun, multi-sensory city experience. Some of the sights you'll see include: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament, Royal Albert Hall, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, the British Museum, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower of London, the Shard, the River Thames, and more. Getting In: Coco-Cola London Eye tickets are available as an option on the London Explorer Pass. Stop #2 - Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour This hop-on hop-off bus tour is the easiest way to get acquainted with London and see all the top attractions and London landmarks--the perfect way to start out your short stay in London. Hop-on or off at your leisure at any of the 50+ stops along the way (such as the ones outlined in this 3 Days in London Itinerary) or stay on the bus for the full tour loop. After riding the Coca-Cola London Eye, hop on the Underground and head to Victoria Station to get your Big Bus London tickets. You'll start your sightseeing tour at stop # 27 of the red or blue line: "VICTORIA STATION" to start your tour. Awarded a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor in 2013, 2014, and 2015, their informative guides will make you feel like you experienced all the highlights of London with their comprehensive commentary and extensive list of stops along the way. Be sure to bring your camera! To pickup your Big Bus London tickets, simply present your London Explorer Pass at any of the three bus stop locations below: Piccadilly – between Green Park underground station and The Ritz Hotel Victoria Station – on the forecourt in front of the railway station Baker Street – at the Big Bus kiosk between the exit of Baker Street underground and Madame Tussauds Getting In: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus London tickets are available as an option on the London Explorer Pass. Stop #3 - Lunch at Planet Hollywood & Piccadilly Circus Hop-off your bus tour at stop #8: "PICCADILLY CIRCUS - Stop G, Regent Street" Take a break and enjoy a fun lunch with a dose of Hollywood culture at Planet Hollywood. Dining in London can be expensive so take advantage of this on your London Explorer Pass to save a little cash, plus, you'll get to check off another Planet Hollywood location. After lunch, head to Piccadilly Circus for some sightseeing and shopping on the famous Regent Street where you can pop into Harrod's department store, a famous London landmark in itself. Getting In: Meal at Planet Hollywood Restaurant is available as an option on the London Explorer Pass. Stop #4 - Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery, & National Portrait Gallery By Diliff (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia CommonsWalk around Trafalgar Square and get a photo with the famous lion statues guarding the base of Nelson's Column. Next, take advantage of the free admission at both The National Gallery, one of the largest art museums in the world with famous paintings from the 13th to 19th centuries, and The National Portrait Gallery, which houses over 200,000 portraits of historic figures from the 16th century to present day. Hop back on the Big Bus London tour at stop #10: "TRAFALGAR SQUARE - Stop Z, by the National Gallery" to and continue riding to complete your bus loop for the day. Stop #5 - St. Paul's Cathedral Hop-off your bus tour at stop # 16: "ST PAULS" St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the most iconic architectural landmarks in England and one of London's most visited attractions. With admission, you'll get access to the Cathedral floor, the crypt where tombs and memorials of many famous Britons are, and the three galleries in the dome where you can view lots of famous works of art and get sweeping views of the city. Plan to attend one of the four daily 90-minute guided tours (subject to availability) for a comprehensive, expert-led tour of the Cathedral. Or, go on a self-paced tour with one of the touch screen multimedia tablet guides provided, available in 9 languages. Hop-back on the bus at the same stop you exited and continue your guided bus tour of London. Getting In: St.Paul's Cathedral tickets are available as an option on the London Explorer Pass. Day 2 Stop #1 - Wembley Stadium Tour No trip to London, or Europe, is complete without an authentic football experience. There's such a strong culture surrounding the sport it's almost palpable, and definitely part of the complete London experience. Go on a guided tour of the iconic Wembley Stadium, home to the England national football team and home to the annual FA Cup Final. Your guide will walk you through some of the most historic and memorable moments in football history and you'll get to experience the stadium (without the crowds) and see areas not open to the general public, including the Player's Tunnel, Royal Box where you can hold a replica of the FA Cup, England changing rooms, press conference rooms, and more. Getting In: Wembley Stadium Tour tickets are available as an option on the London Explorer Pass. Stop #2 - the London Designer Outlet After your tour of the Wembley Stadium, head over to the London Designer Outlet right nearby for some prime London shopping and dining options. Grab a quick lunch at one of the popular restaurants to before hitting the shops (we love Handmade Burger Co, wagamama, or, Pret for a quick bite). You can get all of your London shopping in at this one-stop destination. The outlet has tons of name brand shops, including H&M, Jack Wills, L.K. Bennett London, Nike, Oakley, The North Face, and more. Day 3 Stop #1 - Photo Opp at Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, & Parliament By , [email protected] (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia CommonsStart your day in the middle of the iconic Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Parliament and check them off your list. Try to re-create the classic tourist photo shot featuring one of the red London phone booths with Big Ben in the background (bonus points if you get a double decker bus in the frame, too). Westminster Abbey: this large, striking Gothic church has served as the official coronation location for monarchs since the coronation of William the Conqueror in the 11th century and hosted numerous other events such as William and Kate's royal wedding and Princess Diana's funeral. Inside you can find the burial sites and memorials for lots of famous historic figures, including Charles Darwin. Big Ben: actually the nickname of the bell inside the tower (the clock and tower is officially known as Elizabeth Tower), is one of the most iconic structures in London, often representing the city of London in films, TV, and more. Houses of Parliament: also known as Westminster Palace, is the meeting place for the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two houses of Parliament of the United Kingdom. Please note: admission to these attractions is not included with the London Explorer Pass. Stop #2 - Indian Curry for Lunch at Gymkhana Lunch at Gymkhana will prove why London is famous for having some of the best Indian food in the world. Plates are made for sharing so adventurous choices are encouraged, they're known for their creative, contemporary takes on classic Indian cuisine. Stop #3 - Buckingham Palace By Diliff (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia CommonsWalk off lunch by heading to Buckingham Palace to see if Her Majesty the Queen is home. If you see the Royal Standard flag, not the Union Jack flag, flying above Buckingham Palace, that means that the HM the Queen is home. If you see the Union Flag, it means she is away. Take a classic tourist picture with one of the guards outside of the palace and see if you can make one of them laugh! Please note: admission to tour Buckingham Palace is not included with the London Explorer Pass. Stop #4 - Hyde Park & Princess Diana Memorial Fountain www.CGPGrey.com [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia CommonsTake a stroll beyond Buckingham Palace towards the famous Hyde Park where you can walk along The Serpentine water feature and visit the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain. Let's Recap Whether you're looking for the most comprehensive 3 days in London itinerary or want to experience a smaller selection of top attractions at your leisure throughout the whole week, this popular 3 Days in London Itinerary covers some of the most iconic and fun London attractions, ensuring you get in all of the top landmarks. From sightseeing tours to museums and top restaurants, you'll be able to enjoy it all, even with a limited amount of time for sightseeing! With the recent drop of the British pound attraction admission, hotels, and more are now likely more affordable for Americans and the US dollar. Check out our budget friendly post for visiting London with tips and more. Remember, with a London Explorer Pass you can save up to 35% off combined admission to many of these attractions vs paying separately at the gates.
Katie Sagal
best markets in london
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Best Markets in London

When you tire of shopping in shops, buying your produce in the same stale supermarket, or want to find things you won't get on the high street, your first port of call should be a market. They offer lots of variety, and usually have delicious food and drinks on offer to help you refuel. That way, you can focus on the most important thing of all; shopping. London has so many markets on offer, which one is best for you? Read on, and discover the best markets in London, so you can decide for yourself! Featuring: Borough Market Old Spitalfields Market Brick Lane Market Camden Market Covent Garden Market and more! Borough Market Borough is arguably London's best-known market. Head there, and you'll find countless street-food offerings, refreshing beverages, and a winding maze of both indoor and outdoor market stalls. Whether you're picking up some fresh ingredients for your kitchen, or grabbing some food on your lunch break, Borough Market is a foodie's paradise! Southbank Centre Market A stone's throw from Waterloo Station, the Southbank has become one of the best places to visit in the city. Full of unique culture and experiences, it's a must-visit for those venturing into London from out of town. And their market is no different, offering a wealth of pop-up street food offerings and delicious drinks all year round. And, if you're looking to dig into a good book while you chow down, head over to the nearby book market and discover new and exciting worlds to dive into! And when you've seen and bought everything you want, there's the BFI around the corner for your cinematic needs, and even music festivals in the summer. Definitely one of the best markets in London. Spitalfields Market On the colder, wetter days we inevitably get in the capital, perhaps an indoor market would be preferable? Look no further than Spitalfields Market. Along with a wide variety of gourmet food trucks and pop-ups, providing everything from burgers to Asian cuisine, there are also cutting-edge clothes shops and jewellery boutiques. You'll also find vinyl and antique markets down there at certain times of the week. Brick Lane Market Just a few minutes from Spitalfields is its scruffy uncle. Brick Lane is an uncurated utopia of odds-and-ends, second-hand homeware, vintage apparel, and everything in between. Every trip is an exciting adventure, and you'll never know what the next stall could be selling. Oh, and as usual, expect a wide variety of food stalls offering tasty and varied cuisines. Given the slap-dash nature of the market, they don't have a website. So, you'll just have to head to Brick Lane yourself and see what all the fuss is about! Brixton Village and Market Row Home of the famous Electric Avenue from the famous '80s song, Brixton is one of the most diverse districts in London. Ergo, you can expect an equally diverse collection of world foods to be on offer. You're bound to find some delectable Caribbean jerk chicken, Italian bites, and fish dishes all over the place. And, on top of all that, you'll discover arcades full of craft jewellery, amateur art, and so much more. If you like your food spiced and your shopping unpredictable, it's easily one of the best markets in London! Portobello Road Market Nestled in the famous Notting Hill, you'll find the largest antique market on the planet! That's right; we're talking about Portobello Road. Now well over 200 years old, it's one of the city's longest-running markets. Here, you don't just get one or two markets; you get five whole markets for the price of one! Whether you're looking for fresh food, vintage garments, second-hand nick-nacks, or the aforementioned antiques, Portobello Road Market's got you covered. It's a shopper's paradise. And, once you've perused and purchased to your heart's content, there are a tonne of bars and restaurants in the surrounding area that are worthy of exploring. After all that shopping, you deserve a rest. Easily one of the best markets in London. Camden Market Next is one that needs no introduction. Camden Market is well known nationwide as one of the biggest and busiest markets in the country. Every weekend, thousands of people travel there to buy odds and ends, mixtapes, vintage offerings, and everything in-between. But like Portobello Road, Camden Market is actually a collection of smaller markets that intersect with one another. Head down to the market in Camden Lock, for instance, and you're likely to find higher-end boutique offerings from designers and artists, whereas other avenues will offer their own unique shopping possibilities. While it's definitely worth exploring from time to time, always prepare to deal with surging crowds of marketeers. Given recent events, that might not sound as appealing as it once did! Victoria Park Market Victoria Park may be best known for its music festivals, as it's the site of Field Day and All Points East Festival. However, it's also home to a lovely market that comes out every Sunday. Here, backed by trees and other flora, you'll find plenty of stalls with fresh fruit and veg, and maybe even some tasty exotic treats you won't find at your local supermarket! On top of all that, you'll find craft drinks from local creators, and cakes and other sweet treats to nibble on. And, since the park's right there, it would be rude not to go and eat them on the grass. Maltby Street Market Arguably the baby on this list, Maltby Street Market has only been around for just over a decade. But don't let that deter you, because it's fast becoming one of the best markets in London! Featuring a curated list of vendors, you'll find plenty of ingredients to buy and food to try. With the likes of Duck Frites, who fuse duck with other interesting cuisines, as well as Bangers Catering, who make the best sausage sandwich you've ever tasted, it's no wonder Maltby Street Market has become so popular, so quickly! Covent Garden Market And finally, we arrive at Covent Garden Market. This indoor market in Central is one of the city's most famous, with its distinct Victorian architecture, glass dome, and curved teal supports. An Apple Market in times past, it has now become a haven for craft accessories, art, sculptures, and much more. One to visit if you're in the area and the weather is looking unfavourable! And that's our list of the best markets in London!
Dom Bewley

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