Best Museums in London

Published: July 18, 2024
best museums in london

Knowledge is power. Every day, many of us look to nourish our withered brains with learning. Whether online, in a book, or in the scary outside world, it's good to learn. After all, a strong brain is a happy brain. So, if you're looking to flex those synapses on a day out in London, where should one go? Why, a museum, of course! London has a boat-load of the info hives just waiting for you. 'But there are so many, which are the best?' we hear you cry. Stop crying, and start reading, because these are the best museums in London.

Featuring:

  • Museum of London
  • Natural History Museum
  • Science Museum
  • V&A Museum
  • British Museum
  • Royal Museums Greenwich
  • London Transport Museum
  • Museum of Brands

Museum of London

Best Museums in London

Why not start our trip down museum lane with one about the city itself? It may shock you to discover that the Museum of London is a museum about London. Step inside, and you'll find out about the city's long history, which dates back thousands of years to the Romans. You'll discover the rise and fall of nations, the coronation and usurping of leaders, and how the city's culture has shifted through generations.

See exhibits dedicated to famous events like the Olympics, as well as those dedicated to fictional characters like Sherlock Holmes. London is a city absolutely brimming with history. Visit the Museum of London, and have it condensed into a bite-sized chunk that'll fit perfectly in your brain.

 

Natural History Museum

Best Museums in London

Arguably one of, if not the best museums in London, the Natural History Museum is known worldwide for its stunning collection of fossils. How many, you may wonder? Well, there are around 80 million contained within! You'll gaze up at the life-sized blue whale skeleton, see dinosaurs and other ancient creatures, and explore floor upon floor of exciting history!

During your visit, why not get yourself a free guidebook? Thanks to the guide's map, you can make your way around all the museum's best exhibits, so you don't miss a thing. Plus, it's a great keepsake to take home with you!

Science Museum

Best Museums in London

And right next door to the Natural History Museum is the Science Museum, a must-visit for any of you curious minds out there! Within, you'll discover humankind's scientific progress throughout time, from the humble wagon to the spacefaring rocket. Explore the evolution of technology, medicine, and existence through a multitude of interactive exhibits, artefacts, and videos.

There's also a 3D IMAX screen housed within, featuring a number of family-friendly films that'll excite as much as they educate. Swim beside fish in the sea, or travel to the stars, all while sitting comfortably in a dark, warm cinema.

 

V&A Museum

Best Museums in London

London's leading art and design museum, the V&A Museum is easily one of the best museums in London. Featuring collections of art and design from both the past and the present, the museum's collections touch on everything from fashion, performance, and cultural diversity.

With a rich rotation of exhibits taking place throughout the year, make sure to check what's on and book ahead before you travel. If you need to refuel, there's a restaurant that serves warm lunches throughout the day. And, if the weather is good, feel free to grab a cold drink and sit in the vast open garden you'll in the middle of the museum!

British Museum

Best Museums in London

Step inside the British Museum and discover 2 million years of history and culture. Discover 8 million artefacts from humanity's history. See ancient relics from all across the world, and enter exhibits dedicated to some of the most exciting periods of the past!

Whether it's a gallery full of Egyptian sarcophagi, medieval tapestries, or Roman war artefacts, you're sure to find something to stun and delight you!

 

Royal Museums Greenwich

Best Museums in London

If you prefer your history more seaborne, take a trip to the Royal Museums Greenwich in the eponymous London suburb. There's so much to see and do, including a visit to the National Maritime Museum. There, you can chart the history of sea exploration and reminisce on amazing human endeavours. With a vast collection of historically-significant maritime artefacts to see, and interactive displays to enjoy, it's easily one of the best museums in London.

Then, take a stroll over to the Queen's House, a delightfully-designed villa that was built in the 17th century by Inigo Jones. Within, you'll see works of art from esteemed painters like Turner and Hogarth, ascend the Tulip Stairs, and marvel at the marble finish throughout the villa.

 

London Transport Museum

Best Museums in London

Get an insight into London's colourful transport history at the London Transport Museum. From black cabs and tube logos to red buses, London is known worldwide for its unique transport offerings. Here, you'll see how these choices came about, and how London transport has evolved through the years. Featuring a huge gathering of vehicles, artwork, artefacts, and footage, it's a great place to discover the origins of some of the world's most recognisable icons.

You even get the chance to explore real buses, tube trains, and other transport types. Perfect for small and big kids alike, it's a great place to take the family.

 

Museum of Brands

Best Museums in London

Take a trip through time, and see how advertising and consumer culture have evolved over 200 years of history! With over half a million artefacts on display, the Museum of Brands is one of the best museums in London!

See how brands and advertising have evolved through all parts of our lives, whether entertainment, music, or magazine. It's a great way to explore how social and political influence has changed our culture. And, how technology has allowed brands to evolve along with it. With an entire section dedicated to television advertisements throughout the years, you'll laugh and cringe in equal measure, as you're cruelly reminded of how awkward ads were back then. And, by extension, how old you are now.

 

And that about does it for the best museums in London you simply cannot miss! If you're looking for other things to do when visiting the English capital, why not check out our guides to Shoreditch, Notting Hill, and Mayfair? Or, if you want to see the city but don't know where to sleep, check out our guide for the best places to stay in London!

And, if you want to check out all the very best London attractions the capital has to offer, pick up a London pass and see it all for one low price!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Free Fun Near London Eye: Explore Without Spending a Penny

Standing beneath the London Eye, it’s easy to get swept up in London’s energy—and yes, you might worry your wallet could take off faster than a capsule! But here’s some good news: this buzzing area is packed with experiences that don’t cost a thing. Whether you’re a history buff, people-watcher, or just want to soak up riverside vibes, we’ve uncovered vibrant culture, stunning views, leafy escapes, and those quirks that make London unforgettable—all for free. Ready to wander beyond the ticket queues and see what the South Bank (and beyond) really has to offer? Let’s fill your day with London Eye neighbor gems that your budget will love.  Our favorite free things to do near the London Eye include:  South Bank Walks  Tate Modern  Jubilee Gardens  The National Theatre Foyer  BFI Southbank  Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel  The Palace of Westminster (from the outside)  Covent Garden Street Performers  St James’s Park  Gabriel’s Wharf and Riverside Murals  South Bank Walks  If you’re after atmosphere, the South Bank always delivers. Start right at the London Eye and wander east along the Thames. You’ll pass buskers, pop-up food stalls, book markets beneath Waterloo Bridge, and open-air art installations. The river views are ace: catch locals whizzing by on roller skates, violinists with sweeping soundtracks, and families soaking up city life. The path is flat and accessible, with ever-changing street theatre, pop-up exhibitions, and snapshots of classic London landmarks on both banks. Golden hour here—especially with the London skyline glowing across the water—simply can’t be beat.  Jubilee Gardens  A patch of green in the middle of city buzz, Jubilee Gardens is tailor-made for picnics, sunbathing, or just kicking back after a morning on your feet. Sunflowers, fountains, and sweeping lawns give you loads of space to relax—and the views of the Eye looming overhead make every selfie pop. There’s a children’s playground for families, plenty of benches for people-watching, and on weekends, the park hosts local events and entertainers. Bonus: it’s an ideal stop to refuel with a supermarket meal deal!  The National Theatre Foyer  Pop inside the National Theatre (no ticket required!) and you’ll find public spaces filled with changing art displays, comfy chairs, and riverside views. Free WiFi and plenty of quiet corners make this a local’s favourite for reading or people-watching. Check out pop-up exhibitions, seasonal flower displays, and on some days, you might even stumble into a lunchtime classical concert or a rehearsal happening in the lobby. It’s creative, cosseting, and right at the heart of London’s cultural buzz.  BFI Southbank  Film buffs, this one’s for you. The British Film Institute’s riverside home opens its stylish lounge, film posters and memorabilia displays, and media mediatheque archive for free visitors every day. Curl up in a mid-century chair and watch rare British films or newsreels in the mediatheque or browse fascinating archives along the foyer walls. The buzz is creative and relaxed, a great hideout for appraising movie history—especially handy on a rainy London day.  The Palace of Westminster (From the Outside)  Sure, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament need no introduction, but have you truly soaked in their grandeur from across the river? Wander to Westminster Bridge (mere minutes from the London Eye) for the very best photo ops. Often, you’ll find street musicians playing dramatic anthems in the background, as red buses whoosh past and seagulls wheel overhead. You don’t need a tour or a ticket to enjoy some of London’s most famous views for absolutely nothing.  Covent Garden Street Performers  A delightful 15-minute stroll from the London Eye brings you to Covent Garden—a hub of free entertainment every day of the week. The historic piazza buzzes with magicians, musicians, living statues, and theatrical performers (juggling flaming torches is just the warm-up). The atmosphere is vibrant and cheeky: expect laughter, gasps, and the occasional magic trick right in front of you. Street entertainers have been thrilling crowds here for centuries, and the tradition is alive and kicking. Pull up a spot on the cobbles and enjoy a truly “London” spectacle.  St James’s Park  Stretch your legs with a scenic wander through St James’s Park, one of London’s oldest and most beautiful green spaces—less than 15 minutes’ walk from the Eye. Think sweeping flower beds, swans gliding across the lake, and, of course, views of Buckingham Palace at one end. The unusual pelicans (a gift from a Russian ambassador hundreds of years ago!) are always a crowd-pleaser. The park’s wide avenues and peaceful gardens offer a much-needed escape from city clamor without ever leaving the center.  Gabriel’s Wharf and Riverside Murals  Tucked along the South Bank’s river walk, Gabriel’s Wharf is a pocket-sized haven for art lovers and explorers. Follow the trail of eye-catching murals and witty signage, then enjoy the quirky vibe at the wharf itself—free riverside seating, lively outdoor sculptures, and lovely people-watching. It’s a little oasis of creativity, and while the indie shops and cafes do tempt you, the experience—and the riverside murals—come at no charge.    And there you have it—ten ways to fill your itinerary, see fresh sides of London, and keep your spending on the fun side of sensible. Happy exploring!    Enjoyed this? Check out our comprehensive guide to the London Eye, and learn even more about Southbank.  Step up your sightseeing with Go City®   We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started! 

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