The museum scene in London is truly unparalleled. With more than 170 scattered throughout the city - many of which welcome visitors free of charge - it’s hard to think of anywhere else that does museums quite like London. Here are the world famous museums you’ve got to visit, along with who they’re best suited for and why you should swing by!

The British Museum

The British Museum was the first-ever national museum to open to the public in 1759. The museum offers a gigantic collection of artifacts from all over the world (some acquired under circumstances that might raise an eyebrow or two!) and spanning millenia, including the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and ancient Greek sculptures.

Who is it for? History buffs, cultural explorers, and anyone who wants to say “I saw the Rosetta Stone”.

💸 Entrance: Free

The National Gallery

Sitting pretty on Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is like London’s living room of fine art. The collection is chock-full of the heavy hitters: Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” Turner’s dreamy landscapes, and da Vinci’s masterpieces.

Who is it for? Art lovers, romantics, day-trippers, and anyone who fancies a quiet, contemplative break from the city’s bustle

💸 Entrance: Free

The National Portrait Gallery

Positioned just around the corner from the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery focuses on, well, portraits—famous faces from Britain’s history, art, and contemporary culture. From Shakespeare’s portrait to modern celebs and cultural icons, it’s a visual who’s-who of British life.

Who is it for? History buffs, pop culture lovers, and anyone intrigued by the stories of people who shaped the UK.

💸 Entrance: Free

The Natural History Museum

Think of the Natural History Museum as a grand Victorian palace filled with dinosaurs, whales, and glittering gemstones. The architecture alone is reason enough to visit—massive columns, gargoyles shaped like extinct creatures, and that famous hint of Hogwarts magic in the main hall. It also hosts the Wildlife Photographer of the Year show every year.

Who is it for? Families, nature enthusiasts, dinosaur geeks, and the curious child inside every grown-up.

💸 Entrance: Free

The Science Museum

Right next door to the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum is all about celebrating the marvels of invention and discovery. From early steam engines to cutting-edge robotics and interactive exhibits, it’ll spark your inner Einstein. There are hands-on installations perfect for kids (they adore the Wonderlab) and overgrown kids. Plus, their IMAX theatre and special exhibitions (usually ticketed) are great on a rainy London afternoon.

Who is it for? Families with inquisitive kiddos, tech lovers, and anyone who thinks science is just too cool to leave in a textbook.

💸 Entrance: Free

Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)

The V&A is the world’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts, and design. It’s a treasure trove of fashion, textiles, sculpture, ceramics, photography—basically any beautiful thing people have made over the past 5,000 years.

Who is it for? Lovers of art, design, fashion and anyone who appreciates the finer details.

💸 Entrance: Free

Tate Modern

Housed in a former power station on the South Bank, Tate Modern is London’s temple to contemporary art. It’s got an airy Turbine Hall that’s played host to mind-bending installations, plus floors of modern masterpieces from Warhol to Hockney.

Who is it for? Contemporary art enthusiasts and anyone looking for a different perspective on the art world.

💸 Entrance: Free

Tate Britain

Often overshadowed by its younger, trendier sibling (Tate Modern), Tate Britain is the older, wiser cousin focused on British art from 1500 to the present. Housed in a grand, classical building on Millbank, it’s home to an impressive Turner collection and pre-Raphaelite gems. If you want to see the trajectory of British art through the centuries, this is your go-to.

Who is it for? Fans of classic and modern British art and those who appreciate a calmer gallery vibe.

💸 Entrance: Free

Imperial War Museum (IWM)

Housed in a building that once served as the Bethlem Royal Hospital, the Imperial War Museum dives into the global conflicts that shaped the 20th and 21st centuries. From World War relics to contemporary conflicts, it’s a sobering but vital look at wars and their human impacts and consequences.

Who is it for? Anyone interested in history, especially world conflicts, or those wanting a deeper understanding of the events that molded modern geopolitics. It’s heavy stuff but incredibly important.

💸 Entrance: Free

Churchill War Rooms

These underground bunkers served as Winston Churchill’s wartime HQ during World War II. They’ve been preserved as they were—maps, phones, and personal belongings all intact—offering a time-capsule look into leadership under fire. There’s also a dedicated Churchill Museum that gives you a glimpse into the life and character of Britain’s most famous wartime Prime Minister.

Who is it for? Anyone interested in history, especially world conflicts, or those wanting a deeper understanding of the events that molded modern geopolitics. It’s heavy stuff but incredibly important. World War II enthusiasts, political history fans, or anyone keen on stepping into a slice of London’s past that changed the world.

💸 Entrance: £32 (you can book your ticket here)