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The 25 Best Museums in London

By Sarah James , Connor Sturges , and Cordelia Aspinall

One of the many things our capital does very well is arts and culture—the amount of museums in London is pretty impressive. The city has such a bounty of world-renowned institutions that it can be hard to know which to visit first: from cutting-edge  London exhibitions  at the Tate Modern to Hope, the huge skeleton of a blue whale at the Natural History Museum. Alongside the big names, there’s also a trove of smaller, more eclectic London museums to explore, where you can find everything from a history of cereal packets to a taxidermy walrus with his own Twitter page. Discover the best museums in London, including the top free-entry spots.

Are all museums in London free?

There are a variety of museums in London that offer free entry, but a select few do require an admission fee. However, many of the best museums in London are free to attend, which means you can enjoy all the art and history the city has to offer without worrying about the cost. Be sure to explore the British Museum's (London's biggest museum!) sprawling galleries or lose yourself in the works of Georgia O'Keeffe and Andry Warhol at Tate Modern.

What is the most visited museum in London?

According to 2021 data , The Natural History Museum and the British Museum are two of the most visited museums in London. Both offer unique experiences, with The Natural Museum being the perfect visit for animal lovers, while the British Museum is an architect's dream.

Free museums in London

The Design Museum, Kensington

Founded by Sir Terence Conran in 1989 and relocated to Kensington in 2016, The Design Museum hosts cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions, from fashion and graphics to architecture and product and industrial design. As well as the fascinating displays of past, present and future design through pop-ups and temporary shows, the museum hosts an array of learning programs and activities aimed at children (aged 5-11 years) as well as opportunities for young people (aged 14-16 years) such as specialist courses, workshops and talks from leading experts in the industry.

Entry fee: Free entry; exhibitions cost extra; booking essential

British Museum, Bloomsbury

The domed glass-and-steel ceiling at the British Museum —the world’s first national museum opened to the public—lets light into the atrium-like Great Court below, bouncing off the blinding-white, sweeping staircases and marble walls. It’s one of the capital’s prettiest spaces, but beyond the impressive lobby, it has sprawling galleries dedicated to the Egyptians, the Greeks and the Romans. Artefacts including the Rosetta Stone, Pantheon Marbles (once a part of the original structure in Athens ) and more than 120 mummies draw millions of visitors every year. This is the city’s most-visited attraction, and it’s easy to see why.

Entry fee: Free entry; exhibitions cost extra

Tate Modern, Bankside

In what was once the Bankside Power Station, Tate Modern looms over the waterfront of the South Bank. Its permanent collections house a wealth of modern British art—see pieces from Damien Hirst and Jackson Pollock—and a range of international artists. The immense Turbine Hall is dominated by a changing display of site-specific installations: millions of handcrafted porcelain sunflower seeds filled the space in 2010-11, while Olafur Eliasson took over with The Weather Project in 2003 and a blinding sun installation. Head to the top level of the Blavatnik Building, which was added in 2017, to visit the free viewing platform—the London panoramas are some of the best you’ll find anywhere in the city. However, Tate Modern’s main draw is its changing exhibitions: displays have included works from Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe and Andy Warhol.

Tate Britain, Pimlico

Tate Modern’s older sister focuses on British art and holds pieces from heavyweights, including Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon and William Hogarth, within its imposing Pimlico building archives. The museum hosts regular late-night events, and each one has a different theme each time: LGBTQ+ art, perhaps, or creative learning, with licensed bars in the galleries and a live DJ.

Rebekah Peppler

CNT Editors

Lauren Dana Ellman

Ashley M. Biggers

5. Royal Academy, Piccadilly

Best museum in London for: seeing Britain’s art greats in one place

Founded by artists and architects in the 1760s, the Royal Academy has been in its current home at Burlington House for more than 150 years and has recently expanded to include the former Museum of Mankind on Burlington Gardens. Highlights of the permanent collection span more than two centuries, from William Turner to Tracey Emin. The annual Summer Exhibition is one of the main events in the London art calendar, held since 1769, making it the oldest open-submission exhibition in the world. Each year, one of the Royal Academy’s artists curates the display.

Address: Royal Academy, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD Website: royalacademy.org.uk Entry fee: Free entry; exhibitions cost extra

Queer Britain, King's Cross

Although Queer Britain’s story as a physical museum only began at the start of 2022, things kicked off before the star-studded 2018 launch in the Hotel Cafe Royal’s Oscar Wilde Lounge. What was, for some time, a largely virtual and event-led celebration of queer culture now has a permanent exhibition space in Granary Square, King's Cross . The museum’s first long-term exhibition launched in summer 2022 – We are Queer Britain – with items collected from various sources in celebration of LGBTQ+ history and culture. Oscar Wilde’s prison cell door behind which he was incarcerated for sodomy, recently discovered erotic work by Duncan Grant, and a letter from Elton John to his younger self are all on display; powerful reminders of how far equality has come.

Entry fee: Free entry; donations welcome

London Mithraeum , City of London

On a late summer’s day in September 1954, archaeological investigations into the rubble of post-war London uncovered a long-lost secret as a marble head showed itself for the first time in thousands of years. Further digs, supported by the likes of Winston Churchill, unearthed the remains of a spectacular Roman temple dedicated to the God Mithras. Revered by Roman citizens across the empire, the figure became the centre of a mystery religion that led to initiation ceremonies and worship practices being carried out at underground temples. While many Mithraic temples remain, this was still the first of its kind in Britain to be revealed. Now, more than two millennia after it was built, the mysteries of the past have been brought vividly to life through the power of modern technology in an immersive, multi-sensory museum space. Artifacts provide a glimpse into what life was like, while the Bloomberg tablets—a collection that includes the first known written reference to London—await visitor awe.

Entry fee: Free entry

Natural History Museum, Kensington

The ornate façade of the Natural History Museum is a love letter to Victorian architecture: a vast gothic building that looks more like a cathedral than a museum. Inside the lofty Hintze Hall (revamped in 2017 to strip it back to its 19th-century splendour), Hope, a ginormous blue-whale skeleton, hangs above the information desk, which doubles up as a bar when the museum throws late-night sessions. See dinosaur fossils, the first edition of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species and casts from Pompeii among the museum’s 80 million specimens.

Victoria and Albert Museum , Knightsbridge

London’s largest art museum—the eighth-biggest art museum in the world—has more than 100 galleries displaying everything from photography to jewellery. It has put on some of the city’s most talked-about exhibitions in recent years: the curators have become known for their hot-ticket fashion displays of designers, including Christian Dior and Alexander McQueen. Make sure to visit the permanent Rapid Response Collection, which has contemporary pieces that react to significant moments in recent history, such as the 'pussyhats' worn at protests against the election of Donald Trump to a 3D-printed Extinction Rebellion coin.

National Portrait Gallery, Charing Cross

Following a three-year hiatus, the iconic National Portrait Gallery re-opened its doors to the public in summer 2023 with new spaces, collections and elevated dining options to boot. The refurbishment marks the most extensive transformation of the space since 1896, with key updates focusing on important contemporary figures such as Zadie Smith and Sir Steve McQueen. With a refurbished, light-filled café, glitzy underground basement bar Larry’s serving up bespoke cocktails in a mood-lit setting, and then Portrait, a rooftop restaurant by acclaimed Irish chef Richard Corrigan, the National Portrait Gallery’s hospitality offering might just be in a league of its own. Moreover, an increased focus on photography has seen the gallery flooded with visitors. Lucy Bruton

Price: Free entry; exhibitions cost extra

Imperial War Museum, Lambeth

Housed in what was once the site of Bethlem Royal Hospital (the psychiatric facility better known as Bedlam) and flanked by naval guns, the Imperial War Museum explores the role of British troops in conflicts that cross generations and countries. It’s full of often challenging exhibitions, from displays on World War I to the Holocaust.

Sir John Soane's Museum, Holborn

Untouched-Georgian-townhouse-meets centuries-old museum, this cabinet of curiosities was once the home of Sir John Soane, an 18th-century architect who designed the Dulwich Picture Gallery and was a professor at the Royal Academy. See his collection of antiquities, furniture and sculptures, as well as paintings by Hogarth and Turner. Book on one of the Highlights Tours, or see the historical property in a new light and embark on a candlelit tour at Soane late events.

The Wallace Collection , Marylebone

Fine art from the 15th to 19th centuries is displayed at one of London’s loveliest small art galleries, set in the 18th-century townhouse of Sir Richard and Lady Wallace, who collected fine paintings, porcelain, artifacts and furniture over generations. See paintings by Canaletto and Rembrandt, plus exhibitions on fashion, furniture, ceramics and more.

Horniman Museum and Gardens , Forest Hill

Founded in 1901 by Frederick John Horniman, a tea merchant who wanted a space to display his private collection of natural history, the Horniman Museum is a nature lover’s dream. See African art or visit the tiny aquarium. We especially like the conservatory, set in a grand Victorian glasshouse with views over the rolling gardens.

Museums with admission fee Museum of Comedy, Bloomsbury

Can you truly understand a culture without knowing what makes its people laugh? The Museum of Comedy is on a mission to acquaint us all with the ingredients that, when combined, make up the British sense of humor, one Ronnie at a time. More reference library than proper museum, it's a repository of seemingly every book, DVD, VHS and LP that could possibly make you laugh – literally hours and hours of non-stop silliness. Make sure you have a couple of hours to kill, then sit yourself down, kick off your shoes and let the fun begin. By the end of the visit, you'll be squawking Monty Python's Parrot Sketch by heart.

Entry fee: Varies; book online or via the phone

Museum of Brands , Notting Hill

Go on a jaunt down memory lane at this museum, just around the corner from Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill . Take a deeper look at your favorite brands, including British stalwarts such as Marmite and Cadbury, in the permanent Time Tunnel exhibition created by consumer historian Robert Opie. From changes in packaging, branding and the advertising behind each product, see how these classics have evolved over the past 150 years. The museum is an immersive visual journey from the Victorian era to the present day, and shows the impact of social and cultural changes on everything from consumer society, right down to a chocolate bar’s wrapper. Learn how technological and societal transformations in TV and cinema , fashion, games, the prevalence of plastic, and the emancipation of women have shaped our commercial world today. You will leave more knowledgeable about the historical context of many well-known household names, and about earlier times.

Entry fee: £9 for adults; £5 for children

Jewish Museum London, Camden

Following the atrocities of the second world war and the placement of Jewish people across London, two museums came together in the early 1980s—The London Museum of Jewish Life and The Jewish Museum. In what is now known as the Jewish Museum once again, a showcase of Jewish life awaits. Permanent exhibitions include Judaism: A Living Faith , which places ceremonial art and artifacts including historical Torah decorations and Passover plates. Elsewhere, History: A British Story uncovers the stories of Jewish Britons from 1066 to the current day, while The Holocaust Gallery tells the story of Leon Greenman OBE, the anti-fascism campaigner and Auschwitz survivor who passed away in 2008. Regular events include community kitchen sessions, talks, and events for friends of the museum, while children often attend in groups to learn about Jewish practices.

Entry fee: Adults from £7.50; Children aged 5-16 from £3.50

The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret , London Bridge

Just a short stroll from London Bridge Station, through the door of the historic St Thomas’ Church, a narrow spiral staircase can be found. Ascend—carefully, mind—and arrive in a space that lay concealed for almost a century before being rediscovered in 1956; the old operating theatre and medicinal storage rooms. While St Thomas’ has taken many forms, it has provided shelter and relief to the sick and needy since the 12th century. Before the age of modern medicine, antibiotics, and anesthetics, surgeries were carried out by doctors with comparatively little knowledge of human anatomy, while bodies were carved open and displayed to eager students on the tiered platforms. Now, the space is a museum for fans of macabre and medicinal history, with details dialled down for children and school groups to attend talks and sessions. The website has lots of information and even games for little ones – there is lots to learn before your visit, should you so wish.

Entry fee: adults from £7.50; children from £4.50

Fashion and Textile Museum, Bermondsey

Founded by designer Zandra Rhodes, who displayed 50 years of her fashion line here in 2019, the Fashion and Textile Museum runs a roster of temporary exhibitions rather than having a permanent collection. In between shows, the museum—set in a colourful converted warehouse in Southwark—is closed and completely made over. Past exhibitions have focused on knitwear, Jazz Age fashion, T-shirts and Riviera style—while other shows have put the spotlight on designers including Orla Kiely , Mary Quant, and Terence Conran.

Entry fee: Varies; check the latest exhibition for more details

London Transport Museum, Covent Garden

For anyone who races Citymapper’s proposed route home convinced they can hack public transport, or for those who feel smug when a question on the underground comes up at a pub quiz, head to the London Transport Museum , packed with impressive travel ephemera and facts. See a line-up of red Routemaster buses through the ages, climb aboard one of the very first tube carriages and see stylish retro posters from the past 100 years. Keep an eye on its website for the Acton depot open days, when there’s a rare chance to nose through old Transport for London signs and posters and step aboard vintage tube trains.

Entry fee: £22 for off-peak adult annual passes, £24 for unlimited adult annual passes

Dennis Severs' House , Spitalfields

Another house-museum hybrid, this time featuring the residence of a fictional family dreamt up by eccentric Dennis Severs, who lived in this East End house in the 1970s. The house takes visitors through 10 rooms, transporting them from 1724 to the start of 1914. It’s as though you’re walking into a painting of East London life in the 18th and 19th centuries—tours through the sets, which look as though the occupants of the house have just popped out—are done in silence.

Entry fee: From £15 per person

Leighton House, Holland Park

Stepping into the Arab Hall, you'd be excused for expecting a fez-wearing shopkeeper to hand you a glass of mint tea. Down a quiet side street in Holland Park, Leighton House appears to be quite a standard-looking Victorian townhouse. Yet, so over-the-top were Pre-Raphaelite painter Sir Frederic Leighton's interiors that even his biographer questioned his Britishness. Maybe it was the ceramic-tiled walls, gilt-painted dome, or stained-glass windows that caused all the fuss. Whatever it was, it proves bling was a thing in London as early as the 1830s.

Entry fee: £11 for adults, £5 for children

Dulwich Picture Gallery, Dulwich

In the early 1800s, art enthusiast Sir Francis Bourgeois instructed that his entire collection be turned into a gallery open to the public, handpicking architect John Soane to create the Dulwich Picture Gallery from scratch. Look up, and you can see for yourself the innovative techniques Soane used to bathe the whole gallery in sunlight, which became the prototype for all galleries to this day. Still, don't forget to look down too, to see the great Baroque masterpieces that line the walls and the mausoleum Soane designed for his friend and patron.

Entry fee: £16.50 for adults, including donation

The Handel Hendrix House Museum, Mayfair

The Handel Hendrix House Museum showcases the former homes of music legends, George Handel and Jimi Hendrix. Following a £3 million refurbishment of the Georgian buildings on Brook Street, visitors can immerse themselves in the spaces where Handel wrote his music and Jimi Hendrix entertained fellow rock stars in the 1960s. The interiors of Handel’s home, including the kitchen, have been fully restored in 1740s style, and there are audiovisual displays about the Messiah in the very room where he composed that famous oratorio. Next door at No. 23, the bedsit which Hendrix rented in the late 1960s has been faithfully replicated, plus there are films and displays relating to the guitarist’s life and work. The museum also hosts live music and talks.

Entry fee: £14.00 for adults, £10.00 for students and free for under 16s

The Postal Museum, Farringdon

One of Britain’s biggest inventions was the postal system—the very first social network, which has now been around for 500 years. Visit The Postal Museum and take in the history of letter-writing and communication with interactive displays, galleries and exhibitions. Hop across the road to Mail Rail and travel through the hidden tunnels onboard a miniature train to discover the postal world that lies beneath the busy streets of London. See the unchanged station platforms below Royal Mail’s Mount Pleasant sorting office, hear from the people who worked on the railway and learn about the parts of it that kept the postal system moving through London over the years.

Entry fee: £16 for adults, £11 for young persons (ages 16-24), £9 for children

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14 Best Art Galleries in London, England

Written by Bryan Dearsley Sep 2, 2022

If art's your thing, then London should appear at the top of your list of places to visit in the UK . The city is replete with outstanding galleries.

From hi-tech newer venues especially designed to display publicly owned collections to majestic Victorian-era structures housing artworks owned by Britain's Royal Family, London's art galleries have something for everyone. In fact, all told, London boasts well over 1,500 permanent art collections, cementing the city's reputation as one of the world's leading cultural destinations.

To help you navigate your way around London's rich and vibrant art scene, we've put together this list of the top art galleries in London, England.

1. National Gallery

2. national portrait gallery, 3. tate modern and tate britain, 4. the serpentine galleries, 5. the queen's gallery, buckingham palace, 6. victoria and albert museum, 7. royal academy of arts, 8. hayward gallery, 9. the wernher collection, rangers house, greenwich, 10. queen's house, greenwich, 11. guildhall art gallery, 12. saatchi gallery, 13. whitechapel gallery, 14. the courtauld gallery, map of art galleries in london, england.

The National Gallery in London is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit on the planet for anyone wanting to explore classic art. Located overlooking Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column, this vast neoclassical structure opened its doors in 1838 and has introduced countless visitors to some of the world's top artists.

Highlights of the National Gallery's more than 2,300 artworks include numerous paintings by the Dutch Masters, including Rembrandt, as well as many fine examples from other European hotbeds of artistic endeavor over the centuries. Among the most famous works in its inventory of classic artworks are Michelangelo's The Entombment , Monet's The Water-Lily Pond , and van Gogh's Sunflowers .

Address: Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London

Official site: www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Located just around the corner from the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery in London houses an even larger collection of artwork. Among its over 4,500 paintings and drawings are portraits of some of the most important figures from British history, the oldest being a painting of King Henry VII dating from 1536.

Other notable Royal figures include Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, and Princess Diana, while cultural icons including William Shakespeare and the Brontë sisters are also represented.

Editor's Note: The National Portrait Gallery is closed for major renovations until 2023, so be sure to check their website for reopening details.

Address: St. Martin's Place, London

Official site: www.npg.org.uk

Straddling the banks of the River Thames and connected by the magnificent Millennium Bridge , a unique footbridge offering superb views over the river and city, are two of the most popular art galleries in London: Tate Modern and Tate Britain. While the original Tate Gallery opened in 1897, its collections grew to such an extent that it warranted opening a second venue.

Located on the North side of the Thames in Millbank, Tate Britain houses a large collection of important historic British paintings, including works by Turner accompanied by exhibits relating to his life. Housed in a former power station on the south bank of the Thames, Tate Modern features modern artworks from across the globe by artists including Rodin, Cézanne, and Degas, as well as Picasso and Salvador Dali.

Guided tours and a wide variety of educational programs and workshops are available at both locations.

Official site: www.tate.org.uk

No visit to London is complete without taking in at least one or two of the city's best parks . And if you're an art lover, then you'll want to include a visit to Hyde Park on your travel itinerary.

The largest of London's four Royal Parks, Hyde Park is home to no less than two world-class art galleries. Opened in 1970, the Serpentine Gallery, now known as Serpentine South Gallery, features regular visiting exhibits of leading contemporary artists and their artwork. Past exhibits have showcased works by artists including Damien Hirst and Anish Kapoor, among many others.

Part of an expansion of the Serpentine Gallery that was built in 2013, the newer Serpentine North Gallery saw the addition of a second large gallery space in a spectacularly designed building just five minutes' walk from the original location.

Admission to both is free, and a superb book shop is located at the south gallery.

Location: Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, London

Official site: www.serpentinegalleries.org

Located on the perimeter of the grounds of Buckingham Palace and one of the most accessible royal landmarks in London, The Queen's Gallery is a must-see for art lovers. It's one of the city's smaller art galleries.

Highlights include seeing around 450 examples from the Royal Collection's more than 7,000 artworks and artifacts.

Recently renovated, the old chapel the gallery is set in is extremely photogenic and makes for a great selfie. Unlike most London art galleries, an admission fee is charged but provides good value for money. Guided tours are available, and a gift shop is located on-site.

Address: Buckingham Palace, London

Official site: www.rct.uk/visit/the-queens-gallery-buckingham-palace

Usually referred to simply as the V&A, the Victoria and Albert Museum is located in London's posh Knightsbridge neighborhood and is one of the city's largest museums. It covers an area of 13 acres, and you can easily spend a day exploring the museum's 145 individual galleries.

Since it opened in 1852 the V&A's vast collection of art and related cultural artifacts has grown exponentially, and covers more than 5,000 years of human creative endeavors. Highlights include displays of jewelry, glassware, and ceramics, as well as textiles and fashions over the ages. There's also an impressive number of sculptures, paintings, prints, and photographs on display.

Those wanting to dig a little deeper can book bespoke guided tours related to a particular genre or period, or visit during one of the regular V&A lectures or workshops. You can also linger a little longer in one of the two on-site cafés.

Address: Cromwell Road, Knightsbridge, London

Official site: www.vam.ac.uk

Anyone with even the slightest interest in art and the artistic process should consider a visit to the Royal Academy of Arts. Established as a private academy in 1768 and led ever since by some of the country's leading artists and architects, the RAA features frequent temporary exhibits, as well as rotating displays from its permanent collection.

Among works in its permanent collection is Michelangelo 's Taddei Tondo , an exquisite and important marble sculpture from 1504 that's on display in the Collection Gallery.

The RAA's annual summer exhibition is a must-see for art lovers and features new art from rising stars in the art world and provides an excellent opportunity to see more of the vast Burlington House complex in which the museum is set.

Address: Burlington House, Piccadilly, London

Official site: www.royalacademy.org.uk

An integral part of London's iconic Southbank Center arts complex, the Hayward Gallery opened in 1968 and hosts regular exhibitions showcasing works by domestic and international artists. Designed in what's now known as the "brutalist" style of the mid-20th century, the rather austere looking building overlooks the Thames and is well worth a visit for its views alone.

Past artworks displayed have included contemporary statues by Antony Gormley, as well as paintings by Leonardo da Vinci and Edvard Munch . A shop and a café are located on the premises, and the Southbank Centre is home to a wide array of other dining and entertainment options.

Address: Belvedere Road, London

Official site: www.southbankcentre.co.uk/venues/hayward-gallery

The Wernher Collection is one of the many worthwhile attractions in Greenwich . Set in the elegant Ranger's House in the southwest corner of Greenwich Park , the more than 700 works on display in this Georgian mansion were once the property of a wealthy 19th-century businessman and include everything from rare medieval sculptures to important Renaissance paintings.

Other collection highlights include works by Botticelli and the Dutch Old Masters, a number of historic French tapestries, as well as an impressive antique jewelry collection. Part of the fun here is enjoying the many original furnishings and décor still evident in the 12 rooms of this opulent mansion used to display its collections.

Afterwards, be sure to venture outside and explore this often-overlooked corner of Greenwich Park. It's especially nice in spring, as you can walk through the park's pretty Rose Garden and along a delightful cherry blossomed lined pathway, both of which make for superb photo opportunities.

Address: Chesterfield Walk, London

Official site: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/rangers-house-the-wernher-collection

Queen's House is one of the more frequently visited attractions in London's Greenwich Park. It was designed by famed architect Inigo Jones as a royal residence in the early 17th century, and there's plenty to see here for art aficionados besides its architectural grandeur.

Among its acclaimed collection is the famous Armada Portrait . This stunningly detailed depiction of Queen Elizabeth I was painted soon after the Spanish invasion was thwarted by the English fleet and weather in 1588. Interesting fact: the painting is now on permanent display here on the very spot where the first Queen Elizabeth was born, and marks a fitting tribute to a remarkable monarch.

Address: Romney Road, Greenwich, London

Official site: www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house

Owned and operated by the City of London, a visit to the Guildhall Art Gallery is one of the top free things to do in London for art fans.

Highlights of the gallery's impressive collection of 4,500 rare artworks are examples of Pre-Raphaelite paintings and a large number of works dedicated to depicting London's rich past.

In addition to free admission, this excellent art gallery also offers free guided tours.

Afterwards, be sure to visit the ruins of London's Roman Amphitheatre , where, nearly 2,000 years ago, crowds would have thrilled to gladiator and animal fights.

Address: Basinghall Street, London

Official site: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/attractions-museums-entertainment/guildhall-art-gallery

Located in the ritzy Chelsea neighborhood of London, the Saatchi Gallery was founded in 1985 and features a large permanent collection of contemporary art, as well as numerous temporary exhibits.

Set overlooking Sloane Square in an imposing former military headquarters, the gallery has made a name for itself for showcasing up-and-coming artistic talent.

More established artists are also featured, with works by the likes of Damien Hirst and Andy Warhol often on display. A restaurant and bookshop are also located on the premises.

While admission to this popular London art gallery is free, you should reserve your tickets in advance on-line at their official website.

Address: Duke of York's HQ, King's Road, Chelsea, London

Official site: www.saatchigallery.com

If you still haven't had your fill of modern art after visiting museums such as the Saatchi Gallery and Tate Modern, be sure to pay a visit to the Whitechapel Gallery. Opened in 1901 on Whitechapel High Street just 20 minutes' walk away from the Tower of London , the museum features a mix of both permanent and temporary exhibits of contemporary and modern art.

In addition to established names such as Pollock and Picasso, the gallery regularly features work by up-and-coming artists from Britain and abroad. Guided tours are available, along with workshops, film shows, and special late openings.

Address: 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, London

Official site: www.whitechapelgallery.org

Located in sprawling Somerset House on the busy Strand thoroughfare near Covent Garden , The Courtauld Gallery is a great place to visit for those who enjoy a quieter, less crowded art experience. And there's certainly much to warrant spending a few hours or more delving deep into its collections.

On display here are numerous examples of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings by great artists including Monet, van Gogh, Renoir, and Cézanne. You'll also get to enjoy seeing works by well-known British artists from the 17th to 19th centuries, along with pieces by Botticelli, Goya, and Rubens.

Address: Somerset House, Strand, London

Official site: http://courtauld.ac.uk/gallery/about

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The London Art Galleries Not to Miss On Your Next Visit

The growing list of galleries in this thriving cultural hub attracts local and international art collectors alike..

London is a capital city in more ways than one—not only the official capital of the United Kingdom, but also the beating heart of the country’s political establishment, its finance and business sectors and even its creative industries from bustling theaters to an internationally-renowned art scene.

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Many collectors will have attended the annual Frieze London Art Fair and Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition or browsed the renowned graduate art shows at the Royal College of Art, Goldsmiths and Central Saint Martins. And away from the established public-facing museums London is well known for amongst tourists—the V&A, Tate Modern or Serpentine, among others—there is a medley of commercial galleries where artists both established and emerging have their wares displayed for prospective collectors.

The United Kingdom accounts for around 18 percent of art and antique sales worldwide, second only to the United States, and we can barely scratch the surface of London’s sprawling network of commercial galleries—around 850, over half the number of total galleries in the U.K.—in a guide like this. However, we can still give a brief overview of some of the most significant art galleries worth a visit in the U.K.’s capital city, from new challenger ventures to century-old establishments.

The Best Art Galleries in London

Gagliardi gallery.

One of the oldest contemporary art galleries in London, Gagliardi sits in the affluent borough of Chelsea, on the bustling and boutique-filled King’s Road. The gallery opened its doors in 1978 and has been serving collectors ever since, with a history of clients it says “range from local residents to Royalty.” It stocks a mix of painting and sculpture from both well-established artists (think Andy Warhol , Damien Hirst ) and emerging stars, and has a hand in curating the London Art Biennale at Chelsea Town Hall every two years, alongside its involvement with exhibitions at the V&A Museum.

Tristan Hoare

The art dealer Tristan Hoare set up shop in Fitzroy Square, London, back in 2009, in a gorgeous 18th-century building that eschews the ‘white cube’ effect of many other contemporary galleries, allowing the high ceilings and decorative paneling to frame artworks with a quiet extravagance. 2023’s Kaori Tatebayashi exhibition saw the artist’s ceramic flowers embedded directly into the walls and paneling, or jutting from fireplaces, emerging from the structural environment in a way you won’t see elsewhere. Tristan Hoare gallery works with several leading contemporary artists, including Alessandro Twombly , and hosts occasional talks in its unique, multi-story space.

Whitechapel Gallery

This central London gallery in Whitechapel is well known for promoting early-career artists who went on to garner great fame, such as Mark Rothko and Bridget Riley , and has been operating in London for well over a century, opening in its current location in 1901, before expanding its premises in the late noughties to the adjacent library. While ostensibly a public art gallery, exhibited artists often create exclusive artworks (‘Editions’) for sale alongside ongoing exhibitions. Whitechapel Gallery attendees can enjoy the attached Townsend restaurant or the Gallery Archive that looks back on a century of art curation in this historical spot.

Guts Gallery

The Guts Gallery in Hackney, East London, was set up to challenge the elitism and inequality of the art world. It was founded by working-class Northern artist Ellie Pennick, who turned down a place at the Royal College of Art during financial straits and resolved to set up a gallery that could champion traditionally excluded artists, taking a below-market commission while connecting queer, POC and working-class creatives with interested collectors. Notably, the gallery is wheelchair-accessible, with provision for “interpreters or lip readers.”

Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery

The Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery has operated in London for the past 35 years, specializing in non-Western artistic traditions, and acting as an early European exhibitor (and champion) of Australian aboriginal painting – though you’ll find the occasional contemporary Western artist represented there. While you can see its artworks showcased often at Third Space gyms across London, you’ll need to go in person to Fitzroy Square to see the full impact of the gallery’s eclectic, uncompromising and outward-looking collection. Once or twice a year, the gallery will host creativity workshops, talks on aboriginal art or performance pieces.

Saatchi Yates

You’ll likely recognize the name, but this gallery venture from Phoebe Saatchi Yates , daughter of Charles Saatchi , is carving out its own space in the art world… albeit with guidance from the famous art dealer, and around the corner from Christie’s in the heart of Central London. Saatchi Yates is focused on bold, early-career artists, who are often discovered by the curator scrawling through artist profiles on Instagram and TikTok. Saatchi Yates recent “Bathers” exhibition brought together Cézanne’s Satyrs and Nymphs , rural bathing landscapes and even sharks preserved in formaldehyde.

• SEE ALSO : John Lennon’s Recently Rediscovered Guitar Is Poised to Smash Records at Auction

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Things to Do in London if you’re an Art Lover

Dynamic, diverse and utterly brimming with creativity and culture, London ticks all the boxes for when you’re feeling crafty and artistic. From hundreds of unique art galleries to workshops of every kind, the city has heaps of brilliant artsy activities to get stuck into. Here’s our list of the top eight things to do if you love art and want to embrace your creative side.

Some of the links below are affiliated which helps support all of the free content and advice we produce every day, at no extra cost to you. Thank you ❤️

(WA=Wheelchair Accessible)

Image Courtesy of M.Y.O

Explore your creativity at a M.Y.O class

M.Y.O offers a range of crafty classes in London designed to help unleash your creativity and explore your inner child. None of the M.Y.O classes require any previous experience, so they’re an excellent opportunity to try something completely new. They host seasonal classes like Christmas stocking making and festive wreath workshops, as well as the mainstays like lino printing, candle painting and embroidery. Oh, and they’re BYOB (bring your own booze), making them the perfect activity to do in London if you love art and are partial to a drink or two.

M.Y.O | Multiple Locations

Make your way around London’s galleries

When it comes to art, London’s got it all. Whether you’re looking for classic or contemporary, the city is home to well over a thousand exhibition spaces and around 800 galleries, all featuring something unique. Tate Modern (WA) is the most famous place to go for contemporary art in the capital. At the same time, Tate Britain (WA) showcases the development of British art that has evolved from the 16th century to the present day. There’s also The Wallace Collection (WA) , where more than 5,500 of the most prestigious European paintings reside, and Mimosa House (WA) , an independent non-profit gallery that houses the work of female and queer artists worldwide. And the best bit? All of the places we just named have free entry.

We also LOVE a guided tour of the city’s best art galleries and museums, like this affordable tour where you’ll explore the National Gallery with an art expert .

Image Courtesy of Yougi

Get stuck into a candle-making workshop

These Candle Making Workshops with indie wellness brand Yougi offer the opportunity to make your very own eco-soy wax aromatherapy candle that you can take all the way back home with you. They have themed classes like the Christmas Candle Making Workshop , where you’ll infuse your candle with a blend of orange, cinnamon, tonka bean, cedar wood and frankincense essential oils; they describe it as ‘Christmas in a candle’. There’s also the Crystal Candle Making Workshop , where you’ll learn about aromatherapy and the crystals you’ll be using in the class, and the Aromatherapy Candle Making Class , which is all about fragrances and how to create your own blend of essential oils to add to your candle. All materials used in the classes are ethically sourced, cruelty-free, eco-friendly and 100% natural.

Candle Making Workshops at Yougi | Shoreditch 

Image Courtesy of Doodle Bar

Sip, eat and scribble at The Doodle Bar

If you’re the kind of person who finds yourself doodling on everything, you’ll love this bar in Bermondsey. The Doodle Bar is a laid-back bar and restaurant where they serve a tasty menu of burgers, like their aged beef burger with smoked applewood cheese, bacon, jalapeño relish and chipotle mayonnaise. But the best bit is the dedicated doodle wall where you can scribble away to your heart’s content while sipping on beers, wine and zingy cocktails. They also host occasional creative events and workshops.

The Doodle Bar | Bermondsey | WA

Image Courtesy of Get Your Guide

Learn about the East End’s colourful street art scene

Since London’s street art movement in the ‘80s, when the capital was home to a thriving underground scene, the city has remained a canvas for eye-catching murals. You’ll find graffiti painted in every neighbourhood, especially in East London, and one of the best ways to experience it is by heading on this Street Art and Graffiti Guided Walking Tour . This particular tour will take you to some of the city’s trendiest areas, teaching you all about the history of the East End as you wander down streets and alleyways covered in colourful graffiti, much of it with a message behind it. You’ll get to see art by over 40 artists while learning about the area’s urban art and street art culture with a local guide.

Street Art and Graffiti Guided Walking Tour | Spitalfields | WA

Image Courtesy of Experimental Perfume Club

Make your own perfume at The Experimental Perfume Club

In The Experimental Perfume Club’s workshops , you’ll get to create your very own scent that’s totally unique to you. They offer classes that take place at different times, so you’ll easily find something suitable. From the Apprentice Workshop , which is half a day and is essentially an introduction to perfumery, to the Expert Masterclass for those who want to dive even deeper and learn more about advanced perfumery skills. All classes are led by expert perfumers and are suitable for all levels.

Experimental Perfume Club | Covent Garden

Image Courtesy of Fabrications

Get crafty at a Fabrications textiles class

The classes at Fabrications are designed to help you embark on a personal creative journey and learn all about the craft of textiles. You can get stuck into all sorts here, from learning how to use a sewing machine or hand sewing to hand embroidery, printing, and dyeing. All the staff hold a wealth of knowledge in their dedicated craft, so you’ll be learning alongside super-experienced teachers who will always be on hand to answer any questions and help lead the way.

Fabrications | London Fields

Image Courtesy of Pinot and Picasso

Channel your inner Picasso (with wine)

Pinot and Picasso offer painting classes in the heart of the buzzy East End. The clue is in the name: you get to sip on wine while you paint. What a dream. They run all kinds of different classes so you can paint something that you might actually want to hang up, ranging from ‘ Paint your Partner ’ to ‘Winter Wonderland ’ and ‘ Paint your Pet ’. It’s the perfect activity to get stuck into something creative while drinking wine and mingling with other like-minded people.

Pinot and Picasso | Shoreditch 

Planning to visit London like a local, and only do the London-approved stuff? Well we’ve put together the BEST hidden gems you won’t want to miss, so you can save yourself hours of planning and researching. It’s all in our Casual Tourist Guides , so go have a look if you want to explore London with that “I could live here” feeling.

• Things to Do in London if you Love Sports
• Top London Tours for Architecture Lovers
• Top Guided Tours of London Attractions that are Totally Worth Booking

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Jessica Dellow

Jessica Dellow is an East Londoner who loves to travel the world and eat her way around the city. When she's not eating, cooking or hanging out in the local pub, you’ll probably find her walking one of her BorrowMyDoggy dogs in Victoria Park with a coffee in hand.

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London Art Bucket List: 30+ Famous Paintings To See In London

Wondering what art you need to see in London? You’ve come to the right place. Here’s my guide to 30+ must see famous paintings in London.

When it comes to art, London is frankly mind boggling. The city is an art lover’s paradise, literally overflowing with fantastic museums displaying world class works of art.

You can find these famous London paintings at world renowned museums like the National Gallery of Art and the Tate Modern.

But some of these famous paintings in London are also tucked away in small hidden gem museums and house museums.

In this guide, I give you an overview of 30+ paintings and art works in London and tell you where to find them.

Famous Paintings In London

Here are my picks for 30+ must see paintings in London, for your London art bucket list. I’ve grouped the paintings by which museum you’ll find them in.

National Gallery of Art

1 . leonardo da vinci, the virgin of the rocks.

Virgin of the Rocks  is the most famous painting in the National Gallery of Art and perhaps all of London. It’s one of only 16 authenticated Leonardo da Vinci paintings in the world.

Leonardo’s painting shows the infant St. John the Baptist meeting the holy family as they flee to Egypt to escape Herod’s Massacre of the Innocents. The painting has Leonardo’s trademark mystical landscape, complete with grotto-like rock formations in the background.

The figures are grouped in a pyramid to give the illusion of space. Mary’s face has a supernatural glow. She looks natural and is kneeling rather than being formally enthroned as the queen of heaven. 

There is no indicia of the divine in the painting. In fact, Leonardo was the first Italian artist to do away with halos. This artistic departure made his painting more human and relatable to viewers.

>>> Click here to book a highlights tour of the National Gallery of Art

2. Sandro Botticelli, Venus and Mars

Florentine painter Sandro Botticelli was the greatest painter of the early Renaissance period. He was the first artist to paint large scale, non-religious mythological themes.

Venus and Mars  is one of his most famous paintings. It’s pure visual poetry and elegance. The painting depicts the two deities lounging in a meadow.

Venus looks forward while Mars sleeps, appearing almost drugged. He’s oblivious to the buzzing wasps and devilish satyrs around him.

Some historians believe that the figures representing Mars and Venus are portraits of real life lovers Simonetta Vespucci and Giuliano de Medici (the brother of Lorenzo the Magnificent).

Other art historians believe they represent Adam and Eve or Mary Magdalene and Christ.

3. Diego Velazquez, The Rokeby Venus

The Spanish painter Velazquez was one of the greatest painters of 17th century Spain. His  Toilet of Venus is also known as the  Rokeby Venus  because of the hall it hung in. 

It’s an enigmatic painting. No one knows who commissioned it. It’s also Velazquez’s only surviving nude. 

During the Spanish Inquisition, it was considered bold to paint nudes. Velazquez only got away with it because he was Philip IV’s court painter. 

In the painting, the goddess of love lies languidly on a bed caught in mid primp. She’s identified as Venus because of a winged Cupid’s presence. 

She’s nude and her back is to the viewer. Her unusual pose may be inspired by the ancient sculpture of the Sleeping Hermaphrodite in the Louvre .

Her curvy hip is highlighted by the white fabric in the center. It almost looks like she’s blushing. 

Venus’ face is reflected in Cupid’s mirror. It makes the viewers think she’s looking back at them as they look at her, a trick known as the “Venus effect.” The painting is, in effect, about the act of looking.

As if to counter Venus’ vanity, her blurry face in the mirror seems older than her body, a reference to the inevitable passage of time. 

4. Jan van Eyck, The Arnolfini Wedding

The Arnolfini Portrait is considered the world’s first oil, rather than tempera, painting. It’s one of the most famous paintings in London.

It’s a stunning full length double portrait with astonishing realism and a rich color palette. Art historians don’t know who the sitters were, though there are multiple theories.

Some think the elegant composition depicts a wedding scene. Others think it’s a portrait of a wealthy merchant and his well dressed wife. Still others think it’s a memorial portrait, with the dog representing the woman’s death.

In any event, The Arnolfini Portrait is significant because it’s the the first entry in the genre of interior paintings of everyday life.

In the center back, a convex mirror glistens, providing an interesting perspective. Reflected in the glass are miniaturized versions of the couple.

5. Titian, Bacchus and Ariadne

Titian is widely considered the most important and successful painter of the 16th century Venetian Renaissance school. He was the master of oil and a prolific producer of colorful paintings.

Bacchus and Ariadne  was commissioned by Alfonso d’Este. The story of Bacchus and Ariadne hadn’t been portrayed by any artist before Titian. 

In the Greek legend on which the painting is based, Ariadne helped Theseus vanquish the Minotaur and extract himself from the labyrinth. Theseus thanks her by abandoning her on the island of Naxos. 

Ariadne is furious. But, in her moment of distress, she meets Bacchus, whose chariot is pulled by cheetahs.

Bacchus is so taken with her that he jumps from the chariot to meet her. Their eyes meet. It’s a beautiful depiction of love at first sight.

6. Caravaggio,  The Supper at Emmaus

Caravaggio was the greatest painter of the Baroque era. He was a fiercely original artist who rendered his subjects in a photo-realistic way.

Caravaggio took the dramatic light-dark contrast called  tenebrism  to a harsh extreme. He also delighted in exalting the mundane and vulgar aspects of everyday life.

In this dynamic painting, Caravaggio depicts a common theme — Jesus’ first supper after his resurrection. Two disciples recognize him and are shocked. One flings his arms out mirroring a cross.

It’s a simple painting, though the gestures are theatrical. The light and dark tones create a tense atmosphere full of turmoil. Reinforcing this tone is the still life, which sits precariously on the edge of the table.

7. Vincent Van Gogh, Sunflowers

Van Gogh  was a Dutch Post-Impressionist artist who spent most of his life in France. He only sold a few paintings in his lifetime. Van Gogh fit the stereotype of tortured artist. 

Van Gogh wanted to be known as the painter of sunflowers. He started painting the thick stemmed blooms to experiment with color. Van Gogh painted 11 versions.

The  Sunflowers  in the National Gallery is one of his most famous paintings. It’s the most important of the artist’s series of sunflowers. 

A young curator bought the painting from Van Gogh’s sister in law, Jo Bonger.  Sunflowers  is now the National Gallery’s most beloved painting.

8. J.M.W. Turner, The Fighting Temararie

Turner helped found  Romanticism , a movement that anticipated Impressionism decades later. He used painterly effects to create light saturated scenes.

The  Fighting Temeraire  is Turner is his prime. It’s one of the National Gallery’s most famous masterpieces. 

Turner was a social chronicler. In this painting, he depicts the famous battleship Temeraire, from the Battle of Trafalgar, being towed away for scrap material. It’s thought to symbolize the decline of Britain as a seafaring power.

The artist’s skill is evident in the expert way he layers and shades the tones of the sea and sky. The dying light behind the bulk of the ship makes the scene appear more poignant.

Turner never sold the painting. When he died, he bequeathed it to the nation.

Tate Britain

9. john everett millais, ophelia.

Ophelia  is a classic Pre-Raphaelite work. It has bright colors, a dreamy quality, and a poetic theme of wasted youth.

The unabashedly romantic painting is one of the most famous Shakespearean images in art. It depicts a drowned Ophelia, a character in Shakespeare’s  Hamlet .

Ophelia is driven mad with grief when Hamlet murders her father. She falls into a stream and drowns.

In the painting, a pale and dark haired Ophelia is seemingly at peace with nature. She holds a variety of flowers. The poppies symbolize death, the daisies represent innocence, and the pansies reflect blighted love.

In its day,  Ophelia  was regarded as at the most accurate and elaborate study of nature ever made.

Millais’ model was Lizzie Siddal, a popular Pre-Raphaelite muse. Millais painted her lying in a bathtub, fully dressed. Lizzie contracted a severe cold, nearly died, and her father chased Millais to cover her doctor’s bill.

READ : Guide To The Tate Britain

10. John William Waterhouse,  The Lady of Shalott

Waterhouse’s  The Lady of Shalott  is an incredible masterpiece in the Tate Britain.

It transports viewers back forty years earlier when the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood dominated the middle of the century. 

The subject is a vulnerable young red haired woman in a white gown. She’s set adrift in a boat in a river setting reminiscent of  Ophelia . 

The painting has the same mythical beauty as  Ophelia . But Waterhouse’s painting has a more impressionistic delicacy.

The subject of the painting   comes from Lord Alfred Tennyson’s Arthurian poem of the same name. In the poems, she lives isolated in a castle under a curse that only allows her to look at the outside world with a mirror.

But one day she spies Lancelot and can’t help but look at the handsome knight directly. The curse comes upon her as she drifts to Camelot on a boat.

11. David Hockney, A Bigger Splash

Hockney is one of the most recognizable and popular British artists of our time. His main interest is the challenge of representation, trying to capture an object in two dimensions.

A Bigger Splash  is an iconic work of Pop Art. Hockney painted it in the late 1960s when he moved to California. There are three versions of the painting.

It was a post-war period of optimism and Hockney’s depiction of a California swimming pool reflects this. 

The spare but exuberant painting evokes a glamorous life of sun and leisure. The colorful painting verges on abstraction.

In many of his paintings, Hockney added male figures. But, in this one, the splash is all that suggests a human presence. 

12 . Francis Bacon,  Three Studies For Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion

Francis Bacon is know for his emotionally charged raw imagery of traumatized humanity. Drifting inbetween figuration and abstraction, his figures are set in isolated and geometric cage-like spaces. They have flat non descriptive backgrounds.

Bacon liked to work in series. He would focus on a single subject for a sustained period of time.

Three Studies  was a breakthrough painting for Bacon. It caused a sensation and established him as one of the foremost post-war painters.

It’s not really a crucifixion painting. Bacon later said he was inspired by the vengeful furies of Greece mythology. The three hate-filled figures are ghastly — part human and part animal, sightless and bandaged.

Bacon’s work was first exhibited in 1945. Some historians think it reflects the grim world of the Holocaust. A pessimistic Bacon seems to suggest that it may keep happening.

Courtauld Gallery

13. edouard manet, bar at the folies-berger e.

Manet is known as the “Father of Impressionism” and had a huge impact on the development of modernism. He scandalized the official Salon with his utter disregard for academic conventions and strikingly modern images of urban life.

Folies-Bergere  was Manet’s last major painting. It immortalizes a famous music hall in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris.

Manet uses shimmering color, controlled brushwork, and rigorous design to evoke the gaslit atmosphere of a cafe. 

The large distorted mirror behind the barmaid contains much of the visual information of the painting in unfocused images. It creates a disorientating effect.

The barmaid dominates the composition. She has an enigmatic, almost obdurant, expression. While she is firmly painted, her reflection in the mirror is blurry. 

The man she is serving is almost an afterthought in the upper right corner. There’s a distractingly beautiful still life on the counter.

READ : Guide To The Courtauld Gallery

14. Pierre-Auguste Renoir, La Loge

This early Renoir piece may be inspired by the English tradition of monumental portraiture. 

It shows a couple in the interior of a theater box. It was exhibited at the first Impressionist group exhibition in  Paris  in 1874.

The staging of the figures is unconventional. The woman dominates the tightly cropped scene, appearing as an accessible flesh and blood woman.

The extremely dramatic dress creates a symphony of black and white colors. 

Renoir’s brushstrokes are delicate. This soft hued painting would help establish Renoir as one of the leading Impressionist painters of his generation.

15. Cezanne,  Sainte-Victoire

Cezanne was a hugly influential painter of the late 19th century. Monet called Cezanne “the greatest of us all.” For Picasso, he was the father of modern art.

Cezanne threw away the long prevailing convention of single point perspective. He used multiple perspectives in a single canvas, portraying objects as sets of abstract shapes.

Mont Sainte-Victoire was an obsessive motif of Cezanne’s. The mountain dominated the landscape of Cezanne’s home in Aix-en-Provence in  southern France .

The artist painted many iterations of the mountain from different vantage points throughout his career. He painted the plains and lines of cypress in varying shades of green.

He wasn’t aiming for beauty, but authenticity. Cezanne’s paintings suggested and imagined abstraction before other artists made it a reality.

16. Lucas Cranach, Adam and Eve

In this famous painting, Cranach depicts Adam and Eve at the fateful moment when they disobey god. Hoping to to distinguish between good and evil like god, Eve bites into an apple from the Tree of Knowledge. Adam hesitates and then also eats.

Every last inch of the canvas shows Cranach’s precision and consideration. There is perfect harmony of the colors. Cranach’s slender undulating figures conform to the courtly ideals of beauty.

Cranach depicts the scene as serene and peaceful. Animals are at their feet. 

Cranach and his workshop created over 50 versions of  Adam and Eve . This is one of his largest and most beautiful.

Adam and Eve are rendered somewhat seductively, to heighten the theme of temptation. The snake watches them from the tree above.

17. Vincent Van Gogh, Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear

Vincent Van Gogh is a beloved Post-Impressionist painter. His work is notable for its swirling line, emotional honesty, and bold vivid color.

Van Gogh is famous for his self portraits. He painted 43 of them. 

This one was painted a week after cutting off his ear. Van Gogh had quarreled with fellow painter and friend Paul Gauguin. Gauguin walked out, dashing Van Gogh’s dream of launching an artist “studio of the south.”

The portrait is a little misleading. Van Gogh actually cut off the lower lob of his left ear. But because he painted his self portrait in front of a mirror, the right ear appears bandaged.

The self portrait reflects both the zenith of the artist’s bold painting power and his personal struggles.

The Wallace Collection

18. fragonard, the swing.

The Swing  is an iconic painting of the Rococo and the most famous painting by Jean Honore Fragonard. It was most likely commissioned by famed 18th century libertine Baron de St. Julien.

Fragonard was the first of the great Romantic painters. His reputation rests mainly on his playful love scenes. Fragonard was renowned for his use of light and color and expressive brushstrokes.

The Swing  is classic Fragonard — a naughty subject executed with grace. It features a tantalizing woman.

She’s decked out in a frothy pink gown, flying through the air. The joyful painting is set in a blue and mint green landscape that defies nature.

The woman on the swing is being pulled by her husband, who is hidden in the dark shadows on the right. The poor man is unaware that she is having an affair with another man on the left. 

The woman throws up her left leg and shows herself to her lover. She flirtatiously kicks off a slipper, a symbol of sexual abandon.

READ : Guide To The Wallace Collection

19. Fran Hals, The Laughing Cavalier

The  Laughing Cavalier  was painted by Franz Hals, a preeminent Dutch Golden Age painter.

It’s an exuberant half length portrait of a young man, executed in a loose painting style. His smirk suggests he is having a good time.

Art historians don’t know who the painting depicts. The subject’s flamboyant clothing suggests he’s a rich merchant or prominent citizen.

His clothing is embroidered with symbols of courtship. This suggests the painting may have been a betrothal portrait.

The title claims the man is laughing. And the arrogant pose in the portrait certainly conveys a sense of jocularity and swagger. 

But that is likely just an image created by the shape of his distinctive mustache. In reality, he is neither laughing nor a cavalier.

In the painting, you can see Hals’ trademark use of various shades of black. His sumptuous and fluid textures give the painting a photographic quality.

Tate Modern

20. mark rothko,  seagram murals.

Mark Rothko is an American abstract expressionist painter. Rothko was originally commissioned by Seagram to create these murals for its Four Seasons restaurant in New York City’s Seagram Building.

In 1959, Rothko abruptly quit the prestigious gig. Apparently, he didn’t want his art to be mere decoration for wealthy patrons.

Instead, the Seagram Murals took on a darker and more contemplative turn. Michelangelo’s Laurentian Library in  Florence Italy  influenced Rothko’s meditations. 

He used a somber color coordinated palette of deep red, browns, and blacks to create soft edged and uncentered rectangles. Rothko sought to re-create the library’s claustrophobic and sepulchral atmosphere. 

The murals are displayed in dark, dimly lit rooms. At the time, some criticized them as “Apolcalypse Wallpaper.”

Some of the Seagram Murals are on display at the Tate Modern and others are at the Tate Britain.

>>> Click here to book a tour of the Tate Modern

21. Andy Warhol, Marilyn Diptych

Andy Warhol was a true iconoclast and performance artist. As the Prince of Pop, he was a hugely significant artist of the second half of the 20th century.

Marilyn Monroe was the perfect subject for Warhol, a man obsessed with both celebrity and death. Monroe was a talented but misunderstood starlet, whose star burned brightly but was the victim of her own success.

Immediately after her death in 1962, Warhol created theatrical day glow silkscreens of her face for months on end. The silkscreens make clear that Monroe herself had become an actual object.

On the left of this diptich, there’s image of a “shot sage blue Marilyn.”: She has yellow hair, bright blue eye shadow, and luminous bright red lips.

The silkscreens fades from acid bright images to black and white, hinting at her mortality.

22. Pablo Picasso, Nude Woman With Necklace

Picasso was the most dominant and influential artist of the first half of the 20th century, dabbling in Cubism and Surrealism. He created portraits of nude women throughout his life.

Picasso painted this colorful portrait when he was 87. It depicts his second and last wife, Jacqueline Roque.

Her mask-like facial expression is enigmatic and filled with mystery. Is she vulnerable or defiant?

Her figure is chaotic with body parts bulging out. It’s a sexualized arrangement of various body parts that seems intended to shock and unsettle.

READ : Guide To the Picasso Museum in Paris

23. Lucian Freud, Girl with a Kitten

Lucian Freud is considered one of the most important figurative painters of the 20th century. He essentially redefined the art of portraiture.

The grandson of the psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, Freud’s work involved the odd process of observation. He became famous for his unflinching portrayals of human anatomy.

Freud used an anti-romantic, confrontational style of portraiture that stripped bare the sitter’s social facade. This portrait is one of eight he made of his first wife Kathleen Garmen.

She holds the kitten in a tight grip, almost half strangling the animal. Since Garmen was know as “Kitty,” it suggests something is wrong with her own psyche or her marriage.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

24. william holman hunt, light of the world.

One of London’s most famous paintings in inside St. Paul’s Cathedral in the Chapel of Saints Erkenwald and Ethelburga.

It’s a beautiful altarpiece painted by the Pre-Raphaelite artist William Holman Hunt called the  Light of the World . It’s intended to illustrate Revelation 3:20.

The painting depicts Christ in a dark wood. He holds a lantern and knocks at an overgrown door with no handle. The door symbolizes the human soul, who can choose to follow or not follow Christ.

In 1905, the painting traveled the world and achieved cult status. The work is so important that it was evacuated during WWII.

>>> Click here to book a ticket to St. Paul’s Cathedral

Westminster Abbey

25. painting of richard ii.

A 14th century painting of Richard II hangs in the west end of the Westminster Abbey . You might miss if you don’t seek it out.

It’s an incredibly important work of art. It was the first portrait of an English sovereign to be painted in his lifetime.

It’s one of the best medieval paintings in existence in any country. The painting is 7 x 3.5 feet, but seems larger. 

>>> Click here to book a ticket to Westminster Abbey

Sir John Soane Museum

26. william hogarth,  the rake’s progress , 1732-34.

The Sir John Soane Museum is home to paintings by 18th century artist and satirist William Hogarth. Hogarth liked to poke fun at the foibles and morality of society in paintings that he called “modern moral subjects.”

The Rake’s Progress  is series of 8 paintings. They depict the tale of a young man who inherits a fortune and blithely squanders it. He ends up in debtor’s prison and, eventually, an insane asylum.

But the work is not entirely judgmental. Hogarth reminds his audience that none of us is more than a few steps from perdition.

National Portrait Gallery

27. the  ditchley portrait  of queen elizabeth i.

Known as the Ditchley Portrait , this famous painting in London was created by Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger for Sir Henry Lee.

Lee was the Queen’s Champion for 30 years from 1559-90. At the time, Gheeraerts was the most fashionable portraitist of the day and so was hired.

The portrait most likely commemorates an elaborate entertainment which Lee organized for the Queen in 592. It was held at his house in Ditchley.

The portrait shows Elizabeth in elaborate attire. She stands on the globe of the world, with her feet on Oxfordshire.

The clouds part to reveal sunshine. The theme may be one of forgiveness, with Elizabeth forgiving Lee for an affair.

28. John Tyler, William Shakespeare

This is thought to be one of the only contemporaneous portraits of the famous playwright William Shakespeare.

It was likely created by the painter John Taylor. He was an important member of the Painter-Stainers’ Company.

The portrait is known as the Chandos Portrait , after a previous owner. It was the first portrait to be acquired by the National Portrait Gallery, when it was founded in 1856.

READ : Guide To Shakespeare’s Globe Theater

Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace

29. vermeer, a lady at the virginal with a gentleman, 1662-65.

Vermeer was one of the premiere painters of the Dutch Golden Age. He specialized in domestic interior scenes of middle class life. There are very few Vermeer paintings in the world.

In this one, two figures make music in a sunlit room. The painting demonstrates Vermeer’s trademark sense of rhythm and stability.

As with all his paintings, light permeates the scene, beautifully rendering his subjects using light and shadow.

The composition uses a rigorous perspective to draw the eye towards the back of the room where the figures are situated.

A striking feature of the composition is the mirror on the wall. In it, you see slightly blurred reflections that include the young woman’s face, part of the table and the legs of an artist’s easel.

>>> Click here to book a ticket to the Queen’s Gallery

30. Lucian Freud, Queen Elizabeth II

As I mentioned above, Freud used a style of portraiture that stripped bare the sitter’s social facade. His images were intensely realized and almost intentionally uglified.

Freud painted many portraits of famous people throughout his career. The Queen is perhaps his most powerful and globally recognizable subject. The entire portrait is filled with her rather imposing face.

The portrait was controversial. Freud was accused of painting the Queen in an unflattering light.

But really the painting just has his trademark intensity, a trademark he refused to compromise. Some critics argued that it didn’t even look like the queen, suggesting it was stand-in for the artist himself.

Apsley House

31. diego velazquez, the waterseller of seville.

Velazquez did three versions of The Waterseller of Seville . The best version is in London’s underrated Apsley House .

The subject of this Baroque masterpiece is a waterseller known as “the Corsican of Seville.” In this calm and quiet picture, Velazquez ennobles the peasant by giving him the appearance of a saint or monk.

The man seems almost unaware of his surroundings. He has a faraway look in his eyes that suggests a profound acceptance of life.

Visiting Museums In London

London’s national museums are free to visit. In high season, you may need to book a timed entry slot online for popular ones like the National Gallery of Art or the British Museum .

For other places, like St. Paul’s Cathedral or Westminster Abbey, you should book skip the line tickets in advance. Many of these attractions and the smaller museums are also included in the  London Pass .

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to famous paintings in London. You may enjoy these other London travel guides and resources:

• 3 Day Itinerary for London
• 5 Day Itinerary for London
• Best Museums in London
• Harry Potter Places in London
• Guide to St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Guide to the Tate Britain
• Guide to Wesminster Abbey
• London Tourist Traps To Avoid
• Guide to the Tower of London
• Guide to the Churchill War Rooms

If you need a London art bucket list, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on July 4, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

• United Kingdom
• 12 Unmissable Artworks To See...

12 Unmissable Artworks to See in London

It’s pretty difficult to sum up all of London’s must-see art into a list. With galleries as diverse as they come, any list is going to have exceptions. Let’s not forget the art that’s not hanging on a wall, the amazing sculptures and street art in London, all of which have impacted and changed the city in various ways across the centuries. Consider this a starting point.

1. la loge, pierre auguste renoir.

Art Gallery

2. The Ambassadors, Hans Holbein the Younger

3. This is a graffiti area, Banksy

5. trafalgar square lions, edwin landseer, 6. a conversation with oscar wilde, maggi hambling.

Not all of London’s sculptures are historic and military based. Maggi Hambling’s half bench, half sculpture was erected in 1998 and the expressionist painter imagines a conversation with the famous Irish playwright Oscar Wilde . He is rising out of the bench halfway like you are sitting on his coffin for a chat. Adelaide Street, London

7. ArcelorMittal Orbit, Anish Kapoor

Building, Park

Anish Kapoor’s ArcelorMittal Orbit has divided critics and the public since its installation on the Olympic Park site near Stratford in 2012. The 115 metre sculpture twists and turns, it has a bar at the top and as of 2016, it’s also home to one of the longest slides in the world by Belgian artist Carsten Höller.

8. The Water Lily Pond, Claude Monet

Monet ‘s water lilies are some of the most famous flowers in the world. He built a Japanese garden in his estate in France and he painted various different aspects and views of the lilies and the bridge.

National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London +44 020 7747 2885

9. A Bullet from a Shooting Star, Alex Chinneck

10. Sunflowers, Vincent Van Gogh

11. a bigger splash, david hockney, 12. william shakespeare, john taylor.

13. Marilyn Diptych, Andy Warhol

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10 Masterpieces You Need To See in London

Sandra Juszczyk 23 February 2024 min Read

Jean-Honoré Fragonard, The Swing , 1767–1768, Wallace Collection, London, UK.

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London is a city full of masterpieces. It is not only one of the biggest art hubs but also one of the most multicultural places in the entire world. From ancient relics to modern installations, from stunning European paintings at the National Gallery to the British Museum’s not-so-British collection; admiring beautiful art from around the globe is extremely easy here.

London really has it all. Hundreds of museums and art galleries, stunning architecture, and the world’s best art schools. This city rightfully gained its title as one of the world’s greatest art centers. It is needless to say that with so many masterpieces in London, it might be challenging to see everything during one trip. Not to worry, as we prepared a list of 10 must-see artworks you don’t want to miss during your visit to the capital of England. And the best thing is most of them you can view for free!

1. Jean-Honoré Fragonard, The Swing

Jean-Honoré Fragonard, The Swing , 1767–1768, Wallace Collection, London, UK. 

Fragonard (1732–1806) was a French painter from the Rococo period. His genre paintings of the French aristocracy perfectly embody the essence of Rococo art, which was to show wealthy people enjoying their luxurious lifestyle. Undoubtedly his most popular work: The Swing (1767–1768), is one of the best masterpieces of the Rococo era. It is a story of a love affair. A young lady sways on a swing, while a man hides in the bushes, pointing underneath her dress. In the background stands presumably her husband unaware of the scene right in front of him. Fragonard’s work and many other outstanding art pieces from the 15th to 19th century can be found in the Wallace Collection situated in Marylebone area of London.

2. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Neptune and Triton

Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Neptune and Triton , 1622–1623, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK. Photograph by Yair Haklai via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

The most prominent Baroque sculptor, without a doubt, was Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598–1680). Skilled in various techniques, this Italian artist is best known for his dynamic group sculptures. To this day many admire Bernini’s ability to flawlessly imitate the delicate nature of fabrics using a heavy material like marble. Baroque sculptor’s main goal was to effortlessly capture movement and action. Neptune and Triton (1622–1623) depicts Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, and his son Triton in a dynamic composition characteristic to Baroque. It used to serve as a centerpiece of a fountain in the garden of the Villa Montalto in Rome. However, now this masterpiece belongs to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

3. John Constable, Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows

John Constable, Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows, 1831, Tate Britain, London, UK.

London holds a grand collection of masterpieces from all around the world, but it certainly does not lack outstanding artworks of their own. John Constable (1776–1837) was a prominent landscape painter in England’s history. Born in Suffolk, he is best known for his Romantic paintings of the English countryside . He frequently visited Salisbury and painted its famous cathedral from multiple viewpoints. This particular view of the Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows (1831) is one of Constable’s best works and can be found along his many more artworks in Tate Britain in London. While in England it might also be worth going on a day trip to Salisbury. There you can see the stunning cathedral yourself, and admire the beauty of Constable’s beloved countryside!

4. Cristóvão Canhavato, The Tree of Life

Cristóvão (Kester) Canhavato, Hilario Nhatugeuja, Adelino Mate, and Fiel dos Santos, The Tree of Life, 2004, British Museum, London, UK. Photograph by Paul Hudson via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0).

A contemporary sculpture titled The Tree of Life (2004) is a collaboration of four artists from Mozambique: Cristóvão (Kester) Canhavato, Hilario Nhatugeuja, Adelino Mate, and Fiel dos Santos. It was commissioned by the British Museum as a war memorial. The sculpture consists of the tree itself and four animals all assembled with parts of used firearms. Kester and others used 600,000 weapons, surrounded by Mozambicans following the end of the Mozambican Civil War. The artists turned symbols of violence into a contemporary art piece meant to commemorate the courage of their people. This artwork is on display in the African department of the British Museum in the Bloomsbury area of London.

5. Vincent van Gogh, Sunflowers

Vincent van Gogh, Sunflowers , 1888, National Gallery, London, UK.

If there is one artist that everyone can recognize, it certainly is Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890). Despite the lack of success during his life, he is now one of the greatest Post-Impressionist painters. Among his notable artworks are Sunflowers (1888), which Van Gogh painted to decorate his house in Arles. The painting uses a narrow spectrum of yellows and represents various stages of life. From van Gogh’s letters it is evident that this painting held a significant meaning to the artist. The sunflowers that belong to the National Gallery in London are the fourth version of sunflowers in a vase. If not due to their significance in Western art history, you also might have heard of them as the target of Just Stop Oil activists, who threw tomato soup at the artwork in 2022. Thankfully the piece was protected by a plexiglass and remains unharmed in the gallery.

6. Katsushika Hokusai, Under the Wave off Kanagawa (Great Wave)

Katsushika Hokusai, Under the Wave off Kanagawa, 1831, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK. 

Japanese ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) created perhaps the most recognizable Japanese woodprint of all time. Under the Wave off Kanagawa (1831), commonly known as The Great Wave is a part of the Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series of landscape prints. Hokusai used the woodblock printing technique popular during the Edo period to create a depiction of Mount Fuji surrounded by a giant wave. His work influenced many artists, including Vincent van Gogh, whose Starry Night is said to be inspired by The Great Wave . Only about 100 copies survive to this day. One of them is a part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s East Asia collection. The print is currently displayed at Young V&A as a part of Japan: Myths to Manga exhibition. Another copy also belongs to the British Museum; however, it is not currently on display there.

7. Sir James Tornhill, Painted Hall

Sir James Tornhill, Painted Hall, 1707–1726, Old Royal Naval College, London, UK. Photograph by Shawn M. Kent via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

The Painted Hall , also referred to as ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel’ is a breathtaking masterpiece by 18th-century English painter Sir James Tornhill (1675–1734). It is an astonishing room at the Old Royal Naval College . The room is decorated with large-scale ceiling and wall paintings of 40,000 square feet. Formerly the hall functioned as a dining room for the Royal Hospital; however, now it is open to tourists as one of Britain’s greatest masterpieces. Similarly to Italian Baroque ceiling paintings it uses a technique called trompe l’oeil (deceive the eye). This technique uses light and shadow, as well as distorted proportion to trick the viewer’s perception of a flat painting. In other words, it is an illusion, which makes the painting appear three-dimensional. The Old Royal Naval College itself is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is one of the best masterpieces you can see in London .

8. Édouard Manet, A Bar at the Folies-Bergère

Édouard Manet, A Bar at the Folies-Bergère , 1882, The Courtauld Gallery, London, UK.

Often confused with another artist of that time; Édouard Manet (1832–1883) was an important figure in the 19th-century art scene. Although his early works possess characteristics of Realism, his later works lean more towards Impressionism . This means he created a smooth transition from Realism to Impressionism that inspired other young artists. A Bar at the Folies-Bergère (1882) is one of his last works, showcasing his favourite subject; the Parisian life. For this scene the artist used an interesting composition. He placed a woman working at a bar in the foreground, and a mirror reflecting the scene back at the viewer behind her. However, the reflection of the woman occurs to the right, as opposed to directly behind her. This seemingly irrelevant detail creates a lot of confusion and it is exactly what makes the piece so intriguing. Manet’s masterpiece and other Impressionist paintings hang in the Courtauld Gallery in London.

9. Śiva (Shiva) Natarāja

Śiva Natarāja , c. 800 CE, The British Museum, London, UK.

Nataraja is a bronze sculpture of the Hindu god Shiva as the cosmic dancer. It comes from the state of Tamil Nadu during the Chola dynasty over a thousand years ago. The statue holds a profound cultural significance as it symbolizes the eternal cycle of life. Shiva appears in a dynamic dance pose with multiple arms and hair that spreads out into thin strands. The Ring of Flames that symbolizes the cosmic fire surrounds the deity as it steps on a dwarf, which represents the human ignorance. Nataraja is considered to be the highest form of Shiva seen as the source of all movement within the universe. This important symbol of Indian culture stands in the British Museum along with a similar statue, which is one of the earliest known Nataraja sculptures from as far as 800 CE.

10. Sir John Everett Millais, Ophelia

Sir John Everett Millais, Ophelia , 1851–1852, Tate Britain, London, UK.

Who hasn’t at least once complained about their school? Sir John Everett Millais (1829–1896) certainly has, so much so that in 1948 during a meeting with two other young artists at his parents’ house, he decided to form a group called Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood . The group rejected the Royal Academy of Arts’ unimaginative mannerist style that followed the teachings of the famous Renaissance painter Raphael , hence the name. They were fascinated by 14th- and 15th-century Italian art and disliked the popular at the time genre painting. One of their claims was that art should depict only serious subjects, such as religion or themes from literature. Millais’ famous piece: Ophelia (1851–1852) depicts just that. It is a scene from Shakespeare’s Hamlet , and it closely follows the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood’s doctrine to attentively study nature. At first it received a mixed response, but now it is one of the most important works of that time. This masterpiece is located in London as a part of Tate Britain’s Pre-Raphaelite collection.

• Edouard Manet
• Gian Lorenzo Bernini
• Jean-Honoré Fragonard
• John Constable
• John Everett Millais
• Katsushika Hokusai
• Vincent van Gogh

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12 Of The Best Places To See Some London Street Art

Our beloved capital is bursting with plenty of eclectic street art to brighten your day (or cheer up your Instagram feed). Here’s our rundown of eleven of the best spots in town to see it.

From murals of the legend that is David Bowie to cranes that are three stories high; London is chock-a-block full of some pretty fine street art. From Camden to Brick Lane and East Dulwich to Hackney Wick – here’s our rundown of the best places in town to view London street art .

Table Of Contents

East London Street Art

North london street art, south london street art, central london street art, 1. brick lane and spitalfields.

Kicking off this list of the best London street art and graffiti is Brick Lane – I mean, where else?! This particular street is famous for its art, and you’ll find the most examples of it in the area between Buxton Street and Bethnal Green Road, near to where the railway bridge crosses over.

There’s everything here from murals and colourful flowers to giant elephants (yes – you read that right), and nearby Hanbury Street plays host to perhaps the area’s most famous artwork – a massive, three-story high crane by the Belgian artist ROA. The best way to see it is just to amble down Brick Lane and the surrounding streets and have a gander at it yourself, but if you’d like more insight into the pieces, you can opt to join a walking tour too.

2. Shoreditch

Just a stone’s throw away from Brick Lane lies Shoreditch – home of some more of the city’s most famous street art. There’s plenty to see in this fashionable part of town which stretches from the City to Old Street – and we’re not just talking about bars and restaurants either. Known for its gritty past back in the Victorian era, it’s been a haven for artists and creatives for many years now – hence the presence of so much street art.

A wander through this part of town will give you the chance to see much of the work of some of the best London street artists. Our advice would be to take a stroll down Rivington Street, where you’ll be able to view pieces from SAM3, Bastardilla and Thierry Noir – and even Banksy himself. 

3. Cambridge Heath and Bethnal Green

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Smack-bang in the middle of Bethnal Green and Hackney, Cambridge Heath is another fantastic spot to find some London graffiti – particularly down the famous Hackney Road, Bethnal Green and Clare Street, which is tucked away just behind the overground station.

Home to artworks from prestigious artists such as Alice Pasquini, Mr Cenz, Idiom, Andy Council and Irony – whose giant cat arguably takes centre stage – it’s definitely a region of East London well worth exploring. 

4. Hackney Wick

Another of the best spots in town to view street art, Hackney Wick is well worth a visit whatever the weather. Just across the way from the Olympic Park and bordered by the Lea Navigation and Hertford Union Canals, it’s a great spot which has plenty of craft breweries , bars, nightclubs and artist studios dotted about.

Add in some pretty fantastic street art – on Bream Street, Fish Island and Smeed Road in particular – and you’ve got yourself one hell of a good day out. You also really shouldn’t miss out on grabbing a pint or two at the Lord Napier And Star . Covered in colourful graffiti and boasting live music, some great Thai food and an 80-seater rooftop – it’s a fantastic spot to visit when you’re in the area.

As one of London’s most famous – and arguably most popular areas – in which to visit, it’s no surprise that Camden is packed full of some pretty fantastic London graffiti. Though it has been massively redeveloped over recent years, there’s still plenty to see – particularly on the Ferdinand Estate, Harmood Street, Hartland Road and Hawley Road – which features a mural of legendary singer-songwriter and Camden native Amy Winehouse.

One thing you can’t miss when you’re in this neck of the woods is the railway bridge which has ‘Camden Lock’ imprinted on its side. Painted by John Bulley in 1989, it’s the longest standing piece of street art still standing in Camden, and is a prime photo-opp if we say so ourselves. In fact – we may even see you doing it, as this author’s window overlooks it! Make sure you also check out the borough’s pubs and bars too.

6. Walthamstow

Though there are plenty of reasons to ‘Stay Another Day’ in East 17 – from London’s largest nature reserve to Europe’s longest outdoor market – perhaps the biggest reason of all to visit may just be in its plethora of intricate street art.

Murals from famous London street artists ROA, ATM and Phlegm line the walls of St James station just down the road, and their artworks include a giant badger playing with a bird, and a variety of birds with connections to the Walthamstow Wetlands and the Hackney Marshes. There are also some great breweries just down the road – perfect for a post-art viewing pint!

7. Finsbury Park

Infamously-elusive street artist, Banksy has struck again in the capital city . His new-kid-on-the-street-art-block can be found on the side of a building on Hornsey Road, near Finsbury Park .

The huge, green mural features a splattering of green paint (that perfectly matches the colour of the local street signs, FYI) across a previously dilapidated wall behind a leafless tree, giving the appearance of the tree’s foliage. A person holding what seems to be a pressure hose has been stenciled alongside it. It sparked some Banksy-based hysteria in London before it was officially confirmed on Banksy’s Instagram account a day or so after being revealed.

South of the river now, and onto the vibrant area of Brixton. Famous for its gigs, nights out, excellent foodie spots and iconic Ritzy cinema – it’s got a lot going for it as an area – and has some bangin’ street art too.

As well as the ‘Stockwell Hall of Fame’ – which is a spot where anyone can get grafitting if they’d like – there’s the famous David Bowie mural, the Louis Masai Bee on Saltoun Road and a number of other great pieces on Ferndale Road near the Duke of Edinburgh pub.

Heading even further south now and onto Penge, which is situated close to Crystal Palace Park and is in the London borough of Bromley. Over recent years, it’s become a street art hub, and was also the one-time home of ‘Thomas Crapper’, who was believed to have invented the first flush toilet!

There are plenty of exquisite artworks which can be found here, including a Tower of London Raven from artist Aspire in an alley off Penge High Street, and a vivid octopus by acclaimed artist Aero on Southey Street. 

10. Peckham

Billed as one of London’s trendiest and most creative neighbourhoods, Peckham is packed full of things to see and do, with everything from BYOB restaurants to record shops to rooftop bars to explore. It’s also famous for its eclectic street art, with numerous pieces dotted about in the side streets off Rye Lane.

However, we’d recommend making your way to the Prince of Peckham pub, whose wall is currently adorned in a vivid installation by acclaimed grafitti artist Mr Cenz. The artist describes his work as ‘ futuristic space funk ’ on his Instagram page, a fitting description of the bold colours and futuristic, trippy imagery. He’s currently in the running to be crowned the winner of the best street art in the world for 2022, so it’s well worth a trip down to SE15 to see it for yourself!

11. Dulwich

Our penultimate addition to this roundup of the best London street art is the pretty neighbourhood of Dulwich – which is probably one of the most ‘ villagey ’ spots in town and right next door to Peckham. It may come as some surprise that there’s some street art in this neck of the woods – but a wander through the Dulwich Outdoor Gallery will put aside any doubts you may have.

Started in 2012 in a collaboration between beloved London street artist Stik and the late Ingrid Bezley, it was a project designed to ‘ to recreate old masters on the streets of the area ’. Now, it’s packed full of pieces from renowned artists such as Thierry Noir, Faith47, Nunca and Conor Harrington. 

12. Waterloo

Rounding off this list of where to see the best London street art is Leake Street in Waterloo. Right in the heart of town and home to The VAULTS – a theatre space famed for its immersive experiences – Leake Street has its own graffiti tunnel which is, as you’d expect, absolutely covered in graffiti.

It’s a spot where anyone can graffiti if they so wish, so if you’re looking to learn the ropes, then this is the place to come! The legend that is Banksy also inaugurated the space with his (or hers) CANS Festival back in 2008, so why not try and follow in the iconic artist’s footsteps? 

So there you have it – a selection of 12 of the best places to see some London street art. So, grab your camera and your comfiest shoes and see if you can go and tick it all off the list?

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4 Exhibitions to see in London this spring and summer

BY Reader's Digest Editors

24th Apr 2024 Places To Visit

Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence , The V&A South Kensington, London, now–September 22

Carvalho Park exhibition, Frieze No 9 Cork Street, May 2–18

Michelangelo: the last decades , The British Museum, London, May 2–July 28

Bella Hoare, A Different Green , The Oxo Tower, South Bank, London, May 22–June 2

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Top things to do in london.

L ondon ranks high among the best places to travel in the world, attracting millions of visitors from all corners of the globe every year. It may not be one of the cheap places to travel, but there are so many things to do in London that it's definitely worth a visit. So, once you've figured out the best time to visit London and the best time to book a flight —and you've watched King Charles's coronation to get in the mood—where to start?

If you've never been to London, you'll want to make sure to see the most important sights, but also some hidden gems we locals enjoy. I have been living in London for more than five years. I planned to just stay for a few weeks, but I fell in love with the city at first sight—and I still schedule in regular time for exploring my adopted home. I love to share my favorite spots as a travel writer, and I am on speed dial for friends, family and friends of friends who are visiting. It's impossible to fit everything London has to offer into one trip (or even one lifetime!), but it's easy to make the most of your time if you just know how.

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Big Ben is London's most famous landmark, so it's a must-see for all travelers. The name refers to the huge bell inside the clock tower, which first chimed on May 31, 1859, but the whole building at the north end of the Houses of Parliament goes by this nickname. Big Ben was renamed Elizabeth Tower in honor of Queen Elizabeth II 's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, but most people don't call it that.

The tower underwent extensive renovations from summer 2017, and there was much excitement when the bells first rang again in November 2022. It's still not possible to climb up Big Ben quite yet, but the big reopening for visitors is scheduled for later in 2023. Your best bet for a picture-perfect view of the tower and the Houses of Parliament is from Westminster Bridge.

Pro tip: If you want to take a selfie with Big Ben, the best spot is just behind the landmark, on Great George Street. When coming from Westminster Bridge, walk past the tower and the tube station (Westminster) toward St. James's Park, Westminster Abbey to your left. While it might be a bit cliché to pose next to a red phone box, the photo will still look great on your Instagram—and many Londoners snap this shot too.

• Westminster Abbey

If you followed King Charles 's coronation (or other festive royal events such as Prince William  and Kate Middleton 's wedding) you're probably already familiar with Westminster Abbey . But London's most iconic church is even more impressive when you step foot inside yourself. Westminster Abbey was founded in 960 AD and has been the coronation church since 1066. It is also the final resting place of no fewer than 17 monarchs (the late Queen Elizabeth is buried in Windsor Castle), scientists such as Sir Isaac Newton and world-famous writers including Charles Dickens.

Westminster Abbey is both one of London's top tourist attractions and a working church with daily services—so be prepared for crowds and parts of the abbey closed. The church is busiest in the mornings, so visit after lunchtime if you can book a time slot.

Pro tip: While it's perfectly possible to explore the abbey with an audio guide (included in the ticket price), their guided tours are worth a bit of extra money. You will get to see parts of Westminster Abbey that are normally closed to the public, including royal tombs, the Poets' Corner and Lady Chapel—and you'll get to hear lots of interesting facts and anecdotes.

The London Eye

The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the Thames River, and it's been a London landmark of its own for over 20 years, so no list of the things to do in London would be complete without mentioning it. But is it really worth it? Let's face it, the 30-minute-ride comes with a big price tag and potentially long queuing times on top. However, on a sunny day (or at night!) the views are truly stunning. If you're lucky, you'll not only see all the London sights including Big Ben, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and the Tower Bridge but all the way up to Windsor Castle too. So if you are new to London and don't mind spending some cash, go for it. Fun fact, the London Eye is also one of the top places in the U.K. for people on romantic getaways —and, in fact, to get engaged. They even offer special proposal packages with private pods and champagne.

Pro tip: Technically, you can just show up and buy your ticket on-site, but booking online saves you time and money. There are also discounted combination tickets including a river cruise or entry to Madame Tussaud's.

The Tate Modern

Museums rank high among the most popular attractions in London—and not just because you can visit them regardless of the weather. If you only have time for one, make it the Tate Modern , which is one of the most popular museums in the world . The massive art space with its iconic tower is housed in the former Bankside Power Station and sits right near the Thames, across from St Paul's Cathedral.

The exhibition spaces spread over seven floors and include original works by the likes of Picasso, Matisse and Warhol. Like most museums in London, the Tate Modern is free to visit, unless you want to see a special exhibition (book well in advance in that case). Should you be keen to see the Tate's sister gallery Tate Britain as well, hop on the Tate Boat right in front of the building and travel door to door in style. Boats run every 20 to 30 minutes during museum open hours.

Pro tip: Fancy turning your Tate Modern visit into a fun night out? Keep an eye on the monthly Tate Lates , a mix of art workshops and talks, DJs, bars and live music.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of the British monarchs since 1837, and even though all the royal family currently live at other royal estates , it remains the place most associated with the crown. A highlight not to be missed is the Changing of the Guard, a traditional ceremony that sees one detachment of troops taking over from the other, marching along The Mall to Buckingham Palace with musical accompaniment (expect both traditional tunes and pop songs). It takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and daily during the summer, at 11 A.M. It's one of the best free tourist attractions in London. For a prime spot, arrive at least one hour in advance, as the area gets packed year-round.

Pro tip: The State Rooms inside Buckingham Palace are open to visitors on selected dates during winter and spring, as well as for 10 weeks in summer. Tour tickets sell out quickly, so check dates and book as early as you can.

The Tower Bridge

Walking across the Tower Bridge is a must-do when in London. But nothing beats watching the landmark lift for tall vessels, including cruise ships , to pass through. River traffic has priority on this stretch of the Thames by law, meaning ships can request a lift any time of the day, bringing the traffic on the bridge to a complete halt. On average, the Tower Bridge opens twice a day. But what's the secret behind being at the right place at the right time? Luckily, it's pretty simple, as you can check online  to see when the bridge next lifts.  Then, make sure to arrive on time to watch the spectacle unfold.

Pro tip: For a full view of the lift (and great photo opportunities), position yourself on the river banks or a bridge opposite Tower Bridge. For a more close-up experience, stand on either end of the bridge.

Portobello Road Market

In the 1990s, the movie Notting Hill , starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, made the West London neighborhood of the same name known around the world as a romantic travel destination . But even if you're not a fan of rom-coms , Notting Hill and its famous Portobello Road Market —considered the largest antique market on the planet—have a lot to offer. The stalls, fold-out tables and shops are packed with vintage treasures, from lamps and chairs to paintings, jewelry and secondhand clothing, which makes it a great place for souvenir hunting. The market is open six days a week, but Saturday is the main day when all the sellers, antique hunters and street food vendors are out.

Pro tip: Notting Hill's signature pastel houses are just as famous as the market, and selfies on the steps around the Hillgate Place and Lancaster Road area are high on many visitors' bucket lists. Please keep in mind though that people actually live in these houses, so don't stare into their windows or leave trash behind.

The West End

The West End is London's equivalent to Broadway in New York City and the heart of commercial theater and musical productions in the U.K. More than 16 million people watched performances here in 2022, making tickets one of the hottest holiday gifts . Whether you're into the classics such as Les Miserables (running since 1985) and The Phantom of the Opera (since 1986) or want to see a feel-good musical featuring songs by Tina Turner, ABBA or Queen, this is the place. The Disney musicals are among the most popular things to do in London with kids, but they're just as fun to watch as an adult. For crime fans, Agatha Christie's Mousetrap is a must-see.

Pro tip: If you haven't set your mind on a specific show, you can score excellent last-minute deals on the day using the TodayTix app (look for "rush tickets" at 10 a.m. sharp). I've found myself sitting in some of the best seats in the house for around $30, especially on weeknights. Ticket booths around Leicester Square also sell discounted tickets.

The Tower of London

No list of the best things to do in London would be complete without the Tower of London: an iconic castle, former prison and execution location—as well as the home of the crown jewels . The royals' precious accessories have been stored here since 1661 and only leave the Tower when used on official occasions. Want to see King Charles's and Queen Camilla's crowns ? They are right here!

The Tower of London is more than 900 years old, and you can feel its history in every corner. Keep in mind that the complex is not only impressive but also huge, so plan at least a few hours to see everything. Besides its exhibitions, historic halls and the guards with their signature fur hats, the Tower is famous for its wild ravens. According to legend, the kingdom will fall if the six resident ravens ever decide to leave.

Pro tip: Tickets to the Tower of London come with audio guides. If you'd rather have a human companion, opt for a tour with a Beefeater, a working guard at the fortress.

Borough Market

Dating back to the 13th century, Borough Market , on the south side of the Thames, is London's oldest food market and a great food travel destination with more than 100 stalls and plenty of small restaurants and wine bars where you can enjoy lunch or dinner. While the market originally focused on British produce, you can now get Indian curries, pad Thai, Ethiopian stews, falafel wraps, pasta dishes and, of course, the obligatory fish and chips. There are also plenty of stalls to stock up on bread, veggies, wines and sweets to take home or have later in the day. The market is open Tuesday to Sunday.

Pro tip: Borough Market is a lunch favorite with people working at the nearby offices, so expect long queues around noon. If you can't find a quiet spot to eat, make yourself comfy at the riverbank a few minutes away by foot.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter

London is full of locations featured in the Harry Potter movies (think St. Paul's Cathedral, Leadenhall Market, Borough Market or Tower Bridge), which you can explore on your own. But no place gets "muggles" (non-magic people) closer to Harry Potter's world than the Warner Bros. Studio Tour just outside the city. Here you will walk through Diagon Alley, peek into Harry's cupboard under the stairs and explore Hogwarts rooms such as the Great Hall or Dumbledore's office. You can even sample butter beer! The studio decoration changes according to season. I have seen the summer and Christmas versions so far, and Halloween is next on my list.

Pro tip: Advance booking is essential, even during shoulder seasons . Since muggles are, unfortunately, unable to arrive by broom, a shuttle bus from London's Watford Junction is included in the ticket price.

Columbia Road Market

Columbia Road Flower Market may be London's most popular place for flower shopping, and it's a weekend institution in East London. Rain or shine, the whole street gets packed from 8 a.m. every Sunday with dozens of stalls that sell tulips, roses, cacti, spider plants and banana trees. Judging by Instagram posts and people with cameras around their necks, the market might look like a bit of a tourist trap at first glance. But the majority of the visitors are locals who stock up on flowers after coffee or brunch at one of the little cafes in the neighborhood. The flowers are certainly the main selling point on a Sunday, but Columbia Road is dotted with little art shops and galleries too, so take your time to have a look around.

Pro tip: Columbia Road Market tends to be busy year-round, but if you want to avoid the largest crowds, it pays to show up right when it starts. For the best flower deals, come after lunchtime. The stalls close at around 3 p.m.

London's highest public garden, Sky Garden , sits on the 35th floor of the "Walkie Talkie," one of the city's landmark skyscrapers, and it provides spectacular panoramic views. Sky Garden is an oasis of plants, with an observation deck, an open-air terrace and two restaurants. Entry is free, but advance booking is essential. However, once you're in, you're in, so you can technically spend a whole day among the plants.

If you can't get into Sky Garden (or want to shoot more skyline pictures from a different angle), head to The Garden at 120, an open-air rooftop garden on the 15th floor about a five-minute walk away. It might not be as fancy as Sky Garden, but it's usually a lot quieter. I have had the whole garden to myself on weekday mornings more than once.

Pro tip: Tickets for the Sky Garden are released every Monday, and you can book up to three weeks in advance. If you're in the area but don't have a ticket, it's still worth trying your luck at the door, as they sometimes accept walk-ins.

Traditional afternoon tea

While Brits are the champions of tea drinking, afternoon tea is a lot more than just sipping on your favorite blend. The ritual dates back to the 19th century, when the ladies of the high society met for a light meal to shorten the time until dinner was served. Today, it's mainly saved for special occasions, but it also makes one of the most fun things to do in London when on a city break. A traditional afternoon tea menu includes small sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam and a selection of pastries and cakes. Earl Grey, Darjeeling and English Breakfast are the classic tea blends. If you really want to treat yourself, book a table at the glamorous salon at Cafe Royal . Oscar Wilde, Winston Churchill, Princess Diana and David Bowie were regulars here. Live piano music and champagne are included too.

Pro tip: Looking for a more casual afternoon tea option that doubles as a sightseeing tour? Hop on the Afternoon Tea Bus for a 90-minute ride.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

While the Globe Theatre on the South Bank of the Thames isn't the original one from Shakespeare's time (that one burned down in 1613), it's still considered the writer's London home and the closest you could ever get to the original experience. The venue was rebuilt in the same shape and layout, using the original type of wood (green oak) and building techniques. Watch world-famous plays such as A Midsummer Night's Dream , Macbeth and The Comedy of Errors and fully immerse yourself in the world of Shakespeare.

Pro tip: The cheapest way to see a play (or get into an otherwise sold-out show) is the " 5£ Rush Tickets ." These are standing tickets right in front of the stage. While you might miss the comfort of a seat, you'll be closer to the action than anyone else (and save a lot of money too!). Tickets are released every Friday at 11 a.m. for the following week.

Little Venice

London is an amazing city to explore on foot, and once you've ticked off all the major sights, it's time to enjoy one of the locals' favorite walks. When I moved to London, I was amazed at how many locals lived on houseboats—it reminded me of The Netherlands, where I spent my college semester abroad. Regent's Canal is dotted with colorful narrowboats, and you can often watch their owners navigate them to and from their mooring spots. The most beautiful stretch is from King's Cross to Little Venice , a beautiful water canal area full of cafés and pubs and framed by willow trees. You will pass Camden and Regent's Park along the way.

Pro tip: Before you head on your two-hour walk, check out Coal Drop's Yard right behind the King's Cross station, with its restaurants, pubs and artsy shops, and Word on the Water, a floating bookstore.

East London's Shoreditch is one of the hippest districts in the city, with little cafes, quirky shops and bars on every corner. It's also the heart of London's street-art scene. Living in Shoreditch, I'm continuously amazed by all the murals and graffiti popping up overnight (and, sadly, often disappearing just as quickly). If you are like me and love taking edgy pictures, you will feel right at home. I always recommend Shoreditch Street Art Tours to friends visiting, a fun and comprehensive introduction to the local street-art scene. If you head out on your own, save Brick Lane, Fashion Street, Hanbury Street, Princelet Street, New Inn Yard, Redchurch Street and Shoreditch Highstreet Station on Google Maps.

To kill two birds with one stone, visit Shoreditch on a weekend when Brick Lane market (lots of food and some art and clothes stalls) takes place. Truman Brewery on Brick Lane is also home to the biggest indoor vintage market in the U.K., which is open seven days a week.

Pro tip: For a quick and inexpensive snack to go, head to Beigel Bake. The 24-hour shop is the most famous bagel place in London. Attention: They only take cash!

Paddle on the Thames River

Even for people who live in London, the city can feel overwhelming at times. Luckily though, there are plenty of opportunities to escape the hustle and bustle. London might not be the most obvious choice for water sports, but that's exactly how many locals like to spend their summer. Kayaking and canoeing are hugely popular in the city, with paddling clubs dotted along the Thames and the canals. Companies such as London Kayak Co. offer tours, including for beginners, that double as sightseeing trips , taking you past some of London's most iconic landmarks. Personally, I have become a stand-up paddling (SUP) addict, and my current favorite place to go is Richmond Park . Nothing beats sunset paddling after work or on a weekend, then ending the day on the terrace of a riverside pub.

Pro tip: You don't have to be a kayak or SUP pro to enjoy this activity. As long as you are reasonably fit (and not afraid to fall into the water, should you opt for paddleboarding) you are good to go.

Kensington Gardens

One of London's eight royal parks and formerly part of Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens is a popular recreational area where you can take a stroll, have a picnic, check out exhibitions at the Serpentine galleries, visit Kensington Palace or—if you're traveling with kids—make the most of the Diana Memorial Playground (including a wooden pirate ship and sculptures inspired by Peter Pan).

Ring-necked parakeets have spread all over London, but this park is your best bet to see them up close. And while nobody seems to be quite sure how they originally ended up in London, thousands have called it home since the 1990s. Here, the parakeets are so used to people they will land on your outstretched hands (or your shoulders or your head!) when you bring snacks (apples or seeds)—and sometimes even if you don't. Be aware, though, that the cute birds have surprisingly sharp claws, so your arms might end up looking like you've just been scratched by an angry cat.

Pro tip: The parakeets can be found near the Peter Pan statue in Kensington Garden. If you arrive by tube, get off at Lancaster Gate, walk past the lake and follow the squawking.

Summer music festivals

Glastonbury (the British equivalent to Coachella) is the No. 1 festival every music fan in the U.K. wants to attend. But London has a great number of other festivals, too, that are well worth checking out. Plus, there's no camping, so you can leave your sleeping bags and rain boots at home.

The largest event every year is the British Summer Time Festival in Hyde Park , commonly known as BST. It spreads over multiple dates throughout two weeks from the end of June. This year's headliners include Bruce Springsteen, Guns N'Roses and Pink. Other festivals I've attended that I'd definitely recommend: All Points East (two weekends in August, offering rock, indie and alternative music), Wireless (in July, a mecca for hip-hop fans), Mighty Hoopla (early June, a celebration of cheesy pop and queer culture, with lots of attendees dressed up accordingly) and Hampton Court Palace Festival (multiple days in June, come for both the music and the location).

Pro tip: For environmental reasons and due to the fact that London's summers get hotter by the year, many festivals now allow music fans to take refillable bottles inside, with water stations to be found all around the festival sites.

Barbican Conservatory

The Barbican Centre is London's largest multi-arts venue. Movies, live gigs, plays, exhibitions, restaurants—you name it, the iconic complex has it all. One of the lesser known gems is their indoor garden on Level 3, which houses 2,000 species of plants and trees as well as three small ponds. It's a great place if you need a break from sightseeing or want to spend a relaxing hour or two hiding from the rain. Plus, it's quite romantic—a friend of mine got engaged amidst the plants! Unfortunately, the whole Barbican complex tends to feel like a labyrinth with tons of confusing walkways. Schedule in some extra time just in case you get lost, and don't sweat it, because it regularly happens to pretty much every Londoner.

Pro tip: The Conservatory is only open on select days. Entry is free, but book a time slot in advance to make sure you'll get in. Tickets are released one week in advance on Fridays at 10 a.m., with a limited number of additional ones available at 9:30 a.m. on the day.

Gods Own Junkyard

Gods Own Junkyard is a surreal exhibition place packed with blinking neon signs, old movie props, circus lighting and retro displays. It's the private collection of the late owner Chris Bracey, who made signs for Soho's strip clubs before he went on to work with some of Hollywood's greatest directors, including Tim Burton ( Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ), Christopher Nolan ( Batman ) and Stanley Kubrick ( Eyes Wide Shut ).

The gallery-turned-warehouse isn't exactly close to the city center, but it ranks high among the best things to do in London. Entry is free, however you might end up taking a neon sign home from their small shop. There's also a cafe and fully licensed bar, if you want to linger for a bit.

Pro tip: It might be tempting, but Gods Own Junkyard is, unfortunately, not the place to try out your latest camera gear. You are allowed to take pictures with your phone (for personal use and social media) but not with any cameras or professional equipment.

Cahoots Underground

If you like colorful cocktails and immersive experiences, make sure to check out some of London's hidden bars. One of the coolest places I've been is the 1940s-inspired Cahoots Underground , located in a retired tube station around the corner from Soho's Carnaby Street. The speakeasy bar is decorated with tube signs and maps, the cocktails (with names like "Winston Churchill" and "Judy Garland") are listed in a newspaper instead of a regular menu, and the waiters are dressed up as ticket inspectors. What's more, there's a live piano player taking requests from guests (everything from Frank Sinatra to Miley Cyrus). Be prepared for spontaneous singalongs and people dancing between the tables.

Other hidden bars worth checking out include Nightjar Shoreditch (old-school glamour, candlelit tables and live jazz and swing), Discount Suit Company (in a former suit tailor's storeroom), Opium in Chinatown (a 1920s Shanghai-themed bar tucked away behind red curtains), Purl (1920s theme, live music and cocktail mixing classes) and Ladies & Gents (in a former public washroom).

Pro tip: Better safe than sorry—all the above-mentioned bars are very popular, so book a table just in case.

Dennis Severs' House

If you've ever wondered what everyday London life looked like in the 18th century, Dennis Severs' House gives you a first-hand taste. The building was left exactly as when the original owners, a family of silk weavers, lived there. The rooms are lit by fire and candlelight, and visitors are encouraged to tour them in complete silence to "not disturb the family." You will find yourself wandering around the living room full of faded photographs, old carpets, mugs and books. The kitchen has a fully laid table—bitten apples included! It almost feels like the family is about to return and go on with their daily routine any moment. To make the time-travel experience even more authentic, there are also added scents of food, woodsmoke and chatters of the occupants.

Pro tip: Walk-up tickets are available, but unless you don't mind standing in line for up to an hour or two, I'd recommend booking a time slot.

Talk to any Londoner and they'll probably tell you that Camden is just not what it used to be. And I'm not going to lie, the North London neighborhood has dramatically changed in recent years. Its edgy, alternative vibe is pretty much gone. Many of the charming parts of Camden Market  were replaced by fancy stalls, food courts and colorful hanging umbrellas. However, Camden is still well worth a visit, you just need to do a bit more digging. Ignore the souvenir shops and look for the small creative sellers that have stood their ground. Then head to The Hawley Arms, my go-to Camden pub and a musician's hangout. The late, great Amy Winehouse was a regular.

Camden's music scene is legendary, and many pubs have live gigs and open-mic nights. Some of the most iconic venues to check out for gigs include KOKO (frequented by supermodels such as Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss in their heydays), Electric Ballroom, Spiritual Records, Dingwalls and Jazz Cafe.

Pro tip: The annual Camden Rocks Festival sees hundreds of gigs around Camden Town. Check out updates and ticket information here .

A pub for Sunday roast

Sunday roast is a British meal traditionally consisting of roasted meat of some sort (beef is the most common), mashed and roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, carrots, seasonal greens, gravy and apple or mint sauce. It's a big, hearty meal typically enjoyed early or late Sunday afternoon. Classic drinks to go with the foodie feast include local beers and ciders.

Sunday roasts rank high among the top things to do in London, and luckily there are plenty of options all around the city. One of the most popular is Camberwell Arms , which features five options served for two people to share. Other good choices are the trendy Blacklock Shoreditch (located inside a former furniture factory) and Quality Chop House, which has fed hungry guests since 1869. If you're a vegan, like me, or just curious about a meat-free option, head to The Spread Eagle, London's first fully plant-based pub.

Pro tip: All the above pubs (and many others around the city) are packed on Sunday, so booking is essential.

Royal Albert Hall

Opened in 1871 by Queen Victoria (and dedicated to her husband Albert, hence the name), Royal Albert Hall is probably the world's most famous concert hall. Its annual highlight is The Proms , an eight-week series of classical music organized by the BBC. But even if you're not a fan of orchestra performances, the venue is worth a visit. It's stunning inside and out and has the best acoustics you can find in the city.

What's more, the program is a lot more varied than you might expect. They also feature regular pop and rock gigs, and Eric Clapton, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, David Bowie and the Beatles have played here. You can also catch circus performances, movie nights, yoga sessions with live music and the occasional sumo wrestling event. If you go to a live gig, be prepared for the band to leave the stage midconcert for a mandatory interval. When I saw Bryan Adams in 2022, he apologized for the break, then jokingly explained that even rock stars had to follow the Royal Albert Hall's strict house rules.

Pro tip: Many of the events at Royal Albert Hall are instant sell-outs, but it's always worth checking at the box office or their website for last-minute tickets on the day of the event. If you're interested in a peek behind the scenes, book a backstage tour.

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum in posh South Kensington is one of the best things to do in London with kids. It houses more than 80 million animals, plants and rocks spanning 4.5 billion years that are displayed in about 20 galleries. The main eye-catcher upon arrival is a 25.2-metre-long blue whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling. The female animal died in Ireland more than 120 years ago and was given a name when moved to its new home: Hope. Other highlights include dinosaurs, a giant gorilla, a Moon rock sample from the 1972 Apollo 16 mission, meteorites and an earthquake simulator. The Natural History Museum is free to visit except for special exhibitions.

Pro tip: Watch out for museum events such as yoga and tai chi classes, silent disco nights or sleepovers for grown-ups.

Gordon's Wine Bar

Gordon's Wine Bar , conveniently located close to Covent Garden and the West End, is London's oldest wine bar. It opened its doors in 1890, and not much has changed since. The moment you step into this cave-like spot you'll be transported back in time, with most of the original decor still in place. Faded newspaper articles and photos hang on the walls, and there are wine-bottle candle holders and old-fashioned wooden chairs and tables. The low ceiling further adds to the atmosphere. As expected, the bar has an extensive choice of wines, which can be paired with cheese, meat, mezze and sharing boards.

Gordon's is not only a great place for drinks and food but also for people-watching. The bar is one of the most popular spots for people to first meet their dating-app match.

Pro tip: Gordon's Wine Bar is one of the few places in London that do not accept bookings. Arrive early, and be prepared to wait for a bit—it will be worth it.

Greenwich makes a fun day out of the city—without actually leaving the city. Located in the southeast of London, it's home to an artsy market with lots of food stalls, a beautiful park perfect for taking London skyline pictures, the National Maritime Museum and the Cutty Sark, one of the oldest and best known tea clipper ships in the world. There's also the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory, where you can stand with one foot in the western hemisphere and the other foot in the eastern. Greenwich can be reached by tube, bus and train, but the most fun way is to take a boat from central London. Hop on board at Westminster Pier and see famous landmarks such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, St Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge from the water.

Pro tip: While it's possible to buy tickets for the boats from the ticket booths and machines at the pier, the easiest way is to just use your bank or credit card and tap in and out like you would at the bus or tube.

Saatchi Gallery

London has about 200 museums, but Saatchi Gallery is the one place I keep coming back to again and again. A registered charity, the exhibition place is known for its fun and immersive displays of all kinds of subcultures and contemporary photo shows, and it's a supporter of up-and-coming artists from the U.K. and beyond. Highlights I've seen here include a show on the heydays of the British rave scene, exhibitions on Bob Marley and French street artist JR, as well as American photographers documenting social change since the 1960s. Recently, they also had a three-floor display of the U.K.'s graffiti scene.

Pro tip: The gallery regularly hosts artists talks, and they also have "Saatchi Lates," which feature extended exhibition hours, workshops and DJ sets.

Independent cinemas

While London's big-chain movie theaters around Leicester Square all come with XXL screens and the latest technology, the independent ones are where the real magic happens. Just around the corner from Leicester Square toward China Town is Prince Charles Cinema , where both the latest blockbusters and classic movies are shown. They also have movie marathons—from Harry Potter to Terminator and Lord of the Rings— where fans gather for up to 24 hours to watch the whole series. They even encourage singalongs during music-movie marathons by projecting lyrics on the screen for a karaoke vibe.

I am a regular at Genesis Cinema in East London, which has been showing movies since 1912 and comes with bar events such as open-mic and comedy nights on top. They also charge only 5£ Monday to Thursday, which is less than a third of what you'd pay on Leicester Square. Other great places include Electric Cinema, which has leather armchairs and double beds in the front row; Lexi Cinema, a volunteer-run place supporting charities in South Africa); and Everyman Screen on the Green, where wine and pizza are served to your seat.

Pro tip: London hosts tons of small and large film festivals throughout the year, so watch out for premieres, Q&As and other special events.

Highgate Cemetery

Walking around graves might not seem the most obvious choice for a fun day out in London, but Highgate Cemetery is worth making an exception. The Victorian cemetery looks a bit cramped and chaotic, but the sunken headstones, faded engravings and missing names on the tombs make it beautiful and charming at the same time. Highgate is the final resting place of no less than 170,000 people, including many celebrities. The one resident most visitors are looking for is German philosopher Karl Marx. His grave can be found in the east part of the cemetery and is easily recognizable by a giant sculpture of his head.

Pro tip: To enter the cemetery , you need a ticket, which you can buy online or on site. If you want some background info (and to hear morbid anecdotes), you can also book a guided tour.

Hackney City Farm

Big cities and farms might not go together well at first glance, but London does have several working farms close to its busiest districts. One of the loveliest is Hackney City Farm in East London, which has pigs, donkeys, ponies, sheep, ducks, a vegetable garden, a small shop that sells homemade produce and a restaurant. The farm opened in 1984 and regularly welcomes local school kids. They also run workshops in animal handling and arts classes including pottery and woodworking.

Pro tip: Visits are free, but donations are welcome. Don't leave without a drink in their cute backyard garden.

• Visit London : "London's Big Ben"
• Visit London : "Natural History Museum"
• The Royal Collection Trust : "Buckingham Palace"
• Historic Royal Palaces : "Crown Jewels"
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These seven amazing London art exhibitions are closing in May

It’s your last chance to catch these art shows in the capital

As London’s galleries gear up for their big summer exhibitions, they’re closing the doors on their spring shows. Which is a shame, because it’s been a pretty special season in the art world.

Small gallery shows like Nick Waplington’s amazing ‘Living Room’ jostled for space with major institutions’ exhibitions like the Hayward’s huge sculpture show ‘When Forms Come Alive’ and big in-depth historical extravaganzas like Raven Row’s Brazilian art rundown ‘Some May Work As Symbols’. There was photography, painting, sculpture, immersive installations, the whole shebang, and you’ve only got a couple of weeks to catch them.

Last chance to see these 7 London exhibitions

‘When Forms Come Alive: 60 Years of Restless Sculpture’ at the Hayward Gallery

This show looks at 60 years of artists hellbent on the impossible: creating sculptures that ooze and bulge and throb and breathe. It’s all bodily and undulating, implying movement and growth and change and guts.  It’s just about ooze, about seeping and twisting and morphing, about form and structure. And that’s a pretty good thing. Because when it works, the illusion of transformation is so real it makes your brain feel floppy.

Closing May 5, more details here . 

Edward Burtynsky: ‘Abstraction/Extraction’ at Saatchi Gallery

The guts of society are hidden away, but Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky has spent his long career eviscerating them and putting them on display. He photographs salt marshes carving up the Spanish coastline, gold mines spilling cyanide into the Johannesburg’s groundwater, circular crops sucking Saudi Arabia’s aquifers dry, diamond mines leaking toxic waste into the hills of South Africa.  It would make for grim viewing if it wasn’t all so beautiful.

Closing May 6, more details here . 

Zineb Sedira: ‘Dreams Have No Titles’ at Whitechapel Art Gallery

Sedira’s immersive love letter to militant cinema is a celebration of the death of colonialism, the early sparks of liberation and the ecstatic potential of revolution. Cinema provides a moment of fantasy where you can feel close to these events, and by allowing you to participate in these films of freedom and rebellion, Sedira is allowing you to taste just a hint of what it might mean to shrug off the shackles of oppression.

Closing May 12, more details here . 

‘Time Is Always Now’ at The National Portrait Gallery

At some point in the past, this show might have been a shock, it might have caused uproar. But this isn’t the past, this is 2024, so seeing room after room of paintings of Black figures by Black artists in the National Portrait Gallery isn’t shocking: instead, it’s just totally normal. The artists here depict the Black figure in endless ways and contexts. As straight portraits by Amy Sherald, as forgotten figures from art history by Barbara Walker, as characters of memetic mythology by Michael Armitage. The Black figure, like Blackness itself, isn’t one thing, it’s complex, indefinable.

Closing May 19, more details here . 

Nick Waplington: ‘Living Room’ at Hamiltons Gallery

What is working-class England if not grey, sullen, broken, monochrome, damp and sad? That’s the classic vision of this crumbling nation presented to us by photography, film and TV. But in the early 1990s, photographer Nick Waplington rocked the metaphorical boat by showing another side of England; one filled with colour, laughter, love and happiness. Waplington’s photos work because they’re not patronising. He isn’t a passive observer, but an active participant letting us into this world for just a second. Nothing really happens in these photos, but the whole universe is here, and it’s as beautiful, powerful, genuine and moving now as it would have been three decades ago

Closing May 25, more details here . 

‘Some May Work As Symbols’ at Raven Row

The story goes that modernism ripped everything up and started again; and nowhere did more of that mid-century aesthetic shredding than Brazil. Helio Oiticica, Lygia Pape, Lygia Clark, Ivan Serpa et al forged a brand new path towards minimalism, shrugging off the weight of figuration and gesturalism in favour of geometry, colour and simplicity. But Raven Row’s incredible new show is challenging that oversimplified narrative, showing how figuration, traditional aesthetics and ritual symbolism were an integral part of experimental Brazilian art from 1950-1980.  It’s a gorgeous, in-depth, museum-quality exploration of creativity at its most fertile, modernism at its most exciting and abstraction at its most beautiful. 

Closing May 25, more details here .

Frank Auerbach: ‘The Charcoal Heads’ at The Courtauld Gallery

Heads hang heavy, bodies sink into the shadowy corners of the room. Frank Auerbach’s charcoal portraits are dismal, dour things, heaving with hurt and pain, but they’re also brutally, shockingly beautiful. It feels like the work can’t escape the shadow of atrocity.  But I don’t know if this is actually about the war, the Blitz, the Holocaust. I think this might just be about us as people, as beings who wear the passage of time on our faces and in our shoulders, who survive only by enduring the scarification of what we live through. We carry the marks of our experience in the flesh, and that’s what’s on these sheets of ripped paper: the battered, bruised and broken signs that somehow, despite it all, we're still here.

Closing May 27, more details here .  Want more? Here are the top 10 exhibitions in London right now .

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• Eddy Frankel Art & Culture Editor

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