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Madame Tussauds London

Visit one of London's top attractions and explore the incredible, lifelike waxwork replicas of more than 150 celebrities and historical icons in various themed galleries. Walk down the red carpet and strike a pose with Hollywood's hottest celebrities, challenge your favourite sports idols or sit down for an audience with British royalty. You also have the option of enjoying our guided London tours .

Welcome to the Stage. Welcome to the Spotlight. Welcome to Madame Tussauds London. Step through our world-famous doors and take a leading role in the ULTIMATE fame experience. Truly immerse yourself in fame and taste the life of the rich and famous – this is your chance to shine!

Through a combination of our historic, artistic methods (that date back centuries, by the way!), immersive sets and pioneering modern tech - guests can experience fame & get closer to the action like never before...

Join your favourite celebs at the ULTIMATE Awards party, including Eddie Redmayne and Benedict Cumberbatch, or take a seat with Tom Hardy and feel his heartbeat! Strut your stuff on the catwalk with Cara, or join the Royal Family in the most regal of settings.

Take to the stage with music stars past and present before joining the Marvel Super Heroes for a crime-fighting adventure. Then use the force to be transported to a galaxy far, far away & star in action with the greats of the Star Wars universe.

Are you ready for your moment in the spotlight? COME ON IN!

First introduced to British audiences in 1818, while Marie Tussaud toured the UK with her travelling wax exhibition, Chamber of Horrors will once again shine a light on some of London’s darkest crime scenes of the past 150 years. Included in Chamber of Horrors:

- East London gangsters, The Kray Twins ​ - Serial killer, John Christie ​ - Serial killer, John Haigh ​ - Serial killer, Dennis Nilsen​ - Ruth Ellis​ - Serial killer, Jack the Ripper Whilst the crimes these individuals committed are all very different, each one had a significant impact on social and criminal history, as well as being well documented by the media at the time, and well into the present day. Chamber of Horrors restrictions:

This experience is based on some of the most infamous real crimes of the past 150 years. It features details of serious crime, violence and murder and includes real artefacts from crime scenes, which some may find distressing. Guests must be 16+ to enter this area.

Feel the power of your favourite Marvel Super Heroes in Madame Tussauds London's thrilling 4D movie!

Experience wind-chilling, water-soaking and face-flinching special effects as you get closer than ever before to Captain Marvel, Thor, Black Panther, Rocket, Spider-Man, Ant-Man and the wasp as they battle Loki in a bid to save the world.

After years and thousands of fan requests, we're excited to reveal Harry Styles will take to our stage for a second time - a whole decade after Harry first graced our attractions with his former One Direction bandmates. Harry’s stunningly lifelike new figure took Madame Tussauds’ expert artists over 10 months to create. The striking outfit, a nod to his fashion credentials and more recent break into acting, is inspired by the iconic look worn at the My Policeman premiere in 2022. Featuring a double-breasted hunter green blazer, large flower broach, pistachio green trousers, ivory boots and the all-important bright green handbag he paired it with - the look is finished with his classic pearl necklace jewellery.

You're cordially invited to feel like royalty from the 28th of March, 2023!

Walk through the gates of Buckingham Palace and become part of royalty! Snap a selfie with The Prince and Princess of Wales or wave at the cheering crowds on the Royal Balcony before having your audience with The King and Queen Consort in the Throne Room...

In addition to rubbing shoulders with The King and Queen Consort and the Prince and Princess of Wales, you will get to pose with afternoon tea in the Royal Drawing Room or mingle with some of the Palace’s most notable celebrity guests.

Nestled among the British Royals are acting and sporting royalty, including Sir Mo Farah and Dame Judi Dench, whose figures have also had a regal redress befitting of the new experience.

3, 2, 1 ACTION!

Join the biggest names from the showbiz industry in our glamourous new Awards Party zone at Madame Tussauds London. Step through the world-famous doors and party like an A-lister amongst the rich and famous. There’s so much for you to explore in our brand-new zone and a whole world of famous fun to be had!

Rub shoulders with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, strike a pose with superstar Zendaya and join the Egyptian King Mo Salah on the red carpet. We have a star-studded line up waiting just for you, don’t miss your moment!

Step through the gates of the Impossible Festival!

Imagine a festival where all your favourite artists, past and present, were on the same lineup, where your favourite bands were still together, and where artists from different genres performed together! What about a festival with no mud, no set clashes and perfect lighting for all your selfies? Impossible, right? Not anymore.

See London legends Amy Winehouse and David Bowie whilst rocking out with Bob Marley and Beyonce. Impossible? Not at Madame Tussauds London!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Please note the suggested visit duration of 2-3 hours is a guideline only
• E-Tickets are only valid for the date and time booked and shown on the ticket
• Please present your ticket on your smartphone, and the barcode will be scanned
• Please contact us at +44 (0)20 7950 1777 for assistance with amendments or cancellations
• The Spirit of London ride is subject to availability and may close at short notice for operational reasons, essential maintenance, and other considerations
• Chamber of Horrors is included with general entrance ticket for guests 16 years and over
• The Harry Styles figure arrives at Madame Tussauds on 27th July 2023
• Wheelchair users: Due to capacity restrictions at the venue, a separate wheelchair access pass must be pre-booked in addition to a regular entry ticket. Please visit this link to book a wheelchair pass. Timeslots for wheelchair passes must be booked at least 24H prior to your visit and are subject to availability. Please contact us if you require any further information.
• *Opening hours are subject to change and may be extended during holiday periods.

PACKAGE OPTIONS​​

Madame Tussauds London - Standard Entry (OFF PEAK 3 day+) - Step through our world-famous doors and take a leading role in the ULTIMATE fame experience. Truly immerse yourself in fame and taste the life of the rich and famous – this is your chance to shine!

Madame Tussauds London - Standard Entry (PEAK 3 day+) - Step into the spotlight at Madame Tussauds London, the home of famous fun in the capital. Star in immersive experiences and get up close and personal with more than 150 lifelike figures of your favourite celebrities with plenty of new additions for you to discover and enjoy in 2023.

(1 January - 31 December)

Mon - Fri 10:00am - 4:00pm

Sat - Sun 9:00am - 4:00pm

Madame Tussauds London - Standard Entry (0-2 day) - Step into the spotlight at Madame Tussauds London, the home of famous fun in the capital. Star in immersive experiences and get up close and personal with more than 150 lifelike figures of your favourite celebrities with plenty of new additions for you to discover and enjoy.

• Explore more than 150 of your favourite celebrities and icons 
• Encounter Star Wars favourites including Master Yoda, R2-D2 and Chewbacca
• Step straight into the movies alongside greats of the silver screen
• See sporting legends from the football pitch, boxing ring, athletics track and more!
• Journey through the capital’s history on the 'Spirit of London' ride
• NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE (opened 31st March 2022)

What's Included

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The Ultimate Guide to visiting the Madame Tussauds

Madame tussauds ultimate guide.

Often referred to as “London’s favourite tourist attraction”, Madame Tussauds in London has been visited by around 500 million people since it first opened, and attracts over 2.5 million visitors every year. For many, this is an essential stop in London, perfectly complementing the journey of free tours and museum explorations throughout the city.

Madame Tussauds in London (which is one of a chain of wax museums located all over the world) features more than 400 life-like replicas of some of the most recognizable faces in the world, ranging from legends and superstars, historical icons and geniuses, and even religious figures and murderers.

The museum was founded and named after the famed wax sculptor Marie Tussaud, who was born in Strasbourg, France in 1761. During her lifetime Tussaud made a name for herself by sculpting realistic, life-like wax figures of famous people like Lord Nelson, Winston Churchill and Sir Walter Scott.

The first exhibition of Madame Tussauds in London opened in 1835 on Baker Street, but was later moved to its present location on Marylebone Road in 1894.

Madame Tussauds Highlights

Do you want to take a selfie with Adele or Barack Obama? Or maybe even lock lips with Prince Harry or a member of One Direction? Well, luckily, Madame Tussauds is the only place in London which allows you to do so.

All of the waxwork figures in Madame Tussauds London are separated into different categories, so you can strike a pose with The Beatles, Justin Bieber or Marilyn Monroe in the Hollywood section, before moving on to seeing Wills and Kate or Queen Elizabeth II up close and personal in the Royal Family section.

There’s also an entire section dedicated to religious leaders and political icons like Pope John Paul and Nelson Mandela, and other sections dedicated to movies and comic books like Spiderman, Shrek and James Bond.

If you have the guts to venture down into the Chamber of Horrors (one of the most popular exhibitions at London’s Madame Tussauds), you will see the likes of Guy Fawkes, Vlad the Impaler, Genghis Khan, Adolf Hitler, the head of Stalin, and even the death masks of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette,

But Madame Tussauds in London isn’t just a celebrity wax figure museum. The attraction also offers taxi rides through London’s historic tales (called “The Spirit of London”), a Marvel Super Heroes 4D mini-movie experience for children, and even a full bar for adults to enjoy!

Special Tips

Getting There

Visiting madame tussauds.

Recommended visiting time for Madame Tussauds is around two to three hours, depending on when and what time you visit. If you visit during the peak tourist season or on a weekend, be aware that the museum can get incredibly busy and add extra time to your visit.

If you don’t buy a priority ticket online beforehand, then try to arrive extra early before the museum opens (9:30 a.m. on weekdays; 9 a.m. on weekends) as sometimes queues can last as long as two hours!

Also be aware that there are seven different entry doors to the museum which may cause confusion.

If you already have a ticket and/or promotional voucher, you can head directly to Door 1, or if you booked your ticket online and have a reserved time, Door 3. Door 5 is specifically for VIP Stage Door tickets holders and for visitors who require disabled access, while Door 7 is for groups of more than 15 people.

Ticket Costs

• Adults: from £36 (online)
• Children (4-15): from £32.50 (online)

It is highly recommended that you pre-book your tickets online beforehand, as you can save a ton of money on ticket prices and get faster entry into the museum as well.

There’s also a variety of different ticket options if you want to avoid the long queues both inside and outside of Madame Tussauds:

• The Fast Track Ticket (costing from £55) allows you to avoid any long queues to any attraction in the museum, and also gain entry into the Star Wars Experience exhibition.
• The Ultimate VIP (available online for £60) includes fast track entry, an unlimited digital photo package, a ride on the Spirit of London, a visit the Chamber of Horrors and the Marvel Universe 4D cinema.
• The Family tickets (available online for £35 per person) are valid for up to 5 people nad are only available from Monday to Thursday.

If you want to discover the best attractions and museums in the city, you might be interested in the free tours in London departing daily.

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

Visiting Madame Tussauds in London – A Complete Guide

Last updated: August 3, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 9 Comments

One of London’s most popular and well-known visitor attractions is Madame Tussauds. This wax museum, named for its founder, has been welcoming visitors since 1835.

Today, there are more than twenty Madame Tussauds wax museums found all around the world, a few of which we have visited over the years. However, the museum in London  was the first to open and is definitely our favorite of all the ones we have visited!

We have visited Madame Tussauds in London many times over the years. My first visit was as a child in the 1980s, but I have since returned as an adult a couple of times as well.

In today’s guide, we’re going to share with you everything you need to know to plan your own visit to London’s Madame Tussauds based on our experiences.

From tips on how to get here, what to expect, and how to skip the lines, this guide will help you plan the perfect visit. Also, if you are not sure if you want to visit here, this guide should help you decide if it is worth visiting or not.

Let’s get started by answering some questions about Madame Tussauds.

Who was Madame Tussaud?

The Madame Tussauds wax museum is actually named after a real person. Marie Tussaud was born in Strasbourg, France in 1761, with the maiden name Marie Grosholtz .

She started to learn how to create wax sculptures at a very young age under the direction of the renowned wax sculptor Philippe Curtius . With Philippe she moved to Paris, France, where she was during the French Revolution. In fact, many of her early works were wax models of the victims of the French Revolution.

When Philippe died, his large collection of wax models was bequeathed to Marie. It was also around this time that she met and married Francois Tussaud, thus becoming Madame Tussauds.

For 30 years in the early 19th century, Marie took her collection of wax figurines on tour around Europe. She finally settled in London in 1831, where she died in 1850.

A Brief History of Wax Figures & Wax Museums

At this point you might be wondering when and why wax museums became popular, and if Madame Tussauds was the first wax museum in London.

Well, life-size accurate wax figures of people have been around for quite a long while. For example, life-like wax figures were created as part of the funeral process for European Royalty in the Middle Ages. This was to present a figure of the deceased to the masses to pay their respects to.

It was in the 17th century that wax figures became popular as a form of entertainment. Versions of the French Royal Court and English Royal Court were created and exhibited, and these became popular as both travelling and permanent exhibits.

In a time before photography, TV, magazines, or the Internet, most people would not really know what famous people looked liked outside of printed sketches or coins. Wax figures were the most life-like representations that most people would ever see and were very popular. Some also depicted gruesome or shocking scenes such as murders and decapitations.

The first known wax museum in London was opened in 1711 on Fleet Street by a woman named Mrs. Salmon. This was over 100 years before Madame Tussauds opened her London museum!

What is Madame Tussauds?

Madame Tussauds is a wax museum which is known for its lifelike wax depictions of historical and celebrity figures from around the world.

The original Madame Tussauds in London was founded by Marie Tussaud who gave it her name. The original collection consisted of around 400 figures, including the figures Marie had inherited from Philipe Curtius.

Today there are several Madame Tussauds museums around the world, but the original was founded in London on Baker Street in 1835. In 1884 the museum was moved to its present location on Marylebone Road.

Today, Madame Tussauds contains a wide variety of exhibits. These include rotating themed exhibits, often based on recent movies or other cultural events.

There are also notable wax figures spanning history, from recent celebrities to past political figures, sporting heroes, and even fictional characters.

The London Madame Tussauds is also home to some of the oldest wax models in the Madame Tussauds collection, some of which were created by Marie herself. So for those of you interested in the history of the museum and the life of Marie, this is definitely the Madame Tussauds to visit.

Planning Your Visit to Madame Tussauds

Now that you know a bit about the history of Madame Tussauds, both the museum and the person behind it, let’s look at planning your visit to this popular attraction.

Where is Madame Tussauds in London?

Madame Tussauds is found on Marylebone Road in the Marylebone area of London. This is just to the north west of central London attractions, by Regent’s Park.

The full address is:

Madame Tussauds Marylebone Road London NW1 5LR

From the outside you will notice that the building is in two parts, a large white building and then a dome. This was previously the London Planetarium; however it closed as a planetarium in 2010 and is now the area of Madame Tussauds where 4D films are shown.

How to Get to Madame Tussauds?

Madame Tussauds is easy to get to, with multiple transport options available.

We nearly always travel to Madame Tussauds on the London Underground, or Tube. The nearest tube station is Baker Street, just a couple of minutes’ walk away.

Baker Street is served by five tube lines, the Bakerloo line, Circle line, Jubilee line, Hammersmith & City line and Metropolitan line. So you should be able to easily reach it by tube wherever you are staying in London .

There are also public bus stops near to Madame Tussauds offering connections across the city.

Ride-sharing apps and taxis are of course also available in London.

Finally, if you are exploring London on a hop on hop off bus , such as the one included on the London Pass , the majority of these services have a route which includes a stop at Madame Tussauds.

If you want more information about public transport in London, see our guide to getting around London .

When is Madame Tussauds Open?

Madame Tussauds is usually open year-round with the exception of Christmas Day.

Opening times vary from 9am to 10am, and the closing time also varies between 3pm and 5pm.

These times depend on the day of the week and the time of the year, with less popular days normally having shorter opening hours.

Be sure to check the latest opening dates and times before your visit. You can see the full calendar of opening times and hours on the official website here .

How Long does it take to visit Madame Tussauds?

In our experience, you should expect to spend a minimum of 90 minutes visiting, but we would recommend spending two to three hours visiting Madame Tussauds to get the most out of your experience.

The museum is laid out in a structured fashion so you naturally flow from one exhibit to the next. The majority of exhibits have a lot of photo opportunities, so you will likely find the time flying by as you pose with your favorite personalities.

In addition, when the museum is busier it can take a little longer as you wait to take your photos. So we would recommend giving yourself plenty of time so you don’t feel rushed or that you are missing out on anything.

What Can You See at Madame Tussauds?

With over 150 wax figures on display, spread out across 11 different themed zones, you can definitely see a lot at Madame Tussauds!

The main zones are as follows. However, do be aware that the figures and zones do change from time to time.

As well as the above, there are themed zones which usually reflect recent popular films or other cultural events. For example, when we have visited we have seen a Star Wars themed zone, and a Marvel themed zone.

As well as the themed zones, there are a number of other experiences within Madame Tussauds. These are as follows.

• The Spirit of London ride has you boarding a “black cab” to take a tour through the history of London. This is basically a ride on rails through a number of exhibits, with audio available in a number of languages to explain what you are seeing. This ride is a lot of fun and is always one of our highlights when we visit.
• The Chamber of Horrors. This style of shocking and gory waxwork was actually the original vision of Madame Tussauds when she toured the UK in 1818, as it was appealing to audiences at the time. This exhibit is adult in nature, and focuses on some of the UK’s most notorious crimes, victims and perpetrators. This includes serial killers like Jack the Ripper.
• The 4D movie experience. When we visited, this was the Marvel Universe 4D experience, which takes you on a fun ride through the Marvel world with heroes such as Captain Marvel, Thor and Spider-Man. The ride features a 3D movie as well as a number of special effects to create a more immersive experience. Note that as of 2023 this is included with the standard ticket (it used to be a paid addon).

The actual wax figures on display change fairly regularly. You can see a list of the current wax figures and themed areas on the official website here .

Do you Need a Ticket for Madame Tussauds?

Yes, all visitors to Madame Tussauds need a ticket. This includes children under three who qualify for free entry.

Where to Buy Madame Tussauds Tickets

You have two options for purchasing Madame Tussauds tickets. You can purchase them in person on the day of your visit, or you can buy them online in advance from the official website here .

We strongly recommend booking tickets in advance as it will both save you money and guarantee your entry. Tickets are timed, with the time indicating when you can join the queue to enter the attraction.

How Much Does Madame Tussauds Cost?

Pricing for Madame Tussauds varies depending on a number of factors. Same day tickets and tickets for popular days such as holidays and weekends are usually more expensive compared to tickets booked further in advance and for less popular days such as weekends.

There are also different ticket options available at different prices. These are the standard ticket , fast-track ticket , and family ticket .

There are also ticket options which include additional experiences, which also increase the price.

In our experience, the best value tickets are those bought in advance for less popular days. Buying tickets in person nearly always costs more, and on busy days you are not guaranteed entry.

The prices below are correct as of March 2023, but do check the official website for the latest pricing information and ticket options.

Standard Madame Tussauds Ticket Price

The standard Madame Tussauds ticket grants you entry to Madame Tussauds on a day and time of your choosing.

Note that you do still have to join line with all the other people at your timeslot and go through security, so you will have to queue for a period of time.

Standard entry for Madame Tussauds costs:

• £32 – £42 for an adult
• £25.5 – £38 for a child (3-15 years)
• Free for children under three years

For the best prices you need to book online at least three days in advance on a non-peak day.

Peak days vary, so you will need to check prices on the website to see if your chosen day is a peak day. We’d recommend booking online on peak days as well to avoid disappointment on the day.

Book your standard entry Madame Tussauds ticket here .

Fast-Track Madame Tussauds Ticket Price

At busier times of the year such as during school holidays, it can take a little while to enter the attraction, with queue times between 20 and 40 minutes in our experience.

If you’d rather not queue, you can pay a premium for a fast-track ticket option. Fast-track ticket holders get access to a dedicated line and entry door, so can be inside quicker. However, the fast-track ticket only helps with entry, once you are inside the attraction there is no extra benefit.

Fast-track entry for Madame Tussauds costs:

• £40 – £52 for an adult
• £32 – £48 for a child (3-15 years)

Generally, fast-track ticket prices cost around £8 – £18 more than standard entry ticket prices. Again, booking for off-peak days will get you the best price.

It’s also worth noting that you can upgrade a standard ticket to fast-track as part of the booking process, which sometimes works out cheaper than just booking a fast-track ticket depending on availability.

Book your fast-track ticket entry for Madame Tussauds here .

Family Madame Tussauds Standard Ticket

If you are visiting Madame Tussauds as a family, you can save by purchasing a family ticket , normally available on this page.

These are available for groups consisting of one or two adults, and two to three children, for a maximum of five guests total.

A family ticket currently costs:

• £31 for each adult
• £31 for each child (3-15 years)
• Free for children under three years.

As you can see, you can save quite a bit on standard entry prices with a family ticket. Note that fast-track entry is not possible with a family ticket.

Book your family ticket for Madame Tussauds here .

Additional Madame Tussauds Experiences

There are additional experiences you can pay for to enhance your visit. Some of these can be booked when you book your Madame Tussauds ticket, others are payable on site. These are as follows:

• Fast-track upgrade. If booking a standard ticket, you will have the option to upgrade to a fast-track ticket for £10 per person. This must be done in advance.
• Wax Hand. During your visit, you will be able to stop off at a wax modelling location and have your hand crafted in wax as a souvenir. This process takes around 15 minutes and costs £20 per person. This can be booked in advance or in person on the day.
• Photo stops. Whilst photography is allowed and encouraged, you also have the opportunity to have your photo taken by professional photographers at different stops. The most popular of these is with the Royal Family. You can look at these photos and decide to buy them from the gift shop at the end of your visit. It’s free to have your photo taken so you might as well do it and then you can decide at the end if you want to purchase them. Pricing varies depending on the number of photos chosen.

Can you Cancel or Reschedule a Madame Tussauds Ticket?

If you purchase tickets from the official site, these are sold on a non-refundable and non-transferable basis. However, you are able to change the date of your booking for free, which you can do on the official website here or via the Booking Portal which you will receive a link to upon ticket purchase.

If you purchase tickets via a third-party ticket site such as GetYourGuide, these may have a different cancellation policy. So if the option to cancel your tickets is important, this can be a good option.

The last time we checked, these Madame Tussauds tickets on GetYourGuide offered free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of your visit.

Can you Upgrade a Madame Tussauds Ticket?

You can upgrade a ticket after purchase to include a cinema ticket. However, at the time of writing, we are not aware of a way to upgrade tickets from a standard ticket to a fast-track ticket. So it is important you book the right kind of ticket in advance of your visit.

How Long are the Queues at Madame Tussauds?

Queue times vary depending on the time of day and whether or not it is a school or public holiday. At quieter times the queue will normally be 15 minutes or less, but during peak visiting times such as school holidays it can be as long as an hour.

Can You Skip the Line at Madame Tussauds?

There are two ticket options for Madame Tussauds, a standard-entry line and a fast-track ticket line. Fast-track ticket holders can skip the slower standard-entry line and take advantage of a dedicated entrance.

However, both entrances have security checks, and so there will normally be a short wait even with a fast-track ticket. That said, at busier times the fast-track tickets should get you inside Madame Tussauds a lot quicker than the standard tickets.

Madame Tussauds Discount Tickets

There are a few different options for discount tickets for Madame Tussauds. The ones we are currently aware of are as follows.

Student Discounts. If you are a registered UK student, you can save up to 56% on Madame Tussauds by taking advantage of their student discount. You can read more about how to do this here .

If you are visiting London by train, you can take advantage of 2 for 1 entry to many attractions, including Madame Tussauds. This needs to be booked in advance, and some date exclusions apply. You can read more about this offer here .

If you are visiting Madame Tussauds as a group of at least 10 people, you can save by purchasing a group entry ticket on the official website.

Deal website Groupon sometimes has deals for Madame Tussauds, you can check those out here .

Otherwise, your best option is to purchase on the official website in advance of your visit, which will normally save you some money compared to buying tickets on the day.

Passes which include Madame Tussauds

Another option which can save you money on your Madame Tussauds tickets is to purchase an attraction pass which includes Madame Tussauds. So it is a good idea to check if you plan to visit any of the other attractions included on the various combination tickets.

At the time of writing, popular city attraction passes like the London Pass do not include Madame Tussauds.

However, there are some multi-attraction tickets and passes which do include Madame Tussauds. If you were already planning on visiting multiple attractions when in the city, then these passes and combination tickets might save you money.

For example, you can book the following combination tickets:

• A Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE London combination ticket
• A Madame Tussauds and Big Bus London combination ticket
• A Madame Tussauds and London Dungeon combination ticket

There are also some passes which include Madame Tussauds, which are as follows:

• Big City Saver Pass . This pass is available in a number of versions, covering up to 5 premium attractions in London. These attractions include Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, London Dungeon, Shrek’s Adventure, and the London Eye .
• Merlin Annual Pass – If you plan to visit a lot of attractions across the UK, then the Merlin Annual Pass might be a good option. This includes entry to nearly 30 attractions, including Madame Tussauds, London Eye, Alton Towers, Legoland, London Dungeon, and Warwick Castle. This is probably best suited for those who live in the UK.

Is Madame Tussauds Worth It?

This will of course depend on you and the types of attractions you prefer.

We certainly have enjoyed Madame Tussauds when we visit. It’s amazing how lifelike the celebrity figures are, and all the exhibits are a lot of fun and very well put together. It’s an interactive experience which is definitely something that can appeal to the whole family.

A big part of the Madame Tussauds experience today for most people is taking photos of the figures and taking selfies with the figures. If this is not something you enjoy, this might not be the best attraction for you.

The other thing to note is that with all of the Madame Tussauds locations, there is a focus on local celebrities, politicians, royalty, athletes, etc. So you’ll see lots of British athletes, film stars, singers, and of course the British Royal Family. But international visitors will be sure to recognize many of these people as well as see plenty of famous people from other parts of the world. There are lots of American figures in particular.

We also like that the London location is the original Madame Tussauds, and that there is an area where you can learn more about Marie Tussaud herself, and see some of the wax figures that she worked on. Jess likes history and really enjoyed seeing the older figures and learning a bit about the history and making of wax figures.

Of course, like every experience and attraction, it’s ultimately up to you as to whether or not you feel it is worth it.

Is the Fast Track Madame Tussauds Option Worth It?

This is of course up to you. At busier times, you can definitely save some time by purchasing the fast-track ticket option. However, if you are visiting at a quieter time, the time difference is likely not going to be very significant.

It’s also worth noting that other than the potentially reduced queue time, there is no other advantage to the fast-track ticket.

Facilities at Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds offers toilets on every level of the attraction, as well as baby changing facilities.

There is a souvenir store at the exit, and food and drink stands serving confectionary, snacks and drinks are also available throughout the attraction.

Security and Restrictions at Madame Tussauds

Before you enter Madame Tussauds you will go through a security screening process.

A number of items are not allowed inside Madame Tussauds, including luggage, large bags, tripods, baby buggies, sharp objects such as penknives and scissors, weapons, animals (except trained assistance dogs), and alcohol. You can see a full list here .

Note that baby strollers/prams/buggies can be stored for free at a special storage facility at the museum. You can also leave luggage and coats but there is a small fee to do so.

Accessibility at Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds is designed to be fully accessible, with lifts available and assistance dogs permitted.

Due to the age of the building and the number of lifts available, only three wheelchair users can be accommodated in the building at any one time. It is therefore imperative that wheelchair users book a wheelchair ticket when booking.

The Spirit of London ride is also not suitable for guests in a wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Carers with documentation are eligible for a free ticket when accompanying a disabled guest. They do need to pre-book this ticket, which can be done online here .

There is a full guide to accessibility at Madame Tussauds which you can access from their accessibility page here .

Luggage Storage at Madame Tussauds

Buggies and larger bags are not permitted inside Madame Tussauds. However, there is an on-site cloakroom and buggy storage facility. Buggies can be left here for free, whilst bags and coats can be checked here for a small fee.

What Time of Day is Best for Visiting Madame Tussauds to Avoid Crowds?

It is generally recommended that you either visit at around opening time or around 2pm if you want to avoid the biggest crowds.

This is because although entry is timed and managed to ensure a good through flow, as the morning goes on the attraction does get a bit busier. So if you want a less crowded experience, then visiting either when it opens or just after lunch tends to result in a less crowded visit.

Is Madame Tussauds Air Conditioned?

Yes, Madame Tussauds is fully air-conditioned. This is both for the benefit of the guests but also the wax figures, as these need to be kept in a climate-controlled environment.

It is worth mentioning that whilst the interior of Madame Tussauds is climate controlled, the queuing area is outside the building and not protected from the elements. So you will want to dress for the weather as you may be in line for a period of time before you enter the attraction. Dressing in layers is always a good idea.

If you’d like tips for what to bring for your trip to London, see our London packing list for lots of ideas.

Can I take Food and Drink into Madame Tussauds?

Yes, you are allowed to take food and drink into Madame Tussauds, with the exception of alcoholic beverages.

It is worth noting that the attraction reserves the right to restrict entry of any products they feel might adversely affect the operations of the attraction. In these situations, you will be asked to consume or discard these items before entry.

Is Photography Allowed at Madame Tussauds?

Photography is very much allowed and indeed encouraged at Madame Tussauds. So feel free to take as many photos as you like with the wax figures!

You are able to get up close to the vast majority of the wax figures and even touch them (lightly of course) to take photos. But a few of the older figures and more important figures are roped off or behind glass, but you can still take photos of them.

The main exceptions to this rule are in the cinema and on the Spirit of London ride, both are areas where photography is not permitted.

In addition, tripods are not permitted at Madame Tussauds. If you are travelling with a tripod, this will be held by security for the duration of your visit.

Attractions Near Madame Tussauds

Whilst you are in the Marylebone area, you may be wondering what other attractions are nearby that you can also visit. Here are some options you might consider whilst in the area:

• Sherlock Holmes Museum . This museum dedicated to the fictional detective is found on Baker Street, and it is a couple of minutes’ walk from Madame Tussauds.
• Regent’s Park. Just to the north of Madame Tussauds is Regent’s Park, one of London’s lovely green spaces. The view of London from Primrose Hill in Regent’s Park is one of our favorites.
• ZSL London Zoo . Found within Regent’s Park is this famous zoo, also known as one of London’s Harry Potter filming locations . It’s home to animals from around the world.
• The Wallace Collection . Just a few minutes’ walk from Madame Tussauds, this art collection focuses on fine and decorative arts from the 15th to 19th century, set in beautiful Hertford House.
• The Wonderpass. This pedestrian underpass just near Madame Tussauds underwent a significant facelift, and is now very colorful. It’s also filled with facts and information about the local area, to give you more ideas for what to see in the local area!
• Shopping on Oxford Street – This is one of London’s busiest shopping streets and a place to check out if you are interested in some retail therapy.
• The Cartoon Museum – this informative museum will teach you all about the history of British cartoons, comics, and caricatures.

As you can see, there are plenty of attractions near Madame Tussauds so you could easily make a day of visiting this part of London.

Alternatives to Madame Tussauds

Honestly, there aren’t any similar attractions that we are aware of in London that are like Madame Tussauds. If you want to visit a wax model museum in London, then Madame Tussauds is definitely the best option!

Where to Stay Near Madame Tussauds

The Marylebone region of London where Madame Tussauds is found can make for a good base for exploring both local attractions and the rest of London. There good transport connections to the rest of the city, and mainline rail stations like Paddington and Euston are also close by.

If you are thinking of staying in this area, here are some accommodation options to consider. These are ordered approximately by price, from lower to higher, but rates can vary so do always check and compare for your dates.

• YHA London Central – 15 minutes’ walk from Madame Tussauds, this hostel offers shared and private accommodation as well as kitchen facilities. A great option for those on a budget or who prefer a hostel environment
• Marylebone Inn – a couple of minutes’ walk from Madame Tussauds, this traditional London town house offers comfortable rooms with en-suite facilities and a small kitchenette.
• Hotel La Place – just five minutes’ walk from Madame Tussauds, this family-run hotel offers air-conditioned en-suite rooms with breakfast.
• Holmes Hotel London – also five minutes’ walk from Madame Tussauds, this is a lovely boutique hotel found in an 18th century townhouse. Rooms are en-suite and air-conditioned, and there’s an on-site restaurant.
• The Prince Akatoki Londo n – 15 minutes walk from Madame Tussauds, this 5* hotel offers high-end accommodation with a minimal aesthetic. Rooms are air-conditioned and en-suite and there is on-site dining and a fitness centre.
• The Landmark London – 8 minutes’ walk from Madame Tussauds, this luxury 5* hotel offers spacious air-conditioned rooms, a spa, and on-site restaurants.

For more inspiration, we have a complete guide to where to stay in London , which covers accommodation options across the whole of London as well as at the major airports.

Madame Tussauds Photography Tips

One of our favorite things about Madame Tussauds is the unique opportunities it offers for taking photos. After all, where else are you going to be able to get a photo of you with your favorite celebrities!

Madame Tussauds is set up to help you get the photos you want. Most of the wax models are displayed in a way that makes posing with them easy.

That said, there are still a few challenges to be aware of when it comes to taking photos. As a professional photographer, I will now share some tips on taking photos at Madame Tussauds to help you get the best shots when you visit.

• Time your photos. Madame Tussauds is a popular location, which means that it can be a little bit crowded. If you are not in a rush, then exercising a little patience can reap rewards. Ideally you want to minimize distractions like other people in your shots, so you can focus on your subject and the wax model rather than someone else’s arm or head!
• Adjust for the light. Madame Tussauds is fairly well lit, but it is still an indoor attraction. If you have a smartphone, it should adjust itself automatically, but consider setting it to a night mode, indoor mode or portrait mode if it has one. If you have a camera with manual controls, I recommend setting a wide-open aperture, a shutter speed of at least 1/60th of a second, and then an ISO to suit.
• Remember that tripods are not permitted so you’ll want to leave them at your hotel (or you’ll need to pay to check them at the cloakroom).
• If you are visiting on your own or want a photo of you and your companions/family, it is good to make friends with another visitor or group of visitors. A good way to do this is to offer to take a photo of another person or group, and they will usually return the favor. That is how we got a few photos of us together during our visit as we had offered to take a photo of a family and they returned the favor.
• Manage your flash. Many cameras will automatically enable the flash unit if they feel it is necessary. However, a flash can often result in unnatural looking images. So it is important to understand how to be able to disable your flash if required.
• Consider the composition. When taking your photos, think about what is in the frame and where it is positioned. Is there anything distracting or unnecessary that you don’t need, like another person or background wax figure? Do you have everything in shot that you want to have in shot? Perhaps a different angle will work better? Just take some time to think about the composition of your photos before you press the shutter button. See our tips on composition in photography for some more ideas.
• There is normally a chance for one or two professional photo opportunities where a photographer will take your photo of you and your group and then you have a chance to purchase it later if you like it. This is normally done with the Royal Family as well as at other locations.
• Have some fun! The goal of visiting Madame Tussauds is to enjoy yourself, and hopefully capture some images of you and anyone you are visiting with having a good time! So, make some fun poses, smile, and enjoy yourself! This will come through in your photos and give you better results.

Hopefully our photography tips help you get some better photos when you visit Madame Tussauds. If you’d like to learn more about photography, we have a whole selection of photography tips here for you to read through.

Our Experience Visiting Madame Tussauds

We have actually visited Madame Tussauds a number of times. Laurence first visited as a child with his family in the 1980s, when it was quite a different experience before social media and selfies were a thing! Back then, the wax figures were to be cautiously observed from behind velvet ropes!

Since then, times have changed, and Jessica and I have visited twice in more recent years. We’ll share our experience from our most recent visit in 2022, which was similar to our visit in 2017 (although some of the exhibits changed between visits).

We booked for the 9:30 AM timeslot, which was the first one on the day we visited. We arrived a little at around 9:20 AM. There was already a queue formed, which we joined. The doors opened at 9:30 AM, and the queue moved quickly. We passed through security and were inside by 9:36 AM.

The first section we visited was the celebrity after-party, which featured many celebrities from the world of film and TV. They were all dressed to the nines and this was a popular location to get photos.

Luckily as we were there early in the day it was not too busy but there were still some short waits to stand next to the most popular celebrities.

We then navigated through the Alien: Escape experience, a horror themed exhibition based on the world of the Alien franchise. This was a lot of fun and a little bit creepy!

As you can tell in the photo below, we were here during the COVID-19 pandemic period and we both wore face masks during our visit but did remove them for many of the photos.

From there we entered the world of movies, featuring stars of the silver screen from E.T. to James Bond. We also saw the giant eighteen-foot animatronic statue of Kong’s head from Kong: Skull Island.

We passed by one of the wax hand creation workshops. Someone was about to get a wax model handmade, which looked like a lot of fun, especially for kids. This is something we might try on a future visit.

Here we descended to a new level where there were sporting stars, Olympic athletes and fashion models.

We then met Royals from the British Royal Family spanning the generations. Here there was a photo opportunity with the present Royal Family.

Our visit was before the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, so the layout will have changed since we were last there.

The Royals were near a number of prominent politicians from both the UK and overseas, after which we entered into the world of Music with plentiful opportunities for photos of a number of popular musicians, both current and past.

We then descended to another level. We particularly liked that the staircases had lots of posters and information about Marie Tussauds and the history of Madame Tussauds, a sort of mini museum as it were.

The new level opened with a small display on Marie Tussauds, with a wax model of the lady herself as well as some of the oldest wax models in the collection. The oldest waxwork in the collection is the breathing Sleeping Beauty made by Philippe Curtius, which dates to 1763. A device in her chest makes it appear that she is asleep and breathing.

There was also information on the process of making a wax model. The video shown when we were there last was of the making of a wax mold of Beyoncé, showing all the steps it take to create a modern wax figure and her experience of the process.

Now it was time to board the Spirit of London ride. This is a ride on rails where you board a “black cab” carriage, and are transported around a number of scenes depicting key events and characters from London’s colorful past.

This includes all kinds of events from the Middles Ages until now and figures include those of people such as William Shakespeare, Queen Victoria, and Winston Churchill.

This part of Madame Tussauds is always a favourite with us. There’s also an opportunity to have your photo taken at the end of the ride so keep an eye out for that.

After the ride we entered Marvel’s Hall of Heroes, home to many of the superhero characters from the Marvel universe.

There were more fun photo opportunities here. This is also where the cinema is, which was showing the Marvel 4D movie when we visited. As of 2023 this is included on all tickets (it used to be a paid add-on).

From the Marvel area we passed through the Star Wars exhibit, which depicted key scenes from many of the Star Wars movies and had some more fun photo opportunities.

We particularly liked the opportunity to fly the Millenium Falcon into hyperspace with Chewie by our side!

Finally, we were into the gift shop where we picked up a couple of gifts for friends before emerging into the sunlight.

We left just after 11am, having spent about 90 minutes inside. We definitely could have spent longer, but we had quite a busy schedule and had visited before, so we really hit some of our highlights rather than stopping absolutely everywhere.

But I think most people should allocate at least 2 hours, perhaps 3 hours, to ensure they have enough time here.

Madame Tussauds Tips for Visiting

We wanted to share some tips to help you plan your visit to Madame Tussauds.

• Book in advance. You can skip the ticket queue, get the best prices and guarantee your entry by booking online in advance on the official site here .
• Plan to come early or after lunch. Madame Tussauds is a popular attraction, and tends to get busier as the day progresses, with a lull around 2pm after lunch. So plan to either arrive first thing, or just after lunch if you would prefer a less busy experience.
• Allocate at least 2 hours here, perhaps 3 hours (especially if you want to watch the film), to ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy your time here and see everything without feeling rushed.
• Visit with friends or family if you can. Madame Tussauds is definitely best experienced as a group. You’ll want to get lots of photos, and it’s definitely easier to do that if you are not on your own. Plus it’s a fun shared experience!

Further Reading

That’s it for our guide to visiting Madame Tussauds in London. We hope you found it useful in helping you plan your trip to this popular attraction.

We’ve also got a number of other resources to help you plan your trip to London and the UK in general which we think you’ll find useful.

• We have detailed itineraries for  1 day in London ,  2 days in London ,  3 days in London  and  6 days in London
• We have a detailed guide to  visiting the Tower of London as well as visiting the London Eye , two more iconic London attraction
• You’ll need somewhere to stay in the city if you’re here for more than a day. See our guide to  where to stay in London  for some suggestions across all budgets.
• If you plan on doing much sightseeing in the city, you will likely save money with a London Pass. See our complete  London Pass review here  to see if this might save you money on sightseeing.
• We have a guide to  getting around London , and a guide to  using the Oyster card in London .
• If you’re flying into one of London’s six airports, see our guide to  getting to London from the airport .
• We have a detailed guide to  what to pack for London , to help you prepare for your trip to London.
• We put together some tips on finding the  best Photography Locations in London
• For the Harry Potter fans amongst you, take a look at our guide to finding  Harry Potter in London
• 8 Things to Do in Kensington , London, in case you wanted to focus more on a specific region of the city
• If you enjoy military museums, take a look at our guide to  London’s best military museums and memorial . Also see our  Winston Churchill in London guide .
• Tips on  spending Two Weeks in the UK , should you want to have London as the start of a bigger adventure
• For budget planning, see our guide to  how much it costs to travel in the UK
• Our experience  taking a full day walking tour of London , in case you like the idea of a fully guided day
• Thoughts on  visiting Stonehenge from London as a day trip
• Other good day trips from London include Oxford and Cambridge. See our guide to  Oxford in a day  as well as  things to do in Cambridge  for ideas.
• Heading further north? We have loads of content on  Scotland , including a  2 Day Edinburgh itinerary , guides to the  North Coast 500  and a  2 Day Glasgow itinerary
• How about heading to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the  best way to get from London to Paris  to help you plan
• The  Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip
• Rick Steve’s London  guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information

And that’s it! We hope you found our guide to visiting Madame Tussauds helpful, and as always, if you have any questions, just pop them in the comments and we’ll answer them as soon as we can!

So you know: We were provided a pair of complimentary standard tickets for Madame Tussauds to experience a visit as media. We paid for all of our other expenses, including our transport and accommodation in London.

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There are 9 comments on this post

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Hayley Myers says

15th August 2023 at 2:00 am

So just to confirm here that pushchairs or prams are not allowed inside Madame Tussaud’s? But they can be left? Is this free or is there a charge to do this? Thanks!

Laurence Norah says

15th August 2023 at 8:29 am

That is correct, pushchairs/prams are not allowed inside Madame Tussauds. However it is free to store them at their storage facility. If you are looking at Madame Tussauds and the big green dome thing is in front of you, the queue goes down the right hand side of the building and the pushchair storage area is before you get in the queue, to your left. It’s also conveniently by where you come out at the end of your tour.

Enjoy your visit 🙂

Brad Smith says

2nd August 2023 at 10:18 pm

Hi Laurence,

We’ll be visiting London rom the USA and your guide has been very helpful and has made us decide we definitely want to visit here as our kids really want to do this.

However, when I looked at the ticket options, I can’t find the Madame Tussauds Family option for the London based attraction and there appears to be the new Pose & Post Ticket (photo VIP passes) – I am wondering if you could let me know if they still have a family ticket and what is included as part of the Pose & Post tickets. My family would definitely want to take photos and having good quality family shots (rather than selfies) is always nice – we were thinking of just buying one of the photographer ones but this seems different? Maybe they have changed the photography options here and don’t have photographers now? Also would we just need to get one photo one and the rest standard tickets? Sorry if you already covered this above but I could not find it in your article.

Sorry now for so many questions….the more I look at the website the more questions I seem to have and more confusing the ticket options become! Thanks for any help/research you can do on this as we’d like to try to buy the best value tickets for us but also think the photo option might be ideal. No rush as we do not leave until October!

THANKS for this and all the great info on your travel website about London!! Brad, Anita & fam

3rd August 2023 at 8:31 am

Glad to hear that our guides have been useful 🙂

So the family ticket is still available, but you are correct, it is not made super obvious from the website. You can see it listed and buy it on this page here .

I’ve updated this guide to include the links. In case you were wondering how I got there from the main site, it was from the Tickets & Prices dropdown, and then the “General tickets” link rather than the Tickets & Prices link. This is a bit confusing honestly, and seems designed to make it harder to find the family tickets!

The Pose & Post ticket includes the Digital Photo Pass, which lets you access digital copies of all the photos that are taken for you as you go through the attraction. I would say that you would only need one photo pass per group as the photos are delivered digitally. You should also be able to just buy this pass on site. You should be able to buy it at the end of the visit after all the photos have been taken, so you can decide if you actually want to buy the photos.

I have reached out to Madame Tussauds to ask them how much this costs on site, how many photo locations there are and if there is any material difference between purchasing it up front and purchasing it during your visit, so will let you know what I find out.

On a recent trip to Alton Towers which is operated by the same folks I used the digital photo pass which worked really well for all the ride photos, plus I only needed to pay once and I got all the photos for our group, which was great value 🙂

Anyway, I’ll hopefully be able to update this shortly with more information!

brad smith says

3rd August 2023 at 8:07 pm

Thanks Laurence, you guys are gems! The website mentioned photo stations or something, suggesting maybe you take your photo yourself at various points but not sure. So would love to know more about the photography situation and the passes when you find out more!!

6th August 2023 at 9:42 am

Hey Brad! So normally there are a number of specific photo opportunities at manned locations. You get your photo taken by the operator and they scan a QR code that you’ll have, and then at the end you can check all your images and decide if you want to buy. However I have reached out to MT to see if this is how it works and if I hear back I’ll let you know 🙂

8th August 2023 at 2:27 pm

So I’ve heard back from Madame Tussauds. There are six photo sets in the attraction that you get photos from, these I believe are operated by staff. The on-site photo pass costs £10 and in terms of the experience and what you get is exactly the same as buying it as part of the Photo Pass. The images are digitally delivered. Personally I’d probably suggest waiting until the day, doing the photos, then deciding at the end if you want to buy them, but it’s up to you 🙂

Have a great time!

G. Patel says

17th June 2023 at 3:19 pm

Thank you for this kind and thorough article. Can you tell me if the wax figure of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is still on display at Madame Tussauds? My family would very much like to visit and get a photo with it while we are in London but are not sure if maybe it was removed after her passing.

Sincerely, Gajpati Patel & family

17th June 2023 at 3:46 pm

Hi Gajpati,

It’s our pleasure! Yes, as far as we are aware (and looking at recent images), Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is still on display at Madame Tussauds London. In our photos, which were taken before she passed, she was with the rest of the family while Prince Philip (who had passed) was to the side. However, she is now with Prince Philip.

Enjoy your visit to Madame Tussauds London!

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Madame Tussauds London

Madame Tussauds in London is not only one of city’s most-visited attractions, but the most-famous wax museum in the world.

The iconic brand name ‘Madame Tussauds’ is known across the globe for its lifelike replicas of our favourite celebrities. The history of Madame Tussauds spans back more than 200 years and starts with Marie Grosholtz who was born in France in 1761 and later married François Tussaud. After the French revolution, Marie inherited a wax exhibition which she brought to the British Isles and proudly displayed at the Baker Street Bazaar. However, London’s iconic wax museum was actually founded by her Grandsons in 1884 in London’s Marylebone neighbourhood where it remains to this day.

Following the success of the London wax museum, other Madame Tussauds waxworks have popped up in major cities worldwide including: Berlin, New York, Las Vegas and Tokyo.  

What to see in Madame Tussauds in London

Every year  Madame Tussauds unveils the newest figures to be added to its collection. Sing alongside Ed Sheeran, strike a pose with Usain Bolt, rub shoulders with Prince Harry and Megan or get a selfie with the Queen of England herself!

Madame Tussauds is also home to some fantastic exhibitions like the popular Star Wars experience, as well as various temporary exhibitions which are usually related to significant events of that year, for example the Olympics or a blockbuster movie release.

Buying tickets for Madame Tussauds in London

We recommend buying tickets online in advance as it’s cheaper than buying them at the ticket office on the day.

When buying Madame Tussauds London tickets online, you’ll sometimes need to select a time slot for your visit (but you get about 15 minutes either side of this to enter). The quietest times are usually first thing in the morning  – although in peak times there can also be a queue first thing – or around 3 pm in the afternoon.

Give yourselves around 2 hours for your visit but the time it takes you to see everything really depends on how many celebrities you stop to have your photo with 😉

The ticket prices for Madame Tussauds in London including access to the Star Wars experience are:

• Adults:  £32.00
• Children (3 – 15 years): £27.00
• Children under 3 go free

Combo Tickets for Madame Tussauds, London  

There’s also a great range of combo tickets available which include a Madame Tussauds ticket, plus entry to other popular London attractions. These are always worthwhile if you were planning on visiting any of these other attractions anyway, as you can save up to 35% compared to buying each one separately.

• Madame Tussauds + London Bus Tour
• Madame Tussauds + Tower Bridge Exhibition + London Eye
• Madame Tussauds + Tower Bridge Exhibition
• Madame Tussauds + Planet Hollywood Meal
• Madame Tussauds + Tower Bridge Exhibition + London Aquarium

Opening Times for Madame Tussauds, London

• Monday to Friday: 9:30 am – 5.30 pm
• Weekends:  9:00 am – 6.00 pm

Opening hours can vary on public holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Please check the official website if you’re planning to visit Madame Tussauds on a special day.

How to get to Madame Tussauds in London

• Address: Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LR, United Kingdom.
• Nearest tube station: Baker Street (just a few meters from the museum entrance). Located in London travel zone 1 and served by multiple tube lines: Bakerloo (brown), Metropolitan (purple), Hammersmith and City (pink) and Circle (yellow).

Other Useful Information About Visiting Madame Tussauds in London

If you’re thinking of buying one of the London tourist passes, entrance to London’s famous wax museum is included in some of the passes such as the “ London Explorer Pass ” or “ Merlin’s Magical London “, but it’s not included in the London Pass .

⇒ Find out more in our article London Tourist Passes .

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The inside story

Born in 1761 Madame Tussaud, previously known as Marie Gosholtz, started out modeling the philosopher and author, Francois Voltaire, and from there her destiny was sealed. She led a dramatic and somewhat turbulent life, becoming art tutor to the sister of King Louis XVI and living at the Royal Court in Versailles, before being imprisoned during the French Revolution. Upon her release, she deigned to show her allegiance to the Revolution by creating death masks in rememberance of those who had been killed during it. With her own collection in tow, and one she inherited from Dr Philippe Curtuis she toured Britain and settled upon making London her base in 1802. Whilst her collection was moved in 1884 by her grandsons after her death, the foundations didn't go far, and today you'll find her vast collection and legacy on Marylebone Road.

With hundreds of lifesize wax models, from royalty, to YouTube stars to sporting heroes, this fantastic collection of sculptures is sure to have something for all the family. Become part of the action by taking selfies with your favorite celebrities and even take part in spectacular 4D films and immersive experiences.

Opening times are variable to change dependant on the season, festive periods and weekends, so be sure to check your tickets and the website for further information.

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Madame Tussauds London Review: A Complete Guide For Visiting In 2023

Thinking of visiting Madame Tussauds and looking for an up to date Madame Tussauds London review?

You’ve come to the right place. We visited recently and thought it would be helpful to pass on our tips for visiting Madame Tussauds.

Our review covers all of the information you need to know about visiting the London Madame Tussauds.

It also gives some recommendations at the end for places to eat near Madame Tussauds and places to stay near Madame Tussauds.

If you are on Instagram, make sure to give us a follow! You’ll find more of our videos of the Madame Tussauds visit on our Instagram account in our Merlin highlight.

We were gifted tickets for the purpose of writing a helpful and up to date review of Madame Tussauds. This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and book or buy something, we may earn a small commission but this is at no extra cost to you.

What is Madame Tussauds?

Madame Tussauds is one of the biggest attractions in London for families and one of the most well-known wax museums in the world.

It has been welcoming visitors since 1835 when it was founded by a French wax sculptor called Marie Tussaud.

It may have been open for over 200 years but it is constantly evolving. If you haven’t visited Madame Tussauds in London in a while, you are in for a surprise.

There is something for everyone from pop stars to sporting heroes, the Royal Family, Star Wars and Marvel.

Madame Tussauds and the Big City Saver

Before we give you all the information you need to a successful visit to Madame Tussauds, we thought it would be helpful to let you know about the Big City Saver and the Combo ticket deals.

Madame Tussauds is operated by Merlin Entertainments who also run a number of top attractions in London and across the UK. I’ve listed all of their attractions below.

The reason it is worth know about the other Merlin attractions (apart from the fact they are also great to visit) is that you can save money on your tickets if you combine a visit to one attraction with another.

In case you feel that you may want to visit more than one Merlin attraction, it might be worth looking at either a Big City Saver (for the London attractions) or a combo ticket.

If you are visiting more than one Merlin attraction , you will make big savings with one of these passes.

London Merlin attractions

• Shrek’s Adventure (see our full Shrek’s Adventure review here)
• London Dungeons (find out what is a suitable age to visit the London Dungeons )
• London Eye (see our London Eye review ).

Shrek’s Adventure – Get an extra £12 off. Book tickets from £20.00. Offer runs on select dates for the rest of 2023. See here for tickets . Promo code: SALAFF2023 .

London Dungeon – Get adult tickets for £25 and up to £10 off per person on selected dates. See here for tickets . Promo code: LDAFF2023 .

Other Merlin attractions in the UK

If you think that you may visit more than one Merlin attraction in the UK during the year, it might be worth considering a Merlin Annual Pass.

Here are some of the other Merlin attractions in the UK.

• Bear Grylls Adventure
• Blackpool Tower
• Sea Life (multiple sites)
• Legoland Discovery ( Manchester and Birmingham )
• Alton Towers
• Warwick Castle
• Chessington World of Adventures (read our review of Chessington World of Adventures )
• Legoland Windsor (read our review of Legoland Windsor )
• Thorpe Park

By the way – if you are in London and planning on visiting other London attractions, take a look at the London Explorer Pass . It includes a large number of top London attractions. Add 2,3,4,5,6 or 7 attractions and make huge savings . See how it all works here .

It includes one of the biggest attractions in London – the Tower of London. See our thoughts on visiting the Tower of London with kids .

Here are some quick FAQs about Madame Tussauds before we give our Madame Tussauds London review.

Where is Madame Tussauds in London?

Madame Tussauds wax museum has been in the same location on Marylebone Road since the late 19th century.

The address is:

Madame Tussauds Marylebone Rd London NW1 5LR

Did you know there are now 21 Madame Tussauds locations around the world?!

Getting to Madame Tussauds

Closest tube station to the london madame tussauds.

Baker Street is the closest tube station to Madame Tussauds. It is on the Bakerloo line (brown line).

Madame Tussauds is clearly signposted in the main entrance hall of the tube station.

Right outside the tube station you will see a statue of Sherlock Holmes. Beyond him you will see the large green domed roof of what used to be the Planetarium which is now part of Madame Tussauds.

If you have a London Eye and Madame Tussauds combo ticket (or London Dungeons and Madame Tussauds), it is really easy to get to Madame Tussauds.

The best way to get from London Eye to Madame Tussauds is by taking the Bakerloo line from Waterloo straight up to Baker Street.

It will take around 10 minutes on the underground (and about 20 minutes door to door excluding wait time for your tube).

Parking near Madame Tussauds

There is no dedicated parking for Madame Tussauds but there are car parks nearby.

A couple of car parks near Madame Tussauds are:

NCP London Marylebone and NCP London Harley Street.

Bus to Madame Tussauds

There are a number of bus routes that drop you off within a 5 minute walk of Madame Tussauds. They are:

2, 13, 18, 27, 30, 74, 113, 139, 189, 205, 274 and 453. You can find out more about the bus routes here .

the easiest way to reach Madame Tussauds is to the take tube.

Tickets for Madame Tussauds

Pre-booking online can save you money. At the time of writing this review of Madame Tussauds, standard tickets were £37.00 per person on the day or £33.50 if booked in advance.

Family tickets worked out at £31.00 per person.

You can buy your Madame Tussauds London tickets here .

However, there are ways to reduce the cost of your Madame Tussauds tickets.

How can I get discounted tickets for Madame Tussauds?

Other than saving 10% by booking ahead online, you could try searching for Madame Tussauds discount codes on the usual sites like Wowcher and Groupon. Hint – there are rarely any discount codes available.

For a guaranteed way to save money, you could look at the Big City Saver or buy multi-attraction tickets . There are savings of up to 40% to be had if you book more than one attaction.

The more attractions you visit, the cheaper it will be. You don’t have to visit all the attractions in one day with the Big City Saver. Your pass can be valid for up to 90 days from the day of your first attraction visit.

Did you know that the London Dungeons are right next door to (in the same building as) Shrek’s Adventure and opposite the London Eye? They are all located at County Hall near Waterloo.

Madame Tussauds 2 for 1 voucher

You can buy 2 for 1 tickets from DaysoutGuide – but you have to be careful about the small print .

Obviously, you need to purchase a train ticket but the most important thing to note is that almost every school holiday is excluded. This means you wouldn’t be able to use the tickets during February half term, Easter, May half term, Summer holidays, October half term and Christmas Day!

You also have to purchase the tickets in advance.

Madame Tussauds London opening times

The opening times for Madame Tussauds very depending on the day and the time of year.

During the school holidays and at weekends, the last entry to Madame Tussauds is a bit later.

It is best to check on their website to see the exact opening hours for the day you want to visit.

How long does Madame Tussauds take?

We have been asked by quite a few people – ‘ How long does it take to go around Madame Tussauds? ‘

This depends entirely on you. You can spend 60 – 90 minutes visiting Madame Tussauds and feel that you have seen everything. We spent 90 minutes there and managed to see the Marvel movie and spend a bit of time browsing the gift shop.

You may want to spend a bit more time there but you should budget for AT LEAST 60 minutes.

Best time to visit Madame Tussauds

Being one of the most popular attractions in London, weekends and school holidays can get very busy. If you can visit during the week outside of the school holidays, we would recommend that.

We visited at the very end of the summer holidays at 4pm on a Tuesday and we did not find it busy at all.

If you can only go during the school holidays or at the weekend, we would recommend going early (at opening time) or later in the day.

Who is at Madame Tussauds London?

As mentioned above, the exhibits change to keep up with the times. It must be quite a challenge keeping up with the changing Prime Ministers in the UK though!

There are 11 ‘zones’ in Madame Tussauds with over 150 lifelike figures. You will be able to meet sporting heroes, world leaders, movie stars and the Royal Family – to name a few.

Some of the ‘zones’ are Kong: Skull Island, Alien Escape and Marvel Hall of Heroes. Our favourite zones were:

We are huge Star Wars fans and so it was amazing to find a whole section dedicated to Star Wars!

We absolutely loved flying the millenium Falcon at light speed with Chewbacca.

A special mention goes to the 4D Marvel movie. If you haven’t bought the 4D experience as part of your ticket ( see combo ticket here ), you can buy an extension ticket on the day of your visit.

There is an additional charge (£5.00 per person) to see the 4D Marvel movie but we thought it was worth it. I’ve always wondered what became of the large dome used by the Planetarium and now I know. It is perfect for 4D movies!

Spirit of London

We loved the black cab ride through the history of London from the early days of Shakespeare and the Great Fire of London through to the modern day London. You can read more about the Spirit of London here.

Our Madame Tussauds London review

We’ve pretty much covered everything you need to know about visiting Madame Tussauds in London so what did we think of it?

The great thing about Madame Tussauds is that the exhibits are constantly changing so you can visit more than once.

I last visited Madame Tussauds in London in 1985 and as you can imagine, A LOT has changed since then.

I’m not just talking about the waxworks. These are obviously updated to include current celebrities.

There are now interactive displays and even rides which make for a much more fun experience. There is something for everyone and what is great for families is that you can visit at your own pace.

People wonder whether Madame Tussauds is suitable for children. There are a couple of age restrictions such as the Alien Experience which is recommended for ages 15+. Also children under 90cm need to be accompanied by an adult on the Spirit of London ride. But that’s about it.

My kids didn’t know every single one of the waxworks but that didn’t detract from their experience.

Anyone they didn’t recognise, they would ask about them and it was a learning experience for them.

The ones they did recognise, they were all over. Literally!

And this is one of the things we loved about Madame Tussauds. You are actively encouraged to get up close and personal with the waxwork figures and take selfies. There aren’t many places that will let you do this.

I couldn’t resist this one!

Restaurants near Madame Tussauds

If you are visiting close to a meal time, we would recommend eating before or after because there isn’t a restaurant in Madame Tussauds.

There are a few family-friendly chain restaurants near Madame Tussauds. We like The Real Greek, Honest Burger and Pizza Express for a quick and easy meal.

For great Chinese food and Dim Sum in particular, The Royal China on Baker Street is a good choice.

Fancy French food can be found at Orrery. Diwan is great for Lebanese and Pachamama offers really tasty British-Peruvian fusion food.

For general restaurant recommendations, take a look at our restaurants in London for families . We also have a guide to restaurants where kids eat free in London .

Hotels near Madame Tussauds London

Families visiting London might be interested in these London hotels for families .

• Treehouse Hotel – (for families they set up in-room teepees for children to sleep in).
• The Blandford – there are family rooms with 2 double beds.
• The Langham -This is also somewhere you can have one of the best afternoon teas for kids in London .

For a cheaper option, we recommend the following London Premier Inn hotels . For your info – the closest ones to Madame Tussauds are the Premier Inn Paddington or the Premier Inn London Euston.

More inspiration for days out in London with kids…

Best museums in London to visit with kids

Visiting London with kids on a budget

Christmassy things to do in London with kids 

Christmas at the UK Merlin attractions

What’s on at Halloween at the Merlin attractions in the UK

We participate in various affiliate marketing programs. Flashpacking Family is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Madame Tussauds London

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What you'll do.

This attraction will be available to book with The London Pass® from 15 April 2024.

Visit Madame Tussauds London with The London Pass®

• The London Pass®  includes entry to the iconic Madame Tussauds, plus dozens of other top attractions, tours and experiences, all for one money-saving price.
• Getting in is easy, just use your pass to book a slot.
• Explore eight zones with over 150 unique and lifelike figures.
• Enjoy four immersive experiences – the Spirit of London Ride; Kong: Skull Island; Marvel Universe 4D; and Chamber of Horrors.

Lights, camera, action! Its your turn to step into the spotlight at the world-famous Madame Tussauds London. Discover the magical mix of glamour and history that has been mesmerising visitors since 1835.

Come face-to-face with the world’s most recognisable people in the varied zones, all offering a unique line-up and experience. Meet the King, Queen, Prince William and Kate Middleton in the Royal Palace Experience. Check out the Impossible Festival to party backstage with singing superstars like Lady Gaga and the iconic Ziggy Stardust persona of David Bowie. Visit the Marvel Hall of Heroes to say hi to your favourite Avengers and more. Finish up at an out-of-this-world Star Wars display, where you can step inside the Millennium Falcon and see the stars of the franchise.

With your London Pass®, you can enjoy four unforgettable immersive experiences at Madame Tussauds London!

Spirit of London Ride – journey through the history of the city in this entertaining and educational ride in a traditional black cab. Kong: Skull Island – wake the beast, hear his roar and unearth all of Skull Island’s secrets as you meet one of cinema’s most legendary animals. Marvel Universe 4D – fight alongside your heroes, as this experience blends 3D film and real-world effects to put you in the heart of the battle. Chamber of Horrors – get up close to some of Britain’s most notorious criminals as you uncover the secrets of the darker side of London’s past. Madame Tussauds promises to be a memorable trip into the world of fame for history hunters, glitz and glamour lovers and Royalty fans alike.

Did you know? Madame Tussauds Facts.

• Marie Tussaud’s first model was of Voltaire in 1777, after she had learned the art of wax modelling – meaning Madame Tussauds actually originates from the 18 th Century.
• Since 1846 the world-renowned Chamber of Horrors display has been tingling the spines of visitors to London.
• Wax figure making is a very intricate process, artists must carefully measure the details and perfectly match things like hair and eye colour – the whole process can take up to half a year.
• Celebrities themselves often donate personal items to their figurines, pieces from their wardrobes or notable accessories that add to the realness.
• Regular up-keep is required on the models to make sure they stay lifelike. The artists touch up the wax, swap hairstyles and update them to reflect any changes to a celebrity's appearance.         

Madame Tussauds London FAQs

How long does Madame Tussauds in London take to look around? There is no strict time limit on your visit, so you can explore at your own pace. Most people spend about two to three hours looking at all the exhibits and enjoying the immersive experiences.

Can I take pictures of the wax figures? Of course! Photography is fully encouraged, and selfie sticks are generally permitted, but please be mindful of other visitors.

Is Madame Tussauds suitable for children? Definitely, Madame Tussauds London is family-friendly, there are specific interactive exhibits and family-friendly zones to cater to younger visitors too.

Can I buy gifts at Madame Tussauds London? Sure, there are souvenir shops within the museum where you can purchase various Madame Tussauds-themed souvenirs, like keychains, mugs and other memorabilia.

Is there a cloakroom at Madame Tussauds London? Yes, there is a cloakroom available to use for a low price. Pushchairs can be stored here for free, as they are not allowed inside the museum.

What else can I visit near Madame Tussauds London? Madame Tussauds is close to lots of other popular London attractions like Regent’s Park, home of London Zoo, and only a 20-minute walk from Oxford Street.

The London Pass® is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility when sightseeing in London . Your pass includes Madame Tussauds tickets, plus admission to dozens more top London attractions.

Know before you go

This attraction requires advanced booking.

For more information please see the Madame Tussauds London website.

Where you'll be

Marylebone Rd, London NW1 5LR, United Kingdom

Operating hours

The opening times can vary, so for the most up-to-date hours, we recommend checking the Madame Tussauds London website.

Buy with confidence

Free cancellation.

Plans can change, we get it. All non-activated credits packages are eligible for a refund within 90 days of your purchase date.

Got a question?

Check out our FAQs or live chat with our customer service agents now

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Avoid These Tourist Traps In London And Visit These Destinations Instead

O ne of the world's greatest cities, London is packed with tourist attractions so impressive that you'll want to add them all to your itinerary. From the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace to the Churchill War Rooms, the list of unmissable landmarks seems endless. Don't worry, though -- it's possible to visit most of them in just a two-day trip . When you're on a tight schedule, it's important to avoid time- and money-wasting tourist traps in favor of visiting sites that are worthy of your attention. 

Whether it's an overrated and overpriced wax museum, a kitschy dungeon experience, or a super crowded viewpoint, there are many places to avoid visiting in the U.K.'s heady capital. The confusing part? Some of them top multiple lists of must-see attractions. That's where we come in. 

As someone who lived in this captivating English city for six years, I have first-hand knowledge of the biggest tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London. Plus, I can offer more impressive (and often less costly) destinations to visit instead. Don't want to take my word for it? No problem. I combined my first-hand knowledge with reviews and suggestions from other locals to create this list.

Read more: 50 Underrated Tourist Destinations Around The World

Skip Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours And Ride A London Bus

While hop-on hop-off bus tours can be a convenient way to explore a big city, they often come with a hefty price tag. If the tour is based in London, you can expect to pay over $50 per adult for a one-day pass. Instead, board a London bus, which will cost less than $7 for a day of travel. Bus fare for one ride is about $2 and the daily cap is under $7. To pay for their ride, visitors must use a contactless card or an Oyster Card, the visitor's version of which can be purchased online and mailed to your home before you leave.

Double-decker London buses offer spectacular city views, with many routes passing right by London's landmark attractions. One of our faves is the historic Routemaster Bus 15, which we suggest boarding at the Tower of London. Hop on at Great Tower Street (Stop TT) and ride west to Charing Cross Station. Be sure to sit up top for the best views along this heritage route -– you can't miss St. Paul's Cathedral and Trafalgar Square. 

Bus 24 is another great option for sightseers. Hop on at Victoria Station and ride it to Camden High Street. Along the way, you'll pass Westminster Abbey, the Horse Guard's Parade, Trafalgar Square, and Downing Street. Grab a bite at Camden Market when you disembark or stay on until you reach Hampstead Heath where you can catch unbeatable views of the city.

Skip Madame Tussauds And Visit Buckingham Palace

It may tout itself as a top London attraction, but Madame Tussauds would be more honest if they said they were the top rip-off site. Booking in advance will save some money -- the standard online rate for an adult begins at just over $47 versus the walk-up price, which begins at almost $60. But that's still a lot of quid to dish out for wandering around an overcrowded and noisy space filled with okay-ish wax replicas of A- and B-list celebs. Yes, it's fun to take photos with the royal family and fool friends into thinking you met them IRL, but is it worth it? We don't think so.

Instead, we suggest visiting Buckingham Palace for a potential King Charles III sighting. Realistically, you probably won't spy a royal outside the palace, but at least you'll see a historic monument up close. Celebrities more your thing? Book a reservation at one of the city's most popular restaurants. Chiltern Firehouse has hosted acting greats Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper as well as soccer superstar David Beckham. 34 Mayfair is another good bet for great food and celeb spotting. Imelda Staunton and royal family members have all eaten here.

Skip Changing Of The Guard And Visit The Queen's Gallery

While you should add Buckingham Palace to your list of must-see London tourist attractions, you may want to avoid a visit during the Changing of the Guard. This formal ceremony marks the change between the old guard (on-duty soldiers) and new guard (soldiers taking over duty) for the royal palaces. Marching with a band from Wellington Barracks to the Palace, the new guard will arrive at the palace at about 10:45 a.m. A well-known event, this is a big tourist draw, which means you can expect hefty crowds queuing up an hour or more in advance, as well as pickpockets who arrive to take advantage of the chaotic atmosphere. This tourist trap, which takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, is one you'll be happy to miss. Sadly, watching this famed ceremony these days feels more like witnessing an overhyped marching band than it does an esteemed historic ritual.

Instead, ditch the crowds and glimpse art from the Royal Collection in the Queen's Gallery or visit the Royal Mews , where you can see the royal stables and the 260-year-old Gold State Coach used at King Charles III's Coronation. The Mews are open Thursday through Monday from early March to early November. Neighboring St. James Park is another interesting place to visit. One of London's famed Royal Parks, it is bordered by three palaces and boasts a fabulous view of Buckingham Palace in particular.

Skip Platform 9 ¾ At King's Cross Station And Visit Warner Brothers Studio Tour London

If you're traveling with a Harry Potter-obsessed kid, you may want to visit Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station. But if you're alone, or with other adults who couldn't care less, we advise you to skip this overrated tourist trap. If you're already planning to be in King's Cross Station and have time to scope out this attraction, that's one thing; but if you're traveling there with the sole purpose of visiting this site, think twice. 

Set between platforms 9 and 10 (obvs) this point of interest includes nothing but a brick wall denoted with a sign. Stuck into the wall is part of a trolley loaded with fake suitcases and an empty owl cage. Those hoping for a quick photo and to score some Potter swag will be pleased;  the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ is open daily, even on bank holidays, and it sells everything from wands to clothes to makeup. 

For those who'd rather have an unforgettable and truly magical Harry Potter experience, though, head to Warner Brothers Studio Tour London -- The Making of Harry Potter in nearby Leavesden. Instead of merely looking at a wall, visitors can board the Hogwarts Express, "fly" on a broomstick, walk through the Great Hall, and explore the Forbidden Forest. Step foot in Diagon Alley, try a Butterbeer, or check out some of the film's famous props and costumes. You won't be sorry you visited.

Skip London Dungeon And Visit The Tower Of London

No matter how much the kids beg you to visit the London Dungeon, stay strong and just say "no." This kitschy tourist trap is a waste of your hard-earned money (tickets start at over $37 for adults) and it's so hokey you'll roll your eyes more times than you can count on both hands. This pitiful attraction is peppered with costume-clad actors who like to scream and cackle and its two rides (the Drop Dead: Drop Ride and the Tyrant Boat Ride) will make you wish you were at Walt Disney World; even "It's a Small World" would be more enjoyable. An escape room has also been added to increase the venue's income stream –- it costs $153 for a private game for six people.

Want a historic experience with a side of chills? Head to the Tower of London instead. There, you can tour the Torture at the Tower Exhibition, where you can get up close and personal with the stretching machine (a.k.a. the rack) and other ancient torture devices in the Lower Wakefield Tower. The Bloody Tower is another point of interest you won't want to miss. The most infamous prison on the grounds, this is where you'll learn about the alleged murder of two young princes -– Edward V and his little brother Richard –- by their uncle, Richard III.

Skip The London Bridge Experience And Visit Churchill War Rooms

Looking for a good spooking? Do yourself a favor and skip The London Bridge Experience. A tourist trap designed to bring the city's macabre history to life with the help of actors with a penchant for jump scares, you can expect to meet zombie-like versions of ghastly heavyweights Jack the Ripper and William Wallace during your visit. Tickets cost about $37 for the experience, which takes anywhere between 35 and 50 minutes. That means you could be spending more than $1 a minute. Entry fees also include a trip to the London Tombs, deemed the U.K.'s "best scare attraction," according to their site . Zombified dentists, doctors, and creepy clowns await visitors in the lower vaults of this venue, ready to pounce and scream in your face.

Instead, we suggest visiting the Churchill War Rooms. Also located underground, this fascinating historic facility is part of the Imperial War Museums. Located in the basement of Whitehall, this once-secret complex was used by former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, top government ministers, and military planners to conduct meetings and develop plans during the country's war effort during World War II. Known as the Cabinet War Rooms, this clandestine spot was used daily during the war, until August 16, 1945. Or experience that stomach drop feeling by walking the glass floors at Tower Bridge. Set nearly 138 feet above the Thames, the views are both terrifying and impressive. Tickets cost under $16 per adult. 

Skip The Sherlock Holmes Museum And Visit The Sherlock Holmes Pub

We don't recommend visiting the Sherlock Holmes Museum unless you have a detective-obsessed kid who doesn't realize that the famed character is fictional. Set inside a Georgian townhouse at 221B Baker Street in Marylebone, this four-story museum has been open since 1990. Inside lie antique furnishings mentioned in the books and pretty creepy-looking mannequins. Tickets cost over $21 which isn't exorbitant, especially for London, but considering you won't be there long (the museum's quite small), this seems a bit of a waste.

Instead, head to The Sherlock Holmes  in St James. Self-described as a "Victorian-themed public house," this watering hole features a recreated version of the famed fictional detective's apartment upstairs. The entire pub is dotted with references to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved books, making it easy to feel as if you're within the pages. Plus, there's a beer garden –- the museum certainly doesn't have one of those.

Skip The SEA Life London Aquarium And Visit The London Zoo

You'll find everything you'd expect to see at the SEA Life London Aquarium. From penguins to sharks to turtles, they're all there. And as far as aquariums go, this is a pretty good one. But when you're in one of the world's greatest cities that lies on the banks of a river, not an ocean, there are plenty of better things to see. Standard tickets to the Sea Life London Aquarium cost $24 online or $51 at the door. Again, that's pretty on par for London attractions, however, it's a steep price to pay for a tourist trap. 

Instead, visit London Zoo in Regent's Park. The oldest scientific zoo in the world, this family-friendly attraction was opened in 1828 for fellows of the Zoological Society of London. In 1847, the public was invited to visit. Today, the zoo is home to 14,0000 animals including a giant, 425-pound silverback gorilla, Sumatran tigers, and Linne's two-toed sloths. While tickets aren't cheap (an adult will cost about $40 to visit on a weekday), it's easy to spend a whole day here. Or, if you aren't willing to part with that much cash, visit the smaller, and lesser-known, Battersea Park Children's Zoo . Adult tickets are more reasonably priced, at $16. There are over 100 animals at this little zoo, including wallabies, meerkats, otters, and lemurs, and plenty of opportunities to interact with animals like coatis, donkeys, and goats.

Skip The Shard And Visit Level 10 At The Tate Modern

There's no denying that The Shard is impressive. In fact, it's one of the most spectacular buildings in the world . The viewing platform was opened by the queen on February 1, 2013, with the main restaurants (Aqua, Oblix, and Hutong) following suit that summer. Set across the Thames from another bucket-list-worthy London building, the Gherkin, this engineering masterpiece towers 1,016 feet above the city and boasts 11,000 glass panels. 

Dubbed a "vertical city," there's plenty to do inside, like spend serious coin on a meal with a view, or zip up one of the 44 elevators to the viewing platform. That 360-degree view will cost you, though -- about $36, or more if you add a glass of champagne. And if you visit on a day that's rainy or misty (honestly, London is often both of those things), you're basically paying for a ride in a lift.

Instead, head to Level 10 at Tate Modern, where you can enjoy a drink or snack (including sandwiches and salads) while ogling the impressive view of the Thames, St. Paul's Cathedral, the BT Tower, and Blackfriar's Bridge. You won't have to pay a thing unless you choose to grab a bite or a warm cuppa. The Skygarden at 20 Fenchurch Street is another must-visit for a free skyline vista. The highest public garden in London, this leafy space is as stunning as its views are remarkable.

Skip The London Eye And Visit Hamstead Heath

We are well aware that some of you will disagree with this addition to our list of tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London, but hear us out. Yes, the London Eye is iconic. Yes, it offers fantastic views of the city. And yes, it's deemed a top London attraction you won't want to miss . That said, visiting this popular landmark can cause more headaches than enjoyment. First created as a temporary point of interest, this 443-foot-tall, "cantilevered observation wheel" is the largest of its kind in the world, according to its website . And if you catch a ride on one of its 32 pods on a sunny day, you can see up to 25 miles in all directions. The problem is that thousands of others have the same idea, which means you could stand in line for more than two hours on a particularly busy day. Standard tickets start at over $32 online or more than $57 for a walk-up.

Instead, visit Hampstead Heath for a unique city view you probably never knew existed. Parliament Hill stands over 321 feet tall, making it one of the highest natural points in the city. If the weather is ideal, you can see to the Gherkin, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament. Speaking of the Gherkin, it's another great spot to enjoy unparalleled views. Grab a drink and snack at Iris Bar at Searcys at the Gherkin , then relax with a side order of stunning vistas.

Skip Harrods And Visit Peter Jones And Liberty

Harrods is to London as the Colosseum is to Rome -– a historic icon that's become synonymous with the city. The world's most famous luxury department store, this Knightsbridge institution is impossible to miss -– it's eight floors tall and an entire block long, not to mention over one million square feet in size. Inside, you'll find 20 restaurants, a beauty salon, a bank, and 300 separate departments selling over 5,000 brands. You'll also see price tags so high you might suffer sticker shock. Due to its notoriety, Harrods is often packed with tourists, making it difficult to enjoy the plush interior.

If you're hoping to shop during your London holiday, there are plenty of excellent places to visit instead. Sloane Square is home to the Peter Jones & Partners department store. Owned by John Lewis, this vast shop is filled with enough enticing merchandise that you'll find it tough to leave empty-handed. Grab a bite at The Top Floor Restaurant (on the 6 th floor) for captivating views of Chelsea and beyond.

Liberty is another recognizable landmark located on Regent Street. A heritage-listed building; this stunning Tudor-style store is as beautiful outside as it is indoors. Built between 1922 and 1924, it is worth a visit, if only to admire the impressive architectural features (the price tags here are also quite shocking).

Our Ranking Methodology

Having lived in London for six years with two young children, I visited pretty much every tourist attraction the city has. From renowned points of interest like the Tower of London to remarkable museums, I've seen the top sightseeing destinations multiple times, including many kitschy tourist traps I wish I'd skipped. To create this list, I used my experiences at these attractions to determine which locales are tourist traps that should be avoided and I included alternatives that are more than worthy of your time and money. I also consulted reviews from other locals and travelers, as well as their tips, to ensure the list is solid.

Read the original article on Explore .