The 10 Best Museums in London (Free & Paid Entrance)

If you’re visiting London, one thing’s for sure: You’ll never get bored of the city!

There’s an abundance of things to do, from enjoying its vibrant nightlife to visiting famous landmarks like the London Eye.

But if you’re interested in a bit more culture and history, the city won’t disappoint you as it’s home to dozens of renowned museums for you to explore with your friends or family.

So without further ado, let’s have a look at the best museums in London that you have to pay a visit to this year!

Museum #1: British Museum

The British Museum couldn’t be missing from our list!

Nestled in the heart of London, this cultural gem stands as a testament to human achievement, housing a plethora of artifacts that span the breadth of human civilization.

It offers over 60 galleries (!) with precious artifacts from all over the world, such as ancient Egypt, Africa, Greece, and the Roman Empire.

But it doesn’t end here; The British Museum also offers a variety of exhibitions and events that you can enjoy with your family, while learning more about history.

In a nutshell, if you’re visiting London then this museum is a must!

Price: General admission is free, but there may be charges for special exhibitions

Working hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (Fridays 20:30)

Reviews: 4.7/5 

Location: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG

Best way to get there: Via Holborn Station (0.3 miles, 7 minutes walk)

A quick note before we move on to our next museum. If you’re visiting the British Museum while traveling, the last thing you want is having to drag your luggage around, right?

That’s why you can safely store your luggage with Stasher!

Simply choose the hours you’ll be visiting and how many bags you want to store, and you’re ready to explore any of the museums we’ll cover in this guide, luggage-free!

Have a quick look yourself at how easy it is to store your bags with Stasher:

Museum #2: The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum stands as a beacon of scientific exploration and wonder. 

With its striking Victorian architecture and iconic blue whale skeleton adorning the entrance hall, this museum invites visitors on a journey through the natural world!

As the museum itself states: “Travel through 4.6 billion years of our planet’s history and help protect its future!”

But the Natural History Museum is more than just a museum – it’s a hub of scientific research and discovery. Behind the scenes, scientists work tirelessly to unravel the secrets of the natural world, conducting groundbreaking research and conservation efforts.

Price: £17.50 for adults (17-59) and £10.50 for children (4-16)

Working hours: 10:00 – 17:50

Reviews: 4.7/5

Location: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD

Best way to get there: South Kensington Station (0.3 miles, 6 minutes walk)

As always, you can store your luggage at The Natural History Museum with Stasher!

Let’s continue.

Museum #3: The Victoria and Albert Museum

Located in the cultural heart of London, the Victoria and Albert Museum, (aka the V&A), is a treasure trove of art, design, and creativity. 

Housed within a stunning Victorian building, this museum is a celebration of human ingenuity and craftsmanship.

In this museum you can enjoy galleries of European sculpture and decorative arts, where masterpieces from the Renaissance to the Rococo era dazzle with their intricate detail and craftsmanship. 

But the V&A is not just a museum of the past, but a hub of creativity and inspiration for the future. With its ever-changing program of exhibitions and events, the museum continues to push the boundaries of art and design, showcasing emerging talent and exploring new ideas.

Price: Free admission

Working hours: 10:00 – 17:45 (Fridays 22:00) 

Reviews: 4.7/5

Location: Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL

Best way to get there: South Kensington Station (0.2 miles, 4 minutes walk)

Let’s continue, shall we?

Museum #4: Design Museum

Along the banks of the River Thames in London, you’ll find the Design Museum. 

A landmark of innovation and creativity in the world of design! 

Housed within a sleek and modern building, this museum is a celebration of human ingenuity, where you can find a variety of exhibitions regarding modern and contemporary art!

Price: Free admission

Working hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (Saturdays 21:00)

Reviews: 4.4/5

Location: 224 – 238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG

Best way to get there: Kensington High Street Station (0.5 miles, 10 minutes walk)

Last but not least, don’t forget that you can store your bags at the Design Museum with Stasher!

Museum #5: Tate Modern

In London, by the River Thames, sits the Tate Modern, a magnificent building filled with amazing art.

It’s a special place where you can see all kinds of artworks from different times and places.

Once you step inside, you’ll be surrounded by paintings, sculptures, and other cool stuff that artists have made.

But the best part about Tate Modern is that you don’t have to know a lot about art to enjoy it. You can just walk around, look at the art, and see what catches your eye. 

And if you’re curious, there are always friendly people around who can tell you more about the art and the artists who made it!

Price: Free admission

Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00

Reviews: 4.5/5

Location: Bankside, London SE1 9TG

Best way to get there: Southwark Station (0.6 miles, 12 minutes walk)

Let’s continue to our next London museum.

Museum #6: Imperial War Museum

If you’re into wars and other historical moments that took place, then the Imperial War Museum is the place for you.

But it’s not just about the fighting – you can also learn about the people who lived through those times!

Inside, you’ll find content such as:

  • Pictures
  • Videos
  • And stories 

That show what life was like during wartime. There are even things like letters and toys that belonged to people who were there. 

So even if you don’t know much about wars, it’s a fascinating visit!

Price: Free admission

Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00

Reviews: 4.7/5

Location: Lambeth Road, London, SE1 6HZ

Best way to get there: Lambeth North Station (0.3 miles, 8 minutes walk)

Although wars can be fascinating for many, let’s move on to something a bit more fun.

Museum #7: Museum of Comedy

So far we’ve covered museums that specialize in history, wars, and art, but what about some fun?

This is where the Museum of Comedy steps in!

Inside, guests are treated to a delightful array of exhibits showcasing everything from iconic costumes worn by beloved comedians to timeless jokes and sketches that have stood the test of time. 

The museum’s collection is a testament to the rich history and enduring popularity of British comedy, and not only!

For those seeking a trip down memory lane, the museum offers a treasure trove of vintage comedy shows and recordings, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the comedic past.

Price: Free admission

Working hours: 18:00 – 22:30

Reviews: 4.5/5

Location: The Undercroft, St Georges Church, Bloomsbury Way, London, WC1A 2SR

Best way to get there: Tottenham Court Road Station (0.2 miles, 6 minutes walk)

Let’s continue!

Museum #8: Museum of Brands

Step into the captivating world of consumer culture at the Museum of Brands in London. 

Nestled in the heart of the city, this museum offers a fascinating journey through time, exploring the history of brands and their impact on society.

Upon entering, visitors are transported back in time to explore the evolution of brands, from their humble beginnings to their present-day prominence. 

The museum’s extensive collection features a diverse array of packaging, advertisements, and products spanning decades, providing a nostalgic trip down memory lane for some and a fascinating glimpse into the past for others.

Price: £10 for adults, £5.5 for children (7-16)

Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00

Reviews: 4.4/5

Location: 111-117 Lancaster Rd, London W11 1QT

Best way to get there: Ladbroke Grove Station (0.1 mile, 3 minutes walk)

Let’s move on to our next museum.

Museum #9: London Transport Museum

Step into the London Transport Museum and get ready to explore how people used to get around in London! 

It’s right in the middle of Covent Garden and it’s full of interesting displays about buses, trains, and trams.

Inside, you can see all sorts of old-fashioned vehicles, like big red buses and old trains. 

But the museum isn’t just about looking at vehicles – it’s also about the people who made them work. You can learn about the clever engineers who built them and the brave drivers who drove them through the busy streets of London back in the day.

Price: £24 for an unlimited annual pass

Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00

Reviews: 4.5/5

Location: Bankside, London SE1 9TG

Best way to get there: Covent Garden Station (0.1 mile, 3 minutes walk)

Ready for the last museum of our list?

Museum #10: Science Museum

At the Science Museum you’ll find a world of wonder waiting to be explored, with interactive exhibits, awe-inspiring artifacts, and hands-on experiments that bring science to life. 

From the mysteries of space to the marvels of technology, there’s something for everyone to discover.!

Whether you’re a budding scientist, a curious explorer, or just looking for a fun day out, the Science Museum offers an exciting and educational experience for visitors of all ages!

Price: Free admission

Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00

Reviews: 4.5/5

Location: Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD

Best way to get there: Gloucester Road Station (0.6 mile, 13 minutes walk)

And that wraps our list of the best museums in London you have to visit!

Let’s sum things up with some final words.

Wrapping Up

In a nutshell, London is home to a plethora of fascinating and amazing museums, as long as you know which ones they are!

From art and science, to history and design, you’re bound to find a museum that meets your preferences.

And last but not least, don’t forget that you’ll need a safe place to store your luggage while visiting, since many museums don’t offer such an option.

That’s why you can head over to Stasher and store your bags in over 900 cities worldwide, in just 2 minutes!