free things to see and do in London
after visiting a gallery, why not explore the area by following a self-guided walk
Cultural Walk
From the Tate Modern, follow this walk to Shakespeare's Globe and Borough High Street
Royal Walk
From the National Gallery, continue on this walk along Whitehall to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey
From the Whitechapel Art Gallery, explore Whitechapel and the places associated with the ripper murders
London has some of the best museums and galleries in the world. From the renowned British Museum to the recently opened Tate Modern art gallery, there is something of interest to everyone.
And the great news is that most of the museums and galleries are free to visit, unless you wish to see a special exhibition.
Art Galleries
Tate Modern
Part of the group of galleries known as Tate, this gallery was opened in 2000 in the old Bankside power station on the south bank.
It houses modern artwork including abstraction, expressionism, minimalism, cubism and pop art.
Nearest underground station: London Bridge
Tate Britain
The first of the Tate galleries, Tate Britain was opened in 1897 on its current site, on the site of Millbank Prison.
It displays historic and contemporary British art from 1500 to the present day, including art by David Hockney and Tracey Emin.
Nearest underground station: Pimlico
National Gallery
Established in 1824, Britain's National Gallery contains over 2,000 paintings, from the Early Renaissance to the Post-Impression periods.
Though the collection is small by comparison with galleries such as the Louvre in Paris, it includes pieces by a number of famous artists such as Botticelli, da Vinci, Raphael, Monet, Cezanne, van Gogh and Britain's John Constable.
Nearest underground stations: Charing Cross, Embankment, Leicester Square
National Portrait Gallery
The gallery houses around 10,000 portraits of famous British people throughout history. Since 1969, it has also included portraits of famous people still living.
It opened to the public in 1856. Famous portraits include one of the best known paintings of William Shakespeare, a self portrait of William Hogarth and Branwell Bronte's famous painting of his three sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte.
Nearest underground stations: Charing Cross, Embankment, Leicester Square
The Photographers' Gallery
The Photographers' Gallery was the first independent gallery in Britain devoted to photography.
It was established in 1971 and its photos are displayed in a series of themed galleries.
Nearest underground station: Leicester Square
Whitechapel Art Gallery
The newly renovated Whitechapel Art Gallery stages temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.
It also hosts free film screenings, poetry readings and music.
Nearest underground station: Aldgate East
County Hall Gallery (not free)
The County Hall gallery includes three permanent exhibitions: Dali Universe, displaying over 500 of his works; Picasso, showing over 100 of his rare works; and Azam, showing 100 Azam paintings.
Note: there is an admission charge to this gallery.
Nearest underground station: Westminster
The Courtauld Gallery (not free)
Part of the Courtauld Institute of Art, the Gallery was founded in 1932.
The collection comprises art from a number of schools and periods in history, and famous artists include van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, Degas and Botticelli.
Note: there is an admission charge to this gallery.
Nearest underground stations: Charing Cross, Embankment, Temple