London is known for being very expensive, and to be honest, it is. When I’m in Europe, London is one place where I end up spending more than most other cities. Not only is the cost of living higher, the Pound is stronger than both the Euro and the Dollar, meaning that my money doesn’t go as far. And, while this is true, it never stops me from going to London because there is so much to see and do – a lot of it affordable. In fact, one of the best things about touring the city are all of the free London museums!

But, when you have so many museums, all free, how do you choose which ones to go to? Well, lucky for you I have been to most and have all the details so that you can save time from having to research for yourself.

Note: I’ve based my recommendations on the average vacationer. If you are a lover of some topic in particular (like war) then there are other free London museums better suited to your interests (in this example, you could try the Imperial War Museum or Churchill War Rooms). I’ve also put some variety in my suggestions because if you are going to see 5 museums, you don’t want to see the same thing over and over.

Free London Museums:

Victoria & Albert Museum

This museum of art and design is ginormous! There are 5 floors to explore, and exhibits trace history from all over the world from all different genres. We started in ‘Asia’ seeing pottery, jewelry and rugs. We went on to see fashion, religious art and marble structures from Europe and America.This museum seriously has the most variety in a museum that I’ve ever seen. Fun fact, this museum has the worlds largest collection of decorative arts. I’d also recommend checking out the garden/terrace, it’s beautiful and a nice visual break.

Open 10am-545pm everyday – open late on Fridays until 10pm

Address: Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL

Sir John Soane’s Museum

This is probably one that you won’t find on most other ‘must see’ lists, but Dan and I absolutely LOVED this house turned museum. It once was owned by an architect, and it contains a remarkable library, model room, sculpture and paintings room. It even has a crypt with an Egyptian Sarcophagus in the basement. That was awesome, and one of the highlights – it was something we had never seen before. Unfortunately, this museum does not allow photography, so you will have to take mental notes of anything you don’t want to forget.

Open Wednesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm

Address: 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP

Natural History Museum

Another huge 4 section museum that could take you all day (especially if you are with little ones who want to spend extra time at some of the exhibits). Learn about Earth, science, animals, gems and more through hands-on exhibits. The museum also has interactive volcano and earthquake exhibits which were awesome! Unfortunately we went prior to having kids, but I can just imagine my little one being fascinated by those rooms!

Open 10am – 550pm everyday

Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD

British Museum

This museum has something for everyone and is one of the world’s greatest museums. From prehistoric to modern art, it houses about 4 million exhibits from all over the world. Some of the highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Roman and Greek exhibits in general, the Egyptian mummies, Easter Island Moai, and the Elgin Marbles. It’s a museum that can make you stop in your tracks and marvel at the sights.

Open daily 10am – 530pm – open late Fridays until 830pm

Address: Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG

Tate Modern

Fun and funky, this museum is a nice change up from the typical museum. The building is built on an old power plant and is an interesting piece of art to see in itself. You can find pieces from pretty much almost every modern artist that you could think of (think Dali, Monet, Picasso, Matisse etc….). The restaurant is give or take in my opinion, but it does have a really good view of St. Paul’s Cathedral, so going up is worth it for that. The museum is also right along the river Thames, so I enjoy taking a little walk outside after exploring inside.

Open 10-6 Sun – Thurs; 10-10 Fri and Sat

Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG

Final Note: If you are on a European tour, visiting the free London museums will get you your fill of museums and then you don’t have to spend money at expensive museums in other cities. This will allow you to spend your money on other attractions that might interest you. (Unless you are going to France, then still spend your money at the Louvre and try these other free things in Paris to save a dime).

I hope you enjoy visiting some of these museums! I’d love to hear which one you like the best. If you want more suggestions on places to see in London and elsewhere, make sure to subscribe to my blog!