Spots

Free, tiny, deranged — Soane's own house preserved exactly as he left it in 1837.

Free national museum in a Manchester Square townhouse — armour, Boucher, the Laughing Cavalier.

Free, vast, civilisationally heavy — go for one room, not all of them.

Turbine Hall first, top-floor terrace second — the rest is bonus.

Trafalgar Square's quietest secret — free, central, two-hour visit doable.

Decorative arts done at scale. The cafe in the tiled room is the prettiest cafeteria in London.

The Hintze Hall whale is worth the queue alone. Free, go on a weekday.

A vast repository of the world's cultures, controversially including hundreds of items that were looted from their places of origin. Entire sections are devoted to Egyptian, Greek, and Middle Eastern artifacts, as well as the piece which united them all, the Rosetta Stone. Other

A vast collection of cartoons and comics on display with special, often topical, exhibitions.

Museum at the former home of Dickens exhibiting writings, paintings, furniture and other items relating to the writer.

A museum and a gallery telling the story of the Foundling Hospital, an orphanage for abandoned children founded in the 18th century. Massive art donations by British artists and the involvement of George Friederic Handel as a patron made this childcare organisation an early centr

Formerly the teaching collection of Sir Flinders Petrie, one of Britain's greatest archaeologists, now preserved by University College London. Exhibits include beaded dresses, sculpture and wall reliefs, items of everyday use, papyri, cartonnage and pottery. Fascinating!

A treasure trove of antique toys exhibited in a warren of 6 rooms above the toy shop of the same name. A very charming place indeed, though the doll rooms are a bit gruesome.

A downstairs museum dedicated to cameras from the 1800s to present day, including a camera rifle like the one used in Licence to Kill. The museum is a quick visit and worth the stop even for someone with a moderate interest in photography.

An exhibition space that hosts a programme of changing contemporary and historical exhibitions from Asia, Africa and the Middle East, aiming to present and promote cultures from these regions and to be a student resource and public facility. There are live music performances ever

The official book depository of the United Kingdom, holding a copy of every book ever printed here, and a wide variety of periodicals. No less than 150 million items catalogued and there is an unimaginable of shelving! Visitors may not use the library unless they have proof of id

In 2010, it reopened after a renovation with a modern extension. Exhibitions on the long history of the Jewish community in London. Well laid out and interesting.

See also: Bank of England Museum.

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this tall column (which can be ascended to get a great view) marks the alleged site where the Great Fire of London broke out in September 1666.

The great domed cathedral of St Paul's, designed by Sir Christopher Wren to replace the Gothic medieval cathedral destroyed in 1666 in the Great Fire of London, was built between 1675–1710. Of the most famous London sights, St Paul's is the one most conveniently located for the B

Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, enlarged and modified by successive sovereigns, the Tower is today one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover its 900-year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place

Constructed 1672-9 to a design by Sir Christopher Wren and regarded as one of the finest Wren churches. The 63 feet (19 m) high dome is based on Wren's original design for St Paul's Cathedral. The circular altar is by the British sculptor Henry Moore, and the kneelers are designe

Now permanently closed, will be replaced by new museum at the former Smithfield market site in 2026. The Museum of London Docklands remains open.

The Guildhall Art Gallery houses the City Corporation's art collection, and also runs special exhibitions throughout the year. During construction of the modern gallery, workers discovered the ruins of London's Roman amphitheatre. The gallery was redesigned, and now the Amphithea

Dr Samuel Johnson was the highly distinguished 18th-century "man of letters", best known for his comprehensive English Dictionary of 1755, but also for his prolific output of poems, essays and novels. Something of a "hidden gem", this small, independent museum is dedicated to him

Charts the history of the bank from 1694 to the present day. A highlight is the opportunity to handle a genuine bar of gold. Photography allowed, but no flash.

Quirky medical museum. Only open to the public for scheduled evening events.

This specialist small library houses an impressive range of books on graphic design, typography, bookbinding and papermaking. The books cannot be borrowed but can be photocopied or photographed (with permission). An essential visit for any graphic design student.

The main headquarters of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers and a Grade II* listed building.

Built as a townhouse belonging to a wealthy Huguenot merchant family in the 18th century, the late artist Dennis Severs has returned its interior to how it might have looked in those early days. But this is no mere museum; there are no exhibits or glass cases. Instead, Dennis Sev

Tells the story of the development of the Docklands from Roman and Viking times to the present day.

Exhibits an eclectic variety of contemporary art and street art by British and International artists, focusing mainly on exhibiting emerging and mid-career artists. They present an integrated programme of exhibitions, including solo-shows as well as group exhibitions, introducing

The Victoria and Albert Museum's East London branch has a focus on childhood and is particularly known for its large collection of toys throughout the ages. Great for children of all ages.

Whitechapel has been a champion of Modern Art since 1901, and has held exhibitions of greats such as Picasso, Pollock and Frida Kahlo and supported British Artists such as Gilbert & George and Lucian Freud. The space continues to hold regular new exhibitions with additional linke

Wilton's Music Hall is the oldest Grand Music Hall in the world. Built in 1858 it has had a long and colourful history. Wilton's has been the haunt of Victorian sailors (and their ladies), become a Mission, survived two world wars, being a rag warehouse, being forgotten, becoming

A small museum is set in a Victorian house near the infamous Battle of Cable Street. There are 5 floors including the basement, each dedicated to several aspects of famous murders starting with a recreation of Mitre Square on the first floor, Jack the Ripper's sitting room on the

The world's largest fan museum, for those who are big fans of fans. Closed in winter.

The home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian line, this is one of the most important historic scientific sites in the world. It was founded by Charles II in 1675 and is, by international decree, the official starting point for each new day, year and millennium (at the s

Museum devoted to the maritime role in Britain's history. Contains the UK's national collection of Maritime artefacts (although do not expect much in the way of whole ships). One of the buildings housing the museum is the Queens House, built by Inigo Jones as the first Palladian

Built by Christopher Wren in 1694 as the Greenwich Hospital for the relief and support of seamen and their dependents and for the improvement of navigation. It became the Royal Naval College in 1869. In 1999 the University of Greenwich moved in, and was joined by Trinity College

One of the most notable art deco buildings in London which was built and owned by the Courtaulds family of textile fame. Administered by English Heritage.

This beautiful grade I listed Georgian building houses the Hampstead Museum, which has an interesting collection of exhibits on the history of the local area.

The former home of Sigmund Freud. A wide range of exhibits, most famously including the psycho-analytic couch that all of his patients used. Freud was an avid collector of antiquities and there is a fine collection of Greek, Roman and Oriental pieces on show.

The poet John Keats lived here from 1818 to 1820 until he travelled to Rome where he died of tuberculosis, aged just 25. The house was restored in 2009 as a museum with period decor, furnishings and a collection of Keatsiana. Some events take place in the building next door withi

The palace has been the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury since the 13th century. Guided tours of Lambeth Palace are incredibly popular and there has been a substantial waiting list for some years.

Fronted by two immense guns from Royal Navy battleships, the IWM focuses on British military history since 1914. The central atrium display of objects bearing "witness to war" (everything from a Harrier Jump Jet to a battle-scarred press Land Rover) branches into immersive and se

A somewhat idiosyncratic but interesting museum with limited opening. It can only be visited on guided tours or screenings that can be booked by email or phone. The building is a former workhouse where Charlie Chaplin once lived.

This enormous arch was built in front of Buckingham Palace. In 1851 the expansion of the palace meant the arch could no longer remain where it was, so it was moved to this point on Hyde Park. It now stands rather sadly on a large traffic island, but the subway beneath the roads m

A neoclassical triumphal arch, designed by Decimus Burton and first erected in 1826 as a grand entrance to Buckingham Palace. In 1846, a massive equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington was placed on top of the arch. a major road widening of Piccadilly in 1882 was the opportun

The London residence of the Dukes of Wellington, which now acts as a museum for the inaugural and most famous holder of the title. It boasts an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, medals and swords. Perhaps the most bizarre item in Wellington's collection is a nude st

Home to the baroque composer George Frideric Handel from 1723 until his death in 1759. Some of the greatest classical music ever composed was done so at this address. The museum charts Handel's life and works and offers recitals of music in the magnificent setting of the period r

Madame Tussauds is a world-famous waxwork museum, best known for its Grand Hall, with a collection of international royalty, statesmen and world leaders. Visitors generally report that the entrance fee does not warrant the selection of waxworks on show, which rarely resemble cele

Discover mementoes of the famous fictional detective. In reality, this was a lodging house used in the late 1800s and has three floors. The first floor contains Sherlock Holmes' study with Watson's desk, and has bullet holes spelling the initials VR (for Victoria Regina, Latin fo

A must for anyone with an interest in modern and contemporary design. The permanent exhibition follows the change in British homes from the early 20th century until present day, which is constantly updated to include new design classics. There are temporary exhibits which run for

The former Victorian home of an artist Frederic (Lord) Leighton. While regarded as one of the finest examples of Victorian residential architecture, it's not the usual Neo-Gothic venue. The entrance rooms, especially the so-called Arabic Hall, look like an eclectic cross-breed be

The Victorian residence of satirical cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne and his household, which is now open as a museum. The "aesthetic" interior design, preserved close to how the Sambournes would have kept it in 1899, features much Chinese and Middle Eastern-style furniture, a

A history of British consumer culture told through over 12,000 food packages, toys, advertisements, and consumer products. The centrepiece of the museum is the "time tunnel" that takes you through the decades from the Victorian era to the present day. Other exhibits cover innovat

The exhibitions are wide and varied, from documentary photographers to fine artists, some long gone, and some on their way up. With the crowds and chaos of Leicester Square on one side and Covent Garden on the other, this is a welcome retreat.

This statue was once the mascot of the Red Lion Brewery and stood on its roof until the brewery was demolished to make way for the Royal Festival Hall. It was moved to Waterloo and then to its present position on the bridge. Keen students of biology may notice that the statue is

The former seat of regional London government, now home to attractions such as the London Aquarium, the London Dungeon, and Namco Funscape.

Large 1960s development on the South Bank. Built largely of concrete, views on its architectural merits vary considerably. Presents a varied programme of music, literature, dance, performances and exhibitions on contemporary art and culture at its venues the Royal Festival Hall,

Music venue hosting daily performances.

London's most famous and popular skateboarding area, situated partly underneath Queen Elizabeth Hall along Queen's Walk and the Thames. Also popular with graffiti artists, BMXers and so forth.

Home to designer-marker boutiques, selling everything from hats and homeware to wedding dresses and jewellery. Modern gallery on the ground floor which is free and open every day, various cafes, a florists and hairdressers here to. Upstairs there's the Tamesa Brasserie and Bincho

Former offices of the Greater London Authority. A radically-designed glass fronted and rounded building, previously headquarters for London's Mayor and Assembly. City Hall has now be relocated to The Crystal, a building in Greenwich, near to the cable car. The old building is dis

A historic boat, part of the Imperial War Museum.

A museum that tries to recreate the conditions of the original prison that used to be on this site from the 12th century until 1780, which was notorious the name of it has since become slang as a generic term for prison.

Ruins of the 12th-century palace which was the London residence of the Bishops of Winchester.

Full-size replica of Francis Drake's ship sits in a small closed dock to the west of Southwark Cathedral.

Not as popular with tourists as St Paul's north of the river, Southwark Cathedral has been the site of worship since the year 852. Literally in the shadow of London Bridge, the Cathedral is a shelter from the noise of the city. Next to the Cathedral is the Borough Market open Th-

Admission by guided tour only, which must be booked in advance. The museum is housed in part of a Victorian fire station and its collections include fire engines and historical equipment.

The largest public art space in the UK and the exhibitions showcase masters and young British and international artists, usually accompanied by outdoor installations that bring the area to life. The gallery often holds free exhibitions which can be enjoyed by all. Particularly st

Founded by veteran designer Zandra Rhodes.

Named in honour of Queen Victoria and her consort Prince Albert, this museum has existed for over 150 years. It contains a huge collection of decorative arts from all over the world and far back in time. Trying to see everything in one day would be exhausting, so use the excellen

Dedicated to scientific exhibitions and collections bar those related to the life sciences. A number of famous historical machines and inventions are housed here, from steam locomotives to the Apollo 10 command module. The space exhibits are especially popular. Exhibitions tend t

This venerable old institution was absorbed by the neighbouring Natural History Museum in 1985 but still has something of a separate identity. Unsurprisingly, devoted to all things geological with especially popular exhibits on vulcanology and earthquakes and fossils of all types

This large museum traces the history of the British Army, and includes interesting and thought-provoking exhibits that go well beyond a collection of military equipment (though the museum does, of course, boast a large collection of it).

Following the mass murder perpetrated by the Nazis, the Jewish population of postwar Czechoslovakia was a tiny fraction of its former size, and religious persecution continued under the communist regime. This tiny museum tells the fascinating story of how, in 1964, 1,500 Torah sc

Highly detailed, Gothic-style monument to commemorate Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. Opposite the Royal Albert Hall.

A royal residence which is still used by Prince William, Kate and their young family. Much of it is however open to the public and it is a very popular tourist attraction perhaps due as much to its association with Princess Diana as anything else. The King's Gallery here is a mag

A nice modern art gallery, near to the Serpentine. Too small to host a permanent collection, instead hosts temporary exhibitions which can last anything from a few weeks to over a year. Each summer a pavilion next to the gallery is designed by a different architect, which then ho

Now preserved by the National Trust, this 18th-century house was the home of the historian Thomas Carlyle from 1834 and now houses a museum dedicated to his life and work.

All that remains of a Tudor mansion built in the City of London. In 1910, to avoid demolition to make way for a bank, it was moved brick by brick and reassembled at Cheyne Walk. It is now a Grade II* listed building and possibly the largest private home in the capital.

A retirement home for soldiers created by King Charles II. Tours around the listed building and grounds are regular and include the museum (which can be visited separately) whose exhibits contain military memorabilia donated by Chelsea Pensioners over the years.

Constructed in the Lombard style as an Anglican church in the 19th century, and passed to the Moscow Patriarchate in 1956. Rather beautiful and unique in London.

Victorian school of music created on a suggestion by Prince Albert. It is still an active school but visitors may be more interested in its museum and performances. The free museum houses instruments dating back to the 15th century with several unusual pieces. Performances—by stu

Prestigious contemporary art gallery worth a visit.

On the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Palace of Westminster is the seat of Parliament in the United Kingdom. It's often termed the "Mother of All Parliaments" - an exaggeration, but perhaps only a slight one. The present building largely dates from the 19th century when it was r

Upon entry, you pass through a metal detector, and are very thoroughly searched. You then proceed into ''St. Stephen's Hall'', where you are seated to wait for admission. A representative of the Sergeant-at-Arms gives you a slip of paper to write your name and address on.

When called, you proceed from St. Stephen's Hall to the Central Hall, and then upstairs. You must leave all items (bags, cameras, mobile phones, writing and written material) outside and then proceed through to the Strangers' Gallery. Upon entry, you can pick up a copy of the pro

If you head away from the Commons, you pass along a corridor towards the Lords. If you ask to visit the Strangers' Gallery, a representative of Black Rod asks you to complete another slip of paper with your name and address. You then proceed up a staircase to the Lords Strangers'

After visiting the two Houses, visitors pass back through St. Stephen's Hall, and through Westminster Hall. Westminster Hall is one of the few areas of Parliament in which photography is permitted, and it is a very impressive place, dating back to the 9th century. Plaques on the

Probably the most colourful event in the UK's legislative calendar, this takes place in May or June every year, or after a general election, when the King travels to the Houses of Parliament to open the new parliamentary session. During this event, the Lords, Speaker of the House

While the Houses are in recess, the Palace of Westminster is generally closed - apart from the long Summer recess, during which tours are run through the building, led by Parliamentary employees. Popularity of these tours means you're best advised to book in advance - a stall ere

This small tower across the road from the Houses of Parliament is the only part of the original Palace of Westminster still standing. While it is overshadowed in splendour by the surrounding buildings, it's well worth a visit, and has good displays about the early history of West

The main residence of His Majesty King Charles III, Her Royal Highness Queen Camilla, and latterly of HM Queen Elizabeth II. In the summer, 19 State Rooms are open to the public. Places are strictly limited, and it might not be possible to just turn up and get a ticket for a spec

The most senior of the Royal palaces in London (built between 1531 and 1536) and the official seat of the monarch.

Described as "the wonder of the entire world", this chapel at the eastern end of Westminster Abbey is a breathtakingly beautiful masterpiece of medieval architecture.

The Abbey charges tourists for entry, but not for worshippers. Attend a church service for free and enjoy some of the finest choral music in London from the choir. Choral Evensong at 3pm (Sa Su) or 5pm (weekdays), depending on time of year, is an especially good bet. The Abbey is