Top Museums in London

National Gallery

National Gallery is a magnificent Georgian edifice, on the northern side of Trafalgar Square, housing a massive collection of Western European Art. Works of Master Leonardo Da Vinci can be found in the Sainsbury wing of the gallery, alongside Botticelli and Bellini. Titian, Michelangelo and Raphael can be found in the West Wing. Whereas in the North Wing, Rubens, Rembrandt and Caravaggio are located, and Seurat, Canaletto, Degas and Monet are in the East Wing. A portable CD guide is available in six different languages.

Globe Theatre

Visit the glorious reconstruction of Shakespeare's original playhouse, built some four centuries later. This version of the Bards venue also boasts of the first thatched roof in London since the Great Fire. The partially open-air theater provides a standing area and some seating provisions. The Globe Theatre Company, Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition and Globe Education work together to provide a historical and educational experience while putting on some of the finest performances in this fabulous theater. Come and soak up the atmosphere even if you are unfamiliar with the Bard's work. Tickets can be bought via the internet or directly from the Globe Box Office.

Sir John Soane's Museum

Sir John Soane, the eminent English architect and designer of the Bank of England, couldn't resist buying anything that might be a collectible. His house is now a museum in which you can peruse his phenomenal collection of art and antiques from around the world. Inside are Monument Court, the Egyptian Crypt, and a mock-medieval ruin of a Monk's parlor and cloister. The architecture of the house, especially the lovely colored skylights, is also worth checking out. Check website for further details.

The Wallace Collection

The Wallace Collection is one of the greatest of all private art collections. It was bequeathed to the British nation in 1897 by the widow of Sir Richard Wallace, a notable collector of works of art. Among its many exquisite pieces are 17th and 18th century paintings, porcelain furniture, and a remarkable display of armory. The institute safeguards this unique collection, making it accessible for the present and preserving it for the future.

Cabinet War Rooms

As the outbreak of war became ever more likely at the end of the 1930s, this maze of interlocking rooms and tunnels was constructed under civil service buildings close to the Houses of Parliament at Westminster. The purpose was to provide safe haven to government officials in the event of Nazi air raids. Thus, a sick room, dormitories, a refectory and even a shooting gallery were built. Some say that a tunnel was even dug from here to Buckingham Palace so the Royal Family could make their escape if invasion was ever to occur. Winston Churchill held vital cabinet meetings and orchestrated military operations here throughout the war years, and in the Map Room you can trace the actual position of allied forces as they triumphed on VJ Day in 1945. Immaculately preserved, the Cabinet War Rooms convey the claustrophobic and perilous atmosphere of wartime, and give a fascinating insight into the workings of the war machine. The rooms remain closed on the 24th, 25th and 26th of December.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is regarded as a Medieval architectural masterpiece. It has been the venue for most of the country's coronations since 1066 and for numerous other Royal occasions. At present, it is still a church dedicated to regular worship and to the celebration of great events in the British nation. Westminster Abbey features the final resting places or commemorations of a large number of famous poets, scientists, musicians, artists, authors and more.

Tower Bridge

Designed by Sir Horace Jones and opened in 1894, Tower Bridge is famous the world over. Due to the volume of river traffic at the time, Tower Bridge was designed to have twin bascules that could be raised. This famous landmark also has fabulous views over the Tower of London and of river life on the Thames. Visitors can ascend by the North Tower and traverse the river protected from the erratic English elements in an enclosed walkway before descending by the South Tower. Also on offer is The Tower Bridge Experience, a fascinating exhibition situated inside the towers and engine rooms. Want to get a great view of the Tower Bridge from afar, but not too far? Head on over to Potters Fields Park, right next to City Hall! , where you can enjoy a picnic with a view.

British Museum

The British Museum is one of London's top tourist attractions as well as a major scholarly resource. Its collection was bequeathed to the nation in 1753 and the Museum's distinctive Greek revivalist structure was built during the 19th Century. The collection expanded massively during the heyday of the British Empire, leading to the Museum's notoriety for plundering sources all over the globe and leaving it with over 6.5 million objects to look after. The displays cover about 14 acres and it is simply too tiring to tackle them all in one visit. The best way is to pick a collection or exhibition that interests you, explore that, and make return visits. And if you haven't got time for a proper visit, drop in for a coffee at the lovely Court Restaurant. Admission is free but charges may be made for temporary exhibitions.

Tate Modern

Opened in 2000, this gallery has amazed industry insiders, art lovers and tourists and detractors are few and far between. The museum, located among the drab, concrete blocks of Bankside, has few of its original features; it used to be a 1950's power station. Inside, there are many innovative and attention-grabbing works, with a variety from 1900 to the present, from the most important artists of the century to today's rising stars. Admission is free, but a donation is appreciated.

Imperial War Museum

"Featuring everything from full-size tanks to the personal letters of prisoners, this museum presents an informative journey through the wars of the 20th Century. Galleries take visitors through a tour of the First and Second World Wars, as well as conflicts including Vietnam and the Falklands. A highlight of the museum is the permanent Holocaust Exhibition. It's a rare glimpse into the reality of life during a very traumatic period. Other exhibitions regularly visit the museum for extended periods of time. The museum also enthralls the public with full-size reconstructions of an air-raid shelter and a front line trench. In short, a museum that doesn't fail to both impress and inform. General admission is free, but the museum may charge a fee for special exhibitions.