12 Best Free Museums in London: Ultimate Money-Saving Guide 2025

Looking to explore London's cultural treasures without spending a penny? Here's your comprehensive guide to the city's best free museums, ranked by visitor experience and collection significance.

British Museum

⭐ Must-See Highlights:

• Rosetta Stone

• Egyptian Mummies

• Parthenon Sculptures

🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00 (Fridays until 20:30)
💡 Pro Tip: Visit after 15:00 for smaller crowds

Natural History Museum

⭐ Must-See Highlights:

• Blue Whale Hall

• Dinosaur Gallery

• Earth Hall

🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00-17:50
💡 Pro Tip: Enter via Exhibition Road for shorter queues

Victoria and Albert Museum

⭐ Must-See Highlights:

• Fashion Gallery

• Medieval Collection

• Cast Courts

🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00-17:45 (Fridays until 22:00)
💡 Pro Tip: Friday evenings offer special events

Tate Modern

⭐ Must-See Highlights:

• Turbine Hall

• Modern Masters Collection

• Viewing Level

🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Friday/Saturday until 22:00)
💡 Pro Tip: Free guided tours at 11:00 daily

Science Museum

⭐ Must-See Highlights:

• Space Gallery

• Information Age

• Flight Gallery

🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00
💡 Pro Tip: Book free IMAX tickets online

National Gallery

⭐ Must-See Highlights:

• Van Gogh's Sunflowers

• Monet Collection

• British Paintings

🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Fridays until 21:00)
💡 Pro Tip: Free tours at 11:30 and 14:30

Museum of London

⭐ Must-See Highlights:

• Roman London

• Victorian Walk

• Great Fire Experience

🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00
💡 Pro Tip: Interactive displays for families

Imperial War Museum

⭐ Must-See Highlights:

• WWI Galleries

• Holocaust Exhibition

• Secret War

🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00
💡 Pro Tip: Allow 3 hours for full visit

Wellcome Collection

⭐ Must-See Highlights:

• Medicine Man

• Reading Room

• Temporary Exhibitions

🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Thursdays until 21:00)
💡 Pro Tip: Excellent café for breaks

National Maritime Museum

⭐ Must-See Highlights:

• Great Map

• Nelson's Uniform

• Ship Models

🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00
💡 Pro Tip: Combined with Greenwich Park visit

Sir John Soane's Museum

⭐ Must-See Highlights:

• Picture Room

• Egyptian Sarcophagus

• Architecture Collection

🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00
💡 Pro Tip: Book candlelit evening tours

Wallace Collection

⭐ Must-See Highlights:

• Armoury

• French Paintings

• Furniture Collection

🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00
💡 Pro Tip: Visit during weekday mornings

Money-Saving Tips:

✅ Download free museum apps for guided tours
✅ Check evening opening hours for special events
✅ Join free guided tours
✅ Use museum cafés for lunch breaks
✅ Combine visits with nearby attractions

Best Times to Visit:

🟢 Quietest: Weekday mornings
🟡 Moderate: Weekend mornings
🔴 Busiest: Weekend afternoons

FAQ Section:

Do I need to book in advance?

Most free museums don't require booking, but some special exhibitions do.

Are donations expected?

Donations are welcome but not required.

Can I take photos?

Yes, in most areas (without flash).

Let tickadoo help you plan your free museum adventure in London. Want to enhance your experience? Check our guided tour options at these amazing free museums and take a look at our London Map to plan other attractions to visit during your stay.