The 12 best art galleries in London that should be added to your bucket list
I have some friends who’ve really caught the art-collecting bug. Every time I drop by their place, there’s always something new. One time it’s a painting, then it’s a sculpture, and the latest find? A stunning photograph from a French artist.
What’s cool is their home is pretty simple, but these little art pieces totally elevate the vibe. They make the space feel more personal. So, naturally, I asked where they found all these gems.
They ended up taking me with them to art galleries in London, and it was an amazing experience. It fires up your own creativity and is also a great chance to pick up something special.
So, if you’re looking for a guide, here’s a list of the galleries we visited that we definitely recommend checking out.
1. The National Gallery
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Address: Trafalgar Square
Contact details: +44 20 7747 2885
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Friday: 10 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Price: £££
When we visited The National Gallery, we entered via the Sainsbury Wing. It made the access smooth and straightforward, especially for those coming from central London.
The gallery has over 2,300 paintings, covering hundreds of years of Western European art. You’ll find masterpieces from the Renaissance, like works by Da Vinci, Botticelli, and Titian. There are also beautiful pieces from Impressionist artists like Monet and Degas.
The layout can be confusing, though. It’s not the easiest to navigate, and you might find yourself looping back through the same rooms if you don’t have a guide or map.
Thankfully, getting lost here isn’t so bad. You’ll often stumble across something brilliant, like a Turner or a Rubens.
Pro tip:
The in-house cafes are decent, but small and often full around lunchtime. For a proper meal, you’re better off popping out to a nearby cafe in Trafalgar Square or Covent Garden and returning, since you can re-enter the gallery for free.
2. Serpentine Gallery
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Address: Kensington Gardens
Contact details: +44 20 7402 6075
Operating hours:
- Monday: 12 PM – 6 PM
- Tuesday to Friday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM – 7 PM
Price: ££
The Serpentine Gallery’s setup is divided between Serpentine South and Serpentine North. They’re connected by a short and scenic walk across the Serpentine Bridge, so it’s super easy to get around.
We really liked the Serpentine South, which is set in a lovely old tea pavilion from the 1930s. It’s quite a small gallery, so you might find yourself done a bit quickly if the exhibition isn’t very big or busy.
Serpentine North felt more lively. It has more space and a lot of the exhibitions spill outside into the park, which makes the whole visit feel more open and creative.
The Serpentine Shop is beautifully created, with limited-edition prints and unique items. Some pieces are pretty affordable, while others are definitely high-end.
Pro tip:
If you want a quieter experience with fewer crowds and more time to reflect on the art, aim for the weekday mornings. Weekends tend to be busier, especially with families and tourists in the park.
3. Dulwich Picture Gallery
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Address: Dulwich Picture Gallery, College Road
Contact details: +44 20 8693 5254
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 7 PM
Price: £££
The Dulwich Picture Gallery‘s neoclassical design is stunning, especially the clever use of natural light through the roof lanterns. The lighting is soft enough to protect the paintings but bright enough to reveal the details.
The collection covers the Tudor era up to the 1800s. We also noticed that each paintings have a gold frame. Each one was unique and seemed to complement the painting perfectly, making the colours pop against the gallery’s muted walls.
The shop is well-curated with some really interesting pieces. The prices for original artworks like Florence Sweryda’s Buckle House are understandably high, but the prints and merchandise offer more accessible options.
Pro tip:
If you’re carrying a big bag or a bulky jacket, it’s a great idea to grab a locker near the entrance. They’re free and make your visit more comfortable. These lockers are pretty limited, though, so arriving early raises a better chance of securing one.
4. The Photographers’ Gallery
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Address: 16-18 Ramillies St
Contact details: +44 20 7087 9300
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Price: ££
The Photographers’ Gallery is just a short walk from Oxford Street. It’s not a huge space, but it makes the most of every corner, and that’s part of its charm.
The building itself is a repurposed textiles warehouse. It still carries that industrial character with its tall ceilings, wide stairwells, and exposed beams.
When we visited, the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize exhibition was on. It was an eye-opener, with stories behind the works often more compelling than the images themselves.
There was also a Print Sales gallery, where you could buy some photographic artworks and even a bookshop in the basement.
Pro tip:
We recommend booking your tickets online since it’ll save you a bit of money. The online price is £8.50, whereas if you wait until you get there and buy at the door, it’ll set you back £10.
5. National Portrait Gallery
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Address: St. Martin’s Pl
Contact details: +44 20 7306 0055
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:30 AM – 6 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 10:30 AM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 6 PM
Price: ££
The National Portrait Gallery is spread over three floors, and the has a good layout.
We recommend taking the escalator straight to the top floor and making your way down. It makes the visit feel smooth, starting with older, grand portraits and ending with modern and experimental works.
We saw everything from Tudor-era paintings to modern photographic portraits. Some of us were especially drawn to the dramatic style of classic artists like Van Dyck and Reynolds.
Before we left, we popped into the gift shop, and it’s one of the better gallery shops we’ve seen. It has lots of beautiful prints (starting at just £6), books, and some stylish souvenirs that aren’t too touristy. It felt curated without being overpriced.
Pro tip:
Even though it’s free to enter, the gallery asks you to reserve a time slot online. This helps avoid crowding and keeps the experience relaxed. You can walk in if it’s quiet, but during the weekends or holidays, it’s safer to book ahead.
6. Camden Art Centre
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Address: Arkwright Rd
Contact details: +44 20 7472 5500
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 11 AM – 6 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Price: ££
The Camden Art Centre was originally the Hampstead Central Library, built back in 1897, but it doesn’t feel old or outdated at all. The renovation kept the building’s charm while adding bright, open spaces that make it easy to focus on the art.
We visited during the Bloomberg New Contemporaries exhibition, which had a mix of exciting and surprising pieces. Some made us laugh, others made us stop and think, and a few even sparked big debates in our group.
The cafe looks out over a quiet garden and is a great spot to relax. The bookshop wasn’t huge, but it was packed with interesting finds like artist books and limited-edition prints. If you see something in the gallery you like, you can ask the staff about buying it.
Pro tip:
If you’re coming via Hampstead Underground Station, consider taking the 10-minute walk instead of hopping on a bus or train. The walk is scenic, with charming houses and leafy streets. It’ll set a calmer tone before you enter the gallery.
7. Guildhall Art Gallery
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Address: Guildhall Yard
Contact details: +44 20 7332 3700
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Price: ££
Guildhall Art Gallery’s layout was clean and open, with warm lighting that draws you toward the paintings. We joined the 12:15 PM free guided tour, and we loved how our guide didn’t just throw dates and names at us but told the stories behind the pieces.
Some of us were especially drawn to the paintings showing old London before the Great Fire. They made us think and talk about how London has changed over time.
The Roman Amphitheatre was one of the coolest surprises. You go down some stairs and find yourself in a dark, quiet space surrounded by old stone walls. There’s even a virtual overlay showing what the arena would have looked like filled with spectators.
Pro tip:
Pre-book your free general admission ticket online to save time and guarantee your entry. Tickets are required for all visitors.
8. The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace
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Address: Buckingham Palace
Contact details: +44 303 123 7301
Operating hours:
- Monday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Price: £££
The King’s Gallery isn’t very big. It has only four rooms, but each one is packed with treasures from the Royal Collection.
The layout was easy to follow, and there were seats in the rooms, which we appreciated after walking there. It’s a nice place to take your time and enjoy the details.
At the time, the exhibition was “The Edwardians: Age of Elegance.” It featured about 300 stunning objects, including fancy clothes, sparkling jewellery, paintings and photographs by famous artists.
If you’re looking to take something home, the gift shop has a great and exclusive selection of royal-themed souvenirs. We saw prints, books, and decorations inspired by the artworks and palaces.
Pro tip:
Don’t expect a long visit. The gallery is small, so you can see everything in 30 to 45 minutes. It’s best to pair your visit with other nearby attractions like The Queen’s Gallery, the Royal Mews, or a walk in St. James’s Park.
9. Tate Britain
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Address: Millbank
Contact details: +44 20 7887 8888
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Price: ££
Tate Britain feels elegant and easy to explore. The gallery is laid out in a way that helps you move smoothly through different time periods and art styles without feeling lost.
In the older wing, we saw pieces by J.M.W. Turner, Thomas Gainsborough, and William Blake. Deeper into the gallery, we saw installations by David Hockey and Bridget Riley. The blend of classic and contemporary works was handled thoughtfully.
The Tate Shop near the entrance had a solid selection of art prints, books, and quirky gifts. A couple of us picked up reproductions of pieces we loved. It’s also a great place to browse if you’re waiting for friends or just want to decompress after the gallery.
Pro tip:
The main collection is free, but special exhibitions require tickets. Book in advance if there’s something specific you want to see.
10. White Cube Bermondsey
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Address: 144-152, Bermondsey St
Contact details: +44 20 7930 5373
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Price: £££
White Cube Bermondsey is housed in a former 1970s warehouse. The gallery feels both raw and polished, which is a great setting for bold, contemporary art.
We visited midweek to see Theaster Gates’ exhibition, “1965: Malcolm in Winter: A Translation Exercise.” Each room had a distinct tone, both in sound and visual mood. We felt the weight of history and personal narrative in each piece.
The gallery shows work from some of the biggest names in contemporary art, and as you’d expect, the prices reflect that. Limited edition prints by artists like Ilana Savdie can cost around £1,800, while unique pieces can be even more.
Pro tip:
Rules around taking photos can vary depending on the exhibition. Check signage or ask a staff member before snapping pictures.
11. Mall Galleries
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Address: The Mall
Contact details: +44 20 7930 6844
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Price: ££
Mall Galleries is just right between Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. It has two floors with lots of space. We loved how the layout allows for over 600 artworks to be displayed during exhibitions like the ING Discerning Eye without feeling crowded.
The art mostly features modern figurative pieces. We found a great range from detailed oil paintings and watercolours to engaging sculptures and delicate pastels. One of the highlights was actually the chance to meet some of the artists in person.
While the gallery shop is nicely curated with books and art-related gifts, prices can be a bit steep if you’re just browsing casually. It’s aimed more at serious collectors or those who really want to invest.
Pro tip:
If you’re thinking of buying art, remember that prices include commission and VAT. You can use the Own Art scheme to spread payments over time.
12. Saatchi Gallery
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Address: Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Rd
Contact details: +44 20 7811 3070
Operating hours:
- Monday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday to Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Price: £££
We visited the Saatchi Gallery during the Flowers: Flora in Contemporary Art & Culture exhibition. It was impressive how the artists combined natural elements with technology. Rebecca Louise Law’s installation was delicate and almost haunting.
The smaller rooms of the gallery made the experience feel intimate. However, some of the staircases and corridors felt cramped, especially when the place got busy. Navigating with a pushchair or wheelchair here might be tricky.
Entrance is free, which was a nice surprise. While we didn’t try the cafe, we noticed they had coffee available along with a shop that had a cool selection of art-inspired merchandise and prints at reasonable prices.
Pro tip:
Book tickets in advance for popular exhibitions to help you avoid disappointment and long waits. Tickets can sell out fast on weekends or holidays.