London’s art scene is among the richest in the world, spanning centuries, continents and countless creative movements. With more than 1,500 permanent exhibition spaces – most of them free – the capital offers everything from Renaissance masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary installations. Whether your thing is classical oil paintings or experimental video art, there’s a gallery to match every interest. Art is embedded in London’s cultural identity, visible in both grand institutions and tucked-away independents. With so much choice, knowing where to start can be a challenge – so here are ten to get you started.
All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best galleries in London. Find out more below, or for further London inspiration, see our guides to the city’s best hotels, pubs and bars, shopping and things to do.
Serpentine Galleries
Set amid the serenity of Hyde Park, the Serpentine Galleries are a cornerstone of London’s contemporary art scene. Exhibiting boundary-pushing work from global names such as Warhol and Ofili, the galleries are a tranquil yet thrilling escape. Each summer, an architect-designed pavilion adds a fresh layer of innovation to this beloved space.
Insider tip: Combine your visit with a walk around the Serpentine Lake for a perfect day out.
Website: serpentinegalleries.org
Neighbourhood: Hyde Park
Nearest Tube: Lancaster Gate or Knightsbridge
National Portrait Gallery
Freshly reopened after a major refurbishment, the National Portrait Gallery offers a captivating look at British history through portraiture – from Tudor monarchs to modern cultural icons and fresh photography talent showcased in the annual Taylor Wessing prize. Its new layout and reimagined galleries bring fresh life to familiar faces, while the photography and contemporary art rooms highlight the evolving nature of identity.
Insider tip: Don’t miss the top-floor Portrait Restaurant, now with unbeatable views across Trafalgar Square.
Website: npg.org.uk
Neighbourhood: Westminster
Nearest Tube: Charing Cross or Leicester Square
The Courtauld Gallery
Intimate, scholarly and visually stunning, the Courtauld gallery is part of Somerset House so the setting is suitably grandiose. Recently refurbished, the gallery is a must for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Its highlights include Manet’s A Bar at the Folies-Bergère and works by Cézanne, Gauguin and Van Gogh.
Insider tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy the architecture as much as the art.
Website: courtauld.ac.uk
Neighbourhood: Strand
Nearest Tube: Temple or Covent Garden
The Royal Academy of Arts
Founded in 1768, this artist-led institution hosts some of the UK’s most prestigious exhibitions, including its famous Summer Exhibition. Its permanent collection includes works by Constable and Reynolds. The Royal Academy’s Burlington House location adds historic charm to its contemporary edge, especially in its ambitious temporary shows.
Insider tip: Book early for the Summer Exhibition (June to August), the world’s longest-running open-submission art show.
Website: royalacademy.org.uk
Neighbourhood: Mayfair
Nearest Tube: Green Park or Piccadilly Circus
Whitechapel Gallery
A champion of contemporary and emerging artists, Whitechapel Gallery has premiered early shows by Pollock, Hockney and Kahlo over the years. Today, it hosts innovative solo and group exhibitions across diverse media. Its community-focused approach ensures there’s always something bold and unexpected on view.
Insider tip: Free entry makes it perfect for a spontaneous cultural stop on your East London wanderings.
Website: whitechapelgallery.org
Neighbourhood: Whitechapel
Nearest Tube: Aldgate East
Hayward Gallery
Part of the Southbank Centre, Hayward Gallery is known for its striking Brutalist design and daring temporary exhibitions. It focuses on contemporary international art, often featuring large-scale installations and photography. Artists including Bridget Riley and Gerhard Richter have been among its celebrated solo shows.
Insider tip: Visit in the evening and pair your trip with a riverside walk or a concert at the nearby Royal Festival Hall.
Website: southbankcentre.co.uk/venues/hayward-gallery
Neighbourhood: South Bank
Nearest Tube: Waterloo
Dulwich Picture Gallery
The UK’s first purpose-built public art gallery, Dulwich houses an outstanding collection of Baroque paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Poussin. The gallery’s intimate scale, combined with its leafy setting, makes for a serene cultural outing. Temporary exhibitions often explore unexpected themes.
Insider tip: Stroll through Dulwich Park afterwards or have lunch at the charming Gallery Road cafés.
Website: dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
Neighbourhood: Dulwich
Nearest Tube: North Dulwich (Southern trains)
Barbican Art Gallery
Part of the larger Barbican Centre, this gallery excels in boundary-pushing exhibitions spanning design, photography and architecture. It’s known for thematic group shows and immersive installations that reflect contemporary culture. The surrounding Brutalist complex adds to the unique vibe.
Insider tip: Combine your visit with a matinee at the Barbican Theatre or a film in the centre’s independent cinema.
Website: barbican.org.uk/whats-on/art-design
Neighbourhood: Barbican
Nearest Tube: Barbican
Saatchi Gallery
With a strong emphasis on emerging artists, Saatchi Gallery blends contemporary prowess with blockbuster shows. Once the platform for YBAs (Young British Artists) such as Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin, it now showcases global talents in photography, sculpture and painting. Entry is often free.
Insider tip: After your visit, grab a bite at the Duke of York Square food market (Saturdays only).
Website: saatchigallery.com
Neighbourhood: Chelsea
Nearest Tube: Sloane Square
The Photographers’ Gallery
Tucked behind Oxford Street in buzzing Soho, The Photographers’ Gallery is the UK’s foremost destination for contemporary photography. Spanning six floors, it hosts dynamic exhibitions from both emerging and established artists. With regular talks, a well-curated bookshop and limited-edition prints for sale, it’s a cultural must for image lovers.
Insider tip: Visit the café for quiet reflection amongst the madness of Soho.
Website: thephotographersgallery.org.uk
Neighbourhood: Soho
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus
How we choose
Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
Alison Taylor moved from Yorkshire to London 18 years ago and never looked back. She will mainly be found eating and drinking in East London, or grabbing dumplings in Chinatown and a taking wander through the reassuring madness of Soho.