Mercure's travel guides

London's best attractions for many visitors are its museums – many of them both world-renowned and absolutely free. The British Museum contains a collection of art and artefacts so huge and varied it would take a month to see them all, while the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Tate Gallery are must-sees for those interested in nature, science and art. Not to mention the Tate Modern art gallery, housed in a former power station and reached via the Millennium Bridge. If beautiful old buildings interest you more than what's inside them, go straight to St Paul's Cathedral, one of London's most powerful spiritual centres.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace Rd, London, SW1A 1AA
20-7766-7300 - 20-7839-1377
http://www.royalcollection.org.uk

Description:

Buckingham Palace is sightseeing must. Queen Victoria moved into the vast mansion in 1837; since then, generations of royals have made the palace their home. Although wandering the grounds and taking photos of the elaborate exterior are always popular, the interior (some of which is open only during late July to September) is a treasure trove of art, furniture, sculpture and decorative goods. Walk around the corner to the Royal Mews to see the queen's coaches and horses. Admission is by timed ticket, available by phoning 20-7766-7300 or e-mailing bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk. TUBE: Victoria or Green Park or St. James's Park
Contact for Specific Dates and Times
Hours May Vary Seasonally
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Barbican Art Gallery

Silk St, Barbican Centre, level 3, London, EC2Y 8DS
20-7638-8891 - 20-7638-4141
http://www.barbican.org.uk/artgallery

Description:

Although it's said to occupy one of the world's ugliest buildings, this gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions dealing with historic and modern art. At times, it has caused a stir for opening such exhibits as the "Art of Star Wars," a fun, somewhat irreverent display that looked at the art associated with the groundbreaking films. The gallery presents a wide range of exhibits that concentrate on individual artists, genres, themes and the like. Past shows have focused on Oscar Wilde and the influence of rock and roll in fashion. Ticket concessions available online. TUBE: Barbican
Fri-Tue 11am-8pm; Wed 11am-6pm; Thu 11am-10pm
Visa, MasterCard, American Express

Galleries of Modern London at the Museum of London

London Wall, London, EC2Y 5HN
20 7001 9844
http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk

Description:

The renowned Museum of London unveiled its £20 million Galleries of Modern London in May 2010, to great critical acclaim. The five new galleries, which took three years to create, relate the history of London from 1666 to today, focusing on people and their fascinating personal stories. Expect interactive exhibits, movies and plenty of areas for families. Best yet, the galleries – and indeed the whole Museum of London – are absolutely free. TUBE: Barbican or St Paul's or Moorgate
Daily 10am-6pm
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Other