Museum Tickets: How to Save Money and Skip the Lines in London

When you’re planning a trip to London, museum tickets, paid or free entry passes to cultural institutions like the British Museum or National Gallery. Also known as art and history attraction tickets, they’re often the first thing travelers worry about—cost, lines, or whether it’s even worth it. The good news? Many of London’s top museums don’t charge for entry at all. You can walk into the British Museum, one of the world’s largest collections of human history and culture or the National Portrait Gallery, a stunning collection of famous faces from Elizabeth I to modern activists without spending a penny. That’s not a trick. It’s policy. And it’s been that way for decades.

But free doesn’t always mean easy. Even if you don’t pay, you still need to plan. Some museums, like the Tate Modern, a leading modern art space housed in a former power station, now require free timed entry slots to manage crowds. Skip the booking, and you might wait an hour just to get inside. Others, like the Victoria and Albert Museum, a treasure trove of design and decorative arts, let you walk right in—but their special exhibitions cost extra. That’s where the London Pass, a sightseeing pass that bundles entry to multiple paid attractions comes in. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re hitting three or more paid spots in a week, it can pay for itself. Just check the current list before you buy—some museums have changed what’s included.

And here’s something most tourists miss: many smaller museums are just as powerful and way less crowded. The National Portrait Gallery and the Guildhall Art Gallery, a quiet gem with Roman ruins and Victorian paintings under one roof are both free, stunning, and rarely packed. Even the Museum of London, the city’s own story told through everyday objects from Roman times to today has a new home in the City with free general admission. You don’t need to spend money to see history—you just need to know where to look.

Booking ahead isn’t just for big names. If you’re visiting during school holidays or a weekend, even the free museums can get busy. Use the official website, not a third-party seller. That’s where you’ll find the real entry rules, opening hours, and any last-minute closures. And if you’re staying longer than a few days, consider a TfL Travelcard, a transport pass that sometimes bundles discounts on museums. It’s not always worth it, but in some cases, you’ll get 2-for-1 deals or 10% off tickets just by showing your Oyster or contactless card.

There’s no one-size-fits-all ticket strategy in London. Some people save by skipping paid exhibits entirely. Others pay for one special show and call it a day. The key is knowing what’s free, what’s worth paying for, and when to book. Below, you’ll find real advice from locals who’ve done the legwork—whether it’s how to get into the Painted Hall at Greenwich without waiting, which museum has the best free café, or why you should never buy tickets on the day at the London Pass booth. This isn’t about spending more. It’s about seeing more, without the stress.