2026 London Travel Guide: Best Museums, Markets and Restaurants

Museums

Most major museums in London are free to enter, though special exhibitions may require tickets. Here are some favorites.

• Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A): The world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, featuring fashion, textiles, jewelry, sculpture, and global decorative arts. The central courtyard is a lovely spot for a coffee or a short break during your visit.

• Tate Modern: Britain’s national gallery of modern and contemporary art, located in a converted power station on the South Bank of the Thames. Expect large-scale installations, major temporary exhibitions, and excellent views from the upper floors.

• The Wellcome Collection: A quirky, thought-provoking mix of medical artifacts, contemporary art, and cultural exhibitions that explore what it means to be human. Ideal if you enjoy slightly unusual, conversation-starting museums.

• The Design Museum: A sleek, contemporary museum focused on architecture, design, and visual culture. Exhibitions often highlight product design, fashion, and innovation. It pairs nicely with a walk through nearby Holland Park or Kensington.

• The Courtauld Gallery: An intimate gallery inside Somerset House with an outstanding collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, including pieces by Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Manet. A great choice if you prefer a smaller, focused art experience compared to the larger national museums.

Don't miss London's best markets

• Mercato Mayfair: An atmospheric indoor food market set inside a restored 19th-century church with stained glass windows and a wine cellar in the basement. Multiple food stalls serve global dishes, and the pasta and steak are particularly good.

• Shepherd Market: A charming 18th-century square tucked away in Mayfair, filled with pubs, small restaurants, and boutiques selling food, jewelry, gifts, and clothing. It feels like a little village hidden within central London.

• Seven Dials Market: A lively, multi-level food hall in the West End with dozens of micro-restaurants, bars, and a bookshop. Open from late morning into the evening, it is ideal for groups and especially convenient for pre- or post-theatre dining.

• Borough Market: One of London’s most famous food markets, tucked under the railway arches near London Bridge. Come for fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, and excellent street food. For some lovely oysters, head to Wright Brothers inside the market.

Spend a day in Greenwich

A day in Greenwich combines river views, maritime history, and a more relaxed pace than central London.

• Thames River Cruise to Greenwich: Start at Westminster and take a Thames river cruise east to Greenwich. It is a scenic and relaxed way to see London’s major landmarks from the water.

• Greenwich Market: Once you arrive, head to Greenwich Market, which is an excellent stop for food, coffee, and browsing. You will find independent designers, art, and plenty of gift-worthy pieces.

• National Maritime Museum: Explore Britain’s maritime history through interactive galleries and impressive exhibits. This is especially appealing to families and history enthusiasts.

• Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory: Walk through Greenwich Park up to the Royal Observatory for sweeping views over London. Here you can stand on the Prime Meridian line and learn about the history of navigation and timekeeping.

• Riverside Pub: Wrap up your day at one of the riverside pubs in Greenwich for a drink and something to eat, whether that is oysters, fish and chips, or a seasonal dish, before heading back into central London.

• Smiths of Smithfield: A highly recommended pub and restaurant near Smithfield Market, open from early morning until late evening. Known for its full English breakfast, fish and chips, and traditional pub feel.

• Pizza Express Jazz Club (Soho): Not to be judged by it's name, this intimate jazz club is hidden beneath a branch of an unassuming pizza chain in Soho. The pizza is reliably good, and the live music makes it feel like a true insider London experience.

• Dishoom: A London favorite for modern Indian cuisine inspired by the old Bombay cafés. There are multiple locations across the city. On Wednesdays, the Kensington location often has live jazz. The black dal is a house specialty and highly recommended.

• Gold: A stylish modern European restaurant on Portobello Road, with a lovely terrace and warm interiors. Come for seasonal sharing plates and cocktails, then stroll along Portobello Road for vintage shopping and cafés.

• Chiltern Firehouse: A contemporary restaurant inside a luxury hotel in Marylebone, known for polished service, great cocktails, and frequent celebrity sightings. Book in advance and plan to linger over drinks.

• Old Queen Street Café: Classic British fare in a handsome setting near Westminster. A solid choice for seasonal dishes and a very traditional London atmosphere.

• The Laughing Halibut: A straightforward, no-frills spot for fish and chips. Perfect when you want something informal, quick, and very classic.