
National Gallery, London (must see)
If you’ve ever even squinted at a painting and thought, “Huh, that’s nice,” then the National Gallery deserves a prime spot on your London to-do list. It’s not just any gallery—it’s a global heavyweight, housing over 2,300 works from the who’s who of art history: Michelangelo, Leonardo, Turner, Monet, van Gogh, Picasso... you get the idea. Step through its stately portico overlooking Trafalgar Square, and you’ll tumble straight into centuries of artistic genius.
Now, if you hang a sharp left at the entrance, you’ll find the Sainsbury Wing. It’s modern, it’s moody, and it’s medieval—perfect for lovers of halos, tempera, and crowds that don’t jostle quite as much.
Don’t be surprised if a “quick pop-in” turns into an all-day affair. Must-sees include Holbein’s The Ambassadors, complete with a gloriously skewed skull (visible only if you stand just right and maybe squint like you mean it). Make sure not to miss van Eyck’s Arnolfini Portrait, where a couple holds hands while a mysterious mirror photobombs from the background, or da Vinci’s Virgin of the Rocks, dripping with drama and Renaissance elegance. And of course, in Turner’s Rain, Steam, and Speed, check out the train, which is not the only thing speeding—you’ll need sharp eyes to spot a hare bolting for dear life.
The Gallery also hosts special exhibitions that are buzzy enough to make even the Mona Lisa smirk. These usually require a ticket and advance booking, but the permanent collection is gloriously free, always. You can join a guided tour, listen to a curator wax lyrical, or just wander with your own thoughts and an audio guide.
Tip:
If at some point, your stomach starts growling louder than the gallery’s whisper policy allows, head to the in-house restaurant. They serve Colchester native oysters and artful sandwiches, not to mention themed afternoon teas with more traditional choices like cakes that change with the exhibits. As for the scones, they are a permanent fixture. Afternoon tea is served daily, no reservation needed—just bring your appetite and maybe a friend who knows the difference between Impressionism and Expressionism.
Long story short: go for the art, stay for the scones.
Now, if you hang a sharp left at the entrance, you’ll find the Sainsbury Wing. It’s modern, it’s moody, and it’s medieval—perfect for lovers of halos, tempera, and crowds that don’t jostle quite as much.
Don’t be surprised if a “quick pop-in” turns into an all-day affair. Must-sees include Holbein’s The Ambassadors, complete with a gloriously skewed skull (visible only if you stand just right and maybe squint like you mean it). Make sure not to miss van Eyck’s Arnolfini Portrait, where a couple holds hands while a mysterious mirror photobombs from the background, or da Vinci’s Virgin of the Rocks, dripping with drama and Renaissance elegance. And of course, in Turner’s Rain, Steam, and Speed, check out the train, which is not the only thing speeding—you’ll need sharp eyes to spot a hare bolting for dear life.
The Gallery also hosts special exhibitions that are buzzy enough to make even the Mona Lisa smirk. These usually require a ticket and advance booking, but the permanent collection is gloriously free, always. You can join a guided tour, listen to a curator wax lyrical, or just wander with your own thoughts and an audio guide.
Tip:
If at some point, your stomach starts growling louder than the gallery’s whisper policy allows, head to the in-house restaurant. They serve Colchester native oysters and artful sandwiches, not to mention themed afternoon teas with more traditional choices like cakes that change with the exhibits. As for the scones, they are a permanent fixture. Afternoon tea is served daily, no reservation needed—just bring your appetite and maybe a friend who knows the difference between Impressionism and Expressionism.
Long story short: go for the art, stay for the scones.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "ϳԹ: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
National Gallery on Map
Sight Name: National Gallery
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in London, England
Create Your Own Walk in London
Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Charles Dickens Tour
Imagine a world without Dickens. No Oliver Twist, no Ebenezer Scrooge, no brooding orphans wandering foggy streets with suspiciously eloquent vocabularies. Tough to picture, right? That’s because Charles Dickens didn’t just leave a mark on literature—he practically steamrolled through it in a horse-drawn carriage. Recognized as the undisputed heavyweight of Victorian storytelling, he... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
City of London Walking Tour
The City of London, often referred to simply as the City (with the capital C), is the historic and financial core of the British capital. Despite being just over one square mile in area (for which reason it is also lovingly dubbed the Square Mile), it holds immense importance as the original site of Londinium, the Roman settlement founded circa 43 AD. Over the centuries, this small patch of land... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Jane Austen’s London
The celebrated English novelist Jane Austen primarily lived between Bath and Hampshire. However, London also held a special significance in Austen's life. Many of her novels drew inspiration from the capital, like Lydia Bennet and Mr Wickham’s elopement in “Pride & Prejudice.”
One of Austen's cherished spots in London was Twinings, a renowned tea shop. Jane Austen was known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
One of Austen's cherished spots in London was Twinings, a renowned tea shop. Jane Austen was known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
London's Historic Pubs Walk
If there’s any more iconic symbol for London than Big Ben or the London Eye, then it must be the traditional English pub. And London sure is full of them, dating from pre-Victorian times to just about five minutes ago.
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
South Bank Walking Tour
London’s South Bank, stretching along the southern side of the River Thames, roughly between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge, is one of the most interesting and liveliest parts of the British capital. Here, London’s old soul and modern edge shake hands... and then probably go grab a pint together. Famous for its arts, culture, food, and scenic riverside walks, the area has a long and... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Beatles London Walking Tour
The Beatles, often hailed as one of the most influential bands in music history, began their journey in Liverpool in 1960, but it was in London that they truly became global icons. While Liverpool gave them their start, the British capital became their professional playground during the peak of Beatlemania. From recording sessions and business deals to public performances and personal milestones,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
London Souvenirs: 18 Distinctively British Products for Travelers
Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...