National Gallery

The National Gallery is one of London’s more visitor-friendly big museums, with well-known works by artists including Vincent van Gogh and Leonardo da Vinci spread across spacious, clearly laid-out rooms. It can get busy, but you can still pick a few sections to explore without feeling rushed. Entry is free, and its central Trafalgar Square location makes it an easy stop if you’re already nearby.

The permanent collection has more than 1,000 paintings on display, spanning the 13th to early 20th centuries.

Current free exhibitions include Monet and Renoir: Painting Side by Side until 15 September 2026 and Waldmüller: Landscapes until 20 September 2026. Forthcoming shows include the ticketed Renoir and Love (3 October 2026–31 January 2027) and free Yinka Shonibare and Thomas Gainsborough: A Conversation (15 October 2026–7 February 2027).

The Gallery is open daily 10am–6pm, with late opening until 9pm on Fridays. Booking a free timed ticket is recommended for faster entry, although walk-ins are welcome. Saturday highlights tours offer a useful 90-minute introduction for first-time visitors.

The main Sainsbury Wing entrance is step-free, with lifts, seating, borrowable wheelchairs and folded stools available. Free companion tickets are offered for paid exhibitions, and the Gallery regularly hosts BSL, audio-described and captioned events. Allow for airport-style bag checks on arrival; large bags and wheeled luggage are not permitted.

Since the gallery is on Trafalgar Square, it has easy access by Tube or Bus. The nearest tube stations are Charing Cross (Northern, Bakerloo, Mainline) and there is Leicester Square nearby (Northern and Piccadilly lines)

When you're finished here it's just a short walk down Whitehall to Downing Street , The houses of parliament, Big Ben, or you can wander along the Mall to Buckingham Palace and the nearby parks.

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