National Gallery Tours

National Gallery which includes heritage elements, a fountain and night scenes
National Gallery which includes a statue or sculpture and heritage architecture
National Gallery showing heritage architecture and street scenes as well as a small group of people
National Gallery featuring a city, street scenes and heritage architecture
National Gallery showing heritage architecture and a fountain


This impressive neoclassical building displays one of the world’s finest collections of Western European paintings.

The National Gallery houses more than 2,300 paintings dating between the mid-13th and early 20th centuries. The museum’s collection includes selections from every important artistic style, showcasing many masterpieces of each genre. Look for notable works by artists ranging from Caravaggio and Cezanne to Gainsborough and Michelangelo.

The British government purchased 38 paintings from Russian banker John Julius Angerstein in 1824 and established the National Gallery. Begin your exploration with a free tour map. Choose a themed tour or select a few paintings from the museum’s collection that you would most like to see.

Don’t miss the popular East Wing, which features works by a number of prominent 18th-century British artists. Among the most recognizable pieces here are Turner’s Rain, Steam and Speed - The Great Western Railway and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.

You’ll find works by Rubens, Rembrandt and Caravaggio in the gallery’s North Wing. Look for two self-portraits by Rembrandt painted at ages 34 and 63. Check out Caravaggio’sThe Supper at Emmaus, which depicts Christ blessing bread.

See works by Titian, Raphael, Correggio and Bronzino in the West Wing, which also includes Michelangelo’s unfinished but masterful The Entombment. Other interesting pieces throughout the gallery include a 17th-century peepshow/perspective box by Samuel van Hoogstraten, as well as Holbein’sThe Ambassadors, which takes on proper perspective only when viewed from the side.

Be sure to explore the Sainsbury Wing, where you’ll find paintings dating between the 13th and 16th centuries. Check out Van Eyck’s The Arnolfini Portrait, in which a fish-eye mirror creates an unusual perspective of a couple holding hands. You’ll also see Piero della Francesca’s The Baptism of Christ, which uses imaginative light and foreshortening techniques.

The National Gallery is located on the north side of Trafalgar Square. The gallery is open daily and admission is free, although a donation is suggested. Get here by taking the Tube to Charing Cross Station. Plan your day to include coffee, lunch or dinner at one of the gallery’s three restaurants.

Plan a trip to see National Gallery

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Duke of Leinster
Hotel Cafe Royal, London
Maddox Street - 1 bed

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Reviews of National Gallery

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
151
5 - Excellent 73%
4 - Good
47
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 3%
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5/5 - Excellent

Vallente

It's free! Great collection!

5/5 - Excellent

Mikele

Arrive early to avoid crowds and school trips

5/5 - Excellent

Liz

Plan a minimum 2-3 hours! Beautiful!

4/5 - Good

Lisa

Lovely to see what others see of people.

5/5 - Excellent

Win.F

For Art lovers! Be prepared to spend 2 to 3 hrs here!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Within easy walking distance from the Hotel

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near National Gallery

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
The Grand at Trafalgar Square

The Grand at Trafalgar Square

4 out of 5
8 Northumberland Avenue, London, England
The Grand at Trafalgar Square
Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square

Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square

4 out of 5
8 Northumberland Ave, (adjacent to Trafalgar Square), London, England
Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
The Clermont London, Charing Cross

The Clermont London, Charing Cross

4 out of 5
The Strand, London, England
The Clermont London, Charing Cross
The Royal Horseguards, London

The Royal Horseguards, London

4 out of 5
2 Whitehall Court, London, England
The Royal Horseguards, London
The Z Hotel Trafalgar

The Z Hotel Trafalgar

3 out of 5
53-59 Chandos Place, London, England
The Z Hotel Trafalgar
Page8, Page Hotels

Page8, Page Hotels

4.5 out of 5
8 St. Martins Place, London, England
Page8, Page Hotels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near National Gallery

At the National Gallery in London, visitors can immerse themselves in art and culture while enjoying nearby activities like theater performances and shopping. Explore the extensive collection of masterpieces and then take advantage of vibrant shopping options in the vicinity. Additionally, art galleries around the area offer further opportunities to appreciate contemporary and classic works, making it a perfect blend of art and leisure for tourists.

Shopping

At the National Gallery, enjoy shopping at the Brunswick Centre, just 1 mile away, offering family-friendly entertainment. Harrods and Borough Market, both 2 miles away, provide a vibrant city atmosphere for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, explore more options further afield.

Recreation

Enjoy a thrilling event at the O2 Arena, just 6 miles from the National Gallery, where you can soak in the vibrant sports atmosphere. For relaxation, Hampstead Heath, 4 miles away, offers serene green spaces perfect for unwinding amidst nature's beauty.

Adventure

For an adventurous outing, take a ride on the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 6 miles from the National Gallery, offering stunning views. Alternatively, challenge yourself at The Castle Climbing Centre, 4 miles away, or race friends at TeamSport Go Karting North London, 8 miles away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the National Gallery. Catch a captivating show at the Sondheim Theatre or Savoy Theatre, both offering rich culture and entertainment. For a romantic movie night, visit Cine Lumiere, where you can enjoy unique films in a cozy setting just a short stroll away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near National Gallery

Whether you're a culture enthusiast or a family traveler, the National Gallery in London offers a wealth of experiences. Explore nearby attractions including vibrant streets, charming piazzas, and urban parks. Don't miss the opportunity to visit art galleries and museums, making it an ideal stop for art lovers seeking the best of London's cultural offerings. Enjoy your time discovering the rich artistic heritage within and around this iconic location.

  • Buckingham Palace: A historic palace and the official residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is rich in history and culture. Visitors can witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens that surround this royal landmark.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Known for its bright lights and vibrant atmosphere, Piccadilly Circus is a bustling street that embodies the energy of London. It's a central hub for entertainment, shopping, and dining, making it a perfect spot for people-watching and soaking in the city's lively vibe.
  • Big Ben: A symbol of London, Big Ben is not just a clock tower but an architectural marvel. Adjacent to the Houses of Parliament, it offers a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage, combining cultural significance with the urban pulse of London.

Best time to go to National Gallery

The best time to visit National Gallery is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for National Gallery

To save money on your trip to the National Gallery in London, consider visiting between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Book about a month in advance, and aim for Sunday stays for the best rates. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, filter prices, and combine bookings for flights and activities for extra savings. Joining the One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and cash for future stays. Public transport is affordable, so explore free activities around the gallery to maximize your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around National Gallery are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around National Gallery about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around National Gallery is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around National Gallery is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the National Gallery with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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