Tate Modern Tours

Tate Modern showing a river or creek, a city and a bridge
Tate Modern
Tate Modern


An abandoned power station on the banks of the Thames is the ideal home for Britain’s national gallery of modern art.

The Tate Modern presents the established giants of modern art as well as the new vanguard. It occupies the abandoned Bankside Power Station, which was stylishly redesigned in 2000 by Swiss architects Herzog and de Meuron. Walk through the Tate Modern’s entrance into the spacious Turbine Hall, which runs the building’s entire length. Now gutted of machinery, the space houses grand-scale temporary exhibits, which often shock and awe. Past the power station’s boiling chambers, the permanent collection has priceless pieces by Matisse, Dali, Picasso and other giants from impressionism to surrealism.

Explore the building’s four wings housing works of the 20th century up to today. The wings are organized according to theme rather than period. In 2012, Tate Modern completed a glass tower dedicated to photography, video and graphical art. Be sure to check the ever-changing program for The Tanks on 0 level. These cavernous former oil storage tanks are extraordinary spaces in themselves and now showcase performance art and events.

Visited by four million people each year, the Tate Modern is one of the most popular modern art galleries in the world. Its growing prominence and sometimes controversial exhibits are popular with all ages, even those not interested in traditional art.

While modern art can sometimes be challenging to fully understand, the Tate Modern endeavors to make its collections and exhibits accessible. Join one of the 45-minute guided tours for an even deeper appreciation of the collection. And don’t forget to write down the numbers of pieces you particularly love, as postcards and prints are available from one of the three gallery shops.

Take a break from the exhibits and head to the riverside café or the restaurant on level 6, which has terrific views of London. Should you feel inspired to see even more art, jump aboard the Tate to Tate boat for the upriver cruise to the Tate Modern’s sister gallery, Tate Britain.

Tate Modern is located in the center of London, near many other attractions. It’s open daily. Admission is free except for special exhibitions. The Southwarktube stationis a short walk away.

Plan a trip to see Tate Modern

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria
Maddox Street - 3 bed
Charles Hope Apartment Canary Wharf

Browse tours and tickets to explore Tate Modern

Tours & day trips

See all 428 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 76 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 68 activities

Shows & concerts

See all 29 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Tate Modern

Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
Sea Containers London

Sea Containers London

5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground, London, England
Sea Containers London
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
Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's

Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's

4 out of 5
24 Ludgate Hill, London, England
Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's
Park Plaza County Hall London

Park Plaza County Hall London

4 out of 5
1 Addington Street, London, England
Park Plaza County Hall London
Mercure London Bridge

Mercure London Bridge

4 out of 5
71-79 Southwark Street, London, England
Mercure London Bridge
The Hoxton Southwark

The Hoxton Southwark

4 out of 5
Blackfriars Road 32- 40, London, England
The Hoxton Southwark
The Z Hotel Holborn

The Z Hotel Holborn

3 out of 5
75 Kingsway, London, England
The Z Hotel Holborn
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 Tate Modern

At Tate Modern, visitors can immerse themselves in contemporary art while enjoying nearby attractions like captivating theater performances and vibrant shopping options. This dynamic area offers a blend of cultural experiences, making it a perfect destination for art enthusiasts and those looking to explore London's creative scene. Don't miss the chance to indulge in local cuisine and nightlife, adding to the overall experience of your visit.

Food and drinks

For a delightful culinary experience near Tate Modern, try Kensington Roof Gardens for its romantic atmosphere and stunning views. Beefeater Gin Distillery offers unique gin tastings, while Fuller’s Griffin Brewery provides a cozy spot for beer lovers. Enjoy breakfast and tapas at these local favorites!

Shopping

Borough Market, located 0.4 miles from Tate Modern, offers a vibrant atmosphere with fresh produce and artisanal goods. Harrods, 3 miles away, is a luxury shopping destination. If you're up for a drive, Westfield London Shopping Centre is 5 miles away, featuring a wide range of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at O2 Arena, where you can enjoy sports events and activities. For a serene escape, head to Hampstead Heath, perfect for relaxation and nature walks. Indulge in luxury at Wimbledon Tennis Club, where you can soak in the refined ambiance while enjoying tennis.

Adventure

If you're seeking adventure near Tate Modern, head to Brands Hatch Circuit for exhilarating motor racing, located 18 miles away. For climbing enthusiasts, the Castle Climbing Centre offers outdoor thrills just 4 miles away. For karting excitement, Oasis Go-Kart Track is only 3 miles from Tate Modern.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Tate Modern with a ride on the London Eye for breathtaking views, or enjoy a romantic evening at the Barbican Arts Centre for captivating performances. Try your luck at Genting Casino Chinatown for an exciting night out filled with entertainment and city vibes.

Find the best attractions near Tate Modern

When visiting Tate Modern in London, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and diverse attractions nearby. Explore urban parks and historic houses while enjoying family-friendly experiences. Don't miss the chance to visit other popular spots like the London Trocadero. With a mix of art, history, and outdoor fun, Tate Modern and its surroundings offer a perfect blend for every traveler looking to make the most of their London adventure.

  • Hyde Park: Spanning over 350 acres, Hyde Park offers a serene escape in the heart of London. Enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, and boating on the Serpentine lake, all while surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowerbeds. This urban oasis is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a relaxing day out.
  • Tower Bridge: A marvel of Victorian engineering, Tower Bridge stands majestically over the River Thames. Explore its glass-floored walkway for stunning views below and learn about its fascinating history through interactive exhibits. The bridge's iconic design embodies the rich culture of London.
  • Big Ben: Known for its striking clock tower, Big Ben is an iconic symbol of London. Located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, this architectural masterpiece offers a glimpse into the city's historical and cultural significance. Witness the famous chimes and capture unforgettable photos.

Best time to go to Tate Modern

Visitor numbers around Tate Modern is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Tate Modern is dependant 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 average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Tate Modern

To save money during your visit to Tate Modern, take advantage of the nearby free attractions like Hyde Park, Big Ben, and Piccadilly Circus. Consider visiting in January to February or November for lower hotel rates. Book your accommodations about a month in advance for the best deals, or check for last-minute discounts on Expedia. Utilize their search filters to find budget-friendly options and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive offers and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Tate Modern are January to February and November, 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 Tate Modern 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.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Tate Modern 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.