Free Museums in Euston

"One of London's most amazing attractions, this outstanding modern- and contemporary-art gallery is housed in the creatively revamped Bankside Power Station south of the Millennium Bridge. A spellbinding synthesis of modern art and capacious industrial brick design, Tate Modern has been extraordinarily successful in bringing challenging work to the masses, both through its free permanent collection and fee-paying big-name temporary exhibitions. The stunning Blavatnik Building opened in 2016, increasing the available exhibition space by 60%."

"For those who prefer more contemporary art to classical works, head to the Tate Modern on the south bank of the River Thames. Located inside of the former Bankside Power Station, the Tate Modern is Britain’s national gallery of international modern art, housing a huge collection of contemporary and modern artwork from 1900 to the present day, with artists including Picasso, DalÍ­, Pollock and Warhol. The Tate Modern is the most visited art museum in Britain and the second most visited museum in the UK after the British Museum."

"The most-visited modern art gallery in the world, partly because it holds the national collection of British art from 1900 to the present day, as well as international modern and contemporary art, but mainly because the 6th floor members’ cafe has one of London’s best views. Which is like art in itself, man."

"Housing masterpieces by painters including van Gogh, Renoir, da Vinci and Michelangelo, the National Gallery is home to one of the world’s most impressive art collections, and sees over six million visitors every year. Avoid the hordes by visiting on weekday mornings or Friday evenings. Whatever time you go, the permanent collections are always free."

"The National Gallery has Sunday storytelling sessions on the ‘magic carpet’ aimed at under-fives, stopping in front of a different painting each time. There are also other activities for older kids, especially in holidays, plus trails to follow (although paintings do tend to be moved around so tracking them down can be more challenging than expected). Stopping to colour and draw is positively encouraged."

"Also known as the National Gallery of British Art, it holds the country’s most extensive collections of national historic art, as well as contemporary. The gallery is also known for holding the prestigious and career-defining Turner Prize exhibition, which features the work of its four winning British visual artists each year. Catch it if you can to be among the first to see the next national treasure of the art world."

"Located in Millbank, The Tate Britain is another of the best free museums in London. The Tate Modern might be the cool new kid on the block, but personally I prefer its more austere sister museum further downriver, the Tate Britain. The museum opened in 1897 and has been welcoming visitors to admire a huge collection of British art from the Tudor times onwards since."

"Before Google or Wikipedia, the British came here to put a face to the names of famous historical figures from the country's history. As such, the paintings are prized more for their subjects rather than their artists. Highlights include portraits of Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth II, the latter courtesy of pop art sensation Andy Warhol."

"Just behind the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery is another of the best museums in London. Not only was it the world’s first portrait gallery, but it also holds the most extensive collection of portraits globally. As the name implies, the National Portrait Gallery is home to a collection of portraits of historically important and renowned British people."

"The gallery houses pictures of the major (and not-so major) figures of the nation’s history from King Henry VIII to David Beckham. It makes a great introduction to British history for both kids and adults. Kid-friendly audio tours are available."

"Out in Bethnal Green, you’ll discover the free Museum of Childhood. Operated and curated by the V&A, it’s home to toys, dolls houses, and thousands of other interesting items, but a major refurbishment is aiming to turn it into a “world-leading museum of design and creativity for children and young people”."

"The Museum of Childhood is a branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum which specialises in objected designed by and for children such as toys, clothes and more. Nearest tube station: Bethnal Green."

"A treat for children of all ages, this East London outpost of the Victoria & Albert Museum—in an iron, glass, and brown-brick building…"

"This neo-Gothic house built in the late 1890s for William Waldorf Astor, of hotel fame and once the richest man in America, showcases art from UK museum collections outside the capital. Visit as much to see the opulent house (it's astonishing) as the collections on display, but note it's only open for a few months each year for the Winter Exhibition Programme (see the website). Check out the bronze putti (cherubs) chatting on old telephones on the steps!"

"Plush as they come, Chiswell Street Dining Rooms make no bones about it, their forte is strictly to be one of the best fine dining restaurants in London, and they're doing a darn good job at it. From their botanical theming down to their British plates, this is not one to miss."

"A chilled out space of contemporary elegance, this is a great place in the city to unwind and reflect on your day. The venue serves up tasty and immaculately presented British fare, with friendly service and an array of cocktails, wines and quality microbeers to match."

"Sister restaurant to the next-door Jugged Hare, Chiswell Street Dining Rooms has been serving the good people of The City for years. The vibe is subtly luxurious, with unpretentious food made from the best ingredients."

"Terry’s Café is family run and the food is all top quality and locally sourced. The meats they use are from Smithfield Market – where Terry worked before opening the café – and their fresh produce comes from Borough Market. They stick to a traditional breakfast of sausage, egg, bacon, bubble and squeak, black pudding, beans, tomatoes and mushrooms."

"If you want a traditional London café, you won’t find one more authentic than Terry’s. Now run by Terry’s son, Austin, this is a greasy spoon with red checkered tablecloths and a bustling atmosphere. But don’t be put off by the old image of the London cabbie’s café — Terry’s is traditional, but it also operates to a very high standard."

"Looking for a slap-up classic breakfast that won't break the bank?. Terry's Cafe in Southwark is one of our top picks. The old school cafe, sources the highest quality produce to serve up in mega portions that will leave you satisfied all day long."

", set in a 16th-century watermill, has a great range of this versatile dish with savoury and sweet options and regularly changing specials. Every dish includes a choice of wholewheat, white and spelt flours, which are organically grown and stoneground just a couple of miles away. Savory options include a ratatouille waffle and a hummus and avocado waffle, and the sweet waffles come with toppings such as pecan nuts and butterscotch or hot Dutch apple."

"A post shared by sketch (@sketchlondon) on Jun 5, 2019 at 9:23am PDT. Surprise your partner with an anniversary meal at one of the most Instagrammable and quirky restaurants in London, Sketch. Choose from the collection of unusual restaurants and bars housed within one building: enjoy a cocktail in the fairytale setting of The Glade or the cosy Parlour, before trying modern dishes at art-inspired The Gallery or three Michelin-starred Lecture Room & Library."

"The Lecture Room & Library, also known as Sketch, was a new addition to to the list in 2020 and continues to keep its stars. It’s also one of the 16 Mayfair restaurants with Michelin stars in 2020. The Library offers a sophisticated French menu, with a seven-course meal priced at £120."

"We won’t lie to you, going to The Gallery at Sketch isn’t about the food. This central-London spot is all about the pink dining room. The service is theatrical while the toilets aren’t to be missed for a photo op."

"Restaurant residencies have kick-started many wonderful things on the London food scene – and quite a few of these success stories have begun at The Sun and 13 Cantons. This Soho pub has been hosting regular pop-up restaurants and supper clubs for the last four years, acting as a platform for promising new chefs and projects. Arguably its biggest hit was hosting Asma Khan’s first three-month pop up, leading to the opening of her critically acclaimed Kingly Court restaurant Darjeeling Express."

"When you first walk into Mayfair’s Bocconcino, there are a few things that stand out. First up will be your own reflection, bounced back at you by the mirror panelling that lines the restaurant’s mezzanine-meets-lobby. Then there’s the spiral staircase that swoops down to the lower floor, glass handrails glistening in the soft golden light."

"Read the full review: Bocconcino19 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8EDThis smart Mayfair joint backs up its stylish looks (think plush seating and glittering chandeliers) with some serious substance. Perfect for date night, dishes such as oozing buratta and pasta spun in a wheel of cheese are guaranteed to ignite romance."

"Discovered this place purely by chance, as I was trying to hide from rain one day. When I got in, I was completely mesmerized.Leadenhall Market is one of the oldest markets in London, dating from the 14th century, and is located in the historic center of the City of London‘s financial district. It’s still very much in use as a local market, which I find absolutely amazing."

"Leadenhall Market stood in for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. When it’s not lighting up the silver screen, this covered Victorian market in the City of London hosts pubs, shops and market stalls selling flowers, meat, cheese and fresh produce. Discover more “magical” things in Harry Potter that exist in real life."

"Calling all Harry Potter fans, the Leadenhall Market is one photography location in London you don’t want to miss. This gorgeous indoor Victorian market was the setting for Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron in the famous film series. The architecture is fantastic."

"Portobello Road is the jewel in Notting Hill – the world’s largest antiques market has retained its sense of charm and friendliness, even as the surrounding area has scaled the ladder of exclusivity. The market, which wends its way along the sinuous Portobello Road is actually five interconnecting markets – with separate sections for fresh produce, clothing, second hand goods, household stuff, a flea market and antiques. The antiques section, always sizable, really comes into its own on Saturdays – cementing Portobello’s position as one of the go-to Saturday markets in London."

"Just round the corner from the beautiful white houses of Notting Hill you will find the cute coloured houses of Portobello. Portobello is famous for its vintage and street food market, with the coloured houses coming up close after it. It’s not quite as fancy as Notting Hill with the white columns and houses, but if like me you love colourful places Portobello is a more fun photo location."

"There are lots of colourful streets around Notting Hill which make for wonderful pictures. Your best bet is to get off at Notting Hill Gate station and then walk towards (and along) Portobello Road. Another aesthetic place in London is on the other side of the city around Hillgate Place and Campden Hill Road."

"While Camden Market and Brick Lane may be more famous, Maltby Street Market comes out on top when it comes to proper street food. At this lively weekend market in the hip area of Bermondsey that lies hidden away beneath the railway arches, only those in the know spend their time eating here. Home to some of the best producers in town, the market prides itself on gourmet street food and fresh produce whether you’re looking for the city’s best badass brownies, Mozambique burgers, tender beef steaks, melt-in-your-mouth cheese, gyozas, coffee or baked goods - there’s even top-notch gin on the menu."

"Each weekend a gastronomic feast is set up beneath the railway arches of Bermondsey, with a street market stretch called the Ropewalk. Food vendors range from seafood and cured meat producers to local artisans selling their baked goods and homemade pickles and preserves. Aside from being able to sample local produce, visitors can pick up a gourmet coffee."

"A small, vibrant market with a good range of quality street food stalls, food producers and cafes. Open: Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 11am–4pmAddress: 41 Maltby St, London SE1 3PATransport: London Bridge tube/train station or Bermondsey tube stationmaltby.st"