How long does it take to tour the British Museum?

Recommended visiting time is at least three to four hours, but if you're interested in joining some of the many different talks and tours at the museum, then be prepared to spend the entire day wandering around.

Is the British Museum worth seeing?

Look at the many TripAdvisor reviews for this great institution, and check out the website to find out what's on when you are there. Free entry means you could always return later in the same day or on another day. It is absolutely, definitely worth a visit.

Is the British Museum London Free?

The British Museum is free to enter and includes access to its permanent galleries. Special exhibitions usually require a fee. Although this attraction is free to visit, you must book a timed entry ticket in advance.

Do I need to book to visit the British Museum?

You're advised to book a timed slot in advance (Opens in new window) to guarantee entry and help control the numbers of individuals who can visit. Walk-up visits are available each day for those who arrive at the Museum without advance bookings.

4.3(532 ratings)Rated 4.3 out of 5.0 from 532 ratings.

The British Museum

Explore the British Museum's global cultures. Dive into traditions and enjoy British afternoon tea at the Great Court Restaurant. Sip tea, savor sandwiches, sweet treats, and scones with cream and jam. Opt for Prosecco to elevate your experience!

Opens tomorrow

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Visitors exploring exhibits on a guided tour at the British Museum, London.

Tour guide leading a group through the British Museum, London, showcasing historical artifacts

Mummy of Katebet displayed in the British Museum, London, showcasing ancient Egyptian artifacts.

A female tourist exploring inside the British Museum

Visitors exploring exhibits in the British Museum during a small-group guided tour in London.

Elgin Marbles displayed in the British Museum, London, highlighting Greek heritage.

4.4(128)

Guided Tours

Free Cancellation

Instant Confirmation

2 hours

2 more

Explore 6000 years of history at the British Museum and learn about the art and culture of the world, from Europe to Asia.
Marvel at the glass roof at the Great Court, a work of art in itself, and see the famous Rosetta Stone used to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics.
See the Mummy of Katebet, the double-headed Aztec serpent, among the eight million artifacts present there.
Glace at the controversial Parthenon Sculptures, taken from the Acropolis in Athens, and discover Assyrian galleries among others during your tour.

More details

Explore 6000 years of history at the British Museum and learn about the art and culture of the world, from Europe to Asia.
Marvel at the glass roof at the Great Court, a work of art in itself, and see the famous Rosetta Stone used to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics.
See the Mummy of Katebet, the double-headed Aztec serpent, among the eight million artifacts present there.
Glace at the controversial Parthenon Sculptures, taken from the Acropolis in Athens, and discover Assyrian galleries among others during your tour.

from

£53.93

The British Museum entrance facade with visitors in London.

Visitors exploring artifacts at The British Museum during a private tour in London.

Rosetta Stone exhibit at The British Museum, London.

Visitors exploring art exhibits at London's National Gallery during a private tour.

Visitors exploring exhibits at The British Museum during a private tour in London.

British Museum and National Gallery private tour guide explaining art to visitors in London.

New

Walking Tours

Free Cancellation

4 hours

Mobile Ticket

1 more

Uncover London's treasures on this private British Museum and National Gallery tour, delve into history and art with an expert English-speaking guide.
Enjoy reserved entries, skipping the long queues—benefit from the guidance of your personal expert, navigating the vast collections with ease and depth.
At the British Museum, explore an amazing array of artefacts that span human history, featuring the Rosetta Stone and the Moai from Easter Island.
Explore the National Gallery's artistic marvels from Da Vinci to Van Gogh and decode hidden meanings in world-famous paintings.
Did you know? The British Museum is older than the United States of America. It was established in 1753, 23 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

More details

Uncover London's treasures on this private British Museum and National Gallery tour, delve into history and art with an expert English-speaking guide.
Enjoy reserved entries, skipping the long queues—benefit from the guidance of your personal expert, navigating the vast collections with ease and depth.
At the British Museum, explore an amazing array of artefacts that span human history, featuring the Rosetta Stone and the Moai from Easter Island.
Explore the National Gallery's artistic marvels from Da Vinci to Van Gogh and decode hidden meanings in world-famous paintings.
Did you know? The British Museum is older than the United States of America. It was established in 1753, 23 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

from

£453

British Museum entrance with visitors, part of Tower of London combo tickets tour.

British Museum entrance with visitors, highlighting audio tour and priority access.

Tower of London Crown Jewels exhibition with historic fortress backdrop

Tower of London exterior with historic stone walls and iconic White Tower in London, England.

Enlightenment Room exhibits at British Museum, London with historical artifacts.

Visitors exploring the historic Tower of London, a part of the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour combo ticket offer

Tower of London with iconic White Tower and surrounding medieval fortress walls.

Tower of London crown jewels display with historic royal crowns and regalia.

New

Combos

Free Cancellation

Instant Confirmation

Flexible duration

2 more

Witness the grandeur of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London and the Parthenon Sculptures at the British Museum first-hand with this combo ticket.
A history buff’s dream, learn about the dark past of Britain, and other global civilizations, including Greece and China with a visit to both attractions.
Enjoy priority entry at the British Museum, allowing more time to see ancient artifacts, and explore the Tower of London at your own pace.
Learn about the White Tower, the castle keep, through informational displays, and the Rosetta Stone, through your multilingual audio guide.

More details

Witness the grandeur of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London and the Parthenon Sculptures at the British Museum first-hand with this combo ticket.
A history buff’s dream, learn about the dark past of Britain, and other global civilizations, including Greece and China with a visit to both attractions.
Enjoy priority entry at the British Museum, allowing more time to see ancient artifacts, and explore the Tower of London at your own pace.
Learn about the White Tower, the castle keep, through informational displays, and the Rosetta Stone, through your multilingual audio guide.

from £55.90

£53.10

5% off

British Museum facade with visitors, London Eye in background, London tour experience.

British Museum interior with visitors exploring ancient artifacts in London.

View of the iconic London Eye from a river cruise, part of the Combo (Save 10%): 29714 + 2788 deal, showcasing a unique perspective of London's skyline

Group of friends interacting in London eye pod

British Museum interior with Ancient Greek sculptures and visitors exploring exhibits.

London Eye pod overlooking Thames River and cityscape.

Couple taking a selfie inside london eye

Tourists enjoying a discounted combo tour of the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum in Paris, saving 10% on the total cost

4.3(384)

Combos

Instant Confirmation

Flexible duration

Mobile Ticket

Time travel through history at the British Museum, from ancient Egypt to the Renaissance, and then ascend to new heights on the London Eye.
Perfect for solo travelers, families, and groups, explore two of London’s iconic attractions at your own pace.
Compared to buying individual tickets, you can save money on this budget-friendly combo and enjoy seamless entry to both attractions.
Learn from informative displays at both attractions and travel easily between both attractions via public transport for a well-planned itinerary.
Perfect for photography enthusiasts who can capture impressive photos of ancient artifacts and modern landmarks.

More details

Time travel through history at the British Museum, from ancient Egypt to the Renaissance, and then ascend to new heights on the London Eye.
Perfect for solo travelers, families, and groups, explore two of London’s iconic attractions at your own pace.
Compared to buying individual tickets, you can save money on this budget-friendly combo and enjoy seamless entry to both attractions.
Learn from informative displays at both attractions and travel easily between both attractions via public transport for a well-planned itinerary.
Perfect for photography enthusiasts who can capture impressive photos of ancient artifacts and modern landmarks.

from £36.67

£34.84

5% off

Couple having afternoon tea at the British Museum in London.

Scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam served at the British Museum cafe.

English tea sandwiches on a cake stand at the British Museum in London.

Afternoon tea with prosecco at the British Museum, London, featuring elegant table setting.

Visitors exploring exhibits at The British Museum in London, UK.

3.7(20)

Dining

Instant Confirmation

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile Ticket

Step into a world of elegance and history for a small-group afternoon tea experience, surrounded by ancient artifacts, perfect for those wanting an intimate experience.
Delight your senses with a tantalizing spread of freshly prepared finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones.
Indulge your taste buds with a curated selection of exquisite and exotic blends, expertly paired to complement your afternoon tea treats.
Explore the museum’s vast collection of art and artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Sculptures, before or after your experience.
Make your experience even more memorable with an upgrade to a glass of prosecco, adding a touch of luxury to your Afternoon Tea.

More details

Step into a world of elegance and history for a small-group afternoon tea experience, surrounded by ancient artifacts, perfect for those wanting an intimate experience.
Delight your senses with a tantalizing spread of freshly prepared finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones.
Indulge your taste buds with a curated selection of exquisite and exotic blends, expertly paired to complement your afternoon tea treats.
Explore the museum’s vast collection of art and artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Sculptures, before or after your experience.
Make your experience even more memorable with an upgrade to a glass of prosecco, adding a touch of luxury to your Afternoon Tea.

from

£40

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Travel guides and tips

Discover 8 Million Works of Art & History With These British Museum Tours in London

It is commonly said that when you are in London, you are never too far away from a museum. With over 150 museums, galleries and exhibitions spread across the city, one can see why this statement holds true. London has a museum for literally everything – a science museum, a war museum, a natural history […]

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Millions love heading out with us

Tamir

5/5

The British Museum is one of the best museums in the world and the beauty of the place is very much visible in the art and architecture.

British Museum Small-Group Guided Tour

Michael

5/5

I am an art student, so for me, the British Museum is a treasure land. It has art work from world renowned artists and the exhibitions are marvellous.

British Museum Small-Group Guided Tour

Paola

5/5

Canada

Great staff and even greater food! The attention to detail and that you always feel welcome and taken care of it was the best experience I've had in years.

Afternoon Tea at the British Museum

Karin

4/5

Denmark

Nice sandwiches, scones and mini cakes. Much as expected. Only one cup of tea/coffee included. It was very warm in the restaurant and we ended up getting additional 1xcoffee, 1xtea and 2xspakling water for a total of £20-something. The best of it all was us skipping the hour long museum entry- que, as the afternoon tea vouchers gave access to a fast track Line. I didnt know tjat - maybe i didnot read the fine print. But that was Great! Maybe on a rainy day the venue is better.

Afternoon Tea at the British Museum