The British Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
The British Museum
The British Museum
4.5
Speciality MuseumsArt MuseumsHistory Museums
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
A museum of the world, for the world. Discover over two million years of human history and culture. Some of the world-famous objects include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures and Egyptian mummies.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Bloomsbury
Snuggly nestled within Central London is academic and leafy Bloomsbury, an area that boasts walking distance access to many of London's most popular attractions. It is also home to some of Britain's most celebrated museums, including the must-see British Museum. Despite an understandable popularity with students, tourists and day trippers, vast sections of Bloomsbury retain a quiet, residential feel year round and throughout the week.
How to get there
  • Tottenham Court Road • 6 min walk
  • Russell Square • 6 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travelers are saying
  • Guo D
    Sannois, France5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must-see for anyone visiting London
    From its unique artifacts to its knowledgeable staff and inspiring displays, this museum is a one-of-a-kind experience. From the moment you enter the grand entrance hall, you are surrounded by history and culture. The museum showcases artifacts from all over the world, including ancient artifacts from Egypt and the Middle East. The knowledgeable staff are always on hand to answer any questions you may have and provide helpful information about the artifacts and their history. The inspiring displays are sure to capture your imagination and give you a greater appreciation for the history and culture of the world.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 7, 2023
  • Boris M
    350 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth a visit
    An amazing museum. It is extremely large, and in it you can find various objects of inestimable value. It took us 3 hours to go through it, but we just flew over some parts. It would take 2 days for a detailed review. The most interesting parts are the Rosette, mummies, Aztec and Babylonian ornaments, Greek statues, samurai clothing, etc. In my opinion, there are too many different vessels from Greece and Egypt and wall inscriptions from Mesopotamia. It is valuable, but it is of interest only to historians. It is good to make an entrance reservation from home, because that way you can skip the queue.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written May 7, 2023
  • Aurelie Faltin
    Manchester, United Kingdom12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The impressive architecture
    The informative tours and educational programs make it a great place to learn about the history of the city and the world. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a fun afternoon out, the British Museum is sure to provide an enjoyable experience. The exhibits are well-curated and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. I especially enjoyed the interactive exhibits and the educational programs. The museum is a great place to spend a few hours and learn something new. Highly recommended!
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 9, 2023
  • Kevin
    Mountain View, California93 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lots of stuff to see related to history, very crowded.
    I only had time for about 2-3 hours at the British Museum, but you could easily spend an entire day here because this place is HUGE. Most of the exhibits cover history of different civilizations like Egypt, Greece, Asia, among others. There's a lot of stuff to read and artifacts to look at. The Rosetta Stone is located here as well, which was pretty cool to see in person. It does get pretty busy, especially considering admission is free. If you've got the time, definitely worth checking out if learning about history is your thing.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written May 10, 2023
  • GGG12342017
    Singapore, Singapore208 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent!
    My second time at this monstrous museum and if I am in London again, I will definitely return. There are so many great finds here that one visit is never enough and the exhibits must be continuously seen to fully appreciate their beauty and their value. The standout artifact is the Rosetta Stone. The carvings are beautiful and by viewing it up close and personal you fully appreciate the value and power of these ancient writings. This and many other artifacts of significant historical importance. I wish I had more time to take them all in!
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 12, 2023
  • Diana G
    World2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must in your list
    Stunning museum, my partner and me needed hours to see every item and admire every culture. History, science, architecture, sculpture, jewelry and so much more. You need more than only one day to see and admire every part of this wonderful museum, one of my favorites.
    Visited December 2022
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 13, 2023
  • Robert D
    Boston, Massachusetts93 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well worth a visit
    The wealth of exhibits and the fact that it is free make this a must-see whenever you visit London. The crowds can be a bit much, so that that timing can be important. Tour groups tend to descend, so look for buses parked out back. There is so much to see that you may need more than one day!
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 13, 2023
  • Belysa
    London, United Kingdom7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Must-Visit
    From the impressive architecture to the fascinating galleries and breathtaking artifacts, the museum has something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a fun day out, the world-renowned exhibits at the British Museum are sure to blow you away. From Egyptian mummies to ancient Greek sculptures, there's something here to spark the imagination of all ages. So don't miss out - come experience the wonders of the British Museum!
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 17, 2023
  • Bennett
    London, United Kingdom19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Must-Visit for History and Art Lovers
    The British Museum London is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and art. With extensive collections, stunning sculptures, inspiring displays and free admission, it is a great place to spend the day learning and exploring. The museum is home to artifacts from around the world, allowing visitors to learn about different cultures and their histories. The galleries are beautifully laid out, making it easy to explore and take in the sights. The interactive displays are particularly interesting, allowing visitors to get a more in-depth look at the history and culture of the objects. There is also an impressive collection of sculptures, both ancient and modern, that will leave you in awe.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 22, 2023
  • Ken J
    Vancouver, Canada73 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The day wasn't long enough!
    My visit to the British Museum was a highlight of my time in London. Sure, it's fee if you want to cheap out, but make a sizeable donation. I believe it is worth it. There are over 60 galleries and there has to be at least a few that would interest every visitor. My favs are the Egyption Sculptures, the Greek and Roman Rooms, the nations of MesoAmerica, the Enlightenment, the Money gallery . . . the list is long. What a beautiful collection!
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 25, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles74,106 reviews
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Lalita
7 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020
The newly re-opened British Museum can be visited as long as you book in advance on line for a timed visit.
The ground floor which has such things as the Rosetta stone, the Parat's more than enough for tourists on a first time visit as it's massive. There is a one way system which is easy to follow and no danger from Covid 19! Staff are availalable as always to ask questions and the queue for the Ladies was monitored to prevent too many people crowding together.
Excellent visit. I'll be back.
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KimbKo
Bostonian36 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
We were a group of six who purchased tickets to a private tour, there are a few each day, that begins at 8:50 when the museum is not yet open. It was such a joy to have a knowledgeable guide to take us through a virtually empty museum. This museum is one of the best in the world and daily admission is free so it gets crowded. Go early or book the private tour. It is really very much worth it.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Steviefull
Kidderminster, UK1,767 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
We were looking for something to do on our arrival in London and this seemed like a good way to spend the 3 hours or so we had spare. The museum has timed entry in effect to limit the number of people at any one time, so it was worth booking in advance just to be sure.

The museum has a bit of everything, set across many rooms, I do recommend downloading the app as it has two separate tours on it, 1 hour and 3 hours, so it will guide you through the highlights.

My personal highlight is the egyptian area with some large impressive statues and sarcophagus.

If you have the time, do not hesitate to visit and please make a donation.
Written October 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sidney
7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
As someone who loves ancient Greek and Roman history, I had so much fun
I bought an Audio Guide which was amazing because it really helped supplement the plaques that were with each item
If you're like me, who wants to see anything and everything, you need a lot of time. I think I spent about 6 hours in there and I didn't even see any other floor except the ground floor.
Wasn't terribly crowded when I went, though it did get a bit busy around 15-16:00 (3-4 pm)
Also while I was there, I got to see the Troy: Myth and Reality exhibition. That was fantastic to see and it gave great information, whilst giving you a story as you walk-through
Overall, if you like history, and you don't mind spending several hours in the museum, then I highly recommend
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Crystalwaters123
Mumbai, India519 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Solo
Ended up going to this museum on a rainy day.. The lines were long - however didn’t take much time to get in..
Like most London museums this is free - there is a recommended £5 donation.. The audio guide is £7..
The museum itself looks gorgeous - very modern.. It has a vast collection of artifacts ranging from varying times in history and has a collection spread across many countries.. I especially enjoyed the Indus Valley and the Chinese collections..
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Natasha Smith
United Kingdom5 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
The British museum is very big. It has regular collections on display all the time and temporary displays which change every month or so. It has paid exhibitions and it used to show really good films on a friday evening for £3 etc in the lecture theatre but they seeemed to have stopped doing that recently which is ashame.
Written April 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Paul James H
151 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020 • Solo
Although the British Museum is free to enter, you still have to get a ticket; as social distancing limits the visitor numbers.

There is a large Egyptian area of the museum, taking you from the 4th millenium Bc, through the 3rd millenium Bc. There are interesting peices(doors), that depict Eqyptian life. Many statues to the various gods, and statues to pharoas; believed to be almost semi gods. I didn't realise that the depictions on the pharoa's tombs, were to represent what they want to have in the afterlife. Believing that the images would become real, these became quite detailed.

After this there's the early Greek, Minoans and Miceneans, and their culture, with musical instruments made out of bone. Next you have Greek vases and the Roman period, with bits of the Parthenon kept here (and abroad). There is also a complete recreation of the Parthenon, to give it some perspective. The statues are next, and then lead on to Assyria and the Balawat gates, and from there you have the modern African collection. It is important to note here, that knowledge about how the items were aquired, is given.

The African sulptures and arms, represent items that were for years excluded from museum collections. Their weapons of war and beliefs, contrast with those of the west. If you get a chance, there's a cystal skull from South America, just before this Collection. It is unknown whether it is genuine, or not. But it is in a glass case, and thought to hold some sort of energy/power.

You can easily stay all day here, but please note that it only opens Wednesday to Sunday.
A great day out, and if you still want some more information than the displays give you, you can use a QR reader (throughout the place). Alternatively go to the Google play store and download the British museum audio guide (for a fee ) from there.
Written September 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ElleDLosAngeles
Los Angeles25 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Solo
Visiting from California, I took off without the family for a trip to this amazing Museum - not my first visit and definitely not my last I hope. While the line seems long, it moves relatively quickly and if you can manage without a backpack you’ll likely be shepherded I to separate and much quicker line that doesn’t require extensive search of belongings. This is an immense museum and any notion that you could do it in a day is impossible to accomplish. So recommend a little research before going and identifying the areas of prime interest - mine was Egyptology and Ancient Britain. I did get an audio
Your but be aware in peak they do run out for a while until returned. The descriptions on the items displayed are detailed and will probably inspire you to learn more once leaving. While I didn’t travel with the grandkids on this visit they have what seems to be a really good family activity visit, with things for the kids to look out for as you tour around. Architecturally it isn’t as gorgeous as the naturalhistory museum but the contents and exhibits more than make up for it. Really a spectacular place and worth the visit
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Joyce
514 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020
The museum is open, but COVID-19 measures are in place. All guests will have to enter through the Great Russell Street entrance and exit through the Montague Place. Everyone's bags are checked. You will have to prebook a time to enter the museum - tickets are still free (there is an option to voluntarily donate!) but you will need to present your barcode to the front desk in order to go through to the exhibits. The coat and baggage areas are closed, so you'll be carrying everything with you around the museum. Most cafe and sit down ares are also closed, but there are still places in the museum you can get food and drink (near the entrance). Special exhibitions still require you to book and pay for a ticket. Everyone, unless exempted, must wear a mask at all times inside the museum. Many doors separating different galleries and museums have hand sanitisers.

All visitors are required to follow the arrows on the floor to walk through the museum. Unfortunately, many of the smaller galleries and rooms have been closed off for social distancing purposes, but the gems of the museum, the Ancient Egyptian and Greek galleries are still open for everyone to admire.

Social distancing measures are also being observed in the gift shops and in the bathrooms, so only a certain amount of people will be allowed in at any time.

While tourist numbers in London are down significantly, there were still surprisingly quite a few people coming into the museum late in the afternoon! I visited the museum 6 years ago and I found it fantastic; this time round my feelings have not changed.
Written October 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stuart C
Rayleigh, UK2,981 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Solo
While entrance to this fantastic museum is free the Troy - Myth and Reality is an extra £20 per adult. You can buy in advance although the day of my visits lost of time slots had availability so I just turned up and purchased my ticket in the main hall and then went straight in. The first and to me most interesting section talked about the myth with lots of mainly Roman artefacts telling the story of the siege of Troy. Many were from the museums own collection but included exhibits from Berlin, the Ashmoleam and other museums. It was all very well told in chronological order using the exhibits. The second section is the actual finds from the real Troy. While the discovery was explained there was little attempt at describing what the city was actually like and it’s place in the ancient World and it mainly consisted of pots and everyday objects. The final section is some of the artwork depicting Troy through the ages. I really enjoyed it particularly the first section on the legend but came away wishing they had explained the ancient city better.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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The British Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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