Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Essendon

"Today we are going to explore even more of London’s central highlights, including the British Museum, Covent Garden, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Shakespeare’s Globe. Today all of the attractions are within walking distance but you may want to use public transit to reach some of them. It may also be a good day to use a hop-on hop-off bus if you have a free ticket with the London Pass as the bus routes go to or near all the attractions on today’s route."

"The British Museum has been offering free admission to ‘studious and curious persons’ since it was first founded in 1753. It’s the most popular museum in the country, with over 6 million visitors a year but don’t worry, it’s big – very big, so there’s room for everyone. Where to start with this magnificent, overwhelming place, dedicated to human history, art and culture?"

"One of the world's great repositories of human civilization, the British Museum is the premier visitor attraction in the whole of the…"

"Even the most skint amongst us will always be able to enjoy the popular activity of walking around Tate Modern and asking: ‘...but is it art?. ’ The contemporary art haven is one of the most popular venues in the capital, and no one visit is ever the same. A rolling programme of intriguing commissions from some of world’s most exciting artists means there’s always a surprise around the corner, while the permanent collection offers the chance to see art by the big guys, including Picasso, Matisse and Rothko."

"If modern culture is more your style, we highly recommend a visit to the Tate Modern. From William Blake to Andy Warhol, you’ll find some of the most revered pieces of modern art housed in this red-brick temple of Brutalist architecture. The interior is almost as striking as the art it houses, with the mesmerisingly modern turbine room welcoming you to an afternoon of cultural exploration."

"Tate Modern has been one of the top London attractions since its opening in 2000. It houses the Tate’s contemporary art collection in one of the most outstanding exhibition spaces in the world, the former Bankside Power Station. It’s also occasionally used as a concert venue, such as when German electronic pioneers Kraftwerk performed a series of shows there."

"Trafalgar Square is home to the National Gallery, an art museum that opened in 1824 and currently has over 2,000 paintings hanging on the walls. The National Gallery was visited by 5.2 million people in 2017, taking in paintings from well-known artists including Cezanne, Michelangelo and Van Gogh. Housing priceless works such as these, it is one of the busiest museums in the world, alongside the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum of Art."

"The crowning glory of Trafalgar Square, London's National Gallery is a vast space filled with western European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Find works by masters such as Van Gogh, da Vinci, Botticelli, Constable, Renoir, Titian and Stubbs. Some exhibitions require tickets."

"Quick Tip: Get here about 20 minutes before the National Gallery opens as it can get quite busy later in the morning. National Gallery(free to the public)"

"What makes the National Portrait Gallery so compelling is its familiarity; in many cases, you’ll have heard of the subject (royals, scientists, politicians, celebrities) or the artist (Andy Warhol, Annie Leibovitz, Lucian Freud) but not necessarily recognise the face. Highlights include the famous ‘Chandos portrait’, thought to be of William Shakespeare (room 4), the first artwork the gallery acquired (in 1856), and a touching sketch of novelist Jane Austen by her sister (room 18)."

"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."

"National Portrait Gallery / Self-Portrait As A Soldier By Ludwig Kirchner. Before there were selfies, you basically had to hire someone to paint you in order for your face to be immortalised for all to see. Next door to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, the National Portrait Gallery houses a collection of portraits of historically famous British people."

"Wallace collection displays magnificent artworks in the historic London town. It has some of the most amazing old paintings, decorative arts, and world-class armouries. This stunning London museum is free and also has a glazed courtyard restaurant."

"One of London's most beloved art collections, the Courtauld is to your right as you pass through the archway into the grounds of the…"

"It’s one of the country’s most celebrated gallery spaces, which is no small achievement seeing as that’s the Royal Academy’s side gig. The 250 year old RA started out as and continues to be a functioning art school, but is known to most for its world-class exhibitions. It doesn’t have its collection on permanent display, so puts all its oomph into blockbuster shows, ranging in recent years from an Ai Weiwei show to an exploration of abstract expressionism."

"Walk through the gates off Piccadilly to the Annenberg Courtyard and into the Royal Academy of Arts. Founded in 1768, it's home to an ever-changing programme of exciting blockbuster exhibitions. Highlights include Queen Victoria's paintbox and the only Michelangelo sculpture in the UK."

"The Royal Academy of Arts is the first art institution in England. It was established in 1768 and since 1868 it has been based in Burlington House on Piccadilly. In 1998 it expanded to the Burlington Gardens building."

"Housed in the old Hampstead Central Library on Finchley Road, Camden Arts Centre began life as a local initiative, providing art classes for the community. Now, it is a powerhouse of contemporary art showing ambitious exhibitions by well-known British and international artists such as Kara Walker, Rose English, Ben Rivers and Jennifer Tee. The bookshop stocks a range of artist’s editions, and the garden is the perfect spot for a sunny afternoon."

"In 1965 a former library was converted into a gallery to promote contemporary art. The exhibitions feature emerging artists, international artists debuting in London, significant historic figures who have inspired contemporary practice, and group shows relevant to current debate. Arkwright Road, NW3 6DG Free entrycamdenartscentre.org"

"The Bankside Gallery in London was opened in 1980 by Her Majesty, the Queen. The public gallery, located near the Thames, houses the Royal Watercolour Society and Royal Society of Painter Printmakers. The gallery displays rotating exhibits focused on modern watercolours and prints."

"With three London vegan restaurants under their belt now, The Gate are dab-hands when it comes to the meat and dairy free. Head to their swanky Marylebone spot for a slap-up meal of interesting, gastro inspired vegan dishes."

"The Gate is a Brick Lane restaurant with a drop-dead gorgeous outdoor terrace. Offering sleek furnishings, incredible views of the surrounding city and a menu of top-quality organic dishes, this is a real all-rounder."

"No list of restaurants with the best views in London would be complete without some mention of The Shard: the city’s tallest building, towering 306m above ground. Half way up on the 31st floor you’ll find Aqua, an upscale, stylish spot with floor-to-ceiling windows. Nab a table beside one of them for a truly breathtaking dining experience – particularly at night, when the London panorama is lit up with thousands of twinkling lights."

"Fast becoming one of the most iconic views of London, Aqua Shard is the ultimate venue for special occasions. Offering a modern take on traditional British produce, the chic interiors include soaring floor-to-ceiling windows, revealing a panoramic view of London’s skyline.aquashard.co.uk"

"The Shard has earned itself the title of London’s best views. I mean, seriously name a better view of London, we’ll wait. With wonderful views, modern British cuisine, private dining rooms and a three-storey high atrium bar this venue is destined for spectacular events."

"This bar and restaurant is in Devonshire Square, tucked away moments from Liverpool Street. It’s part of the Drake & Morgan group, and the food menu is pretty generic featuring nibbles, sharing boards, grills and burgers alongside an extensive cocktail and wine list. drakeandmorgan.co.uk/devonshire-terrace"

"From dining on all-day dishes on the outdoor terrace to grabbing a quick bite to eat before heading to Liverpool Street Station, Devonshire Terrace is a pretty spot for lunch in the City. Make it your go-to for client meetings, taking a break from hectic work day, or just chilling on a day off."

"Aussie-inspired spot Darcie & May Green welcomes brunchers on board all week long, allowing them to dine in the unique surrounds of a barge decorated by legendary pop artist Sir Peter Blake. Fresh flavours come in the form of sweetcorn fritters and poached eggs served with veggies including smashed avocado and corn ribs, as well as Graceburn feta and a habanero and almond puree. Meat-craving diners can tuck into The Bondi, a fry-up featuring chilli and fennel sausage and activated charcoal sourdough toast."

"Restaurants Global Paddington. A kid-friendly winner for brunch on the water, these two barges on the Grand Union Canal look like floating pieces of art. With owners from Down Under, it’s no surprise that there are flat whites and slices of banana bread for breakfast, plus a daytime menu of fair dinkum Aussie-inspired dishes."

"Elevate your weekend plans by climbing aboard Darcie & May Green's colourful narrowboat. Permanently docked on the Grand Union Canal in Paddington, this beautiful London brunch spot is known for its offering of Aussie-inspired cuisine and fruity tipples."