With uncounted masterpieces created by the artist-filled centuries since the Renaissance, alongside priceless works plundered from across the former British Empire, London’s art collections are both staggering and unrivalled. These, plus a thriving art scene today that continues to add modern pieces to the classics, make London an art-lover’s paradise.
The capital’s art galleries range from vast, palatial buildings filled with classical paintings, to edgy white-cube galleries where up-and-coming artists show their work.
Huge riverside museums might take up half a day as you explore dozens of themed galleries, ticking off bucket list works and learning about the evolution of painting and sculpture.
Look out for smaller specialist venues, too, and a vibrant street art scene, especially around East London.
Who to go with: tour operators
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Courtauld Gallery
London, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
Located in the elegant surroundings of Somerset House, the Courtauld combines temporary exhibitions with a permanent collection including works by Manet and Van Gogh.
The main public art gallery of Buckingham Palace, the Queens Gallery exhibits works of art from the Royal collection on a rotating basis – there are usually around 450 works on show.
Founded by sugar magnate Sir Henry Tate, Tate Britain remains a treasure trove of classical and modern British art that’s second only to the National Gallery.
Elegant gallery that’s premiered world-class artists for over a century – from modern masters such as Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, to British artists Lucian Freud and Gilbert & George.
Street artists from all over the World leave an ever changing kaleidoscope of energy and creativity on the walls of Shoreditch. Shoreditch Street Art Tours provides the best tours of London's street art. Explore the culture, the artists, the locations, the methods and the stories that have made Shoreditch being the greatest epicentre for street art in the world.
Shoreditch Street Art Tours' principal guide Dave ran his first street art tours in 2008, no street art tours have been running that long.
We are the top rated street art tour on Tripadvisor in London.
Shoreditch Street Art Tour’s guide is a pure street art specialist who has spent nearly 20 years exploring, photographing, writing about and critiquing this exciting art scene.
Shoreditch Street Art Tours will deliver an articulate and enthralling revelation of the best street art, whether it is huge murals, stencils, paste ups or small stickers.
Join this walking group tour to discover the London you won't find in the guidebooks. Travel to the heart of the vibrant East End with a local street artist or guide who is immersed in the local creative scene. On this 2-hour experience you'll discover some of the best street art in the world and understand the context of the art in in the capital's cultural and creative hub. Choose from one of two departure times when you book.
We also offer a street art workshop after the tour if you like to try it yourself. Just check our profile to see our combined Street Art Tour & Workshop
You'll be taken off the-beaten-track to discover London's best street art, murals and hidden gems you won't find in the guide books!
We'll walk the vibrant streets of Shoreditch and Hoxton, taking you into side streets and hidden alleyways to get under the skin of London's incredible street art scene.
From huge murals and intricate stencils to finely crafted bronze sculptures and miniature masterpieces painted on discarded gum, you'll hear the stories behind dozens of works.
The tour will finish at our creative warehouse space where your expert guide will teach you spray can techniques: How to spray paint free-hand, use stencils, and build up a final piece to take away with you.
Enjoy a 1.5-hour street art walking tour of some of the best street art in London, followed by a 2 hour street art workshop in which everyone is encouraged to make their own stencil and use spray paint to create their own street art masterpiece. The tour is led by a talented local street artist who will offer you a unique insight into this practice of art.
World-class culture, fashion, music, food and history – and a mind-boggling array of bucket list experiences – packed into one extraordinary, incomparable destination.
The top cities and regions for world-class art museums and cutting-edge galleries. A feast for art lovers, and home to the masterpieces everyone should see.