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Luckily for those educational and history buffs, you are never too far from a museum in the capital city of London. With free museums, national museums, and those specializing in some weird things (no, really), there really is something for everyone. With over 170 museums in this bustling metropolis, it is no easy feat to decide which museum you want to visit first on your English holiday.

Let’s go over the top 10 museums in London that you absolutely MUST visit.

Tate Modern

London Tate Modern – By Txllxt TxllxT / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

This riverside museum is one of Londo’s most iconic and popular art galleries. With an international art collection of modern and contemporary works, this beautiful building is worth visiting in its own right, with an outdoor space, views of the Thames, and containing plenty of history.

Containing permanent collections, the temporary exhibitions also are popular amongst the never-ending influx of tourists all-year-round. Head here if you want to enjoy some modern artwork and an incredible view of the London skyline.

National Maritime Museum

National Maritime Museum Greenwich UK – By By 袙胁谢邪褋械薪泻芯 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=84753383

Are you a maritime buff? Check out the collection of naval memorabilia, maps, and maritime art that is part of the Royal Museums, Greenwich, and the Royal Observatory. After you are done spending some time inside, take a short walk over to Greenwich Park to enjoy a southern view of the Thames.

British Museum

British Museum Great Court London UK – By By Diliff – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29904221

When this museum first opened in 1759, it was the first national museum to be open to the public from anywhere in the world. Luckily, this museum has kept its word over the subsequent generations – it is still free to visit, every day of the year.

One of the world’s most popular attractions gaining over 6 million visitors per year, the museum features numerous galleries that are divided by locations and periods in history, like Ancient Greece, Roman Britain, and modern collections. With daily free activities for kids, this is a great place for the entire family.

National Gallery

National Gallery Trafalgar Square London – By CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=826817

First established in 1842 as a new art collection to educate visitors, the National Gallery has grown from housing just 38 pictures to now containing over 2,300 works of art, training from medieval paintings to Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers.”

With free sessions for families on Sundays, blockbuster exhibitions, and music concerts, there are numerous activities that people of all ages can enjoy at this popular museum. Close to the heart of London at Trafalgar Square, this museum is easy to get to, welcoming to all, and free to visit.

Design Museum

The Design Museum London – By By CVB – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87008629

Located in an ideal spot right in the heart of Kensington, this new-and-improved building contains some of the best designs in the entire world. The only place in the entire UK where the design industry and educational qualities come together, this museum is determined to change the way people think about themselves, their city, and their future. With an extremely modern exterior, this awe-inspiring architecture continues with jaw-dropping design inside of the building as well. For those interested in architecture, sharp angles, and unique pieces of construction, this museum is a must-visit for tourists in the area.

Science Museum

Science Museum – By CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=475146

Did you major in science or biology in college? Even if you didn’t, you’re going to love this museum! Founded in the mid 19th century, this seven-floor museum features hands-on exhibits, crazy inventions, unique machines, and innovative inventions that were featured throughout history. Located in South Kensington, this museum contains an IMAX cinema, toy-filled gift shop, and the Dana Centre, featuring free lectures and performance events for adult education.

Imperial War Museum

Imperial War Museum Front – By Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=126262

This Lambeth museum can open peoples’ eyes to the conflict, the turmoil, and the daily lives of British citizens who had to live through the First World War – and how they survived. Just a few minutes on foot from the Waterloo tube station, this museum contains various permanent galleries, like the Curiosities of War, and features interesting temporary displays, like more recent and modern conflicts, such as terrorist attacks and potential political fights.

For those who are interested in the World Wars, the terrors of the Holocaust, and digital and moving exhibitions, head here for an intense and educational look into the effects of anti-Semitism and concentration camps.

London Transport Museum

London Transport Museum buses – By By Original author: SolGrundy @ FlickrUploaded to English Wikipedia by Sue WallaceTransferred to Commons by User:Oxyman – Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4494836

Who doesn’t love the double-decker red buses that zoom around the congested streets of London? Every tourist wants to take a ride on the open-top, two-story bus, looking at the historical sights, beautiful buildings, and quaint pubs as they zip around the city of London.

If you are curious to learn a little bit more about all things London Transport, then this Covent Garden museum features examples of tube trains, maps, signs, and transport uniforms, capturing the London transport scene from the mid 19th century until today.

Victoria and Albert Museum

London Cromwell Gardens – Victoria & Albert Museum – By By Txllxt TxllxT – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61751703

Located in the heart of South Kensington, this museum contains one of the best collections in the entire world for decorative art, textiles, and fashion. They consider themselves the world’s leading museum in terms of art, design, and performance – so you need to check this statement out yourself. The permanent exhibits are free to visit (that’s right, you can avoid the queue at the corner ATM), and the outdoor courtyard boasts great views, amazing cake, and a lovely little sun trap on those rare, sunny days.

London is no stranger to museums and worldly collections. On the next rainy day, choose one of these educational, historical, and interesting museums to take the gloom out of the cloudy afternoon.