The British Museum: London’s Iconic Hub for Art Lovers

The British Museum is more than just a tourist magnet in London’s centre—it’s basically a rite of passage, even for locals who think they’ve seen it all. Tucked in Bloomsbury, just a short stroll from Tottenham Court Road and Holborn tube stations, the museum is free (really), which makes it one of the best no-cost things to do in London. It’s open daily; weekdays are less crowded if you’re trying to dodge the weekend rush.

Heading in, don’t bother queuing at the main entrance on Great Russell Street if it looks mad—locals use the Montague Place side entrance for a faster dash inside. Lockers are near the cloakroom and you’ll want to leave your oversized bags there, since the staff can be strict about what you carry.

Food inside is pricey, so if you’re planning a proper London day out, pop to the tiny Gails bakery round the corner for a cinnamon bun before you go in, or save your appetite for one of the classic local pubs like The Museum Tavern opposite the main gates—pint and a pie, sorted.

• Setting the Scene: The British Museum in London’s Heart
• Iconic Masterpieces and Local Favourites
• Practical Tips for Visiting Like a Londoner
• Beyond the Museum: Bloomsbury Secrets and Neighbourhood Eats

Setting the Scene: The British Museum in London’s Heart

The British Museum sits right in the thick of things in Bloomsbury, just off Oxford Street and minutes from both Soho and Covent Garden. It’s not hidden away—this place is smack in the middle of London’s action. If you’re taking the Tube, Tottenham Court Road, Russell Square, and Holborn stations make it easy, and there are plenty of red London buses along New Oxford Street too.

The museum opened in 1759 and has been growing ever since. It was the first free national public museum in the world, and it gets about 6 million visitors a year. That’s more than Wembley Stadium holds in an entire football season. Locals swing by all the time; some come to work in the massive Reading Room, others nip in for just one exhibit on their lunch break.

Here’s a quick look at who you’ll see sharing the galleries with you on an average day:

If you want a peaceful wander, weekday mornings are your best bet—school groups pile in from 10am most days, and it’s busier when blockbuster shows are on. Don’t miss the museum’s Friday late openings; locals know it’s the best time to see the famous bits without elbowing through a crowd.

Inside, the building itself is a showstopper. The Great Court is covered by a massive glass roof and the natural light makes it a popular spot for a coffee or a breather. No ticket needed to get in: the regular galleries are all free, but you might pay a fee for special exhibitions.

Iconic Masterpieces and Local Favourites

If you ask anyone about the British Museum, chances are they’ll bring up the Rosetta Stone. Found on the ground floor in Room 4, it’s probably the most stared-at object in the whole building. If you want a less crowded view, swing by near closing time. Another huge draw is the Elgin Marbles (officially, the Parthenon Sculptures) in Room 18, which always sparks a bit of London pub debate—should they stay here, or head back to Greece?

The Egyptian mummies are a hit with everyone, especially kids. You’ll find them on the upper floors in Rooms 62 and 63. Check out the mummy of Katebet for intricate ancient jewelry—seriously detailed stuff. Down the hall, there’s the Sutton Hoo helmet from Suffolk, England. It’s about as British as it gets—think Anglo-Saxon Game of Thrones.

While the old favourites get the spotlight, most Londoners have their own hidden gems. Look for the Lewis Chessmen in Room 40. They’re these quirky chess pieces from medieval Scotland, and they’ve even popped up in the Harry Potter films. Nearby, the Samurai armour in Room 93 is worth a look, especially if you’re into classic Japanese design—with less of a crowd compared to the blockbuster shows.

Here are a few things not to miss and where to find them:

• Moai head from Easter Island: Room 24 (nearly everyone does a double take at its size)
• Hoa Hakananai’a: Same room as above, a favourite for Instagram
• The Oxus Treasure: Room 52, loads of finely crafted Persian gold
• Assyrian Lion Hunt reliefs: Room 10b, proper ancient action scenes

If you like numbers, check this out—the museum has over 8 million objects, but less than 1% is on show at any time. Here’s a rough breakdown of the crowd favourites by annual visitor numbers (pre-pandemic):

London’s weather rarely stops play, but the museum can get packed. Want to see these treasures with fewer people around? Plan your visit for a weekday, and try late afternoon, when the school groups start heading home. Late openings on Fridays (open till 8:30 pm) are golden for wandering in peace.

Practical Tips for Visiting Like a Londoner

Right, if you want to avoid the rookie mistakes at the British Museum, it’s all about timing and knowing the shortcuts. Most Londoners won’t touch the place on Saturdays; it’s packed from the moment the doors open at 10am till they close at 5pm. If you can, hit up the museum before lunchtime on a weekday—ideally just after 10am or any time after 3pm. Wednesday and Friday evenings (open till 8:30pm) are also a winner for late-night exploring without the crowds.

The museum is massive, so don’t try to cover everything unless you fancy walking several miles inside. Locals usually pick two or three galleries per visit. Always grab a paper map from the info desk by the main entrance, or download the British Museum app for a proper walkabout. The WiFi is free and actually works.

• Coats and rucksacks slow you down—use the £2 lockers by the back entrance on Montague Place.
• The ground floor’s Great Court Café isn’t your only option, but it does make a solid pit stop if you need decent coffee. Otherwise, check out the family-friendly Pizzeria just off Room 12.
• Photography is allowed (except in special exhibitions), but tripods and selfie sticks are out. Security will stop you if you try.
• Pushchairs and wheelchairs can go everywhere, and lifts link all floors. The museum is fully accessible.
• There are free gallery talks daily—usually at 1:15pm. No need to book, but get there a few minutes early to snag a spot.

To put things in perspective, the museum welcomed around 4.6 million visitors in 2023:

Loads of Londoners swear by solo visits with headphones for a chill afternoon, but if you’re coming with kids, check out the Museum Explorer trails (paper copies by the info desk) to keep them busy without overwhelming everyone. And yes, the gift shop has pretty decent postcards if you want something that won’t clutter your flat.

Beyond the Museum: Bloomsbury Secrets and Neighbourhood Eats

Once you’ve checked off the main galleries inside the British Museum, you’re in Bloomsbury—one of London’s most interesting spots for wandering and snacking. This area is jam-packed with hidden gems, from peaceful squares to indie coffee shops locals actually use, far removed from the rush near Oxford Street.

Russell Square’s gardens are practically on your doorstep, giving you a solid option if you want to chill on the grass with a takeaway sandwich. The famous Brunswick Centre is a 5-minute walk east—it’s got Waitrose for essentials, and independent joints like Fork Deli Patisserie if you want a quick homemade salad or pastry.

For book lovers, locally run shops like Skoob Books (underground, literally, with shelves stacked top to bottom) are musts. You’re also right by Senate House Library and the University of London, which means plenty of affordable, decent cafés—think Store Street Espresso for some of the city’s best flat whites.

If you want something more filling than snacks, load up at Honest Burgers (beef or vegan options, all with those famous rosemary salted fries) or swing by Pizza Sophia for a proper wood-fired slice. The atmospheric Museum Tavern serves classic British pub fare, with specials like Cumberland sausages and mash, and plenty of locals from nearby offices.

And if you’re visiting in summer, definitely check local listings for events in Bloomsbury squares, like free jazz on Fridays or open-air film at Coram’s Fields—most are targeted at people living and working in the area, but visitors blend in easily. Here’s a quick comparison of top eats and hidden gems around the British Museum:

If you’re planning your route home, both Russell Square and Tottenham Court Road tube stations are a few minutes on foot. Most places here are open seven days a week, but if you’re coming later in the evening, check hours online—spots like Store Street Espresso close by 6pm, while The Museum Tavern keeps pouring until 11.