The British Museum was one of the places I really wanted to spend time in during my London trip. It’s massive, packed with history, and best of all, it doesn’t cost anything to enter. 

the British Museum
the head and upper body of the statue of Ramesses II

I knew I wouldn’t be able to see everything in one visit, but even spending a few hours here felt completely worth it.


Where to Get Tickets for the British Museum

Entry to the British Museum’s permanent collection is free, but you still need to book a time slot in advance through their official website. Tickets don’t cost anything, but slots can sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons and weekends.

the British Museum
the Great Court, a glass-roofed public square that connects all wings

It’s best to book as early as you can once you know your dates. While walk-ins are sometimes allowed, having a confirmed time slot saves you from lining up and potentially being turned away if the museum is at capacity.

How to Get to the British Museum

The British Museum is very easy to reach by public transportation. The closest Tube stations are Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, Russell Square, and Goodge Street, all within a short walking distance. I used the Tube, but buses also stop nearby if you prefer staying above ground.

the British Museum
the facade of the British Museum

As usual in London, apps like Google Maps make navigating simple. Payment is easy with an Oyster card or a contactless credit or debit card.

What to Expect at the British Museum

The first thing you’ll notice when you step inside the British Museum is the sheer scale of the place. The Great Court, with its glass ceiling and the circular Reading Room at the center, is a good starting point. It’s worth taking a few minutes here to orient yourself and grab a free map, because once you head into the galleries, it’s easy to lose track of where you are.

One of the busiest areas is the Egyptian galleries, home to mummies, statues, and the Rosetta Stone. This section almost always has crowds, but it’s still fascinating to see artifacts that date back thousands of years. Even if ancient Egypt isn’t your main interest, it’s one of those collections that’s hard to skip.

the British Museum
one of the Roman Galleries

The Greek and Roman galleries are another highlight, especially the Parthenon sculptures. These rooms feel more spacious, which makes them easier to explore at a comfortable pace. I found myself lingering here longer, taking time to read the displays and look closely at the details.

Beyond those, the museum also has extensive collections covering Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. The variety is impressive, but trying to see everything in one visit isn’t realistic. It’s better to decide ahead of time which sections you’re most curious about and focus on those.

the British Museum
one of the Greek galleries

In terms of timing, most people spend around 2 to 4 hours here. You could easily stay longer, but I found that a few hours was enough to see several major sections without feeling rushed or exhausted. The museum is big, so pacing yourself really helps.

When you need a break, there are cafés inside where you can grab coffee, snacks, or a proper meal. Before leaving, I also stopped by the gift shop, which has a solid selection of books, replicas, and souvenirs tied to the collections. It’s a nice way to wrap up the visit before heading back out into the city.


The British Museum is one of those places where you could easily spend an entire day, or keep coming back on different days. Even with just a few hours, you’ll walk away having seen some truly iconic pieces of world history. If you’re visiting London and enjoy museums even just a little, this is a stop you really shouldn’t skip.