Hotels near British Museum

Housing over eight million objects spanning two million years of civilisation, the British Museum is one of the most extraordinary museums on the planet - and it will not cost you a penny. The collection includes the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon, the Sutton Hoo treasure, and an outstanding Egyptian gallery with real mummies and sarcophagi that rivals anything in Cairo. The Great Court, designed by Norman Foster, is a stunning glass-roofed atrium that serves as the museum's centrepiece.

Beyond the headline objects, seek out the Enlightenment Gallery on the ground floor - one of the most beautiful rooms in London - and the Japanese galleries on the upper levels. With over 60 galleries to explore, even a dedicated full-day visit will only scratch the surface. The museum shop is excellent, and the Great Court Restaurant offers surprisingly good food with a view of the Reading Room dome.

Pro Tip: Visit on Friday evenings when the museum stays open until 20:30 with significantly fewer visitors. The free 30-minute Eye-Opener tours are excellent for first-timers - check the daily schedule at the information desk.