Hotels near Tate Modern

Housed inside the colossal former Bankside Power Station, Tate Modern is one of the most visited contemporary art galleries in the world - and it is entirely free. The permanent collection includes major works by Picasso, Warhol, Rothko, Dali, and Ai Weiwei, spread across the building's dramatic industrial spaces. The Turbine Hall, a vast ground-floor space, hosts large-scale commissioned installations that regularly become cultural events in their own right.

The Switch House extension offers a free viewing platform on the 10th floor with sweeping views across the Thames to St Paul's Cathedral and the City skyline. Tate Modern sits at the southern end of the Millennium Bridge, making it natural to combine with a visit to St Paul's directly across the river. The gallery's restaurant on the 9th floor is excellent for a meal with a view, though booking ahead is wise.

Pro Tip: Head straight to the 10th floor viewing platform for the panoramic vista before exploring the galleries below. The Members Room on the 6th floor is open to all during quiet periods and serves excellent coffee with river views.