Madame Tussauds London is the famous wax museum on Marylebone Road, where you can pose next to lifelike figures of royals, film stars, singers, sports heroes and world leaders. It has been one of London's best-known paid attractions for generations, and while it is unashamedly touristy, it is a fun stop for families and anyone who enjoys a photo opportunity. It is right by Baker Street station, which makes it easy to fit into a day.
Why visit Madame Tussauds London
Marie Tussaud was a wax modeller who learned her craft in Paris and brought her touring exhibition to Britain in the early nineteenth century. Her collection eventually settled in London, and the attraction has been on Marylebone Road since the late nineteenth century. Today it is run by Merlin Entertainments, which operates Madame Tussauds in many cities around the world.
The figures are the main draw. Visitors move through themed areas, getting close to the models and taking photos. Figures are updated regularly to reflect who is famous now, so even repeat visitors will find something new.
Getting to Madame Tussauds London by Tube
The nearest station is Baker Street, one of the oldest stations on the Underground, served by the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines. Leave by the Marylebone Road exit, and the attraction, with its distinctive green dome, is a couple of minutes' walk to the east.
Regent's Park station on the Bakerloo line is also close, and Great Portland Street (Metropolitan, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines) is a short walk east along Marylebone Road.
Madame Tussauds London tickets
Entry is paid, and prices vary by date and time. Buying tickets online in advance is usually cheaper than paying at the door, and it guarantees a time slot. Combination tickets with other Merlin attractions, such as the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium and the London Dungeon, can offer savings if you plan to visit several. Some London attraction passes also include it. Check the official website, madametussauds.com, for current prices and opening times.
Opening hours vary by season, with longer hours during school holidays.
What to expect inside
Celebrity and royal figures
The heart of the visit is the gallery of figures: members of the royal family, Hollywood actors, pop stars, sports stars and political leaders. There are usually areas built around film franchises and superheroes as well.
The taxi ride through London history
The Spirit of London ride carries visitors in miniature black cab pods through scenes from the city's past.
Interactive experiences
Expect themed rooms, photo set-ups and short shows. The exact line-up changes over time, so check what is currently on before you go if there is something particular you want to see.
Tips for your visit
Charge your phone before you arrive, as most people take a lot of photos. Pre-booked time slots help you avoid the long queue that can build outside on Marylebone Road. Some areas may include special effects, sudden noises or darker rooms that can startle small children. Once inside, you move through the attraction along a set route, so take your time at the figures you most want to see.
If you are planning several Merlin attractions in one trip, compare combination tickets and passes carefully, as the best value depends on how many you will really have time for.
Best time to visit and how long
Early morning slots on weekdays outside school holidays are the quietest. Afternoons, weekends and holiday periods can get very crowded, which makes it harder to take photos. Allow around two hours for a typical visit.
Nearby on the same stop
Baker Street is a good base for a mix of sights:
- Regent's Park: one of London's loveliest royal parks, a few minutes' walk north, with Queen Mary's Gardens.
- Sherlock Holmes Museum: at 221b Baker Street, devoted to the fictional detective.
- Marylebone High Street: independent shops, bookshops and cafes to the south.
- The Wallace Collection: a free museum of art and armour in a historic townhouse, a walk south via Marylebone.
Find more around Baker Street on the Madame Tussauds London page, or browse our London guide by station.