The National Gallery in London holds one of the world's great collections of European painting, from the thirteenth century to around 1900, and it costs nothing to walk in. The gallery fills the north side of Trafalgar Square, so a visit to the National Gallery London fits naturally into a day around Westminster, Covent Garden and the West End.
Why visit the National Gallery
The collection is not enormous by the standards of some European museums, which is part of its appeal. Almost every room holds something famous: works by Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Rembrandt, Velázquez, Turner, Constable, Monet and Van Gogh, among many others. Because the collection belongs to the nation, entry has always been free, and many Londoners drop in for half an hour just to see one or two favourite pictures.
The building has had a major refresh in recent years, including the renovated Sainsbury Wing, which reopened as part of the gallery's bicentenary celebrations and now offers a brighter main entrance from the square.
Getting to the National Gallery by Tube
The closest station is Charing Cross, on the Northern and Bakerloo lines. Exits come up on and around Trafalgar Square, a few minutes' walk from the gallery entrances. Leicester Square on the Northern and Piccadilly lines is a similar short walk from the north side, and Embankment on the District, Circle, Bakerloo and Northern lines is a little further down towards the river.
- The gallery has entrances on Trafalgar Square and through the Sainsbury Wing on the west side. Step-free access is available; check the gallery's accessibility page for details.
- Many central bus routes stop on Trafalgar Square itself, which can be easier than the Tube for short hops.
- Contactless and Oyster cards work on both the Tube and buses.
Tickets and opening hours at the National Gallery London
General entry is free. You may be able to book a free timed entry slot online, which can help at busy times, and walk-up visitors are usually welcomed when there is space. Some temporary exhibitions are ticketed, and those are best booked in advance. Opening hours, including any late evening openings, are on the official website, nationalgallery.org.uk.
Bags are checked at the entrance, and large suitcases are not allowed in the building.
Paintings to look for
Pick up a floor plan or use the gallery's website to locate these, because works are occasionally moved or loaned:
Van Gogh's Sunflowers
One of the gallery's most visited pictures, usually surrounded by a small crowd. It is worth waiting for a clear view.
The Fighting Temeraire and The Hay Wain
Turner's old warship towed against a blazing sunset and Constable's quiet Suffolk scene are two of the best-loved British paintings anywhere.
The Arnolfini Portrait
Jan van Eyck's small, astonishingly detailed double portrait rewards a close look, especially the convex mirror on the back wall.
The Rokeby Venus
Velázquez's only surviving female nude is a highlight of the Spanish collection.
Leonardo's Virgin of the Rocks
One of two versions of this painting (the other is in the Louvre), it is a calm, mysterious picture that is worth a few quiet minutes. Nearby rooms hold other Italian Renaissance masterpieces.
Best time to visit and how long to stay
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are usually calmest. Weekends and rainy afternoons fill up quickly, especially in the rooms holding the most famous Impressionist paintings. If the gallery has a late opening during your trip, it is a relaxed time to visit.
Two hours is enough to see the main highlights at a comfortable pace. Art lovers could spend a whole day and still miss rooms. Because entry is free, splitting the visit over two shorter trips is a sensible option if you are in London for several days.
Nearby on the same stop
Charing Cross station puts you at one of London's main crossroads:
- National Portrait Gallery: just around the corner, with portraits of famous Britons from the Tudors to today.
- Trafalgar Square: Nelson's Column, the lions and the Fourth Plinth with its rotating contemporary artworks.
- St Martin-in-the-Fields: the church on the square's north-east corner, known for concerts and the café in its crypt.
- Covent Garden: a short walk north-east for the market building and street performers.
To find more places near this station, open the National Gallery on Around the Metro, or browse the London Underground map.