British Museum Tickets

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From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Anne Moni Rudolph

Anne

Feb 2026

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Visiting Tower Bridge was great and interesting. Great view 👌✌️ The Tower was also beautiful. But it wasn't my first visit.
Marcela González Smith
MX

Marcela

Mexico
Jan 2026

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+1 more

A fabulous place that transports you back in time, a site steeped in history with impressive galleries. Inside and outside the castle there are beautiful places to take photos, and the crown jewels are also fabulous to admire. My husband gave me a ring for our 25th anniversary. Afterwards, walk across London Bridge, enjoying the views and the great structure of the bridge. Leave your fear behind and walk on the glass of the bridge... enjoy it to the fullest!
Shreya Bhan
IN

Shreya

India
Dec 2025

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Collection and library, I really liked. The grandeurs and story written how those are refurbished by British Museum is really good to know.
Lynne Johnson
GB

Lynne

United Kingdom
Nov 2025

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It was extremely easy to book the tickets. They were easily accessible on the app. We thoroughly enjoyed the British Museum, ooohhhing and aaaarrrrggging at the amazing exhibits. The onto the London Eye for another amazing time. I would without recommend the Headout offers and easy to use app.
Andrea O Perez

Andrea

Aug 2025

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It was worth every penny to beat the lines - we walked in past huge lines to get in. I felt like royalty! The guides were knowledgable, friendly and professional. I was traveling on my own and they took extra care to ensure I was informed and comfortable. I wouldn't hesitate to book again wiith this group.
Alan Ian Clayton
GB

Alan

United Kingdom
Jan 2026
Absolutely amazing all the employees working there apart from the guy on the door at the front of the building was great the people playing the characters absolutely fantastic look forward to going again
Fatima

Fatima

Aug 2025
Great way to see the main sights. The river cruise was especially pretty at sunset. Some attractions were busier than I expected but overall worth it.
Felix

Felix

Aug 2025
Pretty good value for the money. Did get stuck in a line at the zoo but otherwise zipped through. Don’t forget to check closing times.

Top things to do in London

What to expect at the British Museum

british museum tickets
british museum tickets
british museum tickets
british museum tickets
british museum tickets
Female guide explaining artifacts to tourists inside the British Museum, London.
1/6

Extensive collection from everywhere, all through time

Over 8 million artifacts, from the Elgin Marbles and the Egyptian mummies to the Rosetta Stone, tell the story of humanity for the past two million years.

Get a front-row seat to the past

From the Sophilos Vase to the Parthenon Sculptures, see historically and culturally significant objects.

An architectural feast for the eyes

The Great Court, with its massive glass roof and spacious design, designed by Sir Norman Foster, is a sight to behold.

Special exhibitions, all the time

The museum keeps things fresh with special exhibits on various topics and themes, from famous artists to specific historical periods. So you can always come back again and again and see something new and engaging!

Educational opportunities

Whether you're a kid or an adult, the museum has educational programs, talks, and workshops to keep your brain buzzing, making it a great place for learning and discovery.

Don't just see, experience

Take a guided tour of the British Museum. Unlock hidden stories and must-see treasures, and navigate its vast collection efficiently. Your guide transforms an overwhelming visit into an unforgettable journey.

Things to know before you book British Museum tickets

Ticket types and entry options

  • General entry to the British Museum is free, but you still need to pre-book a timed slot. Without one, you won’t be allowed in—even if entry is technically free.
  • For a seamless entry, go for skip-the-line or priority entry options—they bypass the main queue, though security checks still apply.

What’s included in your ticket

Pick a ticket based on what you want to see. Depending on what you book, your visit may include:

  • Entry to the museum and permanent exhibitions
  • Access to restaurants, gift shops, the Reading Room, study areas, and library
  • Paid-entry exhibitions (if added)
  • Upgrade options like audio guides or guided tours
  • Combo deals pair the museum with London Eye or Tower of London tickets—ideal for a full day of sightseeing.

Guided vs self-guided visits

  • Guided tours (max 15 guests) provide deep context and cover museum highlights efficiently—great if you’re short on time.
  • Audio tours allow independent discovery at your pace, with rich commentary in multiple languages.

Skip-the-line entry is included in both options, helping you dodge the worst of the crowds.

Your British Museum ticket options explained

Standard tickets

Duration: Flexible (self-paced)

✅ British Museum entry and access to permanent exhibitions
✅ Access to Reading Room, study rooms, shops & cafes

Ideal for budget-friendly and self-paced exploration.

Recommended ticket:
British Museum Entry Ticket

Special access & exclusive experiences

Duration: 1–2 hours

✅ Small group of 6 or fewer guests
✅ Afternoon tea inside the museum

Unwind and soak in the historic ambiance over elegant treats and tea.

Recommended ticket:
Afternoon Tea at the British Museum

Guided tours

Duration: 2–2.5 hours

✅ Skip-the-line entry
✅ Expert-led overview of key highlights
✅ Small group format (max 15 guests)

Gain a structured overview of the museum's major collections with commentary and historical context from a professional guide.

Recommended ticket:
British Museum Small-Group Guided Tour

Combo tickets

Duration: Full day (approximate)

✅ Entry to the British Museum
✅ Admission to another London attraction
✅ Single booking for multiple top-tier experiences

Maximize sightseeing with a bundled ticket that saves on time and cost when visiting more than one landmark.

Recommended tickets:
Combo: British Museum + Tower of London

Halls inside the British Museum

The Great Court

Explore the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court—Europe’s largest indoor courtyard—flooded with light. Discover African art, global exhibitions, and iconic pieces like the Lion of Knidos and Amenhotep III.

Galleries and artworks

Explore 60 galleries of global history—from Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone to African artifacts, Roman relics, South Asian treasures, and digital exhibits from the Pacific and beyond.

Exhibitions

Wander through ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome all in one place at the exhibitions. In addition, digital displays and touch screens make exploring even more fun.

Reading Room

Inspired by Rome’s Pantheon, Karl Marx, Bram Stoker and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once walked its folds. Today, it houses the archive for students and history buffs.

Library and archive

The library has over 300,000 volumes on ancient cultures to current global movements. The collection is acoins and medals.

Study rooms

Each department offers research rooms (by appointment) to explore collections up close—by region like Oceania or Greece, or by theme, like horology, coins, medals, and prints.

British Museum highlights

rosetta stone

Rosetta Stone (Room 4)

With its discovery in July 1799 near Alexandria, this fragment of an ancient stela became the key that unlocked the mysterious hieroglyphic script of ancient Egypt.

parthenon sculptures
hoa hakananai'a
lewis chessmen
crouching venus

Plan your visit to the British Museum

british museum tickets
  • Saturday to Thursday: 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4:45pm)
  • Friday: 10am to 8:30pm (last entry at 8:15pm)

Exception to opening hours:
Good Friday: There is no late night opening on April 18 (Good Friday).

Note: The galleries are cleared 10 minutes before closing time.
Closed: The Museum is closed December 24–26.

Best time to visit: To avoid crowds, visit in November and early December. The museum is busiest on weekends, school holidays, bank holidays, and festivals. Visit before 11am or after 4pm to avoid crowds.

Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom
Find on Maps

Getting there

  • By bus: 1, 8, 14, 19, 24, 25, 29, 38, 55, 59, 68, 73, 91, 98, 134, 168, 188, 242, 390
    Nearest stops: British Museum and Museum Street
  • By tube: Elizabeth, Central, Northern, Piccadilly lines
    Nearest stations: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, Russell Square, Goodge Street
  • By bicycle: Via A4
    Nearest bicycle racks: Inside the gates of the Main Entrance on Great Russell Street
  • By car: Via Charring Cross Road
    Nearest parking: NCP London Bloomsbury Square Car Park
    Disabled parking: Montague Place, Montague Street, and Coptic Street
british museum tickets

The British Museum has two entrances:

Main entrance: The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. This entry has 12 steps and a handrail.
Second entrance: Montague Place, London WC1E 7JW (your only probably entry option during busy times). Has 12 steps and an elevator.

There’s an airport style security check at both entrances, which you can’t bypass even with a priority entry ticket.

british museum tickets
  • Cloakroom: The cloakroom is right after you enter through the main entrance, on your left. You can stash your items (up to 8 kg) 1 hour before closing time, and pick them up 30 minutes before closing time for a fee.
  • Lost property: If you lose something on site, just shoot an email to lostproperty@britishmuseum.org and they'll try to help you track it down.
  • Free Wi-Fi: You can stay connected while you wander through history. Just look for the network named "British Museum WiFi" and connect.
  • Toilets: Toilets are available on Level 0 near the East Stairs, the Collections Shop, the Book Shop, and the Pizzeria.
  • Audio guide: The British Museum audio app has expert talks on 250 highlights from the collection, 65 gallery introductions, self-guided tours by theme, and an interactive map in English, Chinese, Spanish, Italian, French, Korean, Japanese, German, and British Sign Language. 
british museum tickets
  • Accessibility: Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are permitted inside the Museum.
  • Wheelchairs on loan: Manual wheelchairs are available to pre-book for free and can be collected at the main entrance.
  • Lifts: Most lifts in the Museum are wheelchair accessible, have audio announcements, and include braille signage.
  • Toilets: Accessible toilets are available in the Great Court: Level 0.
  • Guide dogs: Service, assistance, and emotional support animals are welcome. They should be identifiable as working and remain on a leash.
  • Visitors with hearing impairments: Induction Loops are installed at the Ticket Desk in the Great Court. British Sign Language Guides are available on the British Museum app.
  • Touch tours: Touch tours are free and take place daily from 11am–4pm, subject to availability, in select galleries. 
british museum tickets

There are a bunch of free activities for kids that you can collect from the Families Desk. The museum also hosts workshops during school holidays. There's a special Little Feet program for kids under 5. Plus, most special exhibits are free for kids under 16.
Families Desk opening times: 10am–12:30pm and 1:15pm–4:30pm (Weekends and school holidays)

  • Dining: All museum cafes and restaurants have high chairs on request, and there's a children's menu at the Pizzeria. You can also bring your own food to eat in the Ford Centre.
  • Prams and buggies: Prams and buggies are allowed. Fold-up prams and buggies can be left free of charge in the cloakroom.
  • Baby-changing rooms: There are baby-changing facilities at the Great Court toilet facilities, Levels 0 and 3 of the North stairs, and the Ford Centre for Young Visitors.
  • Breastfeeding: You're welcome to breastfeed or bottle-feed anywhere. The museum has special feeding rooms for extra privacy, located adjacent to the baby changing spaces.
british museum tickets
  • Photography: You can take photos and videos with a flash on your handheld camera in most parts of the museum, but commercial shoots are not allowed. Selfie sticks, tripods, and anything else that needs extra support are a no-go inside the building.
  • Prohibited items: Large luggage, sports equipment, folding bikes, scooters, skateboards, wheeled cases, and musical instruments are not allowed inside.
  • Entrance for groups: Tour groups need to enter through the Montague Place entrance. If you show up at the other entrance, you will be asked to enter through the Montague Place entrance.
  • Smoking: Smoking of any kind (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes) is a no-no inside the museum, but you can light up outside in the colonnade or forecourt area.
  • Food and drinks: Food and drinks are off-limits inside the museum (except for the cafes, restaurants, and the Great Court). Please toss your trash and uneaten food responsibly!
Tourists exploring the ancient ruins of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, with helpful tips for visitors.
  • Download the museum app or grab a map to focus on areas you care about and save time.
  • Visit iconic exhibits early (like the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies) before crowds build up.
  • Use the Montague Place entrance—it’s less busy than Great Russell Street.
  • Do not skip the temporary exhibits. These are less crowded but packed with treasures you might not see again!
  • Knowledgeable museum volunteers can point out details you might otherwise miss, so reach out when you see them!
  • Pair your visit with a London City Card for a full day of history.
british museum tickets
  • Court Cafés: Need a quick bite? Head to the Court Cafes on the ground floor of the Great Court. They have fresh sandwiches, salads, cakes, and all the usual hot and cold drinks to keep you fueled up.
  • Great Court Restaurant: Treat yourself to a sit-down meal under the amazing glass roof of the Great Court Restaurant. Reservations are essential, but they might have walk-in spots available too.
  • Pizzeria: This family-friendly spot serves up fresh, hand-tossed pizzas, salads, and yummy desserts (don't forget the gelato!). They even have gluten-free crusts and vegetarian and vegan options.
  • Coffee Lounge: Located on the first floor with a great view of the iconic Reading Room, the Coffee Lounge offers a lively atmosphere and a menu with savory meals, salads, cakes, and hot and cold drinks.
  • Outdoor dining: Grab snacks and drinks from the museum's two food trucks and enjoy them in the outdoor seating areas.
british museum tickets
  • What to expect: Browse art-inspired souvenirs and gifts inspired by the exhibitions, collect replicas of the artifacts at the museum, and buy from a wide selection of jewelry, books, fashion, homeware, and games. 
  • For children: There are British Museum-themed souvenirs that are perfect for children! You can also shop from your favorite collections at the museum, like your own Lewis Chessmen replica, a Rosetta Stone replica, gifts from the Hokusai collection, or even items celebrating cats from history!

Beyond the British Museum

London Transport Museum

Step into the London Transport Museum to explore vintage buses, trains, and classic tube posters—a nostalgic ride through the city's transit history.

Distance: 1 mile away

Book Now

National Gallery

The National Gallery houses Western European masterpieces, including da Vinci’s The Virgin of the Rocks and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.

Distance: 1.1 miles away

Book Now

SEA Life London Aquarium

Meet sharks, turtles, jellyfish, and more at SEA Life London Aquarium—an underwater world teeming with marine life.

Distance: 1.6 miles away

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions about the British Museum tickets

It depends on your interest. A brief visit might take 2–3 hours, but to fully immerse yourself, set aside at least half a day.