British Museum Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the British Museum. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• British Museum London Guided Tour Semi-Private 8ppl Max

• The British Museum London - Exclusive Guided Museum Tour

• Private Day Tours in London

• Private Guided Tour of the British Museum - Tickets Included

• British Museum Guided Tour with Priority Timeslots (Small Group)

General admission to the British Museum is free, and timed entry slots can be booked in advance. For many travelers, guided tours upgrade the experience—ensuring you make the most of the massive museum. Guided group tours of the galleries start at US$49, with private options starting at US$109.

Yes, the British Museum is worth visiting. It's home to millions of artifacts, including iconic treasures like the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon, and a bust of Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II. Major holdings from the Americas include a turquoise-covered Aztec serpent and a carved Haida pole from British Columbia.

Per one customer who booked the British Museum London Guided Tour Semi-Private 8ppl Max, "This was a wonderful experience for my family. Our guide, Ivo, provided an engaging and insightful introduction to the museum's many marvels. He was extremely knowledgeable and shared details we would have otherwise missed—details that truly sparked our curiosity and deepened our appreciation of the works on display. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants a richer understanding of the museum's collection."

It takes around three hours to complete the Museum Trail—a route suggested by the British Museum. This covers the museum’s highlights, such as the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures, and reveals artifacts from across human history. There’s also an express 1-hour route if you're short on time.

No, there is no dress code for the British Museum. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the museum’s colossal size means you’ll be doing plenty of steps, and take some lightweight layers—in the summer, the atrium can get hot. You must undergo a quick security check on entry if you take a bag.

The best day to visit the British Museum is Wednesday, outside European school holidays. Most European travelers spend a long weekend in London—typically from Thursday to Tuesday—so you'll miss the majority. Alternatively, head to the museum early and spread out your visits over a few days.

You can't bring food and drinks into the museum, as you cannot consume anything inside the galleries. You can, however, eat and drink in the museum forecourt or in the on-site cafe, where you can buy hot and cold drinks and a selection of European-style snacks.

Depending on which part of the British Museum you’re in, you might experience temperatures ranging from warm to slightly colder. On hot days, the sun tends to stream through the glass-paneled atrium, making it feel much warmer. Take an extra layer and a bottle of water to account for all climates.

Yes, there are restrooms at the British Museum. You’ll find accessible toilets on the museum’s three floors, which you can travel between using the stairs or the elevator. There are also baby changing facilities, baby feeding stations, and a cloakroom.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the British Museum. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in London:

• Buckingham Palace

• Tower of London

• Stonehenge

• Westminster Abbey

• Parliament & Big Ben

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in London.