London is not just the capital of England and the United Kingdom but also the capital of museums. This Muslim-friendly city has countless museums that range from art to ancient history. It might be hard to decide which one to hit and which one to miss especially if you are short on time.
Check out these free museums in London that are perfect for budget Muslim travellers. Plus, these museums are also located near halal food so you’ll be able to enjoy a hot halal meal after browsing through the galleries.
#HZtip: Though these museums do not have any entrance fees, there are separate tickets and fees for special exhibitions.
1. British Museum
As the first public national museum in the world, the British Museum is not to be missed when in London. Muslim travellers can expect an array of exhibitions ranging from prehistory to ancient Greece. The exhibits cover human history, art and culture. The eight million works of the permanent collection here is among the largest and most comprehensive.
If you have some extra time and energy, do check out their special exhibitions which change each season. From 10 October 2019 to 23 January 2020, Muslim travellers might be interested in the exhibition that focuses on how the Islamic world impacted western art.
#HZtip: Please do note that wheeled and large bags are not permitted. Your bags and belongings will be subjected to checking before entering the museum.
Address: Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, UK
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10am – 5.30pm, Friday: 10am – 8.30pm
Admission: Free entrance, donations are welcomed
Halal Food Nearby
Antalya Restaurant – Turkish cuisine
Address: 103-105 Southampton Row, Holborn, London WC1B 4HH, UK
Hours: Daily, 8am – 12am
2. Natural History Museum
You might have heard of this museum in London due to its prominent blue whale skeleton exhibition and ornate architecture. But the Natural History Museum is known for being home to over 80 million specimens of five main collections such as botany and zoology.
Many of the collections here are of great historical and scientific value. Muslim travellers with little ones would enjoy the Natural History Museum for its interactive and insightful exhibits.
Address: The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
Hours: Daily: 10am – 5.50pm, Closed on 24 – 26 December annually
Admission: Free entrance, donations are welcomed
3. Science Museum
As one of the city’s major attractions, the Science Museum houses insightful and intriguing exhibitions. It has a collection of over 300,000 items like the famed Apollo 10 command capsule, the first jet engine and more. There’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy whether its space travel or the IMAX 3D theatre, which is taller than four double-decker buses.
Address: Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD, UK
Hours: Daily: 10am – 6pm, Closed on 24 – 26 December annually
Admission: Free entrance, donations are welcomed
4. Victoria and Albert Museum
Named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is the world’s largest museum of applied and decorative arts and design. Its collection of 2.3 million items encompasses the human creative minds around the world.
One of its most popular exhibitions in 2019 was the Christian Dior exhibit that featured the 20th century most influential couturiers. From fashion to photography, get ready to be inspired by imaginative works!
Address: Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RL, UK
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10am – 5.45pm, Friday: 10am – 10pm, Closed on 24 – 26 December annually
Admission: Free entrance, donations are welcomed
Halal Food Nearby
Gelgela Restaurant – Mediterranean, Western cuisine
Address: 97 Gloucester Rd, Kensington, London SW7 4SS, UK
Hours: Daily, 11am – 11.30pm
Comptoir Libanais – Lebanese cuisine
Address: 3 Riverside Walk, Kingston-Upon-Thames, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1QN, UK
Hours: Daily, 8am – 11pm
Alarez Lebanese Food
Address: 128 Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW3 1JD, UK
Hours: Daily, 10 am – 11.30pm
5. National Gallery
In one of the most popular attractions in London, this art museum is a definite must-visit when in Trafalgar Square. There are over 2,300 paintings that range from the mid-13th century to 1900 in the National Gallery.
Art doesn’t just live in the captivating paintings but also in the stunning architecture of the building. Spot some of the beautiful architectural features of the Barry Rooms and the colourful mosaic by Boris Anrep!
#HZtip: Please do note that there are several entrances. The Sainsbury Wing is the main entrance. Visitors should be aware that there are walk-through metal detectors. All bags will be subjected to inspection.
Address: Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 5DN, UK
Hours: Saturday – Thursday 10am – 6pm, Friday 10am – 9pm
Admission: Free entrance, donations are welcomed
Halal Food Nearby
Steak & Co., Charing Cross
Address: 3-5 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0HA, United Kingdom
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 12pm – 11pm, Friday – Sunday: 10am – 12am
Rasa Sayang Restaurant
Address: 5 Macclesfield St, London W1D 6AY, UK
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 12pm – 11pm, Friday – Saturday: 12pm – 12am, Sunday: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nusa Dua
Address: 118-120 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 5EP, UK
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 12pm – 11.30pm, Sunday: 12pm – 11pm
6. National Maritime Museum
Situated in Greenwich, the National Maritime Museum is hard to miss! The historic building is part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. You’ll wander and explore tons of interactive and insightful galleries.
The best part is the new addition of four new exhibitions such as Sea Things and Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Gallery: Polar Worlds. It’s fun for the whole family!
Address: Park Row, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 9NF, UK
Hours: Daily, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free entrance, donations are welcomed
Halal Food Nearby
Honest Burgers
Address: 8 Nelson Rd, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 9JB, UK
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11.30am – 11pm, Sunday 11.30am – 10pm
Also read: Halal Food in London: 10 Places to Visit When You’re Hungry
