Above: The Great Gallery of The Wallace Collection in London

For museum lovers, few cities can top London. It has a huge range of world-class institutions that display major pieces spanning the entirety of recorded history. Certain other metropolises can make a similar claim, but in none of them are the most important museums free to the public. The British Museum, the National Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and both Tates ask only for a modest, voluntary donation (certain special exhibitions aside).

Join Andrew Harper today to continue reading our exclusive content.