London · West End
National Gallery
Western European painting from the 13th to the early 20th century, on Trafalgar Square. Entry is free and you can see the highlights in two hours.
- 2 h
- Free
- Booking: not needed
- West End
Data checked on October 4, 2026
The collection runs from the 13th century to the early 20th century and includes many of the best-known European painters. Rooms are hung roughly in date order, so you can walk through the history of painting in a couple of hours. Weekday mornings and Friday evenings are the calmest times.
What to look for
- Van Gogh's Sunflowers
- Constable's The Hay Wain
- Holbein's The Ambassadors
- Turner's The Fighting Temeraire
Opening hours
| Monday | 10:00 am–6:00 pm | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00 am–6:00 pm | |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am–6:00 pm | |
| Thursday | 10:00 am–6:00 pm | |
| Friday | 10:00 am–9:00 pm | |
| Saturday | 10:00 am–6:00 pm | |
| Sunday | 10:00 am–6:00 pm |
Open daily 10:00 to 18:00, and until 21:00 on Fridays. Closed 24 to 26 December and 1 January.
Source: The National Gallery, checked October 4, 2026
Tickets and booking
Free. Entry is free. Special exhibitions are ticketed, and paintings are sometimes lent out, so check what is on display.
Getting there
Charing Cross station (Northern and Bakerloo lines) is a few minutes away, and Leicester Square is also close.