If I had to use just one word to describe London’s art scene it would be buzzing! In England’s capital city, you can see all types of art – from Renaissance paintings at the National Gallery to edgy artworks at the Saatchi Gallery.
But it’s not just about galleries here – London’s streets are filled with work from street art legends like Banksy and Stik, adding splashes of color all over the city. Yep, pretty much every neighbourhood has its own creative heartbeat, whether it’s the graffiti-covered alleys of Shoreditch or the curated calm of South Kensington’s museums.
My husband is from nearby Brighton and so we’ve spent plenty of weekends in London over the years. And as art lovers what we love about London is that you can spend your morning enjoying 500+-year-old works by famous Renaissance masters like Da Vinci, before catching a VR-powered exhibition by a hot, new artist a couple of hours later.
So, if you are planning a visit to London and want to enjoy some artsy experiences, here are ten options you should add to your itinerary.
10 Artsy Things to Do in London
1. Visit the Tate Modern on the South Bank
Housed in a former power station overlooking the Thames, the Tate Modern is one of the most iconic galleries in the world. Here you can see mind-bending installations, boundary-pushing sculptures, and incredible works by art legends like Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney.
You’ll probably spend the best part of a day here, given how much there is to see. That said, make a point of heading up to the viewing platform, which offers epic views of the city skyline, which you can enjoy for free.
2. Try a Paint and Sip Class at Pinot & Picasso
If you’d rather unleash your inner artist instead of taking in the works of some of the greats, consider a trip to Pinot & Picasso.
Located in Shoreditch, their studio blends step-by-step painting instruction with a glass of wine (or two!) and loads of good vibes.
No one takes themselves too seriously here, and it’s the perfect way to mix creativity and fun with family and friends. You also get to take your artwork home with you, which is a nice little bonus.
3. See the Bold Street Art of Shoreditch
Talking of Shoreditch, this is definitely a place where London’s creative spirit spills onto the streets.
From massive murals to stencil graffiti, it’s a hotbed for artists like Banksy and other emerging street talent.
You can take a guided street art tour of London or just let your feet and camera guide you around colourful laneways like Brick Lane and Rivington Street.
4. Explore the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square
A visit to London’s National Gallery is a must for anyone who loves art.
Situated in Westminster, it famously houses over 2,300 works dating from the mid-13th century to the 19th century. It actually opened in 1824 and is home to wonderful pieces by such luminaries as Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Rembrandt.
This is another venue that is completely free to enter. It’s a good idea to go as soon as it opens or about 90 minutes before it closes to avoid the crowds.
5. Book a Performance at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
If you want to see something other than paintings or sculptures, head over to Shakespeare’s Globe in Southwark.
This faithful reconstruction of the original open-air theatre brings the Bard’s best works to life. So, it is definitely worth booking a ticket to watch a performance.
Whether you go for a standing ticket in the “pit” or a seated spot in the gallery, you’ll get to enjoy an immersive slice of history and creativity from brilliant actors and actresses.
6. Browse the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea
Located in a grand building just off King’s Road, the Saatchi Gallery is known for showcasing contemporary art in London in all its thought-provoking glory.
The exhibitions here often feature emerging talent that gives you a fresh take on current social, political, and cultural themes.
7. Snap Artistic Photos at Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel
This next one is off-the-beaten-path, yes, hidden beneath Waterloo Station is a constantly evolving showcase of legal street art called – The Leake Street Tunnel.
While it’s grungy, raw, and a little bit edgy, don’t be afraid to go there. This place has a vibrant energy that is ideal if you’re looking for something offbeat. Expect to see spray cans in action, avant-garde murals, and plenty of Instagrammable backdrops.
8. Take a Pottery or Life Drawing Class in Hackney
If you’re keen to try something a bit more hands-on, consider signing up for a pottery wheel session or a life drawing class.
All over London, but especially in Hackney, you will find independent studios where you can create your own masterpiece while meeting fellow creatives.
It’s a great way to connect with the city’s grassroots art scene, gain creative inspiration from others, and even make new friends.
9. Experience an Immersive Exhibition at Frameless or Lightroom
If you love digital art and immersive experiences, these two venues are not to be missed.
Frameless uses floor-to-ceiling projections to bring classic paintings to life, while Lightroom offers multi-sensory exhibitions like David Hockney: Bigger & Closer.
If you want to see something artistic but a little bit different, you will love both these exhibitions!
10. Pop into the V&A Museum in South Kensington
Boasting more than 2.8 million objects in its collection, the Victoria and Albert Museum is another treasure trove of decorative arts and design.
Launched in 1852, this is a place to see exhibits and displays relating to fashion, sculpture, textiles, jewellery, and photography, all under one majestic roof.
Again, entry is free, so visiting it is a great way to save money when you are travelling.
Thanks for Reading!
I hope my guide to the best artsy things to do in London and I’m sure it will give you some inspiration for your next visit. There’s so much art to see in London, it really is an art-lovers heaven!
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Last Updated on June 7, 2025 by snaphappytravel