Tate Modern

Planning a successful trip to Tate Modern means knowing what to expect before even stepping off the train or bus. Crowds gather easily, especially during holidays and weekends, so a little preparation goes a long way. Centrally located on Bankside, Tate Modern offers easy access by foot, bike, or public transit, with generous opening hours but the occasional queue. Those seeking the quietest moments should skip midday and school breaks, aiming instead for early mornings or later afternoons. Entry is free, though some major exhibitions require advance-purchase tickets.

• Best time to visit: Midweek mornings or late afternoons in spring and autumn
• How to get there: Take the Underground to Southwark or Blackfriars, then enjoy a short riverside walk or cycle; several bus routes stop nearby, and the Thames Clipper river bus docks at Bankside Pier
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly entrances, accessible toilets, baby-changing areas, and lift access throughout; assistance dogs welcome
• Average visit duration: 2–4 hours for highlights, longer for art lovers or guided tours

Even those who rarely step inside art galleries may find themselves dazzled by Tate Modern’s spaces. The building itself—a converted power station—gives art room to breathe, from the sweeping Turbine Hall to the glass-wrapped Blavatnik Building. Collections shift with the seasons, but several highlights always rise above the rest. Interpretive installations sprawl across concrete floors. Global masterpieces spark debate or delight. Unexpected corners hide stunning Instagram backdrops, while ambitious workshops, talks, and live performances make each visit feel fresh and essential.

• Turbine Hall: Enormous, ever-changing site-specific installations that break boundaries—the heart of Tate Modern
• Blavatnik Building viewing level: Sweeping cityscape vistas—some of London’s best views, especially at sunset
• Artist Rooms: Powerful works from icons like Rothko, Warhol, and Picasso
• Materials and Objects galleries: Unusual, hands-on exhibits that invite close looks at sculpture, photography, and mixed media
• Behind-the-scenes guided tours: In-depth chats with art experts—check schedules at the entrance desk
• Photo spots: Panoramic glass walkways, the riverside terrace, and dramatic staircases offer perfect shooting opportunities
• Historical insight: Housed in the old Bankside Power Station, the gallery merges London’s industrial past with contemporary artistic energy