National Gallery

National Gallery is a free encounter with European painting at the edge of Trafalgar Square. The collection spans centuries, but a handful of carefully chosen rooms can be more rewarding than a hurried march past every famous name.

Enter through the Sainsbury Wing and spend roughly one to four hours following artists, subjects or periods that interest you. The collection includes works by Turner and Van Gogh as well as earlier European masters; use the current floor plan because individual paintings and room arrangements can change.

Reserve a free general-admission ticket for a smoother arrival. Special exhibitions may carry a separate charge, and late openings do not necessarily apply to every facility. Families can keep the visit light by choosing a small set of pictures and making the stories within them the focus.