Tate Modern

What it is

A national gallery of international modern and contemporary art on the south bank of the Thames, housed in the converted Bankside Power Station, with the Turbine Hall as its central space.

Why travelers go

For the building, for the free river views from the upper floors, and for a collection that covers the twentieth century broadly. The Turbine Hall commissions are frequently the most talked-about art installations in the country.

What is genuinely good

It is free, it is open late enough on most days to be an evening stop, and the views cost nothing. The Tate Collective scheme gives 16 to 25-year-olds cheap exhibition access. It sits directly on the river walk, so it combines with the Millennium Bridge and St Paul's without any transport.

Downsides and tourist traps

The permanent hang is uneven, and visitors who do not already like modern art rarely leave converted. Special exhibitions are paid, which surprises people in a free museum. The two-building layout is genuinely confusing and the crowding at weekends is severe.

Best for

Anyone already interested in modern art, visitors on a budget, people who like industrial architecture, and anyone wanting a free high view over central London.

Consider skipping if

Modern and contemporary art actively annoys you. Nothing here will change that, and the National Gallery on the other side of the river is free too and holds work you may prefer.

Practical advice

Go on a weekday, enter through the Turbine Hall ramp for the full effect of the space, and go up to the upper levels for the view before you look at any art. Combine it with the Millennium Bridge crossing to St Paul's, which takes five minutes and is the best short walk in central London.

Tickets and reservations

The permanent collection is free. Exhibitions are ticketed, with members getting unlimited free entry. Up to four children aged 11 and under go free per parent or guardian, visitors aged 16 to 25 can join Tate Collective for 5 pound exhibition tickets, and entry for companions of disabled visitors is free.

Getting there

Southwark on the Jubilee line and Blackfriars on the Circle and District lines are both short walks. From St Paul's on the Central line, cross the Millennium Bridge on foot.

Where it sits

Bankside, on the south bank of the Thames facing St Paul's Cathedral, on the stretch of riverside walk that runs from the Globe to Borough Market. The immediate area is well served for food and busy in the evenings.

How long to allow

Ninety minutes to two hours for the collection and the views. The Turbine Hall alone is a worthwhile fifteen-minute stop if you are passing.

Accessibility

Entry for companions of disabled visitors is free. The building is served by lifts throughout and the main Turbine Hall entrance is a long step-free ramp.

The RuinMyTrip verdict

Worth going for the building and the view even if the art is not your thing, and unbeatable value because both are free. Go on a weekday, take the river view first, and cross the Millennium Bridge afterwards.

Sources

Every figure above was checked against these before publication. If one has since changed, tell us and we will correct it.

• Admission to Tate Modern is free. source
• Opening times run Sunday to Thursday from 10.00. source
• Up to four children aged 11 and under go free per parent or guardian, and 16 to 25-year-olds can access 5 pound exhibition tickets through Tate Collective. source

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