British Museum

The British Museum is one of the largest and most significant museums in the world — and admission is free. Founded in 1753, it houses over eight million objects that span the entire history of humanity: from Egyptian mummies to Greek sculptures to Polynesian masks.

The highlights you must not miss:

• Rosetta Stone — The key to deciphering hieroglyphs. An unassuming stone that changed human history
• Elgin Marbles — The controversial sculptures from the Parthenon in Athens. Masterpieces of Greek art, over which Greece and Britain have been disputing for 200 years
• Egyptian Mummies — One of the most extensive collections outside Cairo. Rooms 62–63 are a must
• Lewis Chessmen — Medieval chess pieces made from walrus ivory, found on the Scottish Isle of Lewis. Enchantingly expressive
• Sutton Hoo Helmet — The iconic Anglo-Saxon helmet from the 7th century, a symbol of England's dark ages

The Great Court with its spectacular glass roof (designed by Norman Foster, 2000) is one of London's most impressive interiors. Plan at least 3–4 hours — or come twice. The museum is so vast that you can only see a fraction in one day.