National Gallery
Van Gogh, Turner and Vermeer on Trafalgar Square, free, open late on Fridays.
One of the finest painting collections in the world, and you can walk in off the square for nothing. The Sainsbury Wing holds the early Renaissance rooms; the Sunflowers are further in and always busy. Friday evenings are quieter and the gallery stays open late.
When it works
Indoors, so the weather does not matter. Best morning, afternoon, evening.
Good for a date, going solo, a first visit and step-free visits.
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Opening hours and prices change; the official site has the current ones. See everything in London ranked for right now.