Tate Modern

Admission to the main collection at Tate Modern is free for everyone, and in 2026, you can simply drop in without booking a timed slot for the general galleries. However, special temporary exhibitions, such as the major Tracey Emin retrospective running from February to August 2026, require a paid ticket which typically costs around £20. The gallery is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours until 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday evenings for a more atmospheric experience. Tate Modern is a cashless venue, so ensure you have a card or mobile payment for the shops and cafes. You can find excellent dining options at the Kitchen and Bar, which offers stunning views across the Thames.

To truly appreciate the scale of the collection, plan to spend at least three hours on-site. Security bag searches are conducted at all entrances; note that bags must be cabin-size or smaller as there are no storage facilities for large luggage. While photography is allowed in the permanent collection rooms for personal use, flash and tripods are strictly prohibited, and some special exhibitions may ban cameras entirely. If you need a moment of quiet, a dedicated quiet room is located on Level 4 of the Natalie Bell Building. For those traveling with children, the UNIQLO Tate Play area offers free interactive activities throughout the year. Also, don't miss the viewing terrace in the Blavatnik Building for some of the best panoramic photos of the London skyline.

Tate Modern is situated on the South Bank and is exceptionally well-connected. The nearest Underground station is Blackfriars, just a 10-minute walk away via the beautiful Blackfriars Bridge. Southwark and London Bridge stations are also nearby, providing access to the Jubilee and Northern lines. For a more memorable arrival, take the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers to Bankside Pier, which is located directly outside the museum. If you are coming from the City of London, walking across the Millennium Bridge from St Paul’s Cathedral offers a direct and scenic pedestrian route. Bus routes 40, 63, and 381 stop close to the gallery, and plenty of cycle docking stations are available if you prefer to use a Santander Cycle to reach the site.