If you are visiting London on a budget you will be excited to know that most of the city's museums are free to explore! Yes you read it right. I too myself could not believe this when I learned about it. Take advantage of this opportunity because you will learn a great deal from history to art, natural science and many more. Below are my top picks and they are the ones I've visited and would totally recommend.

1. Natural History Museum

One of the most beautiful museum buildings I have ever seen. No kidding! You have to see it to believe it. First thing you see when you walk inside is a huge Diplodocus dinosaur skeleton display. If you have kids with you, they will definitely enjoy this museum as they learn about plant and insect specimens, prehistoric animals , wildlife gardens, metals, gems, crystals, giant sequoia trees and even several different habitats. You can also watch actual research scientists busy at work. In wintertime, they have an outdoor ice skating rink in front of the museum that creates an enchanting backdrop for both kids and adults as they skate to their hearts content.

Address:The Natural History Museum Cromwell Road London SW7 5BD
Website: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/

2. British Museum

Walking in the museum, you’ll first see the Great Court, also known as the lobby or the inner courtyard. It has an outstanding ceiling/roof made of glass which gives one a feeling that you’re in an open public square with the sun shining through, lighting the whole place. The British Museum is famous for their exhibits on mummies and the Rosetta Stone. They also have exhibits from all over the world, from ancient antiquities and treasures to contemporary artworks. If you want to take a break from admiring the exhibits, they have a main restaurant plus two additional café’s where you can have the perfect afternoon tea. If its winter, a cup of that amazing hot chocolate from a mini food truck outside the museum is a perfect way to end your visit. And during summer, try the Cornish ice cream from that another very cute food truck parked just outside the museum.

Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom
Website: http://www.britishmuseum.org/

3. Tate Modern

This former Bankside Power Station opened as a museum for international and contemporary art in the year 2000. Tate Modern houses several permanent exhibitions covering works by world class artists like Matisse, Beuys, and Rothko. It is also a kid friendly museum as they run many activities and events for the little ones.

Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG, United Kingdom
Website:http://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

4. Victoria and Albert Museum

This museum of art and design is the world’s largest in its category. It first opened its doors in 1852 and was named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. It features 145 galleries covering art and design from ancient times to the present day. Almost every part of the world is represented in this museum through sculptures, textiles, photos, metalwork, fashion, jewelry, ceramics, paintings, drawings and many more. It has a very beautiful outdoor courtyard that you definitely should check out. The National Art Library is inside the museum and it's open for the public, provided you register as a reader. It’s a great time to stop by here if you are an art and design enthusiast.

Address: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom
Website: http://www.vam.ac.uk/