National Portrait Gallery

Most galleries acquire their collections according to some notion of quality, with the aim of displaying the finest works of a particular artist, movement, or period. Not so the "NPG," where the collection is based not so much on ability as identity. Pictures have been chosen on the basis of who the subject is, not how well they've been captured by the artist. As a result, the works vary hugely in quality, and have been rendered in a great mish-mash of styles and mediums, including oil paintings, photographs, and collages. The result is rather jolly and exuberant, like a giant scrapbook of the nation.

The collection is arranged chronologically from top to bottom, and so hop on the escalator to start with the earliest pieces, and then wend your way down past the great and the (sometimes not so) good from the mists of history to the present day. You'll pass Tudor kings and queens (including a study of Henry VIII by Holbein), great writers and thinkers (look out for Shakespeare sporting a natty gold earring, a portly looking Samuel Johnson by Sir Joshua Reynolds, and the Brontë sisters as captured by their brother, Bramwell), as well as the musicians, film stars, politicians, and sporting royalty of today. The farther you progress, the more familiar the names will become. However, if you need a little help working out who's who, free "Portrait of the Day" talks are given every Saturday at noon. This is a great place to hang out on Thursdays and Fridays, when the gallery (as well as its cafe, bar, and restaurant) stays open till 9pm, laying on art workshops and concerts -- typically classical, jazz, or blues.

Insider's tip: The NPG's Portrait Restaurant has one of London's great "secret" views, out over Trafalgar Square.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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