British Museum, London

The British Museum is one of London's top tourist attractions as well as a major scholarly resource. Its collection was bequeathed to the nation in 1753 and the Museum's distinctive Greek revivalist structure was built during the 19th Century. The collection expanded massively during the heyday of the British Empire, leading to the Museum's notoriety for plundering sources all over the globe and leaving it with over 6.5 million objects to look after. The displays cover about 14 acres and it is simply too tiring to tackle them all in one visit. The best way is to pick a collection or exhibition that interests you, explore that, and make return visits. And if you haven't got time for a proper visit, drop in for a coffee at the lovely Court Restaurant . Admission is free but charges may be made for temporary exhibitions.