British Museum

Incredible world-class collection of Chinese, Asian, Aztec and Classical art, with Egyptian Mummies, the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles as highlights. The astonishing thing about the British Museum, too, is that it is free (except for special exhibitions). Founded in 1753 and built on the collection of Sir Hans Sloane and subsequent spoils of Empire, the BM's 13m objects document the whole range of human history and culture, containing cultural relics from practically every civilisation in the world. If there is only one sight you should visit in London, it's the British Museum. But give yourself plenty of time and check for evening openings, as these tend to be far less crowded.