Tate Modern Tours and Activities

Tate Modern which includes a river or creek, a bridge and a city
Tate Modern
Tate Modern


See one of the best collections of modern art housed in the iconic Bankside Power Station on the River Thames.

With over four million visitors every year, Tate Modern is one on the most popular modern art galleries in the world. Part of the Tate group, which also includes Tate Britain. A short distance along the River Thames, this institution reaches out to everyone, not just to the traditional art-lover, by presenting collections of innovative and engaging contemporary art.

Housed in the distinctive four-chimney Bankside Power Station since 2000, this gallery makes ingenious use of the industrial space, thanks to the Swiss architects Herzog and de Meuron. Stepping into the gigantic space of the Turbine Hall, you’ll be in awe of the very scale of this building.

This hall has held specially-commissioned works from leading artists, including Louise Bourgeois, Anish Kapoor and Ai Weiwei. Past works have seen the space occupied by giant spiders, a re-creation of the sky with real clouds, and even giant slides. All works will draw you in whether they are explicitly interactive or whether they subtly draw you in with their play on perspective.

Beyond the Turbine Hall, discover a permanent collection of works from all the major established modern artists such as Picasso and Dalí, arranged according to the pivotal moments in 20th art, from Surrealism to Abstract Expressionism.

Alongside this permanent collection, there is a programme of temporary exhibitions, providing a platform for some of the most cutting-edge emerging talent, as well as the chance to enjoy individual artists’ bodies of work in greater detail. In 2012, a glass tower was added to the building as a space dedicated to photography, video and graphical installations.

For expert guidance around this sometimes challenging subject, Tate Modern offers 45-minute tours that will help give you an even greater appreciation of this collection.

Why not sit and reflect on what you’ve seen by taking a refreshment break at the riverside café, or the restaurant on the 6th level, overlooking the river and city?

Tate Modern is open daily, and admission is free to the Turbine Hall and permanent collection. Tickets for special exhibitions can be purchased online or at the gallery. If you are travelling on the Underground, Southwark station is only a short walk away.

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Popular places to visit


Top Tate Modern Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
Sea Containers London

Sea Containers London

5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground, London, England
Sea Containers London
Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's

Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's

4 out of 5
24 Ludgate Hill, London, England
Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Mercure London Bridge

Mercure London Bridge

4 out of 5
71-79 Southwark Street, London, England
Mercure London Bridge
The Hoxton Southwark

The Hoxton Southwark

4 out of 5
Blackfriars Road 32- 40, London, England
The Hoxton Southwark
Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s

Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s

4 out of 5
10 Godliman Street, London, England
Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Tate Modern

At Tate Modern, art lovers can immerse themselves in contemporary artworks from around the globe. Beyond the exhibits, the vibrant Southbank area offers a variety of shopping options and theatres, making it a perfect spot for a cultural outing. Don't miss the chance to explore the unique blend of art and entertainment that this iconic venue and its surroundings have to offer.

Shopping

Visit Borough Market, only 644m from Tate Modern, to enjoy fresh produce and local delicacies. Royal Exchange, 966m away, offers a blend of entertainment and shopping. If you're up for a drive, Fortnum & Mason is located 3.2km away, perfect for luxurious gifts.

Recreation

At the O2 Arena, enjoy an invigorating sports experience, just 6.4km from Tate Modern, while the ABBA Arena provides vibrant entertainment vibes for music lovers. For a serene escape, Hampstead Heath, located 8.0km away, offers beautiful green spaces perfect for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of soaring above the Thames at IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station, a cable car gondola 8.0km from Tate Modern, offering stunning views. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, located 1.6km away, provides an exhilarating indoor climbing experience. Don’t miss the excitement at Oasis Go-Kart Track, 4.8km away, for a fun-filled karting adventure.

Nightlife

At Tate Modern, explore the vibrant nightlife with the London Eye's thrilling views and adventure vibes, only 1.4km away. For a cultural experience, visit the Barbican Arts Centre, also 1.4km away, or catch a film at Cine Lumiere, 1.6km away, where romance and entertainment await.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Tate Modern

When visiting Tate Modern in London, you'll find an array of attractions including vibrant streets, historic churches, and lively piazzas that cater to those seeking culture and family experiences. Be sure to explore nearby hotels and local points of interest within a few kilometres of the gallery, making the most of your visit to this iconic destination. Tate Modern is the perfect starting point for immersing yourself in the rich artistic and urban culture of London.

  • Piccadilly Circus: Experience the vibrant heart of London at Piccadilly Circus, where the hustle and bustle of city life meets dazzling neon lights. This iconic street is a hub for entertainment, shopping, and dining, making it a perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere and people-watch.
  • Tower Bridge: A symbol of London's rich history, Tower Bridge offers stunning views and fascinating exhibits about its engineering marvel. Stroll across its glass-floored walkway and learn about the bridge's significance in connecting the city, surrounded by cultural vibes.
  • Big Ben: One of the most recognisable landmarks in the world, Big Ben stands proudly beside the Houses of Parliament. This clock tower is an architectural gem, embodying the essence of British culture and history, making it a must-see during your visit.

Best time to go to Tate Modern

The best time to visit Tate Modern can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Tate Modern falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Tate Modern falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Tate Modern

When planning your visit to Tate Modern, consider travelling during the cheaper months of January to March for lower accommodation rates. Book about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals to snag savings. Sundays typically offer the best rates, while Wednesdays are pricier. Use Expedia's search tools to filter by budget and eco-friendly options for sustainable stays. Bundling your hotel, flights, and activities can also lead to significant savings. Don't forget to explore free activities at Tate Modern and nearby attractions for a budget-friendly experience.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Tate Modern are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Tate Modern about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Tate Modern is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Tate Modern is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by bundling your Tate Modern hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.