The city’s only public gallery dedicated solely to photography, this space hosts frequently changing exhibits, promoting and showing the works of exciting up-and-coming artists.

Charles Saatchi’s new Gallery recently opened in a 70,000 square-foot Duke of York HQ building in Chelsea. The first exhibit, The Revolution Continues: New Chinese Art showcases works by twenty-four leading young artists from China. Admission to the gallery is free. Open daily, from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Located at Millbank near Vauxhall Bridge in Pimlico, the Tate Britain is the most prestigious of the Tate’s. It houses the British national collections, ranging from the 16th Century to present day, and some international works. Older Highlights might include Gainsborough, Blake, Constable, and Reynolds and 19th and 20th century painters like Matisse, Paul Nash, Dali, and Picasso. In an attempt to avoid the crowds visit on the first Friday of every month when the museum is open until 10pm.

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This museum is a definite must-see. Housed in a former power station that was beautifully redone in 2000 by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron (who will start work on a new addition soon), Tate Modern was recently voted the capital’s favorite building. A scenic way to approach it is to take a taxi to the north side of Lord Norman Foster’s graceful, pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge, which links the museum with St. Paul’s Cathedral. Those with children should ask for Tate Teasers, a set of questions and clue spotting about the art that will fascinate even the most jaded offspring. Get ready to look, listen and draw while exploring the works on display. The latest offering, “Dalí and Film,” is the first exhibition to focus on Dalí’s movie images, including avant-garde scenes he created for Alfred Hitchcock and Walt Disney. And the museum stays open late on Fridays, so it’s a perfect spot for drinks in the glam café.

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Don’t miss this gallery, part of the Southbank Centre art complex’s $181 million renovation and relaunch. It does not house a permanent collection; rather it displays major changing exhibits throughout the year and also commissions original installations and funds projects by international artists. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m.

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You should plan in at least a half-day to visit this, the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design. More than 140 galleries hold objects that include textiles, costumes, jewelry, furniture and ceramics. There are also massive changing exhibits that are years in the works (the current V&A calendar lists shows until 2012).

This little known gem of a museum was established from the private collection of Sir Richard Wallace (1818-1890), an art collector and philanthropist. See paintings by Old Masters Rembrandt, Velázquez and Titian, along with superb collections of arms and armour, gold boxes, porcelain and furniture.

One of the world’s most renowned commercial galleries, White Cube represents artists like Tracey Emin, Andreas Gursky and Chuck Close. There are two locations, including 25–26 Mason’s Yard, off Duke Street, on a plot previously occupied by an electricity sub-station. Running through November 29th is Sam Taylor-Wood’s first exhibit since 2004 (at the Mason’s Yard location). Upcoming exhibitions include artist Miroslaw Balka from December 9th through January 24th (at Mason’s Yard), and Robin Rhode’s ‘Through the Gate’ (at HOxton Square) from November 26th through January 10th. White Cube offers free admission.