Review: National Gallery

Zoom out. What’s this place all about?
A secret spot this isn’t. The columns of the National Gallery’s portico provide a dramatic yet sturdy backdrop to London’s busiest open space, Trafalgar Square. Inside, polished wooden floors and marble trimmings set the tone, which is serious and stately.

What will we find in the permanent collection?
This is the grandmother of galleries with more than 2,300 paintings spanning the 13th to the 19th centuries, many in glorious gilt frames on fabulous flock wallpaper. Works are split by period, and heavyweights include Van Gogh’s "Sunflowers," Velázquez’s "Rokeby Venus," and Constable’s six-foot long "The Hay Wain."

Any temporary exhibits worth seeing?
The seasonal exhibitions are the only ones you’ll pay for, and as you'd expect, most are spectacular ranging from Lucian Freud to Titian.

What did you make of the crowd?
It gets packed at weekends, but its so large that you can usually find a quiet corner. Go first thing—it opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m., with a late closing of 9 p.m. on Fridays.

On the practical tip, how were the facilities?
The paintings are organized by era and are clearly signposted and labeled.

Any guided tours worth trying?
There are umpteen downloadable audio tours—the one covering the highlights is the obvious choice, alternatively pick a theme or era, or you can curate your own by selecting the paintings you most want to see before you arrive.

Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere?
There’s an espresso bar and posh café doing an excellent selection of tea and cake. For afternoon tea or a proper meal, head to the restaurant Ochre which serves dishes like Devon crab linguine and Hereford rib-rye steak with views over Trafalgar Square.

Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?
Time your visit with the daily 60-minute guided taster tour (they start at 3 p.m.).