Courtauld Gallery

Located just off the Strand in the north wing of Somerset House, the Courtauld has one of Britain's greatest collections of paintings, and contains many works of world importance. Although there are some outstanding works from earlier periods, the collection's strongest suit is its holdings of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. There are some popular masterpieces: Manet's astonishing 'A Bar at the Folies-Bergère' is undoubtedly the star, alongside superb Monets and Cézannes, important Gauguins and some excellent Van Goghs and Seurats. On the top floor, you get to the twentieth century with a selection of gorgeous fauvist works, a lovely room of Kandinskys and plenty more besides. Hidden away downstairs in the Courtauld there's a sweet little gallery café with a courtyard.