1.Visit the websites of the museums or galleries before you go.
It is very important to know the opening hours of the museums / galleries. For example, the Tate Britain is open late until 22.00 on the first Friday of each month. You can plan your visiting a little bit late so you can maximise the time of travel. Beware that most of the museums and galleries last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Leave yourself enough time to visit is vital. Like the Louvre in Paris, DO NOT underestimate the amount of visitors. It is crowded everyday and the queue at entrance is unbelievably long. You might look for other entrance to avoid the queue. So, always visit their website to get up-to-date information is paramount.
2. Buy your tickets online.
There are two advantages: First, you avoid the ticket queue. Second, you will save money. For instance, if you buy tickets via the website of the Tower of London, you will get £2.8 off immediately (£19.8 at the place, £17 on the official website.) Furthermore, if you plan to travel many different museums and galleries, remember to buy the travel pass or museum pass, it will save you alot money. Please note that some museums have a special entrance for the holders of the pass. Do ask when you arrive.
3. Aim to your favorite artists or paintings and study them.
Thousands of artworks are waiting for you in the museums / galleries, and you will never be able to study all of them in a short time. Suggesting you to aim at a particular genre, art movement or artist then study it before you go. It is due to the fact that exhibition spaces are usually massive, and you might want to reserve time to explore other places. So spend some time to research your favorite beforehand is crucial.
If you have an iPod, iPhone or iPad, consider downloading the relative apps from iTune made by the museums / galleries. The apps usually have plenty of information regarding of the artworks and museum itself. Or alternatively, buy the apps made by the third parties, they might give you a surprise.
5. Bring a visual diary
Many students will bring their painting kit along to the museum / gallery to reproduce a clone of the masterpiece. It's good idea to study the structure of the painting as well as more understanding the brushstrokes and technique of the master. As a traveller, you won't bring your art kit to oversea, but at very least, you should bring your visual diary and make some sketch and notes about your favorite piece.
6. Bring a binocular
Photography is not welcomed in some museums / galleries. However, you are most welcome to bring a binocular with you. Why? Well, sometimes the renowned masterpiece, for example like the Mono Lisa, has bunch of people circumscribing around. In this case, you might not be able to take a closer look at the painting unless you have a binocular. The second advantage of this is you are able to look at the details of the painting. Moreover, you can use it to look at the details of dome in a gothic cathedral as well as the details of the costumes whilst watching the Phantom of The Opera. Trust me, you will be impressed.
7. Sit if possible
Visiting 3 museums or galleries within one day could torture your legs and feet. From my experience, every night after the torturing, you will feel extremely tired. So if there is a chance for you to sit, just take it. Resting is very important because you never know how big the next museum or gallery is. So DO NOT overestimate your strength. Some museums offer portable chairs, make sure you grab one and be nice to your legs. Plus, make sure you have good enough sleep at the night too.