London has a reputation for being expensive but living as a student in the city for 4 years made me realise that it didn’t have to break the bank. In fact, there’s loads of things you can do in London absolutely free. I’d actually argue that it’s one of the best cities to explore on a budget! I’ve rounded up 70 of the best free things to do in London. Perfect if you too are living the student life or are traveling on a budget!
If you’re planning a trip to London, don’t forget to check out my free London Bucket List, which includes all of the best things to do in the city!
London Budget Travel Tips
If you’re trying to travel London on a budget, here are a few quick tips to keep costs low:
- Walk Everywhere: try to visit attractions that are in the same area to avoid paying for multiple tube trips all across the city! Often tube stations are closer than you think and it’s just as quick to walk!
- Take the Bus: if it’s too far to walk, consider taking the bus, which generally works out much cheaper than the tube. One bus journey is £1.50.
- Buy an Oyster Card: to get the best rates on buses and the tube, buy an Oyster card or use your contactless debit card. Don’t buy a single pass ticket! These work out as much more expensive!
- Opt for Ethnic Food: areas with a specific migrant culture offer some of the cheapest and most delicious food in London. Chinatown is obviously the best spot for Chinese food, and you can get some amazing Indian food in Brick Lane very affordably!
Top 10 Free Things to Do in London
In a rush? Can’t be bothered to read through all 70? I’ve got you. These are my top 10 free things to do in London!
- Natural History Museum
- Hampstead Heath
- The Sky Garden
- Notting Hill Carnival
- Changing of the Guard
- Barbican Conservatory
- Tate Britain
- Kensington Gardens
- Ceremony of the Keys
- Portobello Road Market
Parks & Gardens
St. James’s Park – This 23 hectare park is right in the centre of London. Here you can watch the pelicans, a gift from the Russian Ambassador in 1664, being fed each day at 2:30pm. It’s also home to the Horse Guard Parade. This building is guarded by two mounted cavalry troopers of The Queen’s Life Guard, who change places at 11:00am daily and 10:00am on Sundays You can also find two iconic London spots on either end of the park – Buckingham Palace (home to the Queen) and 10 Downing Street (home to the Prime Minister).
Regent’s Park – Regent’s Park is full of beautiful gardens and is particularly worth a visit during the Spring and Summer months when the flowers are in full bloom. The stunning landscape design makes for the perfect picnic location. Don’t miss the rose garden, which hosts London’s largest collection of roses. You can find approximately 12,000 roses planted here with 85 different varieties on display
Hyde Park – Being London’s most famous park, you’ll find plenty to do here. Take a stroll along the Serpentine or take a tour of the number of memorials and statues on display. This includes the 7 July Memorial which honours the victims of the 2005 London bombings and the lovely ‘The Joy of Life’ fountain, designed by T. B. Huxley-Jones.
The Barbican Conservatory – this tropical oasis is hidden on the 3rd floor of the famous Barbican Building. This brutalist structure has long been a controversial topic in London, having been voted the ugliest building in the city. The mixture of concrete and leafy green fronds do make an excellent contrast though!
Richmond Park – This is a little way outside of the centre of London but definitely worth the travel time. Richmond Park is known for its abundance of beautiful deer. Make sure to check out their deer safety advice before visiting!
Kensington Gardens – Here you can walk the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk. This will take you past all of the famous buildings and locations associated with the people’s princess during her lifetime, including Kensington Palace, Clarence House and St. James’s Palace.
Primrose Hill – This is one of the best spots to watch the sun rise or set in the city, with great views over London. The area surrounding Primrose Hill is also particularly affluent with some beautiful houses. It’s well worth taking a stroll along the streets whilst you’re in the area. My personal favourites are Chalcott Crescent and Chalcott Square, where you’ll find a rainbow assortment of houses.
St. Dunstan in the East – St. Dunstan is actually an old church that was damaged in the Great Fire of London. It’s since been overgrown with vines and trees that make it a truly unique location in the city. It’s a great place to have a wander and snap a few photos!
Kyoto Japanese Garden – This garden can be found in Holland Park. It was gifted by the city of Kyoto in 1991 to celebrate the long-standing friendship between Japan and the UK. This serene spot is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of London life.
Chiswick House Gardens – you have to pay to tour Lord Burlington’s 18th century villa but exploring the beautiful gardens is completely free. The grounds are incredibly well-kept and make for a lovely afternoon in the sunshine.
Hampstead Heath – The Heath is a sprawling 320 hectares and is covered in magical woodland. From here you can see the incredible London skyline at Parliament Hill, explore the hidden Pergola or go for a swim at the lido.
Crystal Palace Park Dinosaurs – This park was originally designed as a home to Sir Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace. This is the building he designed to house the 1851 Great Exhibition in Hyde Park. Nowadays you can find a bizarre but wonderful collection of dinosaur statues (which are actually listed as Grade 1 monuments!) hiding around the park.
Epping Forest – This 8,000 acres of forest links London with Essex. It’s the perfect place to get a taste for traditional English woodland.
Free London Art Galleries
National Portrait Gallery – The National Portrait Gallery houses portraits of the most historically significant and famous British people. The portraits are selected on the importance of the subject, rather than the artist. Some of the gallery’s most famous faces include William Shakespeare and the Bronte Sisters.
National Gallery – this is perhaps the most famous gallery in the UK. Founded in 1824, it houses over 2,300 paintings. You could easily spend hours exploring all the art on display here.
Wallace Collection – Sir Richard Wallace built his extensive private collection in the 18th and 19th centuries. It includes fine arts, armour, furniture and porcelain, all of which is housed in the stunning Hertford House in Marylebone. A visit here feels like you’ve stepped back in time.
Tate Britain – The Tate Britain houses a large collection of British artwork and is most well-known for holding the works of J. M. W. Turner, who left his own collection to the nation. The building itself is also particularly beautiful and well worth a visit.
Tate Modern – a sister gallery to the Tate Britain, the Modern is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary artwork in the world. It tends to host a number of weird and wonderful exhibitions that consistently draw in large numbers of visitors.
Serpentine Galleries – The Serpentine Galleries are two contemporary art galleries within 5 minutes walk of one another, linked by a bridge over the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park.
God’s Own Junkyard – this is a bright and exciting collection of neon lights and vintage signs. It’s particularly popular amongst the Instagram crowd due to its weird and whacky designs and can be found in Walthamstow.
Saatchi Gallery – Set in the affluent neighbourhood of Chelsea, the Saatchi Gallery is home to a host of contemporary artwork. Many of the artists showcased at the gallery are relatively undiscovered, giving the location a reputation for launching careers. The exhibitions here tend to be both exciting and thought-provoking.
Free London Museums
Natural History Museum – my personal favourite museum in London, the Natural History museum is home to 80 million items in its 5 main collections (botanty, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology and zoology). Some of these specimens were even collected by Charles Darwin! The museum is not only known for its large collection but also its impressive architecture, which looks almost like a Cathedral. I’m missing it just writing this!
Design Museum – Set in the affluent area of Kensington, the design museum includes examples of product, graphic, fashion, industrial and architectural design. It’s completely free and close by to both the Natural History Museum and the V&A.
Victoria & Albert Museum – Affectionately known as the V&A, the Victoria and Albert Museum is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design. It houses a permanent collection of over 2.27 million objects and spans 5,000 years of art from across the globe. It’s a great place to explore both history and culture.
The V&A Museum of Childhood – this museum has been specifically designed with children in mind. The galleries are vibrant and playful and encourage children to interact with art and design.
Museum of London – If you’re looking to learn more about the city you’re visiting, why not check out the Museum of London? It documents the history of the city from prehistoric to modern times. Here you can walk the streets of Victorian London or learn how the city changed under the Romans.
Bank of England Museum – this museum is housed in the impressive Bank of England and explores the history of the bank. Here you can find ancient gold bars and unique bank notes, as well as documents relating to famous customers such as George Washington and Horatio Nelson. They often run opportunities to visit the museum at night, so keep your eye out.
Sir John Soane’s Museum – Previously the home of neo-classical architect John Soane, this museum holds his private collection of paintings, sculptures and antiques. It’s a treasure trove of artefacts hidden in beautiful old house and gives an idea as to what life was like in old London.
British Museum – nestled in the heart of Bloomsbury is the epic British Museum. This huge building is home to around 8 millions articles of human history, art and culture, much of which was collected during the era of the British Empire. These include the Rosetta Stone, Samurai armour and an Easter Island Head. It’s probably the most popular museum in London and also one of the most iconic buildings in the city.
National Maritime Museum – This is the home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian. The Museums holds over 2 million items including cartography, manuscripts, scientific and astrological instruments.
Science Museum – this is the most visited science and technology museum in Europe! It has over 15,000 objects on display, most notably the Apollo 10 command capsule. It’s a highly interactive museum, making it good for both adults and children alike.
Wellcome Collection – this is probably the most unique museum in London. It aims to connect science, medicine, life and art and does so through a number of interesting exhibitions. Previous exhibitions have included subjects such as ‘The Psychology of Magic’ and ‘Bedlam: The Asylum and Beyond’. There’s also a great cafe which was a favourite spot of mine whilst studying in Bloomsbury!
Imperial War Museum – originally created to record the civil and military war effort of Britain during World War One, the Imperial War Museum has since expanded to include all British-involved conflicts. It provides a fascinating looking at the history of war.
Markets
I’ve written a whole blogpost all about my absolute favourite street food markets in London, including opening times and google addresses, so make sure to check it out if you’re on the hunt for some affordable but delicious food!
Columbia Road Flower Market – of course, if you decide to purchase anything, then a market isn’t really free! But I do think they provide a great opportunity to simply explore a new neighbourhood. Columbia Road is feast of colourful flowers on a Sunday from 8am-3pm and draws in Londoners from all over the city.
Brick Lane Market – this East End market is brimming with antiques, collectables and delicious food stalls. Along this street you’ll also find plenty of vintage shops and record stores. There’s a very particular vibe in this area of London that I’d recommend experiencing as a visiter. It feels much more ‘real London’ than the bright lights of Oxford street.
Borough Market – Borough Market is a foodie’s heaven but it’s a nice activity to just walk around and see the cornucopia of things on offer. From fresh pasta to handpicked wines to quality coffee – Borough has it all!
Portobello Road Market – Portobello Road is predominantly an antiques and crafts market, however there are a number of great food vendors there as well. Although it is open during the week, it’s best to visit on a Saturday when the most stalls are open and the atmosphere is buzzing. Check out the colourful houses of Notting Hill whilst you’re in the area!
Camden Market – Perhaps the most famous market in London, Camden market has it all, from jewellery to records to vintage clothing to food. There’s a fair amount of seating available, and its location by the canal makes it perfect for a sunny day. If you do want to grab some food while you’re there, check out my guide to the best street food markets to see which stalls I’d recommend.
Covent Garden Market – the market at Covent Garden is a craft one but there’s also lots more to see whilst you’re there. You can usually find an array of excellent street performers drawing in the crowds or you could easily pass some time window shopping there.
Free London Viewpoints
Sky Garden – This tropical garden atop of a London skyscraper has some of the best views in the city. Although it’s free, you have to book your slot online prior to entry. Spaces can fill up quickly so be sure to book in advance online.
OXO Tower – the public viewing platform at the OXO Tower is one of London’s hidden gems. It provides great panoramic views of the city with a great shot of St. Paul’s Cathedral across the Thames. Get the lift up to the 8th floor and feast your eyes on the picture perfect views.
The Tate Modern Viewing Level – the viewing level at the Tate Modern has a cafe but is completely free to enter and visitors are welcome to simply enjoy the view. This is another spot that provides a great shot of St. Paul’s Cathedral across the river.
One New Change – when it comes to the creme de la creme of St. Paul’s Cathedral views though, the winner has to be the One New Change Rooftop Terrace. This is actually a shopping centre but take the lift up to the roof and you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the city, especially at sunset!
Tourist Sites
Platform 9 3/4 – At King’s Cross Station, you’ll find Platform 9 3/4, a shop in ode to the boy wizard who boarded his train to Hogwarts at this very station. Here you can have a photo with a trolley mysteriously disappearing into the wall, as though you too are bound for the school of witchcraft and wizardry! This makes for a great souvenir and is a must-do for any Harry Potter fans.
Changing of the Guard – the Changing of the Guard is the ceremony where the Queen’s Guard hands over the responsibility of protecting Buckingham Palace to the New Guard. This is supported by music and is really quite a spectacle. It’s the perfect example of tradition in London, seeing all the guards dressed in their red tunics and bearskins.
Ceremony of the Keys – similar to the Changing of the Guard, but less well known, is the Ceremony of the keys. This is an ancient ritual held every evening at the Tower of London, when the gates are locked for the night. This is believed to be one of the oldest military ceremonies in the world. Tickets are free but must be pre-booked and at times it can fill up quickly.
Abbey Road – make like the Beatles and get a photograph of you crossing the infamous Abbey Road. Make sure to get there early though – this area of London is actually super busy and trying to get a shot in between traffic and tourists is a recipe for disaster!
Highgate Cemetery – this is the resting place of a number of historically famous individuals including novelist George Eliot and father of Communism Karl Marx. It’s a fun (albeit morbid) activity to spot familiar names.
Film Locations Tour – London is a top filming location for movies and tv shows. It’s always fun to see the screen brought to life, so why not taking yourself on walking tour of the city. Lucy from On the Luce has an excellent self-guided film locations tour.
Little Venice – Walk along Regent’s Canal to the peaceful area of Little Venice, which is filled with sweet little canal boats, as well as a pretty neighbourhood. This is a lovely, relaxing way to enjoy the city.
Walk Across Tower Bridge – definitely the most iconic of the London bridges, this beautiful bridge is free to the cross for both pedestrians and vehicles. If you want a good shot for your Instagram, this is the place to be!
British Library – every year the British Library hosts a range of literary exhibitions, some of which are free. In the past I’ve gone to both an Alice and Wonderland and a Harry Potter exhibition, both of which were excellent. It’s the national library of the United Kingdom and the largest library in the world by number of items. In fact, it’s estimated to contain over 200 million items!
Speaker’s Corner – this little spot in Hyde Park has been set aside by Parliament since 1872 for public speaking. You’ll often find enthusiasts here sharing their views, as anyone can turn up unannounced to speak on whatever they choose (so long as the police consider their speech lawful!). In the past, historic figures such as Karl Marx and George Orwell used this spot to demonstrate free speech.
Lidos and Outdoor Swimming – There are a number of opportunities for outdoor swimming in London, including the Serpentine Lido, Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds and Beckenham Place Swimming Lake. This is a really fun and popular activity to try on a sunny day in London!
Street Art in Shoreditch – Shoreditch is an area known for its colourful walls and eclectic artwork. I love exploring the street art in a new city as I find it tells you so much about the place. Why not check out this excellent self-guided street art tour from A Lady in London.
Tour Somerset House – Somerset House is a gorgeous Neoclassical building situated on the Strand. It’s bursting with history and was once the home of three Catholic queens. They offer free guided tours of the building and often also have free exhibitions to explore. This is one of my very favourite buildings in London!
Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel – Leake Street tunnel is 300 metres long, making it the city’s largest legal wall. Here you can find an ever-changing display of street art in a variety of different styles. The project was actually founded by Banksy, who held a street art festival there.
Fulham Palace – for more than 1,300 years Fulham Palace was home to the Bishops of London. Nowadays it opens its doors year round for free in the hopes that people will enjoy the historic space and its gardens.
Kenwood House – this former stately home can be found next to Hampstead Heath. It was originally constructed in the 17th century and manages to retain much of its history. The property is open to the public and remains a popular tourist destination. The house is both visually stunning and historically intriguing.
House of Minalima – this is another must-do for Harry Potter enthusiasts. This gallery and shop is run by the graphic design duo who worked on the movies. Here you can find artwork from the films, including Harry’s Hogwarts acceptance letter, the Marauder’s Map, the Daily Prophet and a Hogwarts Express Ticket!
Window Shopping in Harrods – this is certainly the kind of place where you could spend a lot of money! But it’s also a wonderful place to just go exploring. Harrods has anything and everything you can possibly think of – my personal favourite spot is the food hall around Christmas time. I promise it’ll put you in the festive spirit!
Watch a Trial at the Old Bailey – This is the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales. Members of the public are welcome to watch criminal trials here but you must be over the age of 14 and must bring a valid form of identification as proof.
Celeb Spotting at Leicester Square – Leicester Square is a popular spot for film premieres meaning that it’s easy to spot some of your favourite stars and maybe even get a photo or autograph from them!
Go to a Free Concert – weekly classical concerts are performed in the historic church of St. Martin’s in the Fields. They last around 45 minutes and are a great way of experiencing some culture in London for free.
Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral – entrance to St. Paul’s Cathedral is generally quite expensive, however the public are invited to Choral Evensong for free every Sunday at 15:15. This is a great way to get a peak inside this iconic building without paying a penny!
Festivals
Celebrate Chinese New Year – this free annual event is held across Chinatown and the West End and includes a vibrant parade, lion dances, and stage performances in Trafalgar Square.
New Year’s Day Parade – The London New Year’s Day Parade is an annual parade through the streets of the West End on 1 January. It includes all sorts of attractions from dancers to musicians to floats and is a great way to ring in the new year. The event is also used to raise money for London charities.
Notting Hill Carnival – this is one of London’s biggest events of the year and draws people from all over the country. The carnival is a celebration of Caribbean heritage, arts, and culture but all are welcome. It’s one big party with plenty of music, food and dancing.
Pride in London – Pride in London is an annual LGBT+ festival and parade held every summer. It celebrates the community with a number of fun and free festive events. The great atmosphere is perfect for any members or alleys of the LGBT+ community who want to show their love and support.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – each year London puts on a big parade to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, complete with marching bands, impressive floats and Irish dancing. If you’re in the city on 17th March, make sure to check it out!
Thanks for including my walk in your post!
You’re welcome!