The UK capital is known for its wealth of culture, world-class attractions and… budget-busting prices. But travelers on a tight budget need not despair – there are plenty of free things to do in London if you know where to look.
You can travel through two thousand years of history, discover a cornucopia of treasures, go on a music and art odyssey, and take in some of the most famous sights on Earth – all without spending a dime. . Here’s where to start.
1. Learn about the natural wonders of the world.
The Natural History Museum houses around 80 million specimens within a magnificent Grade-1 listed Gothic structure. From the skeleton of a complete blue whale – the world’s largest mammal – hanging from the ceiling to the ancient bones of dinosaurs that once roamed the earth, this spectacular collection of objects from the natural world dates back more than 200 years and is a sight to behold. It is completely free.
Planning Advice: You don’t need it. Book tickets in advance, but those who skip the line. Check the museum’s website for regular free guided tours and workshops.
2. Get lost in the historic streets of London.
One of the best ways to get a feel for London’s rich history and diverse neighborhoods is to take a two-step walk. The entire city center is walkable and its winding, twisting, turning streets are an adventure in themselves. There are dozens of free walking guides available online, which point out points of interest and offer facts about the areas you find yourself in. When walking anywhere in London, don’t forget to look for; Ancient gargoyles, elaborate facades and old signs can be found at every turn.
Local Tip: Film buffs should explore filming locations, everything from James Bond (heavy rain, Specter And No time to die.) And gave The Bourne Ultimatum To Actually love, 28 days later And Unconscious Filmed in London.
3. See the greats of modern art at London’s free galleries
There are many wonderful free galleries to choose from in London. Smaller spaces include the Serpentine Gallery – which has exhibited big guns in the modern art world including Henry Moore, Andy Warhol, Louise Bourgeois, Damien Hirst and Tomoko Takahashi – and the Saatchi Gallery, which showcases contemporary artists along the way. Celebrates
Then there’s the goliath of the art world that is the Tate Modern, housed in the stunning old Bankside Power Station, which displays hundreds of works across seven large gallery floors. Find pieces by Pablo Picasso, Mark Rothko, Nan Golden and Tracey Emin.
Local tip: Wander through a neon wonderland God’s own junkyardA salvage yard in Walthamstow is home to hundreds of electric signs that have been turned into pieces of art.
4. Lounge in London’s many parks
In the summer, Londoners head to the city’s 3,000 free parks. These wonderful green social spaces are places to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, read a book, nature watch, picnic or lounge on a deck chair, but they also host countless events – free outdoor theater shows, guided nature walks, See for , live music, movie screenings, sports tournaments, festivals and more on park websites.
Local Tip: Visit Greenwich Park to stand at longitude zero (0° 0′ 0″), from which every place on Earth is measured. In one step you can transport yourself east or west of the world. So step on the Prime Meridian line.
5. Watch street artists at work in the Lake Street Tunnel
The Lake Street Tunnel, located in Waterloo, is a vibrant 200m (656ft) outdoor gallery of murals, graffiti and stencil art. It is legally designated as a “free mural” which means anyone can come and create a piece of art here. The quality is world-class, and passers-by can see everything from giant portraits and political pieces to New York 1960s subway graffiti. Famous street artist Banksy is known to leave his mark here as well. On most days you can see the performers live in action.
Local Tip: Discover other street art hot spots on a self-guided walking tour in East London’s Brick Lane and Hackney Wick.
6. Catch the changing of the guard ceremony
This famous Buckingham Palace tradition, dating back to the reign of King Henry VII, is free to visit. It is essentially a ceremonial transformation of the guards guarding the king’s palace (complete with red and black uniforms and tall bearskin hats – worn to make them look fearsome in battle) and from the splendor of is full
Planning Advice: It usually takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 11am and lasts about 45 minutes. Times may vary slightly, so be sure Check the schedule online before you go. If you want to see the guards inside the palace, get to the gates early for a good view as the area gets crowded before the ceremony, but there are many other viewing spots along the parade route.
7. Enjoy a Covent Garden street performance.
Entertainers have been delighting outdoor crowds in Covent Garden’s cobbled piazza since the 1660s. Street performers here range from acrobats to magicians and comedians. Just find the crowd forming a circle and join them to watch classic circus-style performances, from knife throwing on a bicycle to tightrope walking. You never know what you’re going to get but there’s sure to be plenty of humor and some danger.
Local tip: Although it’s not required, it’s polite to tip your artists, even if it’s a small amount of change – it’s how they earn their living.
8. View thousands of pickle samples
Fans of weird museums should visit one of London’s most curious museums. The Hunterian MuseumNamed after the 18th century surgeon and anatomist John Hunter. It houses more than 2,000 preserved animals, plants, bones and body parts, from eyeballs and limbs to monkeys, birds, lizards and other creatures frozen in time in glass jars.
Planning Advice: Note that the museum is closed on Mondays and Sundays.
9. Step inside a historic manor house
See how the other half lived in one of London’s impressive manor houses more than a century ago. Arts and Crafts legend William Morris lived with his family in a 19th-century Georgian mansion house next to Lloyd’s Park in Walthamstow, which is now the William Morris Gallery. Visitors can wander through the rooms of the eponymous Waterhouse, and learn about his life’s work.
Meanwhile, on Hampstead Heath, the grand 17th-century Kenwood House is a stately home with painstakingly maintained features, including ornate pastel-pink plasterwork in the Great Library, 112 acres of manicured gardens, and a Includes a seriously impressive art collection. George Romney, Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer.
10. Check out the amazing views of the city
Climb the 90m (300ft) bluff on Hampstead’s rugged heath to Parliament Hill for towering views of London and see if you can spot the Palace of Westminster in the distance. Stroll uphill to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park for stunning views of the modern financial district of Canary Wharf with the 17th-century Old Royal Naval College in the foreground.
Want to stay indoors? No problem, it’s completely free to visit the plant-filled atrium of London’s Sky Garden on the 43rd floor (at 20 Finchchurch St) of the famous “walkie-talkie” building, with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows. I have 360 degree views. . Book time tickets online. Advance to this and London’s newest and most free observation deck, the 58th floor Horizon 22 At 22 Bishopsgate.
11. Go to the Gateway to the Wizarding World.
North London’s King’s Cross station is home to the Gateway to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, otherwise known as Platform 9¾. Paying homage to the hit book and movie series, a sign is permanently hung above a trolley covered with suitcases and an owl cage, as it half disappears into the wall. Potterheads lined up with other fans dressed in Hogwarts scarves holding trolleys and holding wands (also kindly provided by the Harry Potter Shop).
Local tip: For more magical vibes, step inside the adjacent Gothic St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, which could double as Hogwarts. Picture the three-tiered grand staircase, the setting for the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe” music video, before heading to Leadenhall Market, featuring Diagon Alley. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001).
12. Explore the fine collection of treasures at the V&A.
The Victoria and Albert Museum is an amazing cave with 60,000 art, crafts and decorative pieces created by human hands. Items range from centuries-old clothing to furniture and household items. Take it for free V&A highlights from the 2024 tour 10:30 a.m. to learn more about some of the museum’s most impressive pieces.
Local tip: Don’t miss a visit to the museum’s three magnificent refreshment rooms, each decorated with features such as gold, high painted ceilings and stained glass windows.
This article was first published on January 1, 2019 and was updated on March 12, 2024.