FREE THINGS TO DO IN LONDON
London is full of incredible experiences that won’t cost you a penny. There are countless free things to do in London, making it one of the best cities for budget travelers. Start with the city’s renowned museums: the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Tate Modern are all free to enter, offering a deep dive into art and history. For nature lovers, exploring the stunning Royal Parks, like Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, is one of the most relaxing free things to do in London.
Strolling along the South Bank provides breathtaking views of the River Thames and landmarks like the London Eye and St. Paul’s Cathedral, making it another fantastic option among free things to do in London. Don’t miss the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, an iconic experience that doesn’t cost a thing. For unbeatable city views, head to the Sky Garden, which offers free entry, though advance booking is required.
Street markets like Borough Market and Portobello Road Market are perfect for soaking in the local atmosphere without spending a fortune. With so many free things to do in London, exploring this vibrant city can be both affordable and unforgettable for visitors of all ages.
Free Walking Tours of London
A free walking tour of London is the perfect way to explore the city’s rich history, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems—all without spending a penny! London is packed with fascinating stories, and a guided walking tour allows you to experience its charm up close with passionate local guides who will bring history to life with engaging storytelling and fun facts.
Most free walking tours operate on a pay-what-you-wish basis, meaning you can tip your guide based on your experience. This makes it an excellent option for travelers looking to maximize their London adventure without overspending.
Don’t forget to also check out our Free Walking Tours of London below.
Free London Landmarks (West) Tour
Free London Landmarks (East) Tour
Free London Music Walking Tour
Explore The Markets
London’s markets are perfect for people-watching, exploring unique stalls, and enjoying street performances. Some of the best include:
Borough Market – One of London’s oldest and best food markets, dating back to the 12th century.
Camden Market – A lively market with quirky fashion, crafts, and international street food. Check it out on our Camden Walking Tour.
Portobello Road Market – The world’s largest antique market, best visited on Saturdays.
Brick Lane Market – A mix of vintage fashion, street food, and second-hand treasures. Check it out on our London Food Tour.
Greenwich Market – A charming indoor market with antiques, crafts, and delicious treats.
Leadenhall Market - Stunning Victorian arcade filled with unique architecture and historic charm.
Visit London’s Beautiful Parks & Gardens
London boasts some of the most stunning parks in the world, making them an ideal place to relax, have a picnic, or go for a walk. Some of the top parks include:
Hyde Park – The city’s largest and most famous park, great for walking, cycling, and spotting the Diana Memorial Fountain.
Regent’s Park – A beautifully manicured park home to Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens and the Open Air Theatre.
St. James’s Park – Nestled between Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square, this park offers scenic views and resident pelicans.
Green Park – A peaceful park located near Buckingham Palace, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Kensington Gardens – Home to Kensington Palace, the Serpentine Galleries, and the Peter Pan Statue.
Holland Park – Features a stunning Japanese garden and peacocks roaming freely.
Greenwich Park with amazing views of the city skyline.
Wimbledon Common - Stroll among the ponds, walking tracks, windmills. Great for a picnic!
Richmond Park - great for deer spotting!
Free Museums
London is home to an incredible selection of free museums, perfect for history buffs, art lovers, and science enthusiasts. Here are some of the best:
The British Museum – One of the most famous museums in the world, housing over 8 million artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone. Alternatively do a British Museum Guided Tour.
The Natural History Museum – Explore dinosaur fossils, rare gemstones, and the famous blue whale skeleton.
The Science Museum – Hands-on exhibits covering aviation, space exploration, and medical advancements.
The National Gallery – Home to over 2,300 paintings by artists such as Van Gogh, Botticelli, and Rembrandt.
The Tate Modern – A stunning contemporary art museum located in a former power station.
The Victoria & Albert Museum – Featuring 5,000 years of decorative arts and design, from sculptures to fashion.
The Imperial War Museum – A fascinating look at Britain’s military history from WWI to the present day.
For those looking to discover lesser-known gems, check out Sir John Soane’s Museum, The Wellcome Collection, and The Wallace Collection—all excellent free things to do in London.
Free Churches
Many of London’s historic churches offer free entry and are breathtaking inside. Some must-visit churches in London include:
Westminster Abbey – Free entry during services; otherwise, or do an audio guided tour.
St Paul’s Cathedral - Free entry during services; otherwise, or do an audio guided tour.
Southwark Cathedral – A stunning Gothic cathedral near Borough Market.
St. Bride’s Church – Designed by Christopher Wren, featuring a unique “wedding cake” spire.
St. Magnus the Martyr – A Baroque masterpiece by Christopher Wren.
St. Olave Hart Street – One of the few churches that survived the Great Fire of London.
St Mary Le Bow - Rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666 and World War 2.
Enjoy a London Festival or Parade
This is a big call to make but we’re going to back ourselves in here - London is home to the best festivals in the world! There are so many diverse and cultural festivals in London that joining one really is something that you must do if there is one on. Festivals in London are without doubt one of the best free things to do in London with some of our personal favourite London festivals below:
Celebrate Chinese New Year in London's Chinatown - the biggest of its kind outside Asia!
Enjoy The Lord Mayor's Show, New Year's Day Parade and State Opening of Parliament.
Join London’s biggest street party at the Notting Hill Carnival
The always colourful Pride in London parade which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community.
See the lively St Patrick's Day parade make it’s way through the streets of London.
More Free Things To Do In London
London is an incredible city filled with free things to do for every type of traveller and there’s no shortage of ways to experience the city without breaking the bank. Check out more free things to do in London below.
Covent Garden - A historic shopping hub with street performers and artisan stall
Sky Garden - For breathtaking views the Sky Garden provides a lush indoor space with panoramic cityscapes.
South Bank - Where street performers, open-air markets, and iconic landmarks like the London Eye create a vibrant atmosphere.
God’s Own Junkyard - A neon wonderland of vintage signs and art.
The Scoop - An outdoor amphitheater hosting live performances which is great for music lovers.
The Barbican - The Barbican Conservatory is a tropical oasis filled with exotic plants.
British Library - Dive into literary history at the British Library’s Treasures Gallery, home to ancient manuscripts and first editions.
