Top 10 Free Things to Do in London: Explore the City Without Spending a Penny
Is London cheap to visit? No.
Can London be done on a budget? Absolutely!
While some of London’s biggest attractions can come with some big price tags, there are also so many budget-friendly things to do in London… that are actually fun and worth doing!
With word class museums, fairytale gardens, movie set neighborhoods, elite street art, superb markets to explore, and so much more you will never run out of budget friendly things to do in London.
Here you will find some of my favorite free things to do on a visit to London, as well as some things that have been highly recommended to me that I will be checking out in November 2025.
Top Free Things to Do in London
Take a *Free Walking Tour
My favorite thing to do in any city is take a free walking tour.
A free walking tour is the perfect introduction to any city and gives you a good idea of what you may want to return to during your visit.
London is the perfect place to take a free walking tour, or 5, because it offers SO many different options. Whether you are looking for a history-based tour of London, want to take in the architecture of London, or are looking for something a bit quirkier like a Jack the Ripper or Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll free walking tour, you will find them in London!
You can find top rated London free walking tours on GuruWalk.
⭐Remember to always tip your guide!
Visit One of London’s Free Museums
While many of the most popular sights in London come with hefty entry fees, several of the most famous London Museums are free! London boasts some of the most beautiful and historically significant museums in the world and is committed to keeping them accessible by making them free to visit.
The Best Free Museums in London:
British Museum
The British Museum is a public museum dedicated to human history, art and culture located in the Bloomsbury area of London. Its permanent collection of eight million works is the largest in the world. It documents the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present
🗺️Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom
🕰️Sun-Thurs 10a-5p, Fri 10a-8:30p
Ticketing Information
Entry Tickets
For general admission to the British Museum permanent collection
Entry tickets are not required to gain access to the permanent collection and walk-up entry is possible, but it is recommended to reserve tickets in advance during peak times.
Exhibition Tickets
For entry to temporary, special or paid-for exhibitions; and
Event Tickets
For entry to events held on-site at the Museum or online on the British Museum website.
🎟️To reserve free tickets, click here
National Gallery
The National Gallery is an art museum in Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster, in Central London, England. Founded in 1824, it houses a collection of more than 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. The current director of the National Gallery is Gabriele Finaldi.
🗺️Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom
🕰️Sun-Thurs 10a-6p, Fri 10a-9p *Closed 24–26 December and 1 January
🎟️Entry to the main gallery is free. Special exhibits for a fee, and advanced tickets are strongly recommended.
The exterior of the National Gallery in London stands prominently in Trafalgar Square and is an architectural wonder from the outside but is also renowned for its massive collection of paintings and impressive galleries.
A visit to Trafalgar Square is on almost every visitor’s London itinerary, but don’t sleep on visiting the National Gallery as well (both are perfect for a budget London visit!)
Tate Modern
Tate Modern is an art gallery in London, housing the United Kingdom's national collection of international modern and contemporary art. It forms part of the Tate group together with Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives
🗺️Bankside, London SE1 9TG, United Kingdom
🕰️Daily 10a-6p
The Tate Modern was highly recommended to me by my best friend’s mom and I will be going first thing when I am back in London (stay tuned for pics and feedback!)
This free London museum is right up my alley with it’s modern and contemporary collection, but also because it is a whole experience with a terrace, shops, bar and overall chill vibe.
🧳Tate Modern is a great budget friendly option for anyone visiting on a layover or transiting through London as it has storage lockers available and can accommodate anything from backpacks to suitcases. See website for pricing.
Tate Britain
Tate Britain, known from 1897 to 1932 as the National Gallery of British Art and from 1932 to 2000 as the Tate Gallery, is an art museum on Millbank in the City of Westminster in London, England. It is part of the Tate network of galleries in England, with Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives.
🗺️Millbank, London SW1P 4RG, United Kingdom
🕰️Daily 10a-6p
♿When I was looking in to visiting Tate Britain, I was so impressed by how accessible and inclusive this free London museum is. There are accommodations for nearly every type of visitor to assure each, and every guest has a meaningful and enjoyable visit.
Along with the Tate Modern, this will be my first stop when I am back in London - so, stay tuned for pics and feedback!
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in London is a museum that exhibits a vast range of specimens from various segments of natural history. It is one of three major museums on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, the others being the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
🗺️Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
🕰️Daily 10a-5:50p
🎟️Tickets are free, but it is strongly suggested to book tickets in advance, especially during peak times, as there are limited entries each day (which also helps with crowd control to make for a more enjoyable visit)
The London National History Museum is a great family-friendly free activity in London, but is also a budget friendly option for any visitor who enjoys Natural History, Space, and just really cool exhibits. While the free portion of the museum has much to offer, there are also paid activities (like a VR experience) and exhibits to enhance your visit.
London Science Museum
The Science Museum is a major museum on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, London. It was founded in 1857 and is one of the city's major tourist attractions, attracting 3.3 million visitors annually in 2019
🗺️Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD, United Kingdom
🕰️Daily 10a-6p
🎟️Tickets are free, but it is strongly suggested to book tickets in advance, especially during peak times, as there are limited entries each day (which also helps with crowd control to make for a more enjoyable visit)
As someone who failed Science, this is probably a museum I should go to, and maybe learn something, but I am yet to have visited, even though visitors rave about it.
If you are a lover of science and technology, or just appreciate a cool, modern, and innovative museum, then this free museum should definitely be on your London itinerary.
Westminster Cathedral
Westminster Cathedral, officially the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Most Precious Blood, is the largest Catholic church in England and Wales. The shrine is dedicated to the Blood of Jesus Christ and is the seat of the Archbishop of Westminster.
🗺️Victoria St, London SW1P 1LT, United Kingdom
Located just next to Westminster Abbey, The Westminster Cathedral, opened in 1903, stands out with its unique Neo-Byzantine architecture.
I walked past this gorgeous London cathedral numerous times but didn’t realize it is free and open to the public until my 8th visit to London. While snapping picture of the outside, I noticed the sign outside and went in for a look around.
The Westminster Cathedral is a sight to behold from the outside, but the inside is breathtaking. I thought I would spend a few minutes taking a glance around, but found myself taking my time marveling at all the ornate details, architecture, and art. I absolutely recommend carving out a bit of time to enjoy this free London attraction, whether it is a stand-alone visit or an addition to vising Westminster Abbey.
⭐Visiting the Cathedral is free (and absolutely worth a visit), but you can also pay to climb up the bell tower for stunning views of the London.
The Cathedral’s bell tower, or ‘campanile’, can be seen from across the city. Standing 284ft high, it is a reminder of faith at the heart of London.
The gallery can be accessed via the Westminster Cathedral Gift Shop, and is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
💷Adults £10, Family Ticket £22 (2 adults with up to 4 children), Students & those aged 60+ £5
London Changing of the Guard Ceremony
When we think of London, one of the images that comes to mind most often is the iconic royal guardsman in their classic road coats and tall fur hats.
Witnessing the changing of the guard is a truly iconic London experience and is not one to be missed, especially because it is a completely free activity in London.
When is the Changing of the Guard in London?
Full Ceremony: Occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:00 a.m.
Less Formal Ceremony (Captain's Inspection): Takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 3:00 p.m
You can find the full (and most up to date) schedule of the London Changing of the Guard here
⭐The crowds can get quite big, so it is recommended to arrive early for the best view.
Where to watch the Changing of the Guard in London?
Buckingham Palace: The main location where the official handover takes place and the most popular spot to watch.
St. James's Palace: The location where the Old Guard starts its preparations.
Wellington Barracks: The location where the New Guard assembles and can be a less crowded spot to view the new guard before it marches to the palace.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is a 350-acre, historic Grade I-listed urban park in Westminster, Greater London. A Royal Park, it is the largest of the parks and green spaces that form a chain from Kensington Palace through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, via Hyde Park Corner and Green Park, past Buckingham Palace to St James's Park
🗺️London W2 2UH, United Kingdom (Rose Garden)
🕰️Daily 5a-12a
I love parks and green spaces, and it honestly took me way too long to get to Hyde Park.
I have walked past, and even through this famed London green space, but until recently, never took the time to really enjoy it. When I had a free day in London I committed time to walking through Hyde Park and going to the Hyde Park Rose Garden.
Even in an overcast day, the park was a beautiful and enjoyable free activity in London that I would highly recommend.
While it is worth walking through all 350 acres of this famous London Park, if time is limited, the rose garden itself is absolutely worth carving out time for. Even visiting in the early Fall I was able to enjoy gorgeous blooming flowers, the incredible landscaping and and overall whimsical feel in the Hyde Park Rose Garden.
⭐Other Free Parks & Viewpoints in London
Use this interactive map to find the best parks and greenspaces in London!
Greenwich Park: Enjoy historical sites and great views of the city.
Primrose Hill: Take in panoramic views of the London skyline.
Holland Park: Visit the tranquil Kyoto Garden within the park.
Richmond Park: Look for wild deer roaming the park.
Borough Market
Borough Market is a wholesale and retail market hall in Southwark, London, England. It is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London, with a market on the site dating back to at least the 12th century.
🗺️London SE1 9AL, United Kingdom
🕰️Tues-Fri 10a-5p, Sat 9a-5p, Sun 10a-4p, Monday - Closed
Yes, it can be torture walking through a market on a budget, or with the intention of it being a “free” activity, but Borough Market in London is just as much an art show as a food market. With its beautiful displays, vendors putting on ‘performances’, sights and smells, it really is like walking through an interactive museum.
I personally found it pretty easy to avoid buying anything at the market because it is generally quite pricey and can be a bit crowded, making it hard to stop and really enjoy. But, if you do want to grab a bite, there are endless options and at a range of price points.
⭐Camden Market is also well worth a walk through and the surrounding area offers many free things to do an see (see “street art” below).
Wander London’s Famous Neighborhoods
This is my absolute favorite thing to do in London! And, it costs nothing.
There are so many amazing neighborhoods to explore in London, each offering their own charm and character. Getting lost amongst the streets of story book and movie settings can be the perfect, budget friendly, way to spend a few hours, afternoon, or full day in London.
While there are some neighborhoods in London every tourist visits, like Westminster, Kensington, and Soho, there are many unique London neighborhoods worth venturing to and wandering around.
These are some of my favorite, unique London neighborhoods:
Shoreditch
This boho London neighborhood is my favorite to explore and sink in to. Here you will find endless vintage shops, record stores, and markets. Shoreditch also features some of London’s best street art and small galleries.
London’s Shoreditch neighborhood is still a bit gritty, in the best way, and is a budget traveler’s dream with lots of London cheap eats, happy hour options, and a super casual vibe.
Notting Hill
In stark contrast to Shoreditch, Notting Hill is a vibrant, trendy area, with casual cafes lining bohemian Portobello Road, famed for its busy market selling antiques and vintage fashion. High-end restaurants and upscale boutiques cluster around Westbourne Grove, while the Electric Cinema welcomes filmgoers with posh armchairs.
Made famous by the 1999 movie by the same title, this charming neighborhood is frequented by visitors to take in the old world feel and hope to catch a glimpse of the many celebrities who have residences there.
South Bank
Beside the River Thames, the South Bank is a dynamic area at the heart of London’s cultural scene. The Southbank Centre, National Theatre, and BFI film theatre are all world-class arts venues.
Just over the Westminster Bridge, you will find the South Bank Nieghborhood. The South Bank’s riverside walkway is lined with trees, restaurants and historic pubs, and is the site of frequent fairs and events making it the perfect budget friendly London neighborhood.
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is a Grade I listed combined bascule, suspension, and, until 1960, cantilever bridge in London, built between 1886 and 1894, designed by Horace Jones and engineered by John Wolfe Barry with the help of Henry Marc Brunel.
🗺️Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom
Often mistakenly referred to as the “London Bridge”, Tower Bridge is a London icon. Featured in movies, including Spider-Man: Far From Home, Paddington 2, and Independence Day: Resurgence, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, 28 Weeks Later, and Mission: Impossible, this famed London site is one that cannot be missed.
You can take in the beautiful view of the bridge from many vantage points, but I highly recommend taking a walk over Tower Bridge to marvel in the architecture and beauty of the bridge up close.
A walk over tower bridge also offers beautiful views, especially at sunset.
London Street Art
London has a world class street art scene with both famous and emerging artists creating phenomenal pieces of art throughout the city. The most renowned London street art can be found in Shoreditch (with the biggest “collection” on Brick Lane) and in Camden, which are filled with works by both famous and up and up and coming artists.
You could easily spend a full day finding and enjoying street art in London. If you are looking for a more abbreviated London street art experience, take a street art walking tour, or head to Camden of Shoreditch neighborhoods to find the most impressive pieces and murals concentrated in one area.
Visit the British Library
🗺️96 Euston Rd., London NW1 2DB, United Kingdom
🕰️Mon-Thurs 9:30a-8p, Fri 9:30a-6p, Sat 9:30a-5p, Sun 11a-5p
Did you know London is home to the largest library in the world?
With an estimated collection of over 200 million items from multiple countries, the British Library boasts some 400 miles of shelves! Here you will find works ranging from the Magna Carta to handwritten Beatles lyrics.
You could easily spend hours wandering the halls of this stunning London library or do a little pre-planning and check out the library map to focus on certain halls and rooms.
👨💻Digital Nomad? Working Holiday? Or just want a peaceful place surrounded by books and art to journal or read? The British Library has beautiful reading rooms and workspaces open to the public and free to use.
Whether you are visiting on a backpacker’s budget, or balling out, these free things to do in London will enhance any visit.
Not only are these great options for budget things to do, but also for things to do in London on a rainy day (which there are a few of), without breaking the bank.
