30 Free Things to Do in London

By Michelle Yastremsky


From museums to Roman ruins, there are plenty of things to do, see, and experience in England’s cosmopolitan capital, no matter your budget!

Add these free things to do in London to your itinerary, so you can spend less on sightseeing and spend more on shopping in Soho (or fish & chips)!

View vacation packages to London and/or check out the BEST things to do in London.


Free Museums in London

Get your culture fix without the cost!

From museums with ancient mummies to rooms filled with bars of gold, you can spend your days getting lost in these 8 cultural institutions.

1. The British Museum

Over 8 million works in this permanent collection! Follow the story of human culture from beginning to present.

2. Bank of England Museum

Follow the story of the Bank of England, then pick up and examine a real gold bar!

3. The Science Museum

Learn and play in this interactive museum - a favorite of both children and adults. Temporary exhibits may have a fee.


4. Natural History Museum

80 million objects within five main collections: botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology, and zoology!

One of the most visited art museums in the world, with over 2,300 paintings ranging from the mid-13th century to 1900!

6. V&A Museum

The world's largest museum of decorative arts and design! Some exhibits and events may have a fee.

7. Wellcome Collection

A collection of curiosities and medical antiquities...for those with a taste for the weirder things in life!


8. Bonus: Street Art in Shoreditch!

Take a walk through the creative neighborhood of Shoreditch, where you’ll encounter art on building walls, storefronts, and even the ground! If you search hard enough, you’ll even find one of the only Banksy installments in the world that carry the elusive artist’s signature.


Markets & More

From leather goods to floral havens.

Browse the stalls, strike up a conversation with a local, take the perfect Instagram photo, or treat yourself to a handmade ware or two!

9. Portobello Market

London's colorful Notting Hill neighborhood is also home to one of its most famous antique markets, with over 1,000 stalls and vendors.

10. Borough Market

This iconic food and drink market celebrated its 1,000th birthday in 2014! Treat yourself to a bite at one of the hundred stalls selling snacks and sips, or just have a celebration of the senses with a leisurely stroll through the market.

11. Brick Lane

This famous London street is home to an overabundance of vintage shops, antique stores, and of course, curry houses! This street is also the U.K's unofficial curry capital, so you may want to indulge in a sampling or two of this flavorful dish.

12. Camden Stables Market

Housed in a former horse hospital, this world-famous market is home to vintage sellers and artists selling handmade wares.

13. Camden Lock Market

Just up the block from the stables market, this cluster of craft vendors is one of the world's most famous markets.

14. Flower Market on Columbia Road

On Sundays, Colombia Road transforms into a floral oasis! More information can be found here.


Picturesque Parks & Gardens

Feel like royalty with a walk in the park!

From royal gardens to parks with hundreds of free-roaming deer, there's no shortage of parks to visit during your travel to London.

15. Hyde Park

From lakes to meadows to flower gardens, you'll find it all here at London's most beloved Royal Park.

16. Richmond Park

Kite, golf, or spy on the hundreds of free-roaming deer at this Royal Park of London!

17. St. James' Park

Although this stunning outdoor space is surrounded by three Royal Palaces, it's really the pelicans that are the showstoppers; catch the feeding show at 2:30pm daily!


18. The Regent's Park

Within the 410-acre grounds of this park, you'll find the largest outdoor sports area in London, an Open Air Theater, and the must-visit Japanese Garden in the Queen Mary's Garden section.

19. Kensington Gardens

As home to the stunning Kensington Palace, this Royal Park deserves a royal mention! Be sure to stop by the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial playground during your time here.


Sight See Your Way Through the City

Free London Tours, by foot or bike!

Make the most of your London travel with these different ways to the see the city.

20. Boris Bikes

The first half hour of your Boris Bike rental is free! Alternatively, you can rent on for up to 24 hours for just £2 - peddle on!

21. Free Walking Tours

There are many companies that offer free walking tours in London, from larger ones like Sandeman's to more local options like Strawberry Tours; these tours are tip-based, so if your guide went above and beyond you'll want to throw a generous tip their way!

Best Panoramic Views of London

Take the perfect selfie at these scenic spots

Pack a picnic and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from these spots!

22. Primrose Hill

See a clear view of central London from this 213-foot hill located on the northern side of Refent's Park.

23. Nunhead Reservoir

Perhaps a bit macabre for some, but those willing to make the trip to Nunhead Cemetery will be treated to some of the most breathtaking views of London's skyline.

24. Sky Garden

At the top of London's Walkie Talkie building lives one of the city's best kept secrets: the Sky Garden! Book your tickets ahead of time and enjoy views of the city from over 500 feet in the air.


London Staples!

Check these off your bucket list

No trip to London is complete without a visit to the Tower of London! Here's how to see it for free.

25. Changing of the Guard

This elaborate ritual is a must-see during your time in England's capital city! Make your way to Buckingham Palace around 11:30am to witness the ceremony; the Changing of the Guard is held daily from April-July, then alternate days the rest of the year.

26. Witness an Ancient Cemetery at the Tower of London

Experience a tradition that has taken place every night for the past 700 years! To witness the Ceremony of the Keys, interested parties must book far in advance at the Tower of London website.


Roman Ruins in London

Can't travel to Rome just yet? Here are 4 places in London you can see the remnants of the once at-large empire!

27. London Wall

Built by the Romans in the late 2nd or early 3rd century, the remnants of this wall can be viewed at the Museum of London, London Wall (road), Tower Hill, and in the basements of several buildings scattered throughout the city.

28. Lesnes Abbey

Built in 1178, the ruins of this abbey can be found in London's borough of Bexley.

29. Blackfriars Railway Bridge

Hidden almost in plain site are the pillars from the ancient civilization, molded into a modern design at this railway bridge at the River Thames.

30. Roman Amphitheater

London's Guildhall may be more commonly known for their medieval crypts, but visitors can also stumble upon the remains of an ancient Roman amphitheater!

Explore London Vacations

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