Best Free Things to Do in London

London is notorious for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, with many of its top attractions costing a pretty penny to experience. But, like any other city in the world, there are a number of memorable and fulfilling things you can do and see in the city that cost absolutely nothing–enjoy 360° views of the city and skyline atop stunning rooftop bars; give yourself a refreshing dose of nature in the big city in the numerous botanical gardens; take a self-guided walking tour around the city, or explore and immerse yourself in an abundance of museums or art galleries. 

While you may associate London with its popular but pricey attractions like the London Eye, Camden Market and The Shard, the city also allows you to learn more about its history, culture and livelihood without having to dig into your purse. We’ve compiled this list of the best things to do for free in London, so if you’re running on a tight budget but still want to experience a memorable and fun-filled day out in the British capital, then we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore the top free things London has to offer:

Spend nothing, but enjoy everything 

Stroll Through the Park

London is known for its wide range of parks, from the iconic Hyde Park, to perhaps lesser known parks like Hampstead Heath. London is extremely busy, and can get overwhelming at times if you’re not used to the noise and bustle of people, so you may be looking for somewhere a little more peaceful to escape the chaos. London’s parks are the perfect tranquil escape from the urban city life, and provide the perfect amount of green space combined with man-made structures and attractions. When the weather’s nice, there’s no better place than a London park to picnic, catch up with friends, exercise or just sit and soak up the sun. 

Some of the best parks to visit in London include Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath, Greenwich Park and Kensington Gardens, among many others. London’s parks are often the site of numerous events, festivals and musical performances, but mostly they serve as a place to sit, relax, and enjoy the sights, and what’s more, it costs nothing to do so! For an indoor natural oasis, there’s no better place than the Barbican Conservatory. 

Visit a Museum

Another of London’s claims to fame is its smorgasbord of museums and art galleries. While a few museums in London charge an entry fee, the majority don’t, so you can experience London’s best cultural and historic hubs for the price of nothing. With around 2000 years of culture and history, it makes sense that London would have a fair few museums showcasing science, history, art and even transportation. 

Most of London’s museums and art galleries are free, and are more than worthwhile to visit and enjoy. Aside from the traditional museums like the Victoria & Albert Museum, British Museum and Natural History Museum, London also features some more quirky and unique museums and art galleries like The Vaults and God’s Own Junkyard, both of which are free to enter! 

Try a Lookout Centre

One of the best things about London is its 360° views and skyline, which its skyscrapers, bridges and London Eye dominate. The London Eye is one of the most popular attractions for viewing the whole city, but tickets can cost upwards of around £30 for entry. Luckily, there are lookout points and observation buildings that give you better views of London than the London Eye claims to offer. 

Try out places like Horizon 22, Sky Garden or Greenwich Park for the best city views from high up. Why not make a night out of it too and enjoy a drink on one of London’s many rooftop bars? Live the (literal) high life and appreciate London’s sheer size and beauty from one of the many sky-high observation areas.

Take a Walking Tour

Taking a self-guided walking tour of the city may take you a while, but there’s no better way to see London than a sightseeing tour of all the best attractions and landmarks. While you can find free guided tours, professional tours usually cost–taking yourself around with google maps, a camera and a couple of friends is a wonderful way to see the city like a true tourist without spending a penny. 

If you have time to kill, a walking tour is the perfect way to learn everything about London’s rich history, culture and its sculptures and architecture. What’s more, the pictures that you take and the memories you make will feel much more fulfilling and worthwhile than spending a ton of money on places or attractions. London’s top sights that you should add to your itinerary include Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Portobello Road and Tower Bridge. 

Go Window Shopping

London is home to some of the best and most famous shopping streets in the world, most notably Regent Street and Oxford Street, however, these streets are known for their luxury and designer goods which may not be very affordable or practical with the budget you have. Why not try window shopping? It’s a great way to have a look at what you can find in London and envision owning or buying them once your budget permits you to. It’s very easy to get lost in your own little world, especially since London is home to some gorgeous quaint side streets that are rife with antique stores and cafes. 

If you’re a tourist or even a local, hanging out on some of the world’s most famous streets, even if you don’t intend to buy anything, is a great pastime. Simply just being in such a famous area can be enough, and you can find out what it’s like to live the luxury life without having a luxury budget. Some of the best places to window shop include Selfridges, Harrods, Oxford St, Regent St, Mayfair and Pimlico Road!