25 Free Things to Do in London
London can be expensive, but many of its best experiences are completely free. Here are 25 amazing free things to do.
Free Museums & Galleries
- British Museum — World's most comprehensive collection of human history
- Natural History Museum — Dinosaurs, blue whale skeleton, wildlife galleries
- National Gallery — Van Gogh, Monet, da Vinci masterpieces in Trafalgar Square
- Tate Modern — Contemporary art in a stunning converted power station
- V&A Museum — Art, design, and fashion spanning 5,000 years
- Science Museum — Interactive exhibits, space gallery, flight simulator
- Imperial War Museum — Moving exhibits about war and conflict
Free Parks & Gardens
- Hyde Park — 350 acres, Serpentine Lake, Diana Memorial Fountain
- Regent's Park — Rose garden, boating lake, open-air theatre (summer)
- Kensington Gardens — Italian Gardens, Peter Pan statue, Diana Playground
- St James's Park — Best views of Buckingham Palace, pelican feeding at 2:30pm
- Greenwich Park — Prime Meridian views, Royal Observatory grounds
Free Landmarks & Experiences
- Changing of the Guard — Buckingham Palace, 11am most days
- Sky Garden — Free rooftop garden with 360° views (book online)
- Southbank walk — Westminster to Tower Bridge along the Thames
- Borough Market browsing — Free to explore London's best food market
- Speakers' Corner — Sunday morning debates in Hyde Park
- Street art in Shoreditch — Self-guided walking tour of stunning murals
Hidden Free Gems
- Neal's Yard — Colourful courtyard in Covent Garden
- Little Venice — Canal boats and cafés near Paddington
- Kyoto Garden — Secret Japanese garden in Holland Park
- Hampstead Heath viewpoint — Panoramic London skyline from Parliament Hill
- Leadenhall Market — Stunning Victorian market (Harry Potter filming location)
- Sir John Soane's Museum — Architect's personal collection, Lincoln's Inn Fields
- Ceremony of the Keys — Free (book months ahead) at the Tower of London
Money-Saving Tip: Check our Coupons & Deals section for attraction discounts and 2-for-1 offers.