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London offers the ultimate travel experience, with everything from culture and history to international food and amazing hotels. With many attractions spread across the city, the big challenge is to make the most of your trip without emptying your wallet. The good news is that there are great things to do in London for free.
Plan your trip and look to save on IHG London hotels near your itinerary stops. As democratic and cosmopolitan as London is, there are free attractions for people of all tastes and ages, even for partygoers.
Before listing all the great free things to do in London, we want to share with you a link to our post about the costs of traveling in the United Kingdom. If you are planning to travel beyond London, this is a great guide to help you plan your budget and save during your UK trip.
Cultural things to do for free in London
Visiting one of London’s museums is a must, and it’s even better if you can do it for free.
Visit the iconic British Museum, get close to a T-Rex dinosaur skeleton at the Natural History Museum (this is a must-do in London with kids), or have a look at the antiques at Sir John Soane’s Museum.
Want to dig into London’s history? The Museum of London and the Bank of England Museum are free, too.
If Greenwich is on your travel itinerary, there are free museums there as well. The Queen’s House and the National Maritime Museum are worth a visit. Here is a list of free galleries and museums in London you can’t miss.
You can also see modern art for free in London. At the Tate Modern Museum, you can contemplate pieces from Picasso, Dali, Pollock, and Bourgeois without spending a penny. Don’t forget to check the opening hours, as free admission is only available during a certain period of the day in some museums.
Green Escapades in London
When you get tired of walking around the city, stop by one of the parks and relax. Bring along a nice coffee and some scones.
The central parks in London are Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and St. James’s Park in front of Buckingham Palace. For a beautiful view of London’s skyline, go to Primrose Hill at Regent’s Park, where you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the city for free.
Also read: Where to go and what to do in London in a day.
Historical Things to Do for Free in London
A trip to London isn’t complete without watching the legendary Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. From April to July, it happens daily at 11:30 a.m., and from August to March it’s on alternate days. Arrive early to get the best spot.
Another historical attraction is the Ceremony of Keys at the Tower of London. Every night for the past 700 years, the traditional locking of the fortress happens in front of hundreds of tourists. Although the admission is free, you must book your ticket in advance to have access to the ceremony.
Fun Things to Do for Free in London
Music, theater, and performance are part of London’s soul, and there are several free options. You can watch a free concert at the National Theatre, where the eclectic performances happen from Monday to Friday at 5:45 p.m.
For partygoers, a good option is strolling around East End, where you’ll find many pubs with free entrance and DJs spinning electronic music. If rock is your thing, The Lexington has British bands playing on the first floor. Have a look at Notting Hill Arts Clubs for an intimate venue, great music, and free admission.
London is definitely an inspiring and lively city. There are so many things to do that you can only scratch the surface in one trip. Although not all the attractions are free, you can do many of them without ruining your budget.
The key is to plan well, organize your itinerary wisely, and enjoy every single moment. For more tips and tricks for planning the perfect trip read our Travel Planning page.
What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and let’s enjoy London!
