The problem travellers face when visiting London isn’t finding things to do, it’s figuring out which ones are worth doing. When you’re travelling on a budget, one of the best things you can do is find things to do in London for free, so you know you’re saving your money for things worth spending on.
Although the city might have a reputation as being more expensive, you’ll find there are plenty of things to do for free, from must-sees to lesser-known gems.
Things to do in London for free: Museums and Galleries
London is packed with museums and galleries to visit, and many of them don’t cost anything to get in. You’ll find historical museums chronicling culture and history and galleries with collections ranging from the Renaissance to contemporary art movements. In fact, you might be surprised to find that some of the museums and galleries at the top of ‘must-see’ lists are, in fact, free to visit.
The British Museum
The British Museum hosts one of the most famous collections in the world and is one of the most visited museums in the world, with nearly 6 million visitors every year. Some of the most well-renowned items in its collection of over 8 million artefacts include the Parthenon sculptures. These marble sculptures were made between 447BC and 432BC for the temple of Athena in Athens. You will also find the Rosetta Stone, whose discovery allowed historians to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphs. Some exhibitions must be paid for, but the main museum is always free. It is usually open from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm every day, with hours extending to 8:30 pm on Fridays, so it’s easy to squeeze in a visit to this icon of London.
The Tate Modern
At the famous Tate Modern, you can see a wide selection of both modern and contemporary art from all around the world, completely for free. With a range of artists from Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso to Yayoi Kusama and Louise Bourgeois, every visitor will find something they love in the gallery. There are guided tours available, including free ones, lasting around 45 minutes and providing extra insights into the histories and cultural contexts of the artists and their artworks.
Somerset House
There used to be several large palaces lining the Thames, but now just one remains: the neoclassical palace of Somerset House. With sections of the building dating back to the 16th century and many additions and alterations made throughout the years since, Somerset House now hosts an Arts Centre with art collections and exhibitions that you can explore either on your own or on a guided tour. You’ll also find films and concerts taking place at different times of the year, and in winter, you’ll find a space transformed into a large ice rink.
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Head to the streets
Not only can some of the best art in London be seen for free, but it can also be seen at your leisure, without even entering a gallery. London is known for having one of the most thriving street art scenes in the world, with Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel, the city’s largest legal graffiti wall, considered a must-see for any street art fan.
Shoreditch, in particular, is renowned for its colourful, ever-changing, and always bold collection of street art. From names established in the street art world to up-and-coming artists making their mark, don’t let the street art of London pass you by.
Nature lovers can find things to do in London for free
You might be loving the city streets and skylines but still find yourself feeling the need for a bit of nature on your trip to London. Luckily, the city has plenty of green spaces to be found in and amongst the modern built-up streets. From indoor gardens to large swaths of parkland, don’t be fooled into thinking London is only a concrete jungle.
Things to do in London for free: Parks
With plenty of parks in London, you’ll find it easy to add a touch of nature and greenery to your daily itinerary. Hampstead Heath is one of the most beautiful parks in London, with its walking trails and small ponds that you can swim in. Richmond Park is known for being relatively unrefined as a national nature reserve where you might just catch a glimpse of deer herds. And, of course, there is Hyde Park, the largest park in London, which very often hosts festivals and concerts.
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Barbican Conservatory
The Barbican is one of London’s most well-known cultural hubs, a hidden gem that can be viewed at no cost. Head up to the third floor, and you’ll find a conservatory full of flowers and tropical plants, including tree ferns, coffee plants, the Swiss Cheese plant, and ponds full of koi, carp, and other cold-water fish.
An ‘Arid House’ on the Conservatory’s east side keeps plants like cacti and succulents in ideal conditions. Although free, admission is limited, so check out their website ahead of time to book tickets. If you’re looking for a guided experience, the Conservatory sometimes runs tours on Sundays, which can also be booked in advance.
Sky Garden
Looking for a unique experience tied to nature? Look no further than Sky Garden, a three-tiered atrium that sits atop central London’s famous ‘Walkie Talkie’ building. The garden boasts lush greenery, an open-air terrace and a calming atmosphere, along with a bar and restaurant where you can sit and soak it all in. Once you’ve had your fill of nature, head out to the observation deck where you can get amazing views of the London city skyline, making Sky Garden a perfect place to visit if you’re looking to take some remarkable pictures to remember your trip by.
Historical sites that can be toured for free
While London today is a hub of thriving modernity, the city has seen thousands of years of history. Much historical evidence has been maintained and kept alive to this day, from sites that tell the stories of English Royalty all the way through the centuries back to the England of Roman times. With so much to discover, history lovers will find it easy to find things to do in London for free.
The Temple of Mithras
Discovered in 1954 during excavations after World War II, this temple is a site of both historical significance and mysterious intrigue, dating back to around 240 AD. Carefully reconstructed, the temple appears to have been used by the cult of Mithras, a mysterious group that spread across Rome thousands of years ago, dedicated to the Roman god of the same name. The site has marble sculptures that track the temple’s changes as it was rededicated from Mithras to the Roman god Bacchus sometime in the 4th century. Originally built partially underground, the temple has an overwhelming feeling of mystery and intrigue, sure to set any visitor’s imagination alight.
The Chapel of St Peter and Paul
Whether you’re interested in it for religious, historical, or architectural reasons, the Chapel of St Peter and Paul can be found in the University of Greenwich. Still used as a place of worship, the chapel was built in 1742 and boasts elaborate and intricate decorations in its interior, including paintings, marble floors, and its impressive neoclassical, carved ceiling in shades of pale blue and cream. Built to have excellent acoustics, the chapel often holds concerts that are usually free to attend.
Fulham Palace
Home to the Bishops of London for over 1,300 years, Fulham Palace is steeped in London’s history. A visit to the palace is a carefully curated experience where you can get to know the bishops of the past, hear the sounds that would have filled the palace halls, and see the artefacts that tell its fascinating archaeological history. Outside the palace walls, check out the large garden where you can see the sorts of exotic plants that were collected by a bishop in the late 17th century, along with rare trees, including an oak tree that’s 500 years old.
Excited for your next adventure? Our friends at Where to Go, produced by the team behind the award-winning DK Eyewitness travel guides, are here to help!
Each fortnight, hosts James and Lucy talk to local experts about the destination they have chosen to call their home, exploring their personal connection to the place, what makes it so special and the best things to see and do.
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