Explore London for free
“The best things in life are free” and this quote really rings true in London! Although the capital city of the United Kingdom is an expensive one there are many things you can do there for free. Check out our list of amazing places, which you can visit for free in London.
ATTRACTIONS
Southbank
Experience the eclectic and artistic part of the city in the commercial and entertainment district of Central London. Restaurants, shops, markets, galleries, music and more.
The Changing of the Guard
A must see for tourists! An exciting forty minute spectacle taking place every day from April until July and on alternate dates for the remaining months. The ceremony starts at about 11.15 am.
Ceremony of Keys – Tower of London
Experience the ceremony of locking up the Tower of London. It takes place every night for the last 700 years. Tickets are free of charge, but you need to make a reservation as this is a very popular attraction.
https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/whats-on/ceremony-of-the-keys/
Street Theatre
Visit Covent Garden to see street theaters with performers including jugglers, fire-throwers, mime artists, clowns, singers and comedians. The shows are free but tips are always welcome.
www.coventgardenlondonuk.com/culture/street-performers
The Royal Courts of Justice
You can take a seat in one of the courts and watch the British justice system in action. Open during weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
The British Museum
Another must see for tourists. See the amazing collection of items from cultures from all around the world. There is so much to see that it’s best to divide the visit into a few days.
The Natural History Museum
Impressive from the outside and on the inside. The striking building housing the museum first opened in 1881. There are over 80 million specimens being curated for in the museum. It is not only a museum but also a research centre.
www.naturalhistorymuseum.org.uk
The Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art
Presumably the finest collection of ceramic art and related items outside of China – about 1700 pieces from dynasties such as Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing.
The Science Museum
A very large museum dedicated to all areas of modern science and technology. Includes a learning area.
The Victoria & Albert Museum
The world’s greatest museum of arts and design. Collections include architecture, Asia, books, ceramics, design styles, drawings, fashion, furniture, glass, jewelry, metalwork, paintings, photography, prints, sculpture, textiles, and theatre & performance.
Tate Modern
Tate Modern is a national art gallery, which is the home to United Kingdom’s collection of modern and contemporary art.
The Museum of London
Learn all about the history of London from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum curates more than 2 million objects and exhibits models, artefacts and reconstructions.
The Royal Academy of Music Museum
Exhibits an impressive collection of musical instruments and collectibles, you can also take part in the on-site workshop
The National Gallery
The home of the national collection of paintings in the Western European tradition dating from the 13th to the 19th century.
The National Portrait Gallery
Visit to see portraits of the most famous people present in British history.
Tate Britain
The national gallery of British art from the Tudor period (1500) to the present day.
The Saatchi Gallery
A gallery of contemporary art, which takes its name from the founder Charles Saatchi.
Somerset House
An impressive arts and cultural centre in the heart of London. The building was originally the Tudor palace.
The Photographer’s Gallery
Come to admire contemporary work by photographers.
MUSIC
The Royal Academy of Music
This is Britain’s oldest music college and it accepts visitors for its many free concerts and events on Fridays.
Royal Festival Hall
Free concerts on Fridays and Sundays during lunchtime.
www.southbankcentre.co.uk/venues/royal-festival-hall
Notting Hill Arts Club
Every Saturday from 4pm to 8pm. Musically expect anything like indie-pop, alt country, avant folk, pop noise, electronica, new wave, post-punk.
Ain’t Nothing But The Blues Bar
Great blues music in a very small place and it gets busy so make sure to get there early! www.aintnothinbut.co.uk
Dover Street Wine Bar
Come here to enjoy blues and jazz music. Free entrance before 10 pm
PARKS
Hyde Park
This is one of the biggest parks in London. Popular for picnicking, horseback riding, rollerblading, running or taking walks.
www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park
Kensington Gardens
A more formal park than Hyde Park. Here you can admire a sunken garden, stop for a drink at the Orangery and appreciate the paintings at the Serpentine Galleries www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens
St James’s Park
This park is located near the Buckingham Palace and has a small lake with two islands.
www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/st-jamess-park
Regent’s Park
The London Zoo is located in this park. Features include an open air theatre, three playgrounds, bandstand music and tennis courts.
www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/the-regents-park
MARKETS
Portobello Road Market
Includes sections such as antiques, fruit & veg, new goods, fashion market and second hand goods.
Covent Garden – Jubilee Market
Here you will find British handmade arts and crafts, antiques, food and souvenirs.
Bayswater Road Market
Explore original crafts, sculptures and art.
www.bayswater-road-artists.co.uk
Camden Market
Camden Market is formed of a number of different markets stretching from Camden Lock to the Stables Market and sells crafts, clothing, fast foods and more.
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