50 Amazing Free Things to Do in London

London has a reputation for being one of the world’s most expensive cities, but after spending nearly a month there over two trips, one thing surprised me – you can do an unbelievable amount without spending a single pound.

London is one of those rare cities where you can step outside without an agenda and still have a wonderful day. You can wander through beautiful neighbourhoods, stumble upon incredible free museums, spend hours in enormous parks that make you feel like you’ve escaped to the countryside, and end the day at a stunning viewpoint!

In fact, in almost a month of being in London, I only paid for 9 carefully chosen attractions and experiences. Everything else that made me fall in love with the city was completely free.

In this guide, I’ve rounded up 50 of the best free things to do in London, from iconic sights to lesser-known gems! Some of these are completely free experiences, while others are free to visit even if you choose to spend money once you’re there. I could easily have stopped at 50, but clearly I couldn’t control myself, so I’ve added even more ideas in the “More” sections throughout the guide.

If you’re also wondering where your money is worth spending, check out my guide to the best paid attractions in London, where I share the experiences I’d happily pay for again. And if you want to stretch your budget even further, don’t miss my guide on how to save money in London, packed with practical tips on accommodation, transport, food and more.

London’s Iconic Landmarks (Free to See)

These are places you HAVE TO cover on your first trip to London. And no, you do not need to pay for and step inside any of them, unless of course you really want to.

• Palace of Westminster (Parliament) and Elizabeth Tower (Big ben): It’s a stunning exterior to admire. Best seen from Westminster Bridge or a walk along the South Bank. For a stunning photo (as pictured below), head to Bridge Arch Photo – yes, type it just like that in Google Maps.

• Westminster Bridge: This bridge has stunning views of the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben. If you walk on the other side of the bridge, you’ll also get great views of the London Eye.

• Tower Bridge: The Tower Bridge is an iconic structure that you would’ve seen all over the internet and is often confused with the London Bridge. Walk across the Tower Bridge or simply observe it from benches in front of the Tower of London. Just so you know the bridge lifts to let ships pass through from time to time. If you’d like to see that happen, visit according to this time table.

• Trafalgar Square: This is London’s largest and most important public square. It has imposing monuments, the world-class National Gallery (which is also free to visit), pigeons everywhere and a number of street performers. It’s London’s ground zero, from where all distances in the city are measured.

• Buckingham Palace: See the exterior with stationed guards. You can also catch the Changing of the Guards Ceremony that happens every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:45 AM, lasting about 45 minutes. But it can get crowded so be there 45 minutes earlier to grab a good spot. We missed it and didn’t mind.

• Leicester Square: Stroll around this pedestrian Square with a little green space and a fountain in the centre. You’ll find several statues of famous characters, actors and other artists around the exterior and even inside on the benches. There’s Shakespeare, Harry Potter, Paddington Bear, Shahrukh and Kajol, and many more. A nice place to take a break from all the walking. Nearby, you’ll also find the Swiss Glockenspiel, a free-standing musical tower with bells and moving figures in traditional swiss design.

• Millennium Bridge: Walk on this pedestrian bridge just infront of St Paul’s Cathedral. As you can imagine, the view of St Paul’s from the bridge is perfect. This bridge was also featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, where it is destroyed by Death Eaters.

Free Viewpoints

One thing I absolutely loved about London is how many free viewpoints it has. In most cities around the world, you have to pay to get a great view; I remember spending a fortune on observation decks in Dubai. You can do the same in London by visiting The Shard or the London Eye, but TBH, you don’t have to. There are so many fantastic viewpoints across the city that are totally free.

• Sky Garden (must-do): If you only have time for one free viewpoint in London, I’d make it Sky Garden. It’s a picturesque garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie building with incredible 360-degree views across the city. Entry is completely free, but make sure you book a slot in advance since they disappear quickly. If you don’t get a reservation, you can go there and try your luck. But be warned, it can get crowded.

• Greenwich Park Observatory Hill (my favourite): I absolutely loved this viewpoint. Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, but I don’t think London has much of a skyline. That’s why this view stood out to me so much. Instead of just looking at a cluster of office buildings, you get greenery, then the historic Old Royal Naval College, then the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. On a clear day, you can even spot The Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral in the distance.

• One New Change Rooftop (nice but skip if short on time): Want a fab photo of St Paul’s Cathedral’s dome? This is the place to come. The escalator and elevator to the top are well-known photo spots and the rooftop terrace gives you one of the best free views of the cathedral’s iconic dome.

• Horizon 22: Looking for the highest free viewpoint in London? This is the place to come. The views from the 58th floor are incredible, and on a clear day you can see for miles. It’s free to visit, but I’d recommend booking ahead to guarantee your spot.

• Garden at 120 (no need to prebook): An impressive rooftop garden with fantastic views of London, including The Gherkin, The Shard and the Walkie Talkie. Unlike many viewpoints, you usually don’t need to book, making it a great last-minute option.

• Primrose Hill (skip): I know this is one of London’s most popular viewpoints, especially with locals, but it wasn’t my favourite. I visited in the evening and found it noisy and crowded, with lots of teen groups drinking. It wasn’t the peaceful experience I’d imagined. I also felt the skyline was more obscured by trees than I expected. So either come earlier in the day or just sit down on the grass and chill.

Free Neighbourhood Walks (Best Free Thing to Do in London)

My favourite thing to do in London was to simply pick a neighbourhood and wander. Before heading out, I’d pin a handful of places I wanted to see on Google Maps, then slowly make my way from one to the next. Along the way, I stumbled upon picturesque little streets, hidden courtyards and unexpected corners that I never would have found if I’d rushed from one attraction to another. If you have the time, I’d highly recommend exploring London this way. Here are some of the neighbourhoods that I think you should wander around

• Seven Dials: If you enjoy shopping, head to Seven Dials in the larger Covent Garden area. I know most people flock to Oxford Street, Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus, and those are great for big-name mass-market brands. But if you like independent boutiques and charming little streets, then you’ll enjoy the Seven Dials area. While you’re there, don’t miss Seven Dials Market (a food court) and Neal’s Yard (a tiny courtyard bursting with colourful buildings).

• Covent Garden: Another area great for wandering around is Covent Garden. With boutique shops, chain stores, great restaurants and talented street performers, I spent way too long watching. There’s almost always something happening here. Head to The Market on a rainy day since it’s covered and try the French Onion Soup at Chez Antoinette.

• Chinatown: Chinatown is great to stroll through whether you’re planning to eat or not. The lantern-covered streets are atmospheric, and you’ll find everything from bubble tea and bakeries to dim sum and late-night eats. Do try the strawberry mochi at Sakurado; I think about it all the time.

• Marylebone: Marylebone has a quieter, more local feel than many of London’s shopping districts. Visit the beautiful Daunt Book Store, browse the independent boutiques and cafés, and enjoy one of the prettiest streets in central London. This neighbourhood is also home to the free museum, Wallace Collection, mentioned below.

• Notting Hill: Notting Hill is best known for its colourful houses, and they’re every bit as charming as they look in photos. While you’re here, don’t miss the famous Portobello Road Market. And if you’re prepared to walk, I’d recommend starting at Layla Bakery, then walking all the way down to The Churchill Arms, one of London’s most colourful pubs. Along the way, stop for a bagel at Kuro Bagels or a scone from Cheeky Scone. Just make sure you go early, as they tend to sell out well before the afternoon.

• Regent Canal Walk: Looking for a quieter but still atmospheric side of London? Take a walk along Regent’s Canal. Lined with colourful boats, narrow leafy paths and plenty of greenery, it’s hard to believe you’re still in the middle of one of the world’s busiest cities. I only walked a small stretch, as I was alone and short on time, but if I were to do it again, I’d start at Word on the Water, London’s famous floating bookshop, and follow the canal all the way to Regent’s Park, passing Camden Market along the way.

• Canary Wharf: Most people skip Canary Wharf, but I actually really enjoyed it for an evening. It’s London’s modern business district, full of skyscrapers, waterside walkways and public art. It feels completely different from the rest of the city and is especially beautiful in the evening when all the buildings light up. It’s a great place to stay, has numerous restaurants and can easily be combined with a visit to Greenwich.

• Richmond: Best known as the home of Ted Lasso, Richmond feels like a completely different world, with the River Thames, plenty of greenery and a relaxed village atmosphere that’s perfect for slowing down. When here, don’t miss Petersham nurseries, Richmond Hill and a walk along the Thames.

• Fleet Street: If you want to experience a different side of London, head to Fleet Street. This area is what was Old London. This historic road is packed with hidden courtyards, churches, pubs frequented by Charles Dickens and such personalities, and fascinating stories from London’s past. I followed Rick Steves’ free Old London walking tour (download the Rick Steves Audio Europe app), and it ended up being one of my favourite walks in the city.

• Greenwich: Greenwich completely won me over. Take the Uber Boat here if you can—it makes the journey even more special. Between the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich Market, Prime Meridian and Observatory Hill, you could easily spend an entire day exploring.
  Tip: Combine with Canary Wharf

Free Markets

• Borough Market: If you love food, you can’t miss Borough Market. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s crowded. And yes, it’s a little expensive. But it’s still worth visiting to grab a bite. Don’t leave without trying Bread Ahead’s creme brulee doughnuts even if you don’t try anything else and just walk around. Highly recommend going on a weekday or early in the morning to skip the crowds.
  Tip: Combine with Tower Bridge.

• Leadenhall Market: This is one of those places that’s so pretty you can’t help but stop and stare. The Victorian architecture is gorgeous, there are plenty of cafés and pubs if you fancy a break, and Harry Potter fans will recognise it as the entrance to Diagon Alley in the first film.
  Tip: Combine with Sky Garden

• Portobello Market: Whether you want to shop or not, visit Portobello Road Market just for the atmosphere. Wander past stalls selling vintage jewellery, watches, vinyl records and antiques. Go on a weekend when the market is in full swing.
  Tip: Combine with Notting Hill

• Camden Market: Camden isn’t really my kind of neighbourhood, but the market was interesting. It’s full of quirky shops, street food and colourful corners, and the umbrella-covered lane is fun for photos.
  Tip: Combine with Regent’s Canal

• Spitalfields Market – Popular with locals, Spitalfields Market has a much more relaxed feel than Borough Market.

• Coal Drops Yard: One of London’s coolest shopping districts, Coal Drops Yard is built inside a restored Victorian coal warehouse near King’s Cross. Even if you’re not planning to shop, stroll through for the striking architecture and independent boutiques.

Free Museums

It’s pretty amazing that London has so many museums you can visit for free. They’re the perfect rainy-day activity (and trust me, you’ll probably have a few of those in London). If you enjoy your visit, consider making a donation, especially at the smaller museums, to help keep them free for everyone.

• British Museum (Must Visit): This museum is dedicated to world history. It has famous artefacts from several places in the world (controversial!), including the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and the greek Parthenon sculptures, as well as palace wall reliefs from the Assyrian Empire. Love it or hate it, it’s still one of the most fascinating museums I’ve ever visited.
  Tip: Combine with 7 Dials

• V&A Museum: This museum celebrates human creativity and is dedicated to everything art and design. You’ll find exhibits ranging from sculpture to metals to carpets to jewellery to fashion. Truly fascinating.
  
• Natural History Museum (loved it): Dedicated to the natural world, this museum covers everything from dinosaurs and volcanoes to gemstones and wildlife. But the most fascinating displays are the enormous skeleton of a blue whale, the dinosaur skeletons (including a roaring t-rex), and the Earth Hall. The building itself has stunning interiors.
  Tip: Combine with Kensington Gardens

• National Gallery: If you’re into art, this is the museum to visit in London. It houses masterpieces by artists like Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, Monet, Turner and Rembrandt, spanning more than 700 years of European painting.

• Tate Modern: Housed inside a former power station, Tate Modern is London’s leading museum of modern and contemporary art. Even if modern art isn’t your thing, visit for the building itself and the free viewing terrace, which offers fantastic views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Thames.

• Sir John Soane’s Museum: Once the home of architect Sir John Soane, this quirky museum feels like stepping into a cabinet of curiosities. Every room is packed with paintings, sculptures, antiques and fascinating objects from around the world.

• Queen’s House in Greenwich: Built in the 1600s as a former royal residence, Queen’s House is best known for the iconic Tulip Stairs and its impressive art collection, including the famous Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I and The Battle of Trafalgar, the largest painting by J.M.W. Turner.

• Science Museum: Dedicated to science, technology and innovation, this museum has everything from space exploration and aviation to medicine and engineering. Even if you aren’t a science buff, the interactive exhibits and historic inventions make it a fun visit.

• Wallace Collection: Housed in an elegant historic mansion, the Wallace Collection showcases fine art, armour, furniture and decorative arts. It’s much quieter than London’s larger museums and one of the city’s hidden gems.

• V&A East Storehouse: Unlike a traditional museum, the V&A East Storehouse lets you explore thousands of objects that are usually hidden away in storage. From fashion and theatre props to sculptures and furniture, it’s a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the V&A’s vast collection.

Free Parks

I don’t think I’ve ever been to a city with as many beautiful parks as London. And these aren’t just little green patches squeezed between buildings – they’re vast open spaces that make you feel like you’ve left the city behind. Spend an afternoon reading a book, watching dogs chase squirrels, having a picnic or simply wandering through the gardens.

• St James’ Park: One of London’s prettiest Royal Parks, St James’s Park is famous for its flower beds, resident pelicans and serene lake views with Buckingham Palace in the background. You can easily combine this with a visit to Buckingham Palace. And do not forget to try the Strawberry and Clotted Cream icecream there.

• Hyde Park: Visit London’s most famous park for its sheer size. Go for a stroll, hire a pedal boat on the Serpentine or just find a sunny patch of grass and relax for a while.

• Richmond Park: Come here to see the park’s famous free-roaming deer, but be prepared to walk – a lot. I recommend visiting with good company because it’s easy to spend hours exploring. While you’re here, stop by Pembroke Lodge for a cream tea, then wander through the colourful flower gardens just outside.

• Holland Park (Kyoto Garden): This is a peaceful escape from the city, but its biggest highlight is the charming Kyoto Garden – a traditional Japanese garden complete with koi ponds and waterfalls. However, remember that Kyoto Garden is just a small Japanese-style garden in a huge park. Don’t be disappointed at the size when you go.

• St Dunstan in the East – Once a medieval church, St Dunstan in the East is now a peaceful public garden with ivy and climbing plants covering its ruined walls, making it one of London’s most unique and photogenic hidden gems. I didn’t get to visit, but it’s high on my list for next time.

• Kensington Gardens: If Hyde Park feels a little too busy, wander into Kensington Gardens instead. It’s quieter, more elegant and home to Kensington Palace, the stunning Italian Gardens and the impressive Albert Memorial.

Unique Attractions

• Platform 9 3/4 photo op at King’s Cross Station: This is not the real platform but a trolley installation, especially for photos. If you’re a big fan and you’re not going to the Harry Potter Studio in Watford, you can go for this instead. Just remember, there will be a queue so it’s best to go first thing in the morning.

• Leake Street Tunnel: Located near the Waterloo Train Station, this is a tunnel with graffiti murals all around. Yes, it’s perfectly legal and if you go on the weekend, you might even catch artists working on their murals.

• Word on the Water: Calling itself “London’s Bookshop on a Boat”, this charming floating bookshop is moored along Regent’s Canal near Coal Drops Yard. Even if you don’t buy a book, stop by to browse the shelves and soak up the cosy atmosphere.

• Outernet: Imagine stepping into a room where the walls and ceiling are covered with giant digital screens playing immersive artwork and videos. That’s Outernet. It’s completely free and just beside Tottenham Court Road Station, so it’s super easy to visit. It takes just 10–15 minutes to experience and is a fun stop while exploring Oxford Street.