London boasts of stunning attractions, bustling streets, delectable cuisine, and a lot more. The city, however, can also be an expensive one to explore, burning a hole in your wallet if you don’t plan your journey well. However, there are a bunch of free things to do in London that ensure you spend a good day out, while being able to budget well! By Anushka Goel
London is the 15th most expensive country to live in, according to a recent report by Mercer (published in Forbes). The city is also expensive in case you’re a tourist, looking to explore the scenic sites that London has to offer. While commuting in the city is fairly easy, thanks to the underground trains, cost of hotels, ticket prices and restaurant bills can burn a massive hole in your pocket, in case you haven’t planned your trip well.
However, exploring the city on a budget is definitely possible since there are a number of places that you can visit for free! This comes in handy in case you are a student, budget traveller, or simply someone who is looking to maintain their finances. And walking on the streets, as you soak in some beautiful skies and picturesque streets is always fun, isn’t it?
So, in case you are in the city and looking to have some fun, check out these free things to do in London that will keep you busy for hours, and also allow you to unwind and soak in the pleasant London skies!
Free things to do in London
See the Changing of the Guard ceremony
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Among the most fun things you can do in London is watching the Changing of the Guards ceremony. The ceremony is the official change of guard of the Queen, where the old guards hand over the responsibility and keys to the new set of guards. The ceremony happens at several places across London, turned into a visual treat with great pomp and show (including bands playing traditional and modern pop tunes) and more.
The ceremony happens on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between January and May and from August till December. The ceremony happens daily in June and July. The best place to view it is the Buckingham Palace, but you can always travel to other places such as Windsor Castle to get another unique experience.
Spend some time at the Borough Market in London
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The Borough Markert in London celebrated its 1,000th year back in 2014, and it’s safe to stay that this is a place that has stood the test of time. The market is one of the best free places to visit in London, allowing you to walk through the bustling lanes filled with organic produce and more.
Sample the free treats if you are hungry, or if you have some cash to spare, make some purchases too. Housing world cuisine, it is a great place to keep an eye out for deals and more. The market is open from Monday to Saturday.
Visit the London Mithraeum
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Among the super cool free things to do in London includes a visit to the London Mithraeum. Dedicated to the mysterious figure of Mithras, whose cult-like followers met in secret in underground locations, the Roman temple has no entry fee! The place is hidden underneath the Bloomberg buildings in London, and makes for a great place to visit and spend some time at.
Watch permanent exhibits at National Gallery
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If you love art but do not have the budget for exploring new shows, entry to the National Gallery is free. The gallery has pieces by artists such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Turner, and Van Gogh for you to witness. These are part of the permanent exhibits, which means you don’t have to pay a single penny to be able to view them.
Picnic at the Greenwich Park
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If you want to enjoy a fun picnic with your family or your partner, pack a basket full of yummy goodies (here’s where the trip to Borough Market comes in handy!) and head to the hill in the middle of Greenwich Park. With expansive views of the city’s skyline and the most beautiful surroundings, the park will surely make for a memorable afternoon, especially if the weather gods are in a great mood.
Enjoy one of the free London walking tours
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As we mentioned in the beginning, there’s no better way to explore a city than on foot. So, if you have the whole day to yourself (or even a couple of hours), spend it walking around the streets. The roads will take you to remote corners and unexplored food stalls, offering world cuisine that will fill you up in no time at all. If you don’t want to walk alone, explore some of the free walking tours available and sign up for those.
Visit the British Museum for a lesson in history
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Among the many free things you can do in London is visit the city’s many stunning museums. The British Museum is among those. One of the largest in the city, the museum offers a variety of artefacts, paintings and more for you to see on your trip there. The only advice? Wear a pair of comfortable shoes and walk around till you can’t anymore!
Visit the Barbican Conservatory
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The Barbican Conservatory is among London’s best cultural places. Filled with tropical plants, cacti, flowers and more, this conservatory is the one free thing you can explore in the Barbican, which also houses a variety of theatres, films and other fun stuff.
Walk around Trafalgar Square (and spot a celebrity or two)
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Head to Trafalgar Square and meet the lions, or simply enjoy the many cultural shows that are put up there. What’s more, this popular address in London is also often visited by celebrities, so who knows, you might just run into your favourite stars there!
Go jogging at Hyde Park
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Hyde Park is among the best spots to be in London, especially in the morning. And guess what? It’s completely free! Go there for a jog, or pick up your camera to capture some stunning shots of the lush greenery, birds, pets on a walk and more.
Explore the Horniman Museum
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Horniman Museum was built in 1091 by Frederick Horniman, a tea trader who had a passion for collectables. The museum today allows free entry, and you can visit the place to witness a collection of stuffed birds and animals. Its main attraction, however, is a massive overstuffed walrus, which is also the centrepiece here! The museum also has a music gallery with over 1,500 instruments and expansive gardens with a butterfly house, animal trails and a lot more.
Visit the Kensington Park
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Another great park to visit in London is Kensington Park. Take a stroll, spend some time with your partner or play around with kids. You can also see the many water bodies here and several other structures that will make your time worth the while!
Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of Viktor Forgacs/Unsplash
Related: London Just Got A New LGBTQ Museum — Here’s A Look Inside ‘Queer Britain’
Written By
Anushka Goel
Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument.
