In short
In London, the big national museums are free (British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Natural History Museum, Science Museum), and so are the Changing of the Guard, the royal parks, the markets and the street art of Shoreditch. For a free view, book Sky Garden or Horizon 22 a few weeks ahead. Transport is paid by contactless card, capped at £8.90 a day in zones 1–2.
London has a reputation as one of the most expensive cities in the world. Yet it is also one of the most generous: world-class museums you can visit without spending a penny, royal parks and breathtaking views. Here are the 10 best free things to do in London.
Also read our full guide: London in 3 days.
With Guidly, every landmark tells you its story: the app finds the places around you and creates an audio guide based on your interests, in your language.
The 10 best free things to do in London
1. Take in the view from Sky Garden
Sky Garden offers a 360° view over London from the top floors of the “Walkie Talkie” skyscraper, with a lush public garden and an observation terrace.
Our tip: entry is free, but you must book on the official website, about three weeks ahead. Slots go very fast.
If you would rather skip the booking stress and see London from one of the tallest skyscrapers in Western Europe, book a ticket for The View from The Shard. The view at sunset is unbeatable.
2. Travel back in time at the British Museum
Home to world treasures such as the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures, the museum takes you through two million years of history, under a stunning glass roof.
- Don’t miss: the Ancient Egypt galleries and their mummies.
The museum is huge. To see the highlights without getting lost, a guided tour of the British Museum saves a lot of time.
3. Watch the Changing of the Guard
The quintessential British ceremony: guards in red tunics and bearskin hats, to the sound of military bands, outside Buckingham Palace.
- When? Usually at 11am, several days a week. Check the official schedule the day before.
4. Discover modern art at Tate Modern
Housed in a former power station on the South Bank, Tate Modern is London’s temple of modern and contemporary art. Even if you are not an art lover, the building and its Turbine Hall are worth the visit.
- Bonus: go up to the 10th floor of the Blavatnik Building for a free view of St Paul’s Cathedral.
5. Wander through Camden and Borough markets
London wouldn’t be London without its markets.
- Camden Market: for the punk, alternative atmosphere and the street art. Read our guide to London’s punk neighbourhood.
- Borough Market: a foodie paradise, where traders often offer free samples of cheese and artisan produce.
6. Escape to the royal parks
Need some fresh air? London is one of the greenest capitals in Europe.
- Hyde Park: for Speakers’ Corner.
- St James’s Park: for the best view of the palace and its resident pelicans.
- Richmond Park: to see deer roaming free (a little out of the way, but magical).
7. Discover the Museum of London Docklands
Often overlooked by tourists, this museum at West India Quay tells the story of the port of London, from the slave trade to the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. Interactive and great for families.
8. Explore the street art of Shoreditch
East London is an open-air gallery. Walk around Brick Lane and Shoreditch High Street to see works by Banksy, Roa and Shepard Fairey.
Our tip: wander into the side streets off Brick Lane, where the best short-lived pieces hide. To understand the message behind each work, a tour with a specialist guide is worth it:
London: street art and graffiti guided walking tour
9. Head into space at the Science Museum
In South Kensington, a paradise for kids (and grown-ups). Between real space capsules and hands-on experiments, you can spend half a day here without spending a penny. Right next door, the Natural History Museum and its dinosaurs is free too.
- Note: book your free ticket in advance on the museum’s website, especially during school holidays.
10. Watch the sunset from Primrose Hill
End your day at the top of Primrose Hill, with a sweeping view of the London skyline (The Shard, the London Eye, the City) and a relaxed picnic atmosphere.
More free things to do
- The National Gallery, on Trafalgar Square: Van Gogh, Turner, Vermeer and Leonardo da Vinci, for free.
- The Victoria and Albert Museum, the world’s leading museum of art and design.
- Horizon 22, London’s highest free viewing gallery, and the roof garden at 120 Fenchurch Street: two alternatives to Sky Garden.
- Evensong at Westminster Abbey or St Paul’s Cathedral: the sung evening service, free, in places that charge for sightseeing.
- Greenwich, its park and the view over Canary Wharf from the Royal Observatory.
Worth paying for
If you have a little budget left, here are three experiences our readers love:
- The London Eye: for the iconic view over the Thames.
- A Thames cruise to Greenwich: the best way to see the landmarks without walking.
- Exploring the city with Guidly: a personal, interactive audio guide for every place in London.
FAQ
Do I need to book free museums in London?
It is strongly recommended. Most big museums (British Museum, Natural History Museum, Tate Modern) let you book a free timed ticket online, which guarantees entry and helps you skip the queue.
Is the tube free for children in London?
Children under 11 travel free on the tube and buses when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket, which makes a big difference for families.
When should I book Sky Garden?
Free tickets are released about three weeks in advance and go quickly. For the best light, book a slot about an hour before sunset. If it is full, Horizon 22 and the garden at 120 Fenchurch Street, both nearby, offer similar free views.
How do I pay for transport in London without an Oyster card?
Simply tap your contactless bank card or your phone (Apple Pay, Google Pay) on the yellow readers on the tube and buses. Fares are the same and capped daily (£8.90 in zones 1–2).
Can I visit Westminster Abbey or St Paul’s Cathedral for free?
Sightseeing tickets are fairly expensive, but you can attend a service for free, such as Evensong in the late afternoon. You won’t see everything, but you can admire the architecture and hear the outstanding choirs.
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