10 Free Things to do in London

10 Free Things to do in London

Prior to visiting London, most people have had the fear of the British pound drilled into them. Yes, London is not the cheapest city in the world, but not having tons of spending money doesn’t mean your excluded from having the most authentic experience possible.

You’d be astounded how many activities of London can be enjoyed free of charge. I was too when I first learned of them all. This list could be a lot longer than ten points, but let’s start here for now.

1. Pose for Tourist Photographs in London

Taking photos of yourself, your family and your friends as you make your way around London is one of life’s priceless treasures. Most will take advantage of this activity while on a guided walking tour through the most iconic parts, but you can easily self guide and find quality content.

An image in the red phone booths is a must, as is the standard Oxford Street image with red busses in the background. If you have patience, a photograph at the famous Harry Potter nine and three quarters platform at King’s Cross is a fun one! You might have to queue for a good few minutes, but hey, it’s free.

by David Marcu – Unsplash

2. Spend the Day in Hyde Park in London

London’s biggest public park is world famous. It features extensive green lawns, plant and tree life, two lakes, biking trails and a wonderful little cafe.

In the summer you can swim in the Hyde Park lake. In winter you can enjoy the wonderland of a theme park that the city curates for the public.

There is no charge to enjoy this attraction in London. Ideal for families, Tinder dates and solo escapes when the chaos of the city is doing your head in.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday  — 5am to 12am

Metro Station: Hyde Park Corner

3. Visit One of the Many Free Museums in London

A lot of London’s public art, science and history spaces are government subsidized, which means that people can visit for free any time.

Included in this batch of free museums are the National Gallery, the British Museum, the Museum of London, the Tate Modern, the Natural History Museum, the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

I’m sure there’s one in there to tickle your fancy…

The Natural History Museum – by Patxi Olaeta – Unsplash

4. Marvel at Shoreditch Street Art in London

The east of London is know for its epic street art and vibrant youth culture. Shoredicth is the hub, and exploring costs you absolutely nothing.

Take the tube to the Shoreditch High Street stop and wander from here. There are new panels being created on the building each day, so no one can really say which way is the right way. Think like Banksy; follow the art.

by Alfonso Cenname – Unsplash

5. Browse a Market in London

Like the museums, there is an extensive list of markets that take place all across London’s city center, as well as in the outlying suburbs.

Markets are free to browse, even though this can be torturous for some.

The Camden Market, Columbia Road Flower Market, Portabello Market, Brick Lane Market and Borough Market are a few worth checking out. For a more extensive look at London’s top markets click here.

Entrance to Camden Market – by Clem Onojeghuo – Unsplash

6. Do Some Reading at the British Library in London

The British Library is the largest library in the world, based off of the number of items it holds in its archives.

You’re welcome to enjoy most of the contents at your leisure, but even just a stroll through this vast collection of knowledge is a worthwhile experience in itself.

If you need to get any work done while in London, this is a comfortable and quiet space to do so. One that doesn’t require you to buy a coffee just to sit there.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 9:30am to 8pm

Address: 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB, UK

Metro Station: Kings Cross

7. Enjoy Free Comedy at Angel Comedy Club in London

This one is a goodie! And not a lot of people know about it surprisingly. Not a lot of tourists, that is.

In the southern area of London the Angel Comedy Club hosts flagship evenings every Saturday at 8pm. They include award winning, renowned comedians who you’d usually pay big bucks to see perform.

As you can imagine, this event fills up quickly. It’s first come first serve, get here early!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Saturday — 8pm

Address: 2 Camden Passage, The Angel, London N1 8DY, UK

Metro Station: Angel

8. Take in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London

You don’t have to be religious to be able to appreciate this piece of architecture in London’s center.

St Paul’s is an iconic cathedral that sits on the bucket lists of people from all over the world. The public are free to visit and explore any day aside from Sundays. Sundays are reserved for mass and ceremonial proceedings.

St Paul’s Cathedral – by Robert Bye – Unsplash

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday — 8:30am to 4pm

Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, UK

Metro Station: St Paul’s

9. Watch the Changing of the Guard in London

Another major bucket list activity during a trip to London.

Everyday at 11:30am sharp the guards are changed in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. It can be viewed from the palace gates, where hoards of tourists gather to witness the event.

There is no charge to be part of this very British tradition.

by Shane Rounce – Unsplash

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Daily: 11:30am to 12:15pm

Address: Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, UK

Metro Station: St Jame’s Park

10. Watch a Free Concert in Trafalgar Square in London

Trafalgar Square is one of London’s top free attractions as is. It’s a historic place and the meeting point for many of the guided walking tours that venture out into the rest of the city center.

On Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at 1pm there are free musical performances that take place at the church on the square, St Martin’s in the Fields. Again, first come first serve for seats!

Trafalgar Square – by Mike Lacey – Unsplash

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday, Tuesday and Friday — 1pm

Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ

Metro Station: Trafalgar Square