Unforgettable & Free, The Best Things to Do in London Without Spending a Penny

In terms of free attractions, London is among the most generous cities in the world, despite its reputation as an expensive city. Discover royal palaces, world-class museums, breathtaking parks, and lively street markets without breaking the bank thanks to more than 1,300 free cultural, historical, and natural landmarks.

A trip to London doesn’t have to break the bank, thanks to attractions like the British Museum’s centuries-old artifacts and the Sky Garden’s breathtaking city views. This is your go-to resource for the greatest free things to do in London, regardless of whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned city dweller.

Top Free Things to Do in London

Attraction	Why You Should Visit	Location	Cost
The British Museum	See the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and ancient artifacts	Bloomsbury	Free
National Gallery	Home to masterpieces by Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Rembrandt	Trafalgar Square	Free
Changing of the Guard	Witness a royal tradition at Buckingham Palace	Westminster	Free
Sky Garden	Enjoy panoramic city views from London’s highest public garden	City of London	Free (book in advance)
Tate Modern	Explore iconic modern art from Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney	Bankside	Free
Portobello Road Market	Stroll through the world’s largest antique market	Notting Hill	Free
Regent’s Canal Walk	A scenic riverside walk past houseboats and historic sites	Little Venice to Camden	Free
Borough Market Window Shopping	Browse gourmet foods and soak in the vibrant market atmosphere	Southwark	Free
Sir John Soane’s Museum	A quirky, candlelit museum packed with art and architecture	Holborn	Free
Hampstead Heath & Parliament Hill	Breathtaking city views from one of London’s highest points	Hampstead	Free

1. Witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Few things are more quintessentially British than the Changing of the Guard, a spectacle of military precision, pomp, and ceremony. Dressed in red tunics and bearskin hats, soldiers march in formation, accompanied by a live military band.

📍 Best Viewing Spot: Arrive early at Buckingham Palace gates for a front-row experience, or head to The Mall for a less crowded view.
⏰ When to Go: Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:45 AM.

🎟 Insider Tip: Get there 30-45 minutes early to secure a great viewing spot—this is one of London’s most popular free attractions!

2. Get a Million-Dollar View at the Sky Garden—For Free

If you’re after breathtaking views of London’s skyline, skip the pricey Shard ticket and head to the Sky Garden instead. This lush indoor oasis, perched atop the Walkie Talkie building, offers 360-degree city views without the hefty price tag.

📍 Why You’ll Love It:

Unbeatable skyline views of the River Thames, Tower Bridge, and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Tropical gardens and greenery create a tranquil atmosphere.
Completely free entry—just book online in advance.

🎟 Pro Tip: Book at least a week in advance, especially for sunset slots, as these tend to fill up quickly.

3. Explore the Masterpieces at the National Gallery

If you love art, the National Gallery is a must-visit. Housing over 2,300 paintings from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, this museum features works from some of history’s greatest artists.

📍 Highlights You Can’t Miss:

Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers”—one of the most iconic paintings in the world.
Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Virgin of the Rocks”—a Renaissance masterpiece.
Monet’s “Water-Lily Pond”—a stunning Impressionist work.

🎟 Bonus Tip: Entry is always free, but consider joining one of their free guided tours for deeper insights into the artwork.

4. Walk Through London’s Open-Air Street Art Gallery

London’s East End is a playground for some of the world’s most talented street artists. From Banksy’s famous murals to hidden gems by local creatives, Shoreditch and Spitalfields are packed with ever-changing urban masterpieces.

📍 Best Way to Explore:

Join a free guided street art tour to uncover the best pieces.
Visit Brick Lane for its vibrant culture, vintage stores, and world-famous curry houses.
Explore Old Spitalfields Market for unique street performances and artisan vendors.

🎟 Insider Tip: Strawberry Tours offers free daily street art walks—just tip your guide at the end!

5. Enjoy London’s Best Markets Without Spending a Dime

Markets are a vital part of London’s culture, offering a feast for the senses with their lively atmosphere, historic settings, and incredible street performances.

📍 Top Free Markets to Explore:

Borough Market: A foodie paradise, perfect for sampling artisan cheese and fresh-baked bread.
Portobello Road Market: A treasure trove of antiques, vintage clothing, and handmade crafts.
Columbia Road Flower Market: A vibrant Sunday-only market filled with colorful blooms.

🎟 Pro Tip: Go near closing time to grab discounted produce and flowers!

6. Walk the Stunning Regent’s Canal

Who needs Amsterdam’s canals when London offers an equally scenic alternative? Regent’s Canal is an 8.6-mile waterway that passes through some of the city’s most charming spots.

📍 Must-See Stops Along the Way:

Little Venice: A picturesque waterside neighborhood lined with houseboats and cafes.
Camden Lock Market: A buzzing hub for street food, music, and alternative fashion.
King’s Cross & Granary Square: A modern cultural district with riverside seating and pop-up exhibitions.

🎟 Best Time to Visit: Early morning for a peaceful stroll, or late afternoon for street performances and market energy.

London is the Best City for Free Exploration

✅ World-class museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks—all free of charge.
✅ Breathtaking city views, from Sky Garden to Parliament Hill, without a ticket price.
✅ Royal traditions, from the Changing of the Guard to St Paul’s Church.
✅ Incredible markets, street art, and open-air performances.
✅ Endless scenic walks along canals, riverbanks, and historic streets.

📌 Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Londoner, these free attractions prove that some of the city’s best experiences don’t cost a thing. 🌍✨