Our Pick of the Best Free Places to Visit in London

On the banks of the River Thames lies London, one of the most historic and culturally vibrant cities in the world. London is also the capital of England, so you can imagine that it’s pretty popular, and in fact, more than 30 million tourists visit it every year. However, traveling to a popular destination usually means spending a significant amount of money.

Can you plan a trip to London without spending a fortune? This article will provide you with a guide to the best free activities and places to visit in London!

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What Is London Most Famous For?

Why would you want to travel to London? That is a very valid question, and indeed, the British capital has many features that make it stand out. If you plan to visit, here are some of the main landmarks and attractions that you can look forward to.

• Historical Monuments: In a city that has over 2 millennia of history, you can expect to see numerous monuments such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben.

• Cultural Institutions: London has world-renowned museums and galleries, including the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

• Theaters: There are a lot of theaters in London, but the most recommended ones are in the West End, which is London’s famous theater district, known for its outstanding productions and musicals.

• Parks and Gardens: London has many parks and gardens, such as Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, St James’s Park, and Kew Gardens. They offer incredible free activities for kids to do in London.

• Events and Festivals: London hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the Notting Hill Carnival, the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, and the New Year’s Eve fireworks at the London Eye.

The Best Free Things in London for Tourists

Watch Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace

If you are passing through London, you can’t miss the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. For approximately 45 minutes, the Royal Guard on duty is replaced by a new guard, and the ceremony takes place daily from April to July, starting at 11:00 a.m. During the rest of the year, it occurs only every other day.

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See Street Art at Leake Street Arches

London has numerous free museums, but before you visit them, we offer a unique and modern alternative. Leake Street Arches, also known as the “Banksy Tunnel,” is a popular spot for street art in London. It’s located under Waterloo Station and it has the longest legal graffiti wall in the city.

The tunnel is like a canvas where street artists from all over the world come to paint and show their work, so the art is constantly evolving as new pieces replace old ones. It’s incredible to see how a forgotten railway arch has gained new life and relevance. London is indeed a city that keeps reinventing itself.

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Attend Free Concerts at St. Martin-in-the-Fields

If you enjoy neoclassical architecture, you must visit St. Martin-in-the-Fields, a Church of England parish church boasting a very impressive 192-foot-tall tower. It’s located on the northeast corner of Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster and was constructed in the late medieval period, dedicated to St. Martin of Tours.

One of the most interesting activities that you can do there is attend a classical music concert, like the Crypt Lates concert series and the Candlelight Concerts. However, you can also enjoy the crypt café and the store, which offers a variety of gifts and religious items.

Cross the Abbey Road Zebra Crossing

You can’t be a fan of The Beatles and visit London without visiting the Abbey Road crossing. It’s even better if you have some friends to recreate the cover of the hit album. Near the crossing is the famous Abbey Road Studios, where The Beatles recorded many of their albums.

The crossing is located at St John’s Wood, at the intersection of Abbey Road and Grove End Road. And, fun fact, there’s a live webcam that streams 24 hours a day, allowing fans around the world to watch the crossing in real-time and observe visitors recreating the iconic photo. Which is also a free activity that you can do in London, or anywhere else in the world!

Photo by Donnchadh H is licensed under CC BY 2.0

See London’s Skyline from the Sky Garden

If you’re looking for free things to do in London, looking at the landscapes and the skyline is a great option. For the best panoramic views of London’s skyline, you can visit the Sky Garden. It is located in the building known as the “Walkie Talkie” at 20 Fenchurch Street, in London’s financial district. You can go after a full day of exploring the city, and spend the afternoon on its terraces.

Enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and iconic landmarks, including St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, The Shard, and the London Eye. There are also several restaurants available if you’d like to grab a bite while taking in the views.

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Marvel at Dinosaurs in Crystal Palace Park

This is a great place to visit with kids, but adults can also thoroughly enjoy it. The Crystal Palace Park is a historic site known for its impressive dinosaur sculptures. They were created in the 1850s by sculptor Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, in preparation for the 1851 Great Exhibition. They are some of the earliest depictions of dinosaurs and are displayed in an environment that simulates their natural habitat.

Aside from the dinosaurs, you can take boat rides, wander through colorful gardens, explore an adventure playground, and traverse an enchanting maze, all free activities and incredible. You can also pack a picnic and enjoy it with your family.

Spot Wildlife at Richmond Park Deer Enclosure

Do you know the largest royal park in London that you can visit? Richmond Park has been home to over 630 red and white-tailed deer since 1637, and you can go with your kids and see them.

Fun fact: the park’s unique landscape is thanks to the deer grazing, which prevents tree branches from growing and keeps the land open. Just remember that the deer are still wild animals, so try to keep a 50-meter distance while observing them.

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Trek Through Regent’s Park

Another great place to visit for free in London is Regent’s Park. Inside it, you’ll find a lot of interesting areas, like the beautiful Queen Mary’s Garden, famous for its impressive collection of roses. Additionally, there are numerous green areas perfect for relaxing at sunset.

Other attractions in the park include London Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world, and a fantastic place to visit, especially if you go with children. If you’re an athletic person, you can enjoy various sports activities, including tennis courts, soccer fields, and jogging areas.

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Expert Tips for Visitors in London

London is a great place to visit, with an incredible amount of free activities for all kinds of travelers to enjoy. Here are some tips that can help you on your trip:

• Make sure you stay in central and quiet places, for instance, the Hyde Park area, north of Oxford Street, or South Kensington. Central areas are significant for first-time travelers, but are usually more expensive and often noisier. If you want to know the best places to stay in London, we have a full article about it.

• Get souvenirs: A trip is not complete without little gifts for all your friends and family, and London has a lot of unique souvenirs you can buy.

• Stay connected while you travel: try Yoho Mobile’s free eSIM trial and get instant access to mobile data in most countries. No SIM card, no contracts, just a quick setup, and you’re online in minutes. If you want to get your eSIM plan afterwards, use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!