Our Pick of the Best Free Places to Visit in London

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Dec 05, 2024

Since the Romans founded it more than two millennia ago, London has been an important place of human settlement. It’s one of the main centers in developing arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, communication, research, tourism, and transportation. Therefore, it is normal that it attracts more than 30 million tourists annually and is one of the main tourist destinations in the world.

In this article, you’ll find the best free places to visit in London and some travel tips to make your experience the best.

London, United Kingdom

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Free Museums and Galleries in London

The British Museum is one of the most famous and extensive museums in the world. Its large collection summarizes more than two million years of history and culture. Its highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures and Egyptian mummies. The Museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and admission is free.

British Museum, London

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The Tate Modern houses Britain’s national collection of modern and contemporary art. It exhibits various temporary and permanent exhibitions, including works by famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Yayoi Kusama, and Henri Matisse.

Tate Modern, London

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The National Gallery of London is one of the most important and visited art museums. Located in Trafalgar Square, it has more than 2,300 European paintings from the 13th century to the early 20th century. Some highlights of the National Gallery include:

Free admission, although some temporary exhibitions may require a ticket.
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. On Fridays, it opens until 9:00 PM.
Exhibitions: The gallery features temporary and permanent exhibitions, including works by famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

National Gallery, London

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Famous Landmarks to Visit for Free

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a traditional ceremony of approximately 45 minutes in which the Royal Guards on duty are replaced. At the main entrance, you will always see the guards dressed in their traditional uniforms of red robes and black bearskin hats. The ceremony is held daily at 11:00 AM between April and July. Between August and March, it is held every other day, except on rainy days.

In the center of London is Trafalgar Square, one of its most famous squares and a place of great historical and cultural importance. It inherited its name from the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory during the Napoleonic Wars. The most famous monument is the Nelson’s Column, topped by a statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson. Trafalgar Square is the scene of many events and celebrations, including concerts and festivals. It is an ideal place for strolling, enjoying the atmosphere and observing London’s urban life.

In the center of London is Trafalgar Square

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Since the 17th century, Covent Garden has been famous for its street performances in the heart of London. You can find jugglers, acrobats, musicians, and artists in the West Piazza and other market areas. Various festivals and special events are organized annually, such as the Autumn Festival and exclusive pop-ups in the Piazza. Here are some other street events you can enjoy:

Holiday Events: During the holiday season, Covent Garden is filled with magic with festive decorations, holiday markets, and special events such as Festive Thursdays and the Winter Warmer Festival.
Workshops and Classes: Workshops and classes are available for all ages, including drawing, crafts, yoga, and writing clubs.

Beautiful Parks and Gardens to Enjoy

If you seek an outdoor place to enjoy nature, art, and culture, Hyde Park is one of the best free places to visit in London, England. During the summer, the park is known for its live music events, such as British Summer Time. Here are some other details about Hyde Park:

It has important memorials and sculptures, including the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, the Albert Memorial, and the Peter Pan Statue.
Hyde Park includes beautiful gardens such as the Rose Garden and the Italian Garden.
The park offers facilities for various sporting activities, including tennis courts and horseback riding areas.

Hyde Park,, London

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Regent’s Park is one of the largest and most attractive parks in the British capital. It is popular because of the many activities and interesting places to visit in London. Therefore, it is a wise move to spend the day in Regent’s Park. Check out some of the attractions and amenities you can enjoy here:

Queen Mary’s Garden is famous for its collection of roses.
London Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world.
There are facilities such as tennis courts, soccer fields, jogging and boating areas on the park’s lake.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
There are several options for eating and drinking, such as fast food kiosks or restaurants.

Regent's Park, London

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Near Buckingham Palace is St. James’s Park, another of London’s most popular parks. It’s a mixture of natural beauty and historical monuments worth visiting. It hosts various official events and ceremonies related to the royal family and national celebrations. Here are some details about St. James’s Park:

There is a beautiful lake, home to many birds such as pelicans.
The Blue Bridge offers wonderful views of Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.
The Mall is a large avenue lined with trees and flags that connects Trafalgar Square with Buckingham Palace.

St. James Park, London

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Street Markets to Explore For Free

You will probably need to do some shopping during your stay. In that case, head to Borough Market, located in Southwark. It has over 100 stores selling fresh produce such as meats, fish, artisan cheeses, and many other delicacies. It is a perfect place for lovers of good food. Here are some highlights of Borough Market:

Variety of products: Local British food or international specialties.
Events and activities: The market organizes special events, workshops, and culinary demonstrations.
Hours: Open from Tuesday to Sunday.

Portobello Road Market, one of London’s most famous street markets, located in Notting Hill, is also a good option. It is known for its mix of antiques, fashion, food, and more. It is active every day of the week, but the best day to visit is Saturday when all the stalls are open and there are more bargains. Here are some other highlights:

The first days of the week are ideal for antique lovers.
It offers a wide selection of vintage clothing, accessories, and unique fashion items.
You will find many street food stands, offering delicacies from all over.

Portobello Road Market, London

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Camden Market is another of the markets you can visit in London. It is famous for its bohemian atmosphere and its many high-quality products. It also highlights its cultural movement, with many street performers, live music, and a lively air. Here are some things you should know about Camden Market:

You will find many stores selling vintage and second-hand clothing and accessories.
You can discover unique crafts, jewelry, art, and souvenirs.
It is open every day of the week, usually from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Camden Market, London

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Scenic Walks and Views Across the City

From its beginning in Gloucestershire to its mouth at the North Sea, the Thames Path is a national trail that follows the course of the famous River Thames. Along the way, you’ll discover many landscapes, including the English countryside view and urban areas. Here are some highlights of the Thames Path:

The trail has a total length of approximately 294 km (184 miles).
There are many points of interest like Hampton Court Palace, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and Tower Bridge.
It is relatively accessible, with paved sections suitable for bicycles and wheelchairs.

Thames Path

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Don’t miss the spectacular views of the city skyline offered by Greenwich Park, another of the best free places to visit in London. There you will find the Royal Observatory, where you can find the famous Greenwich Meridian line, which marks its standard time (GMT). It is an ideal place to learn about astronomy and the history of time. Discover some highlights here:

From the top of Observatory Hill you can enjoy panoramic views of the River Thames and the entire city.
It is home to wildlife, including deer in the area known as Deer Enclosure.

Greenwich Park, London

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Another ideal place to get the best panoramic views of London is Primrose Hill. From the top of the hill, you can see landmarks such as the London Eye, the Shard, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The park is an ideal place for picnics, walking, and relaxing, especially in the warmer months. The area has been home to many famous writers and poets over the years such as Dylan Thomas and Sylvia Plath, adding to its cultural charm.

Primrose Hill, London

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Seasonal Events and Festivals You Can Attend for Free

The Notting Hill Carnival takes place during the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of August. It is one of the biggest street festivals that attracts millions of people every year. Here are some details about the festival:

It includes chariot parades, steel band competitions, soca and calypso music, live dub, reggae, house, hip hop, jungle, soul, and funk music.
There is a wide variety of Caribbean flavors with traditional dishes.
The festival began in the 1960s as a response to racial tensions in the area and has become a symbol of Afro-Caribbean culture in London.

Notting Hill Carnival, London

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Expert Tips for Visitors in London

Visiting London can be an exciting experience for you and your family Sometimes it can be difficult to choose activities and prepare for unfamiliar places. Here are some travel tips to make the most of your visit to the best free places to visit in London, England:

Staying in central London will save you time and money on transportation because it makes it easier to get to the main attractions you want to see.
The weather in London can be unpredictable, so bring appropriate clothing and a small umbrella that you can easily store in your backpack or bag. Comfortable shoes are essential for walking around the city.
Although the subway is efficient, walking is often faster, especially in the center and if the stretches are short. Use a map to plan your routes.
Remember to bring an adapter for British plugs, as they are not the same as those in other countries.