The big, beautiful, totally free list of things to do in London

Looking for the very best free things to do in London? This is the list I send to friends. It included headline museums, skyline lookouts, canal walks, markets and hidden gems. These are the real free activities in London you can do today with addresses, hours and easy routes.

Read more about what to eat in a London in a week

The Classical Free things to do in London

1. British Museum for world history

Start at the British Museum for your first free thing to do in London. Walk from the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon marbles, then get lost in the tiny things, like the jewellery and carvings. Entry is free although special exhibitions cost.

Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG
Hours: Daily from 10am to 5:30pm (late Fridays to 8:30pm)
Website: britishmuseum.org

2.National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery for beautiful paintings

Stand in front of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers at the National Gallery, then pop next door to the National Portrait Gallery to meet the people who made Britain. Both collections are fantastic free things to do in London.

Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
Hours: Daily from 10am to 6pm (Fri until 9pm)
Website: nationalgallery.org.uk and npg.org.uk

3. Tate Modern for abstract art in an old power-station

Head to the Tate Modern for contemporary work housed in a former power station, so even the building is part of the art. What’s more, the Turbine Hall is an architectural marvel, and you get lovely river views from the upper level terraces.

Address: Bankside, SE1 9TG
Hours: Sun–Thu from 10am to 6pm; Fri/Sat lates until 10pm
Website: tate.org.uk

4. Tate Britain for the more classic museum

The Tate Britain is home to the largest collection of Turner and has a lovely collection of British art from Tudor to present day. In addition, it’s calmer and more classical than its sibling.

Address: Millbank, SW1P 4RG
Hours: Daily from 10am to 6pm
Website: tate.org.uk

5. Victoria & Albert Museum for historical fashion and jewellery

Head to the V&A for a fantastical mix of historical fashion and jewellery. When you’re done wandering, make a beeline for the courtyard, which is a nice place to stop for coffee. What’s more, the free displays change often enough to justify repeat trips.

Address: Cromwell Rd, SW7 2RL
Hours: Daily from 10am to 5:45pm (Fri open until 10pm)
Website: vam.ac.uk

6. Natural History Museum for dinosaurs

Walk in to the soaring Hintze Hall at the Natural History Museum and marvel at an age-old dinosaur skeleton. Further in there are more wildlife dioramas that are perfect for a family-friendly day out. What’s more, its one of the best free things to do in London.

Address: Cromwell Rd, SW7 5BD
Hours: Daily from 10am to 5:50pm (last entry at 5:30pm)
Website: nhm.ac.uk

Want a break after your museum crawl? My Best Afternoon Tea in London guide has current picks and tips on booking.

Views, Gardens, Water, Walks

7. Sky Garden for the free skyline (book ahead)

Head to the Sky Garden for a lush, plant-filled garden with free 360 degree views across London. Free tickets release in batches, so a top tip is to time yours for golden hour and watch the sky dip into twilight.

Address: 20 Fenchurch St, EC3M 8AF
Hours: Mornings to late; free timed tickets needed so book ahead
Website: skygarden.london

8. Barbican Conservatory for a taste of the tropics

A tropical garden amongst brutalist concrete buildings feels both improbable and perfect at once. It’s open to visit on select days so check before you go. It’s also a really great free things to do in London.

Address: Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS
Hours: Select Sun/holidays, book for free entry before you go
Website: barbican.org.uk

9. Royal Parks for free green escapes in London

Try one of the lovely London parks for a free day out in London. You can pick from St James’s Park which gives pelicans and palace views, Hyde Park for cafes and water boats, and Regent’s Park for lovely London views. Best of all? They’re all free activities to do in London.

Addresses: St James’s SW1A 2BJ, Hyde Park W2 2UH, Regent’s/Primrose Hill NW1/NW3
Hours: Generally 5am to midnight

10. Regent’s Canal for a free Little Venice to Camden walk

Canal walks are an underrated free thing to do in London, and the best goes from the pastel-pretty Little Venice to Camden with its food markets and shops.

11. Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill for wide open spaces

Head to North London to explore the wild meadows and woodland of Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill. Top tip – bring your own thermos and picnic to keep costs low.

12. South Bank for free performers and London city vibes

Head to South Bank for a riverside wander. Along the way, peruse the promenade of bookstalls and listen to the talented buskers. What’s more, on some sections of the walk you’ll catch a peek at Tower Bridge.

Start and end: SE1 7GL to SE1 2UP
Hours: Open to walk 24/7 (top tip, best mid afternoon to catch sunset)

Read more about green spaces in London to explore here.

Markets & Arcades (free to roam, snack if you fancy)

13. Borough Market for the best food market in London

Even if you don’t buy anything, head to Borough Market to check out the vibes. Entry is free and the space is captivating, and full of all manner of food stalls. Go early to watch traders set up, then people watch under the green ironwork.

Address: 8 Southwark St, SE1 1TL
Hours: Mon–Fri from 10am to 5pm; Sat from 8am to 5pm (limited hours on Mon)

Read more about what to do in Borough Market

14. Columbia Road Flower Market for Sundays in bloom

One of the funnest free things to do in London is the Columbia Road Flower Market. It’s a cacophony of beautiful flowers that turn the street into a carnival every Sunday. Make it a whole day out by also rummaging in the indie and antique shops that line the road.

Address: Columbia Rd, E2 7RG
Hours: Sun from 8am to 3pm (best before 10am)

15. Portobello Road Market for window shopping antiques

Explore Portobello Road Market for free – duck into side roads for the famous pastel terraces between food stalls and antique shops.

Address: Portobello Rd, W10/W11
Hours: Main antiques on Sat from 9am to 7pm

16. Leadenhall Market for wizard vibes and old arches

Leadenhall Market is located in a beautiful Victorian arcade with a wonderful vaulted roof. It’s the City’s prettiest market and costs nothing to admire.

Address: Gracechurch St, EC3V 1LT
Hours: Public arcade access Mon–Fri, business hours

Hidden-in-Plain-Sight Freebies

17. Wallace Collection for a mansion of art

At the Wallace Collection you’ll find portraits by old Masters, armour and fine porcelain, all housed in a plush mansion.

Address: Hertford House, Manchester Sq, W1U 3BN
Hours: Daily from 10am to 5pm

18. Sir John Soane’s Museum for a magical townhouse

Another fabulously free thing to do in London is to spend some time at Sir John Soane’s Museum. It’s a labyrinth casts and curiosities that invites you to linger. Free but be aware there is timed so be sure to pre-book.

Address: 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP
Hours: Wed–Sun from 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4:30pm)

19. British Library Treasures to peruse literary hits

Head to the British Library for free to see written wonders from the Magna Carta to Shakespeare.

Address: 96 Euston Rd, NW1 2DB
Hours: Treasures Gallery typically from 10am to 5pm (some late nights)

20. Shoreditch street art for a changing outdoor gallery

Murals, stencils and paste-ups refresh weekly, so no two walks are the same. Start on Brick Lane and follow colour down the side streets.

Here’s a guide on the streets to find the best street art in London.

21. Abbey Road crossing to do the famous walk

Head to Abbey Road to recreate a cult moment in music history. It’s a perfectly free thing to do while keeping close to London culture.

Address: Abbey Rd and Grove End Rd, NW8 9AY
Hours: 24/7

Culture, Festivals and London Moments

22. Changing of the Guard for Buckingham Palace pageantry

Head to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard. Head there early and make sure you check schedules ahead of time.

Address: Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA
Hours: Usually from 11am on selected days (calendar varies)

23. Museum Lates for culture after dark

Big museums open after hours with talks, DJs and bars – a fantastic night out for everyone. Pick a theme and enjoy the free revelry.

Address: Various (V&A, Science Museum, Tate)
Hours: Monthly/weekly evenings (see each site)

24. Wellcome Collection for curious minds, free shows

The Wellcome Collection often holds free exhibitions on health, bodies and how we live. It’s a great free activity in London for the curious.

Address: 183 Euston Rd, NW1 2BE
Hours: Tue–Sun from 10am to 6pm (Thu to 8pm)

25. Somerset House courtyard for installations and fountains

Head to Somerset house in summer for seasonal art pop ups and intricate jet fountains.

Address: Strand, WC2R 1LA
Hours: Courtyard from 10am to 6pm daily (events vary)

Free London With Kids

26. Science Museum for interactive fun with kids

Galleries at the Science Museum pack in loads of interactive activities and displays that kids will love to press and play with. IMAX and paid shows are optional extras.

Address: Exhibition Rd, SW7 2DD
Hours: Daily from 10am to 6pm

27. Diana Memorial Playground for pirate ship joy

Kids will love playing in the sand, water and giant wooden ship at the Diana Memorial Playground. Arrive early on sunny weekends as it can get busy fast.

Address: Broad Walk, Kensington Gardens, W2 2UH
Hours: Typically 10am to dusk (seasonal times)

28. City farms for animal fun

Meet goats and chickens right in the heart of London, within sight of glass towers and the urban elements. Staff are lovely and entry is free.

Vauxhall City Farm: 165 Tyers St, SE11 5HS. Hours: Tue–Sun from 10:30am to 4pm
Spitalfields City Farm: Buxton St, E1 5AR. Hours: Tue–Sun from 10am to 4pm
Hackney City Farm: 1a Goldsmiths Row, E2 8QA. Hours: Tue–Sun from 10am to 4:30pm.

Architecture hits for free things to do in London

29. Greenwich Park and Royal Observatory hill (view)

The climb to the Royal Observatory rewards you with some of the best and widest views oven London, from the snaking River Thames to the shiny towers in Canary Wharf.

Address: Greenwich Park, SE10 8QY
Hours: 6am to dusk (seasonal times)

30. Old Royal Naval College (grounds)

Enjoy the classical courtyards and stunning architecture at Old Royal Naval College, all for free.

Address: King William Walk, SE10 9NN
Hours: Grounds generally 8am to 11pm

Free Things to Do in London by Area

West – Natural History Museum, V&A, Hyde Park, Portobello
Central – National Gallery, NPG, British Museum, Covent Garden arcades
City/East – Sky Garden, Leadenhall, Guildhall Amphitheatre, Shoreditch street art
North – Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, Hampstead Heath
South Bank – Tate Modern, book stalls, riverside performers

Build Your ‘free things to do in London’ Loops

Loop 1, from Westminster to South Bank

Start at Big Ben and Parliament to get those classic (and free) London views, then walk along the river and catch performers, views and the Tate Modern’s free galleries. Cross Millennium Bridge to St Paul’s for the finale. It’s a great way to discover London for free.

Start and end: SE1 7GL to SE1 2UP
Hours: walkways 24/7, museums 10am to 6pm

Loop 2, do the museum mile in South Kensington

Museums are a great way to do a bunch of things for free in London. Start at the Natural History the head to the V&A for design. Once you’re finished, walk up to Hyde Park with a picnic and the Serpentine galleries (free). It’s a great rainy-day plan for London.

Addresses: SW7 5BD to SW7 2RL to W2 2UH
Hours: Museums from 10am to 6pm, park from 5am to midnight

Loop 3, discovering London’s secret spaces

Start at the Guildhall’s Roman amphitheatre and then walk through Leadenhall’s arches, then ride the lift to Sky Garden for a skyline view. It’s one of the swankiest free things to do in London.

Addresses: EC2V 5AE to EC3V 1LT to EC3M 8AF

Smart tips for free things to do in London

Go early or late to dodge crowds, and book the free but timed spots before head out. For food, throw in a picnic in a Royal Park.

FAQs for free things to do in London

What are the best free things to do in London in one day?
Walk Westminster to the South Bank, dip into Tate Modern’s free galleries, and finish at Sky Garden for sunset. This way, you’ll get landmarks, art and skyline for free.

Do I need to book free attractions?
Some, yes, like Sky Garden and Barbican Conservatory use free timed tickets that can get booked up fast. Major museums are walk-in for permanent collections.

Is London’s tap water free and safe?
Yes – ask for tap water in cafés and restaurants and it’ll come without charge.

Which free museums are best for kids?
The Natural History Museum and Science Museum are best for kid friendliness and interactive things, and you can also add a free city farm keep things going.

What’s the best free view in London?
Sky Garden but you’ll need to book, Primrose Hill for views from the park, and Greenwich Park for the best river views.

How do I keep costs down while sightseeing?

• Cluster free stops by area
• Pre-book the timed ones
• Take a picnic

Hope you’ve enjoyed reading this guide for the best free things to do in London.