10 amazing free activities to enjoy in London

London is an incredible place to explore, but it can also be pricey. Hotel rates, especially in the summer months, can soar. A pint at your local pub could cost $8 or more, and a taxi from the airport might set you back more than the price of your flight.

If you’ve got a bit of cash to spare, London is perfect for splurging. But even if you’re watching your spending, the city offers plenty of options for those on a budget.

There are numerous fantastic activities around the city that won’t cost you a thing. Here are some of our top recommendations.

1. Changing of the Guard Ceremony

One of the best ways to experience the grandeur of the British Royal Family is by attending the Changing of the Guard. Once an official duty, it now serves more as a popular tourist attraction. This iconic event typically takes place at 11 a.m., four times a week.

In essence, it's a ritual where one set of the Queen's Guards finishes their shift, and another takes over. Sounds simple, right? But there's much more to it.

While most shift changes are low-key affairs, this one is a spectacle. Expect perfectly synchronized marching, brass bands, a sea of bearskin hats, uplifting music, and a real sense of British pageantry. It’s free to watch, but be sure to arrive early to secure a prime spot in front of Buckingham Palace, as the crowds can get quite large.

I’d love to be greeted by a crowd like this every time I head into work.

Closest Tube stations: Westminster, St James's Park, Victoria, Hyde Park Corner, and Charing Cross.

Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from August to May, with daily performances in June and July. The event is currently paused due to COVID-19 restrictions.

2. Explore one of London's vibrant outdoor markets

London is blessed with a variety of markets offering everything from fresh produce and top-quality meats to fine wines, craft beers, and flowers sourced from across the globe. If you're unsure where to start, Borough Market is a great choice. It's my go-to recommendation for first-time visitors and is open Monday to Saturday.

Another excellent option is Portobello Market, particularly if you’re into antiques or vintage clothing.

For those with a love of plants, the stunning Columbia Road Flower Market on Sundays is a must-see. You’ll find a huge selection of flowers and plants at great prices. It’s best to visit early or late to avoid the crowds.

Visiting these markets is free, though you’ll need to pay for any purchases. I personally enjoy simply strolling through, soaking in the various sights, smells, and sounds, rather than buying everything in sight. Plus, you’ll often find vendors offering free samples to try.

Closest Tube stations: London Bridge for Borough Market, Shoreditch or Liverpool Street for Columbia Road.

Opening Hours: Each market has its own hours, so be sure to check their websites for specific times. Most are back to regular operations after the COVID-19 lockdowns.

3. Take a stroll across Tower Bridge

Even after living in London for four years, I never get tired of this iconic structure. The TPG U.K. office is right by Tower Bridge, so I’ve crossed it countless times, yet every time it still makes me stop and appreciate that I actually live here. It offers stunning photo opportunities from a distance, and you can walk across it as often as you like for free. From the bridge, you’ll be treated to amazing views of some of London’s most famous landmarks, including the Tower of London, the Shard, and of course, the River Thames.

You can opt for a paid tour that lets you climb to the top of Tower Bridge, but personally, I think the real highlight is simply walking across the bridge and capturing some great shots from the South Bank.

Nearest Tube station: London Bridge.

4. Visit the National Gallery

London is home to one of the world’s largest and most impressive art collections at the National Gallery, and the best part? It’s completely free. A perfect spot for a rainy day, where you can admire masterpieces by artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Plan to spend a few hours exploring this cultural treasure.

Don’t miss the iconic Trafalgar Square just outside the museum—a must-see for any first-time visitor to London.

Closest Tube stations: Charing Cross and Embankment.

Opening Hours: Open every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays until 9 p.m. Due to COVID-19 measures, you'll need to reserve your entry in advance, but admission remains free.

5. Sky Garden

Many skyscraper observation decks come with steep prices, and a visit to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is sure to leave your wallet a little lighter. But here’s a tip for London – while there’s a cost to visit the Shard, Western Europe’s tallest building, the Sky Garden offers a fantastic view for free.

Located at 20 Fenchurch Street in the City, this building is affectionately nicknamed the 'walkie-talkie' due to its unique shape. You can take in a stunning view of the city from the indoor viewing deck by reserving your free ticket in advance.

Closest Tube station: Monument.

Opening Hours: Weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and weekends from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

6. Victoria Park

This is hands down my favorite spot in London. On a sunny day, make sure to take full advantage of this beautiful green oasis. With vast stretches of well-kept lawns, scenic gardens, and winding walking paths, there’s so much to explore. Whether you choose to cycle on a Santander bike, take a leisurely walk, or simply relax on the grass, you’ll find plenty of space to enjoy the sunshine, even if the park gets busy on weekends.

To keep things budget-friendly, bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn. Dogs are welcome, and it’s also a great spot for letting kids run off some energy.

I believe Victoria Park is definitely worth the visit, even if you're not staying nearby. That said, there are many other parks across London that are just as deserving of your time, like Richmond Park, Hampstead Heath, Hyde Park, and Regent's Park.

Closest Tube station: Mile End.

Opening Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (or dusk).

7. Barbican Conservatory

The Barbican Center is one of those places that people either love or hate because of its bold brutalist architecture. Personally, I’m not a fan—I feel it’s a bit out of place in central London. However, what is truly stunning and worth a visit is the hidden gem on its third floor: the conservatory. Built in 1984, it houses over 1,500 tropical plants and trees that are a pleasure to explore.

While you’re there, see if you can spot the koi fish swimming in the ponds.

Closest Tube station: Barbican.

Opening Hours: Check online for specific hours, as it’s usually open on selected Sundays. Currently, it’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. You’ll need to book free tickets online, available a week in advance.

8. Shoreditch Street Art

Brick Lane in East London is an amazing area that immerses you in a vibrant mix of cultures, food, music, and fashion. It’s also a hotspot for street art, with murals constantly evolving as new works are painted over the old. There’s no set route—just wander the streets and keep your eyes peeled for eye-catching designs. Don’t miss Rivington Street, which is home to pieces by the iconic street artist Banksy.

The area is always buzzing, especially on weekends, so sometimes the street art can get lost amidst the hustle and bustle. Be sure to keep a lookout for hidden gems. While there are paid street art tours available, it’s just as fun and rewarding to explore at your own pace for free.

Nearest Tube stations: Aldgate East, Bethnal Green, or Whitechapel.

9. The Natural History Museum

London boasts several world-class museums that you can visit for free, including the British Museum, the Museum of London, the Bank of England Museum, and more.

The Natural History Museum stands out for several reasons. Not only is it housed in an awe-inspiring Romanesque building nearly 150 years old, but it also features the jaw-dropping sight of an 85-foot blue whale skeleton that you can walk right beneath. Inside, you’ll find over eight million specimens, ranging from the extinct dodo to a stunning tropical butterfly house.

Nearest Tube station: South Kensington.

Opening Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday. Be sure to book your free ticket online ahead of time.

10. God's Own Junkyard

Europe's largest collection of vintage neon signs? Absolutely! This quirky cafe is brimming with every neon sign you can think of. It’s a dream spot for Instagram lovers. You can grab a snack or a coffee, but you're also welcome to just drop by for free and admire the vibrant signs on display.

If any of the signs catch your eye, they are all available for purchase too.

Nearest Tube station: Walthamstow Central.

Opening Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Bottom line

You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the best of London. The city boasts so many free museums and galleries that you could easily fill an entire week exploring them.

If you're looking for variety, London offers countless free activities, from checking out the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace to exploring vibrant street art or escaping the city’s hustle and bustle in peaceful spots.