I absolutely love London! It’s the cosmopolitan beating epicentre of England and one of the best capital cities in the world. There’s nowhere like London but unfortunately she can be a very expensive date! But fear not fellow travellers, although there are many costly tourist attractions to see and do, there are just as many if not more free things to do in London so here are 30 to get you started :)
One of the greatest city parks in the world with a beautiful lake and 4,900 acres of trees and greenery.
Why go on a paid tour when you can hit the ground running with the locals on a free walking tour? Check out: www.freelondonwalkingtours.com for a variety of tours all over London that run throughout the day.
Immaculately turned out guards, precision drill and bands playing stirring music all combine to make changing of the guards one of London’s most popular free attractions.
Two of the most famous landmarks in London which you need to pay to go inside but can get incredible photos just by crossing the Westminster Bridge.
The Tate Modern is Britain’s national gallery housing an international collection of modern and contemporary art from 1900 to the present day.
Piccadilly Circus is almost a mini version of Times Square in New York, with lots of great shopping, entertainment and within walking distance of Soho, Chinatown and Leicester Square.
Trafalgar Square, at the heart of London, is one of the city’s most vibrant open spaces. Go see Nelson’s Column and people-watch as London goes by.
Opened to the public in 1842, Primrose Hill once served as a hunting ground for Henry VIII but now boasts the best views in the city including the Shard and London Eye.
The National Gallery is an art museum in Trafalgar Square. Founded in 1824, it houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900.
Built for the Summer Olympics in 2012, the park is now open for the public and is home to unique parklands, waterways, venues and attractions. Relive the 2012 Olympics where gold medals were won and lost, world records were broken and the history books re-written.
Tower Bridge offers panoramic views from high level walkways and behind-the-scenes access to original lifting machinery. Although you have to pay to see the exhibition and have a tour, it has a diverse and interesting history so bookmark that for another day.
Although not the first Globe Theatre to be built from Shakespeare’s time, it is an exact replica and stands close to the original site. Sometimes there are even free shows performed outside the theatre so keep your eyes peeled if you’re walking past.
A unique Museum that shows living interiors including furnishings, pictures, and ornaments from 1600 to the present day. It’s like being in a time machine visiting this museum as you get a true feel for how everyday people have lived through history.
The British Museum is dedicated to human history and culture with a vast collection of world art and artefacts. It’s got a great collection and well worth a visit.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock the last 15 years, you’ll know what platform 9 3/4 is! It’s a fun photo op at Kings Cross Station and it’s completely free Harry Potter fans.
This is a really cute quirky little museum that started in 1956 in a single attic room at 44 Monmouth Street, near Covent Garden. The Pollock’s Toy Museum collection includes board games, marbles, money-boxes, puppets, wax dolls, toy theatres, dolls houses as well as the world’s oldest surviving teddy and a 4,000 year-old mouse made from Nile clay.
Yes, free concerts! Check out the website: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk for more information on times and dates.
Named after the famous monarchs of the Victorian era, The Victoria and Albert Museum is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, housing a permanent collection of over 4.5 million objects. The building itself is worth a visit, the architecture is stunning.
The Museum of London documents the history of London from prehistoric to modern times. The War exhibitions are particularly fascinating.
Playing some of the best Indie music in London, the Notting Hill Arts Club is a great hang out as well as free to get in.
Sight of the iconic Beatles album cover Abbey Road, the crosswalk is a great photo op and next to the studios where the Beatles recorded a lot of their most famous hits.
The Natural History Museum could take you days to get round! It is vast and has detailed exhibitions on everything in the natural world (and it’s awesome!!). The Dinosaur exhibition is the best I’ve ever been too, you even get to meet a life-size t-rex as you’re on your way out.
What is a visit to London without a casual stroll past 10 Downing Street? One of the most famous addresses in the world and home to the Prime Minister to boot.
Covent Garden is a lovely area of London to hang out in with all the shops, restaurants and entertainment, there’s always something to see and do. The street performers are out in droves here and range from the quirky to the fascinating.
London Wall was the defensive wall first built by the Romans around what was Londinium. Throughout the city of London you’ll see traces of the original Roman Wall fortification with the largest piece located near the Museum of London.
Living near Duck Island are St James’s Park’s famous resident pelicans. Pelicans were first introduced into St James’s Park in 1664 as a gift from the Russian Ambassador.
London’s Science Museum is world renowned for its historic collections, awe-inspiring galleries and inspirational exhibitions. There is also a large amphitheatre that regularly shows the latest in scientific documentaries.
It’s a cheesy one but has to be done when you’re in London! The Queen’s guards are not allowed to move or smile although cheeky tourists give it a go anyway.
Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, known as the Tower of London, is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. Site of many executions including Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey, it has also been prison to many famous faces such as Thomas Cromwell and Guy Fawkes. Just walking past is like going back in time.
London’s leading Market destination, home to independent retailers, global street-food, restaurants and bars. Camden is much loved by Londoners and one the locals would definitely recommend.
If you have anything to add to the list feel free to pop it in a comment box below!
Hi! I'm Mel a full-time Marketeer and part-time adventurer. I’m a British travel blogger who loves nothing more than immersing myself in different cultures and exploring new places. My goal is to inspire all of you office dwellers to follow your travel dreams whilst still working your 9-5.
Hi, I’m Mel! The adventure-seeking vegan travel blogger behind Footsteps on the Globe.
On this blog you'll find my latest adventures, travel inspiration as well as tips and tricks on how to be vegan around the world.
You don’t have to give up being vegan to follow your travel dreams and I’m here to show you how!
So come join me as I share my Footsteps on the Globe.
