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Looking for free attractions in London? The city has countless places starting from the Changing of the Guard and Big Ben to world-class museums like the British Museum, Tate Modern, and the National Gallery. Moreover, with smart travel passes, budget stays, and affordable dining options, exploring London on a budget becomes easy and enjoyable.
Though London may seem one of the most expensive cities in the world, do you know there are many visiting spots that will not break your bank for a day out. In this blog post, we will explore various free attractions in London that would make your London-visit more memorable with budget-friendly stay and food options.
There is no surprise about the fact that Buckingham Palace is one of the top choices for the residents and visitors, and visiting it for free makes it a big “Yes” to go for. The Changing of the Guard at the Palace is highly popular as it allows visitors to watch the classic British tradition for free.
This ceremonial event represents military precision and historic magnificence. Here, you can witness marching soldiers in striking red uniforms and bearskin hats in accordance with the music. The whole view creates an electrifying atmosphere, providing a must-see experience for those who truly want to experience royalty and heritage.
Big Ben, a commonly given name for the Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower, is one of London's most iconic attractions. Technically, the name “Big Ben” is given to the iconic sound of the massive bell present in the clock tower, which weighs more than 13 tons. This name is given in honor of Sir Benjamin Hall, the Chief Commissioner of Works. This clock tower looks spectacular at night when four clock faces are illuminated together.
You can enjoy visiting these historical figures, including Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey, through a self-guided walking tour in the Westminster area in London. These self-explored routes are called Westminster Walk which range from short loops to longer explorations for statues, hidden squares, and even Westminster Cathedral.
Trafalgar Square is known as a bustling hub of culture and art, which is surrounded by eye-catching architecture and a vibrant environment. It is home to the famous Nelson’s Column and the iconic stone lions. Trafalgar Square offers a lively and joyful casual exploration. Here, you can enjoy grand fountains, relax in the famous structures, and love to spend time with local street performers. In simpler words, this place will surround you with the Spirit of London and give you rich cultural significance.
On the other hand, the National gallery in London is considered as one of the world’s top ranking art museums. It represents a detailed survey of European painting from 1260 to 1920. Some of the museum's greatest attractions are the collections of Dutch Masters and Italian Schools of the 15th and 16th centuries. For instance, a preliminary sketch of the Madonna and Child by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli’s Venus and Mars, van Gogh’s Sunflowers, The Entombment, and The Water-Lily Pond by Monet.ny are some of its highlighted collections.
The best thing about London is it has a wide list of museums and art galleries completely free of cost for residents as well as visitors. Following are the some must visit museums:
1. The British Museum
2. Natural History Museum
3. The Science Museum
4. Victoria and Albert Museum
5. Museum of London
6. Victoria and Albert Museum
7. Imperial War Museum
8. Royal Air Force Museum
9. Bank of England Museum
10. National Maritime Museum
The art galleries give you cultural entertainment, starting from historic to contemporary works. Here are the list of several places to explore art in London which include masterpieces like Van Gogh, Banksy, portraits of Kings and Queens, and many more:
1. National Gallery
2. Tate Britain
3. Saatchi Gallery
4. National Portrait Gallery
5. Tate Modern
This museum is widely popular for having the finest collections of antiquities, containing more than 13 million artifacts from the ancient times. It contains priceless objects from nations including, China, Europe, Assyria, Babylonia, Europe, China, and from many other places. Many tourists come to this museum to explore most famous exhibits, including the colossal bust of Ramesses II, the Rosetta Stone, the Egyptian mummies, and the breathtaking hoard of 4th century Roman silver known as the Mildenhall Treasure.
Tate Modern is called the jewel in the crown of modern art galleries in London. It is famous for holding a nationwide collection of modern art from 1900 to the present day. This art gallery has an innovative way of displaying artwork based on themes not chronology. For instance, it showcases arts done by renowned artists, namely, Picasso’s “The Three Dancers”, Rothko’s “The Seagram Murals”, Duschamp’s “Fountain”, Parreno’s “Anywhen”, and many more. Therefore, Tate Modern is considered as the one stop for modern art lovers.
It is London's natural science museum that is known for housing 80million specimens across botany, mineralogy, entomology, paleontology, and zoology. This museum is famous for its extraordinary Alfred Waterhouse architecture and popular exhibits, such as dinosaurs, blue whale skeleton and the Earth’s core. It is one of the public’s key attractions in London with free entry.
London is a perfect place that allures visitors not only with historical architecture and attractive city-life but with breathtaking scenic beauties also. Yes, you heard me right. The place offers you many stunning parks and tons of outdoor spaces to spend great moments with family and friends. Here are a list of beautiful parks that you must visit with no entry fee:
Hyde Park is London’s one of the largest and most beloved green spaces. People who love spending time in nature, they would fall in love with this place. The park is perfect escape for all age groups. Here you can go for leisurely walks, or cycling along scenic paths, or simply lounging by the Serpentine. Moreover, its colorful seasonal changes, presence of diverse wildlife, and fun events make it a warm and inviting spot for both locals and visitors.
Moreover, Kensington Gardens is one of the Royal Parks in London, which is considered as the former gardens of Kensington Palace, where Queen Victoria was born. This park adds tranquility to the heart of the city, by offering people large trees, well-maintained lawns, sport areas, and lakes.
If you are in London, then don’t miss to stroll through St. James’s Park. It is a beautiful place to relax, located right next to Buckingham Palace. Its green lawns, colorful flowers, and central lake make it perfect for a peaceful walk or a picnic. You can watch pelicans swimming, enjoy views of famous landmarks, and take in the calm surroundings. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and explore in the heart of the city.
Greenwich Park is a historic Royal Park in London that gives you a panoramic view from its hilltop location, mainly from the Royal Observatory, where the Prime Meridian is located. Greenwich Park is one of enclosed Royal Parks that offers you a mix of green spaces and historical sites. From this park you can get a glimpse of amazing viewpoints, including St Paul's Cathedral, River Thames, London Eye, The Shard, and the O2 Arena.
Also Read: Best Cities Near London to Visit for Day Trips & Weekend Escapes
London is best explored with a guide. You will meet the best tour guides in London on Walkative free walking tours. Therefore, free tours are an excellent way to know the city better. These guides will show you the most important and interesting places and in a passionate and captivating way to tell you what you actually want to know about the places. They will take you through:
Classic London spots: Westminister, Buckingham Palace, Parliament, and Royal London tours.
Pop Culture: Themed tours like Harry Potter, Beatles history, and literary legends.
Historic Places: Jack the Ripper’s haunts, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Churchwill War Rooms with themed walks.
Free Museums: The National Gallery, British Museum, Buckingham Palace, and more.
Festivals: Seasonal events include spectacular Christmas Lights tours or exploring vibrant street art/markets in areas like Spitalfields.
Free Attractions: Bank of England Museum, Horiman Museum, the Imperial War Museum, and more.
There are several free attractions places in London that tourists are less aware of:
The Hill Garden and Pergola
Leadenhall Market
Holland Park
Barbican Conservatory
Chelsea Physic Garden
God’s Own Junkyard
WWT Wetland Centre
Garden AT 120
London’s Smallest Sculpture-Philpot Lane Mice
Oyster Card: This contactless card will help you pay for Tube, bus, or reliable chauffeur services like Heathrow Carriers, saving you paying from more than a daily cap.
Use of walking routes: Stick to zones 1-2 for walking between sights, helps you with your budget.
Pay-As-You-Go: This method of paying helps you save an upfront cost of buying the London pass.
Museums: National Gallery, Natural History Museum, British Museum, and more.
Parks & Outside Spaces: Hyde Park, walking through London Eye view, Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, St. James's Park, etc.
Instead of picking public transport, buy a one-day travel card that would cover unlimited bus and tube travels within zone 1-3.
Budget London Accommodation: Opt for hotels like Travelodge, Premier Inn, and Ibis that would help you keep the costs down. Moreover, if you are okay with sharing your rooms, then hotel chains like Safestay and St Christopher’s Inns offer you better locations, including Greenwich, Holland Park, Camden, and London Bridge. You can also Airbnb offerings, it mostly offers you a good money-saving option.
Dodge the fast food chains around Covent Garden and Leicester Square. Here, you can grab a bowl of noodles and fried rice for a lesser price compared to the main London city. Moreover, try the trick to either eat early or late. Moreover, with apps like “Too Good to Go” you can get bargain bites late at night also. You could also check out voucher sites, such as Groupon and Wowcher for discounted dining experiences.
Final Words
Exploring London doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Its rich history, iconic landmarks, free museums, and beautiful parks offer endless experiences at no cost. With smart planning, budget stays, affordable dining, and convenient travel passes, you can enjoy the city’s charm effortlessly. Whether you’re discovering hidden gems or strolling through royal gardens, London proves you can create unforgettable memories without spending a penny.
Want to explore various places in London comfortably with point-to-point pick up and drop services? Opt for luxury chauffeur services with Heathrow Carrier for smooth and memorable travel experience!
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and the National Gallery are some of London's top free attractions.
Yes, most major museums like the British Museum, Natural History Museum, and Tate Modern offer free entry.
Hyde Park, St. James’s Park, Kensington Gardens, Greenwich Park, and Regent’s Park are all free to enjoy.
Use travel passes like the Oyster card, choose affordable stays, walk between attractions, and eat at budget-friendly spots.
Yes, free guided walking tours cover popular attractions, historic sites, and themed routes across the city.
