London, the lively and varied capital of England, is a place with a lot of options. Even though the city is known for its long past, famous landmarks, and delicious food, you might think it costs a lot. You would be mostly right.
You can have a great time there without spending a lot of money, though. London has a lot of free things to do and attractions for people who are watching their pennies. You can walk around the city’s historic streets and take in the views from famous buildings.
‘The Big Smoke’ has something for everyone, whether they want to learn about culture, enjoy nature, meet locals, or just have some cheap fun. Here are the Top 12 Free Attractions in London where you should visit.
Top 12 Free Attractions in London
1. Wallace Collection
A lot of people may not know about the Wallace Collection as much as they know about other culture institutions in London. But it gives a lovely look into the worlds of wealth and art.
The museum is in Hertford House in Manchester Square. The Marquesses of Hertford used to own the house. It shows off the beautiful paintings, porcelain, furniture, sculptures, armor, and weapons that the rich art collector Sir Richard Wallace gathered.
The rooms are very fancy and have works of art by famous artists like Titian, Rembrandt, and Fragonard. There are also luxurious Rococo rooms that are works of art in and of themselves. The collection’s greatest glory, though, is its world-class collection of 18th-century French decorative arts, such as Sevres porcelain and intricate furniture. Make sure you get there early so you can enjoy them without many other people.
2. St. James’s Park
Britain is known for its parks and green areas. St. James’s Park is one of the best.
This royal park is a great place to enjoy a classic London experience. It’s only a few steps away from famous sites like Buckingham Palace and Westminster. You can walk through the park on winding paths that are full of lush plants and colorful flowerbeds. There is also a beautiful lake where many birds live, including majestic swans.
Because the park is in the middle of everything, it has great views of the London Eye, the Horse Guards Parade, and other famous sites.
3. Greenwich Park
Another one of London’s favorite parks is Greenwich Park.
This large park is in the historic Greenwich area. It used to be used for hunting, but now that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, people come to do much nicer things.
It has beautifully kept grounds with flowerbeds and grassy slopes that are great for looking up at the Royal Observatory, which stands tall on a hilltop and watches over the whole area. From this vantage point, the views of the Thames River and the city scenery are nothing short of amazing.
For people who are interested in history and culture, the park has a number of important sites. The Royal Observatory and the Queen’s House are two of them. They give you a lot of information about London’s marine history.
4. Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
The combination of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens makes a huge green area right in the middle of London that you should enjoy. There are lots of things to do outside, beautiful views, and cultural landmarks to enjoy in these two royal parks that are right next to each other.
One of London’s biggest and most well-known parks, Hyde Park, is a great place for nature lovers and people who just want to relax. You can take a walk along the peaceful Serpentine Lake, rent a paddleboat, or just chill out on the large fields while you’re there. There are also many events and shows in the park all year long, so there’s always something going on.
Kensington Gardens is a more formal and peaceful place to be that is linked to Hyde Park. The beautiful Kensington Palace, which has been the official home of several generations of British royals, the quiet Italian Gardens, and the famous Peter Pan statue are all in this area.
5. Victoria and Albert Museum
People all over the world know the Victoria and Albert Museum, or V&A, as a great place to visit. The many rooms in this museum show art from over 5,000 years ago, including fashion, textiles, ceramics, sculptures, and more. Its displays include artifacts from all over the world that honor artistic achievements from different time periods and countries. The stunning Cast Courts, the luxurious British Galleries, and the cutting-edge Contemporary area are some of the best parts.
Because the museum wants everyone to have free access to its art, you can look through its world-class collection, see thought-provoking shows, and take part in educational programs all without paying a dime.
The Victoria and Albert Museum is a great place to get ideas and be creative because it works to show that art and design can make the world a better place.
6. British Museum
The British Museum is another famous London attraction. It has a huge collection of art and artifacts from all over the world, covering thousands of years of human history.
From the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles to the Egyptian mummies and the Parthenon carvings, the museum’s treasures show how creative and accomplished people have been throughout history.
The British Museum is even more impressive because it cares about teaching and making itself available to everyone. The museum’s permanent collection is free to look at, and it also has many free exhibitions, lectures, and events for people with a wide range of hobbies. The British Museum is a great place to learn about art and culture. It has beautiful buildings, amazing displays, and a mission to promote cultural understanding.
7. Walk the Tower Bridge
Every person who comes to London should walk across Tower Bridge. It’s a must-do activity in London
This famous building spans the River Thames with grace. It was finished in 1886 after eight years of work. When you walk across the bridge, you can take beautiful pictures, enjoy the detailed design, and understand how important the bridge is as both a way to get around and a work of art. When the bridge is lit up at night, it looks even more amazing. We suggest going there before sunset so you can see it during the day, at dusk, and at night.
You can walk across the bridge for free, but the high-level decks are worth the money. Watch the Tower of London, the Shard, and other parts of the London scenery from above.
8. National Gallery
The National Gallery is a cultural gem located near Trafalgar Square. It has an amazing collection of European art from the 1300s to the 1900s.
The National Gallery is a one-of-a-kind place to experience timeless art. Its walls are lined with works by Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet. You can walk through the grand rooms of the museum and see works of art by famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet.
Overall, the museum’s halls show a wide range of art styles, from the Italian Renaissance to Impressionism, so there is something for every art lover to enjoy. The neoclassical style of the building that houses them adds to the museum’s appeal.
9. Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is in the middle of London’s busy West End. It’s like Time Square in New York City. This famous landmark should be on the list of things that every guest to the city does, especially if they want to do something free and memorable.
Regent Street, Piccadilly, Shaftesbury Avenue, and Coventry Street are just a few of the busy streets in London that meet at this famous junction. Piccadilly Circus is very interesting because of its bright electronic signs and the famous Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, which is also known as Eros.
Piccadilly Circus is a place where art and fun come together. People-watching, taking in the lively atmosphere, and taking pictures with the bright lights as a background can take hours. Regent Street and Oxford Street, two famous buying streets close by, are great places to just look around and imagine what you might buy.
10. Portobello Road Market
This famous market is a bright tapestry of antiques, old clothes, strange collectibles, and a lively atmosphere that you are free to explore.
Portobello Road comes to life on Saturdays when street sellers line the streets selling one-of-a-kind items. Among the lively chaos, there’s something for everyone, from vintage clothes and rare vinyl records to old silverware and hand-made goods. The antiques area of the market is especially well-known and draws collectors and fans from all over the world.
You can do more than just shop at Portobello Road Market. It’s a great place to watch people and get to know the diverse and lively people who live in Notting Hill. The pretty pastel-colored homes that line the streets are very appealing.
11. Camden Market
Camden Market is a popular market that spreads out along the banks of the Regent’s Canal. It is in the eclectic area of Camden Town.
You can have a lot of fun exploring Camden Market because it is so big and has so many shops, food sellers, and stalls. Everyone can find something they like, from vintage clothes and handmade goods to unique street food from around the world.
But Camden Market is different from other London markets because it has an arty and edgier vibe. People come to this area to see the amazing street art and graffiti, and you can often hear live music of all kinds playing in the streets. The place is even more interesting because of the famous Camden Lock, which has a lot of floating market shops.
12. Imperial War Museum
In Lambeth, the Imperial War Museum is a moving and educational place that tells the stories of the people who lived through the wars that changed the world.
This museum, which opened in 1917, shows how people stood strong and gave up their lives during war and strife. People can look at its large collection of objects, displays, and personal accounts from the time of World War I to the present.
The museum has a lot of different displays about how war affects people, groups, and countries, from the famous Spitfire hanging in the atrium to the moving Holocaust exhibit.
The Imperial War Museum is very interesting because it works hard to keep the memories and experiences of people who went through these terrible times alive. In the end, it’s not just a place for history buffs; it’s also a powerful reminder of how strong people are.
