Free Things To Do in London That Are Worth it
How do you survive living in London- one of the world’s most expensive cities? By discovering tons of free things to do in London that are worth it!
If you’re visiting for the first time, you will be excited to know that some of its best experiences here don’t cost a thing.
In fact, if you know where to look, you’ll find stunning views, historic sites and hidden gems- all without spending any money. I’ve lived in London since 2013 and have explored nearly all of the city’s neighbourhoods. Based on all these years, I’ve put together a list of what I think would be the most appealing to someone who had limited time in town and wanted to make the most of it.
And if you live here already, please add in the comments any additional free things to do in London that you love too!
St Dunstan in the East
Tucked between modern buildings, St Dunstan in the East is a peaceful retreat from the city’s noise. Once a church, it was nearly destroyed in the Blitz. Instead of rebuilding, London turned it into a public garden. Ivy drapes over the ruined walls and benches invite you to sit and soak in the atmosphere.
Instagrammers love it, but every time I’ve been, it’s been quiet and respectful. It’s also just a short walk from the Tower of London, Monument and Sky Garden.
If you’re planning a day in this area, check out my guides on Things to Do Near the Tower of London and Things to Do Near Leadenhall Market for more detailed ideas.
Free Things to Do in London: Museums & Galleries
London’s museums are easily some of the best in the planet. And, as my British husband would say, ‘They should be. We’ve stolen the world’s best items.’
He’s so cheeky.
Most people planning their first London trip don’t know that many museums and galleries are completely free. You could spend days exploring them.
It’s important to note that they always have special exhibitions. You would need to pay for those and book them in advance. Actually, since Covid you need to book your regular visits ahead of time too for the best experience.
I know that may be surprising but if you don’t book your time slot ahead of time, you could be waiting in a long queue. If you’re like me, that’s not something you want to do when you’re on holiday and have limited time.
These are the most popular:
- British Museum – Home to the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.
- Natural History Museum – Dinosaurs, gemstones and a life-sized blue whale.
- V&A Museum – Art, fashion and design, from medieval treasures to modern couture.
- National Gallery – Masterpieces from da Vinci, Van Gogh and Turner.
- Tate Modern – Contemporary art in a converted power station.
- Science Museum – Interactive exhibits and fascinating inventions.
- Museum of London Docklands – The history of London’s riverside, from trade to WWII.
- Queen’s House in Greenwich – A former royal residence turned art gallery.
- Imperial War Museum – War history and thought-provoking exhibits.
- Wallace Collection – A stunning townhouse filled with fine art and furniture.
Sky Garden & Horizon 22: Free Views of London
Want panoramic views of London without paying for The View from the Shard? Sky Garden and Horizon 22 offer incredible cityscapes for free – but again you need to plan ahead.
SKY GARDEN
You’ll find it at the top of the Walkie Talkie building. It’s a lush indoor garden with sweeping views. Tickets tend to be released on Mondays, so check early in the morning about two months before your visit. Walk-ins are possible, but not guaranteed, especially for groups. I’ve compared Sky Garden to Horizon 22 in a video. You can watch for a side-by-side look to determine which one might be best for you.
HORIZON 22
This is London’s highest free viewing platform. It’s lesser known than Sky Garden but arguably offers better views. You’ll need to book weeks in advance for guaranteed entry. This one opens its booking system a lot earlier than Sky Garden.
Platform 9 3/4: Is it Worth the Hype?
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, then this should be on your list!
But first, let’s be clear- Platform 9 ¾ isn’t real. The actual filming location for Harry Potter was between Platforms 4 and 5 at King’s Cross. But for fans, the trolley installation at St Pancras International is a fun photo op. Expect a queue unless you go early or late.
Next to it, the Harry Potter shop is well-stocked but pricey. Most of what they sell can be found on Amazon, so if you’re visiting and short on suitcase space, you may want to skip big souvenirs. If you’re shopping in London, my guide on Things to Buy in London would be helpful. It has great recommendations for things that aren’t your typical souvenirs.
Free Things to Do in London: Visit Neal’s Yard
Hidden in Covent Garden, Neal’s Yard is one of the most colourful spots in London. It’s tiny, but worth a visit for its handful of independent shops and cafés.
For breakfast or brunch, 26 Grains is fantastic. It’s known for wholesome, Scandinavian-style dishes and excellent coffee.
If you want a more extensive list of places to visit in London that are also off the radar, grab my Free Insider’s Guide to Hidden Gems in London. It’s a downloadable PDF you get when subscribing to the Sunny News weekly email.
And, if you’re planning a trip- buy our London Travel Planner. It has a 3-day itinerary and makes everything super easy! It’s for people who want to travel smarter and save time.
Need help trip planning?
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Free Things to Do in London: Visit Greenwich
Greenwich has more free things to do in London than you might expect. It’s ideal for couples, solo travellers and families. You could spend an entire day here without spending much at all.
- Greenwich Park – Stunning views over London from the top of the hill.
- Queen’s House – A free art gallery in a former royal residence.
- The Painted Hall (free certain days) – Often called Britain’s Sistine Chapel.
- Cutty Sark Gardens – A great riverside spot to relax.
I’ve written a full guide on Things to Do in Greenwich where you can find a full list of activities too.
Queen Elizabeth Rooftop Garden
Southbank has plenty of riverside attractions, but one of its hidden gems is Queen Elizabeth Hall’s Rooftop Garden. It’s an urban oasis with great views over the Thames and hardly anyone knows about it.
I’ve filmed a video to show you how to find it and what to expect.
Free Things to Do in London: Final Thoughts
If you know where to look, you can find a lot of free things to do in London. Whether you’re looking for history, views or hidden gems, you don’t always need to spend a fortune to enjoy the city.
Have you been to any of these spots? Which do you think is most worth visiting? Let me know in the comments!
I’ve also shared a video on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok highlighting some of these spots—check it out if you want a closer look!
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