London has acquired a reputation for being an expensive city to visit.
While this is true, you’ll also be surprised to know that you can do a lot of things in London that won’t cost you a single penny.
These are just some of the things you can do in London that are totally free:
Visit Museums with free entrance
Many of the permanent collections of museums around London have free entry (with the exception of the London Transport Museum and the Royal Academy). Most of them also have late openings. With so many museums in London, you’ll have a jampacked day just going from one museum to another. Here is a list of small museums and galleries that have free entrance:
- Bank of England Museum
- Bloomberg SPACE
- Brunel Museum
- Courtauld Gallery (entrance is free Mondays from 10 am to 2 pm)
- Cuming Museum
- Fulham Palace
- Geffrye Museum
- Grant Museum of Zoology
- Guildhall Art Gallery
- Hackney Museum
- Hampstead Museum
- Islington Museum
- Hogarth’s House
- Hunterian Museum
- Kenwood House
- Library and Museum of Freemasonry
- London Film Museum
- Museum of Childhood
- National Army Museum
- Old Royal Naval College
- Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
- Photographers’ Gallery
- Pitzhanger Manor Gallery & House
- Queen’s House
- RAF Museum ( my favorite)
- Sir John Soane’s Museum
- Wallace Collection
Watch The Changing of The Guard
One of the most iconic rituals in London is the Changing of The Guard. It is practically sacrilege to visit London without watching it. The event happens at the Forecourt inside the Buckingham Palace gates every day at 11:30 AM during summer and every other day in winter.
Listen to music performances
There are many opportunities for you to listen to live music performances that are totally free of charge. The Southbank Centre, for example, mounts regular free music events. Every Monday, there is a lunchtime recital at the Royal Opera House. The same goes for St. Martin-in-the-Fields, which also has free lunchtime concerts. At Notting Hill Arts Club, Rough Trade mounts a free showcase every Saturday.
Visit Trafalgar Square
Much like The Changing of The Guard, a visit to Trafalgar Square is a requirement if you’re visiting London. It is one of the UK’s most popular attractions. The iconic Trafalgar Square was built in the 1830s and still maintains its old-world appeal. You can see Nelson’s Column from the site or visit the National Gallery.
Visit London’s parks and gardens
London is dotted with many beautiful parks and gardens. Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens, located in Regent Park, is considered one of the most beautiful places in London and a favorite destination of both locals and tourists. St. James Park is another impressive open space that also boasts of having one of the best views of Buckingham Palace.
You don’t need to stay in your service apartment in London all day if you’re on a tight budget. London still offers a lot of attractions even for the budget conscious. So go out and explore the city. You can return to your serviced apartment happier and more immersed in one of the best cities in the world.