There's loads of free things to do in London from morning to night, whether you're looking to learn more about the capital's rich history, find a fantastic viewpoint, or even party the night away to some bass-heavy tunes.

From dinosaurs to Damien Hirst, evensong to observatories, the best things in London life really are free... well, many of them, at least. Soak up the sights and sounds of the city while saving those pennies with this guide to the best of free London.

What are the best free things to do in London?

  • 1

    Westminster Abbey

    Come for the history, stay for Evensong

    Westminster Abbey
    • Families
    • History
    The pomp and history of Westminster Abbey put it on most visitors’ must-see lists, but during the day it can be crowded and expensive. Come at Evensong to catch the church at its best, alive with ceremony and song, and for free.
    The Abbey is a World Heritage Site with over a thousand years of history. It still holds daily services where everyone is welcome. Luxuriate in the glorious sound of the renowned Choir of Westminster Abbey at Evensong, and take a contemplative moment to soak up the intense and uplifting atmosphere of a church where 40 monarchs have been crowned and thousands of note-worthy people buried or memorialized, including the likes of Sir Isaac Newton and Jane Austen.
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    Location: Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)20 7222 5152

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  • 2

    First Thursday at East End galleries

    Cutting-edge art at free exhibitions

    First Thursday at East End galleries
    • Budget
    On the first Thursday of every month, a host of East End galleries throw their doors open for free events and exhibitions. Art hotspots like Hackney’s Vyner Street turn into impromptu street parties as a mix of students and art-lovers flit from gallery to gallery.
    No matter your artistic preferences, you’ll be spoilt for choice as over 150 galleries and museums stay open until 9 pm. Immerse yourself in hands-on workshops, hear talks from the innovators pushing creative boundaries, and get a glimpse into the creative process at a behind-the-scenes artist’s studio session. With so much to see, it’s worth hopping aboard the Whitechapel Gallery’s Art Bus to tour around 3 or 4 of the month’s best hot spots.
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  • 3

    Natural History Museum

    From ancient archeology to high-tech exhibits

    Natural History Museum
    • Budget
    • Families
    • History
    An awesome 25-m skeleton of a blue whale gazes down on the armies of families milling around the vast vaulted entrance hall of the Natural History Museum in Kensington. Deeper inside there’s a captivating mix of high-tech interactive exhibits, fearsome animatronic dinosaurs, and Victorian curiosities.
    A mesmerizing range of temporary exhibitions come through their doors throughout the year. Be inspired by the stunning artistry of nature at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit or learn about how science is helping us create a more sustainable world. Book your free entry tickets online in advance to skip the queues and note that tickets to visiting exhibitions must be booked separately.
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    Location: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 5.50 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)20 7942 5000

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  • 4

    Regent's Park

    An extravagantly beautiful royal park

    Regent's Park
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Photo

    Regent's Park is one of London's many grand public spaces that’s available for all to enjoy for free. The park covers an immense 410 acres and it's easily accessible from Regent's Park and Baker Street tube stations or Marylebone train station.

    Regent’s Park is stunning, with wide-open hills rolling down to lakes inhabited by waterfowl. There are botanical gardens in the inner section of the park, and of course, there are various sports pitches and playgrounds where the kids can play. Toward the north end, you’ll find various grand English townhouses to admire. Check out the open-air theater in Queen Mary’s gardens, which is also one of London’s largest performance venues.

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    Location: The Regent's Park, Inner Circle, London NW1 4NR, UK

    Open: Daily from 5 am to 7 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)30 0061 2300

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  • 5

    BFI Mediatheque

    Decades of archive films to watch for free

    BFI Mediatheque
    • Budget
    • History
    • Photo
    The long sweep of the South Bank is packed with free things to do, from watching the wild rides of skateboarders to the free exhibitions at the British Film Institute. Don’t miss the Mediatheque, though. The BFI’s viewing room has thousands of hours of rare film and TV footage to view on personal video stations.
    Mediatheque is on a mission to digitize vast amounts of film and TV material at risk of being lost and forgotten. Headphones are provided and in the comfort of your own private booth, you can check out countless screen classics, from the dawn of cinema in the 1890s to pioneering documentaries and cult sitcoms. You’ll also find something here to entertain kids of all ages.

    Location: Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 8XT, UK

    Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +44 (0)20 7960 2102

    Map
  • 6

    Inns of Court

    Historical scenery featured in movies and TV shows

    Inns of Court
    • Budget
    • History
    • Photo
    When location scouts for movies like Harry Potter want a London location they head for the Inns of Court in Holborn. A walk through the headquarters of the British legal system takes in thin-windowed Dickensian chambers, quiet fountain squares, and the gaudy splendor of the Knights Templar’s London temple.
    This architectural gem has witnessed many important historical events but remains a lesser explored part of London. You can saunter around the picturesque squares, gorgeous gardens, and tranquil cloisters at your own leisure. Not only does this location provide endless stunning photo opportunities, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of many infamous and colorful characters whose quick wit in the courtroom has led to the downfall of countless criminals.
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  • 7

    Sotheby’s

    Masterpieces for sale

    Sotheby’s
    • Budget
    • Shoppers
    It’s not just buyers who can browse the lots at one of the world’s most famous auction houses. Extraordinary works of art, from old masters to Damien Hirst skulls, pass through these hallowed halls, and they are all exhibited for free.
    You’ll be astounded by the vast range of luxurious goods on display, from Hermès handbags, Cartier jewelry, and Rolex watches, to first-edition children’s books, original manuscripts, and ancient maps. Sit in on an auction to witness the excitement and tension as bidders compete to own every kind of collectible, whether it be a bottle of high-end vintage port or a sought-after item of sports memorabilia.

    Location: 34–35 New Bond Street, London W1A 2AA, UK

    Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 4.30 pm, Saturday–Sunday from noon to 5 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)20 7293 5000

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  • 8

    Columbia Road Flower Market

    A floral extravaganza in the heart of cockney London

    Columbia Road Flower Market
    • Budget
    • Families
    • Shoppers
    A nondescript street in busy Hackney comes alive every Sunday as armies of flower-sellers turn the area into a riot of color, fragrance, and boisterous banter. Join the crush as Londoners haggle for floral bargains or just wander the street’s urban greenery.
    A fabulously Instagrammable location, Columbia Road is one of the only streets in the country to feature 60 independent businesses, many of which are open throughout the week. Hidden amongst the flowers, you’ll find all manner of shops and eateries. From funky fashion retailers to second-hand haute couture, handmade garden and homeware products, art galleries, beauticians, and vintage vinyl, you’ll find this street bustling with vibrant life.

    Location: Columbia Road, London E2 7RG, UK

    Open: Sundays from 8 am to 2 pm (Closed Monday–Saturday)

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  • 9

    Chinatown Gate

    The entrance to London’s Chinese hub

    Chinatown Gate
    • Budget
    • Photo
    Chinatown Gate is the grand entrance to London’s famed Chinatown area, and the gate is a landmark in itself. The gate is adorned with the vibrant red and gold associated with Chinese culture, with exquisitely drawn Chinese characters decorating the archway.
    Once you’ve taken your selfies at the gate and passed into the town itself, you’ll find a street lined with Chinese restaurants, supermarkets, souvenir shops, and frequent street performers. If you’re lucky enough to be around in January/February, check your calendar for the exact dates of Chinese New Year. There’s an annual parade, which is a feast for all the senses, and the dragon dance is an essential sight to see.
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    Location: 16–17 Wardour St, London W1F 8AT, UK

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  • 10

    Tate Britain

    World-famous artworks to lose yourself in

    Tate Britain
    • Budget
    • Families
    • Single
    Many of the world’s most famous artworks are on display for free in London’s art galleries. Lose yourself in the largest ever collection of JMW Turner’s wild impressionistic canvases and evocative sketches at the Tate Britain’s post-modern Clore Gallery, dedicated to the most English of painters.
    Within the stunning neoclassical architecture of the Tate Britain itself, countless peaceful hours can be spent absorbing 500 years of British art. There’s everything from the voluptuous beauty of the Pre-Raphaelites to boundary-pushing contemporary artists like David Hockney and Bridget Riley. Book your tickets in advance to gain entry to particular exhibitions, such as Chris Ofili: Requiem, which pays tribute to the victims of the Grenfell Tower Fire.

    Location: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)20 7887 8888

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  • 11

    Clapham Common

    London’s biggest bandstand in the midst of nature's splendor

    Clapham Common
    • Budget
    • Families
    • History
    Clapham Common is a 220-acre park in London, with Battersea just to the north and Wandsworth to the west. A wide-open park with lots of woods, numerous lakes, and sports fields, it's a great place to spend a day and enjoy nature even in the city.
    Venture into the common and you'll find sports areas like tennis and basketball courts, rugby and soccer pitches and even an Aussie-rules soccer pitch. The pride of the park is London's biggest and oldest bandstand. Built in 1890 and recently renovated, it's a Grade II-listed building and often houses small local events. Make sure to take a stroll past if you’re there, you might even get treated to a free local brass band.
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    Location: Clapham Common, Windmill Dr, London SW4 9DE, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)20 7926 9000

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This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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Where to stay in London

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