Free Things to Do in London

London is one of the world’s great cities, and the good news is you don’t need a big budget to enjoy it. From free world-class museums and iconic green spaces to secret gardens and buzzing street markets, there is genuinely no shortage of free things to do in London, whatever the season or day.

Top 50 things to do in London for free

Free museums and galleries in London

London has some of the best museums on the planet, and most of them are completely free to enter. This is one of the biggest advantages of student life in the capital.

Tip: Many museums run free late-night events and free family activities. Always check their website before you go to find out what’s on.

The British Museum

One of the most visited museums in the world, and rightly so. The British Museum houses over eight million objects spanning two million years of human history. You could spend an entire day here and still not see everything. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles and the Egyptian mummies. Entry to the permanent collection is always free.

Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG

Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road or Russell Square

Opening times: Daily, 10am–5pm (Fridays until 8:30pm)

The National Gallery

Right on Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery holds over 2,300 paintings spanning seven centuries, from Van Eyck to Van Gogh. The permanent collection is free, though some special exhibitions are ticketed. A great option on a rainy day in central London.

Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

Nearest Tube: Charing Cross or Leicester Square

Opening times: Daily, 10am–6pm (Fridays until 9pm)

The National Portrait Gallery

Right next to the National Gallery, so it’s easy to visit both on the same trip. The Portrait Gallery is a smaller, more intimate experience, with portraits of the figures who shaped British history, culture and public life. Well worth an hour or two.

Address: St Martin’s Pl, London WC2H 0HE

Nearest Tube: Charing Cross or Leicester Square

Opening times: Daily, 10am–6pm (Thursdays and Fridays until 9pm)

Tate Modern

Set in a former power station on the South Bank, the Tate Modern is one of the best art galleries in London. The permanent collection is free and spans modern and contemporary art from 1900 onwards. The building itself is as impressive as the art inside. Pair it with a walk along the South Bank for a great afternoon out. If you’re staying at student accommodation near Tower Bridge, this is right on your doorstep.

Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG

Nearest Tube: Southwark or Blackfriars

Opening times: Sunday–Thursday 10am–6pm, Friday–Saturday 10am–10pm

The V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum)

The V&A is the world’s leading museum of art and design. Fashion, furniture, jewellery, architecture, photography: it covers everything. The permanent collection is free and the building itself is stunning. It’s also one of the most photogenic spots in London.

Address: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL

Nearest Tube: South Kensington

Opening times: Daily, 10am–5:45pm (Fridays until 10pm)

Related: 8 Exciting Things to Do in Victoria London

The Natural History Museum

An absolute classic. The Natural History Museum is home to a 25.2-metre blue whale skeleton, dinosaur fossils, geological specimens and much more. The permanent collection is free. It gets busy at weekends, so weekday visits are better for students with flexible schedules.

Address: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 5BD

Nearest Tube: South Kensington

Opening times: Daily, 10am–5:50pm

The Science Museum

Next door to the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum covers space exploration, medicine, engineering and technology. Interactive exhibits make it more engaging than a traditional gallery format. The permanent galleries are free.

Address: Exhibition Rd, London SW7 2DD

Nearest Tube: South Kensington

Opening times: Daily, 10am–6pm

The Imperial War Museum

More thought-provoking than you might expect. The Imperial War Museum covers conflicts from World War One to the present day with a mix of personal accounts, artefacts and large-scale installations. The permanent collection is free. If you’re living at student accommodation near Vauxhall or Westminster Bridge, it’s an easy trip.

Address: Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ

Nearest Tube: Lambeth North

Opening times: Daily, 10am–6pm

The Wellcome Collection

One of London’s more unusual free museums. The Wellcome Collection sits at the intersection of science, medicine and art, with rotating exhibitions that explore human experience in unexpected ways. The reading room and atrium are great for a quiet study break, too.

Address: 183 Euston Rd, London NW1 2BE

Nearest Tube: Euston Square

Opening times: Tuesday–Saturday 10am–6pm, Thursday until 8pm, Sunday 11am–6pm

The Saatchi Gallery

One for art lovers. The Saatchi Gallery shows contemporary and often experimental work from international emerging artists. Admission is free and exhibitions change regularly, so there’s always something new to see.

Address: Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Rd, London SW3 4RY

Nearest Tube: Sloane Square

Opening times: Daily, 10am–6pm

The British Library

The British Library is one of the largest libraries in the world, and it’s completely free to visit. The public galleries display the Magna Carta, the Gutenberg Bible, handwritten Beatles lyrics, original manuscripts by Jane Austen and Lewis Carroll, and much more. It’s also one of the best places in London to study, with reading rooms, a café and a peaceful courtyard. Students at student accommodation in King’s Cross or St Pancras are right on the doorstep.
Address: 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB

Nearest Tube: King’s Cross St Pancras or Euston

Opening times: Monday–Thursday 9:30am–8pm, Friday 9:30am–6pm, Saturday 9:30am–5pm, Sunday 11am–5pm

Sir John Soane’s Museum

Tucked away in Holborn, Sir John Soane’s Museum is genuinely one of London’s free hidden gems. The former home of architect John Soane is crammed floor to ceiling with antiquities, paintings and curiosities, including Hogarth’s original A Rake’s Progress series. Free entry and often quiet.

Address: 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP

Nearest Tube: Holborn

Opening times: Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm

The Museum of London Docklands

The London Museum Docklands is an excellent free museum covering the history of London’s river and docklands, from Roman times to the present day. If you’re a student at Canary Wharf accommodation, this is practically on your doorstep. For more on the area, read our guide to whether Canary Wharf is a good place to live as a student.

Address: No. 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL

Nearest Tube: West India Quay (DLR) or Canary Wharf

Opening times: Daily, 10am–6pm

The National Maritime Museum

Out in Greenwich, the National Maritime Museum is the world’s largest maritime museum. Exhibits cover naval history, exploration and the sea’s relationship with Britain. Free entry, and easy to combine with a walk around Greenwich Park.

Address: Park Row, London SE10 9NF

Nearest Tube: Cutty Sark (DLR) or Maze Hill

Opening times: Daily, 10am–5pm

Free parks and green spaces in London

London has over 3,000 parks and green spaces. Many of the Royal Parks are right in the centre of the city and are completely free to visit.

Hyde Park

The most famous of London’s parks, at 350 acres, Hyde Park has a boating lake (the Serpentine), open-air swimming, outdoor gym equipment and regular free events. In summer, it’s the go-to spot for a picnic or an afternoon in the sun. For more ideas, take a look at our guide to the best parks in London this summer.

Address: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH

Nearest Tube: Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge or Lancaster Gate

Regent’s Park

Home to the largest grass area for sports in central London, as well as the Open Air Theatre (ticketed) and ZSL London Zoo. The park itself is free, beautiful in all seasons and always worth a visit.

Address: The Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NR

Nearest Tube: Baker Street or Regent’s Park

St James’s Park

The oldest of the Royal Parks, St James’s Park sits between Buckingham Palace and Whitehall. Famous for its pelicans, which have lived there since the 1660s. The views towards Buckingham Palace from the bridge over the lake are some of the best in London. It’s a one of the best parks in London for a picnic.

Address: St James’s Park, London SW1A 2BJ

Nearest Tube: St James’s Park or Westminster

Greenwich Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Greenwich Park sits on a hill with panoramic views across the City of London and the Thames. It’s also home to the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian line, which you can stand on for free.

Address: Greenwich Park, London SE10 8QY

Nearest Tube: Cutty Sark (DLR) or Maze Hill

Primrose Hill

A short, steep walk brings you to one of the best panoramic views in London. From the top of Primrose Hill you can see the Shard, the London Eye, the Telecom Tower and more. A favourite spot for sunset.

Address: Primrose Hill, London NW1 8XJ

Nearest Tube: Chalk Farm

Battersea Park

A 200-acre park right on the Thames, with a boating lake, London Peace Pagoda, tennis courts and a children’s zoo. A great option for students staying at our accommodation in Battersea or those living near Battersea Power Station. For more local activities, read Things to Do in Battersea.

Address: Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ

Nearest Tube: Battersea Power Station

Related: What’s On in Battersea This Summer?

Victoria Embankment Gardens

Tucked between the Strand and the Thames, these gardens are a quiet spot in the middle of the city. A good place to sit and decompress between lectures or on a study break.

Address: Victoria Embankment, London WC2N 6NS

Nearest Tube: Embankment

If you’re based near Victoria, our guide to green spaces in Victoria has plenty more options for local parks and outdoor areas.

Free views and iconic walks in London

Walk the South Bank

One of the best free things to do in London. Start at Westminster Bridge (with views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament) and walk east along the South Bank past the London Eye, the National Theatre, the Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre, all the way to Borough Market. Along the way, you’ll pass street performers, book stalls, pop-up markets and some of London’s best food vendors. It’s a different experience every time.

Address: Start at Westminster Bridge, London SE1 7PB

Tube: Westminster (to start) or London Bridge (to finish)

While you’re there, there’s lots of free things to do around Westminster Bridge

The Sky Garden

A free rooftop garden and viewing platform on the 35th floor of the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building in the City. Panoramic views across London in every direction. Entry is free but you must book in advance via the Sky Garden website. Slots fill up fast, so book at least two weeks ahead.

Address: 20 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 3BY

Nearest Tube: Monument

Opening times: Monday–Friday 10am–6pm, Saturday–Sunday 11am–9pm

Millennium Bridge

Cross from the South Bank to the north side of the Thames on this iconic pedestrian bridge. The views of St Paul’s Cathedral from the bridge are outstanding. On the south side you’re steps away from the Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre.

Address: Millennium Bridge, London EC4V 3QH

Nearest Tube: St Paul’s or Blackfriars

Tower Bridge

Walking across Tower Bridge via the standard pedestrian walkway is free. The bridge itself is one of London’s most recognisable landmarks. If you want to access the glass walkways and engine room, there is a charge for the exhibition inside. If you live in student accommodation near Tower Bridge, this is quite literally on your doorstep.

Address: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP

Nearest Tube: Tower Hill

Alexandra Palace

Standing on a hill in north London, Alexandra Palace offers some of the most dramatic views across the city. The grounds are free to explore and include a boating lake, ice rink and deer park. Worth the trip.

Address: Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY

Nearest Tube: Wood Green (then bus or a 20-minute walk)

Free things to do outdoors in London

Borough Market

One of London’s oldest and most famous food markets. Wandering around Borough Market is free, even if you end up spending a little on samples. The atmosphere alone is worth the visit.

Address: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL

Nearest Tube: London Bridge

Opening times: Monday–Thursday 10am–5pm, Friday 10am–6pm, Saturday 8am–5pm

Portobello Road Market

Portobello Road Market is home to the most historic street markets in the world and is famous for its antiques, vintage clothing and street food. Saturday is the biggest day. A great way to spend a free morning, even if you don’t buy anything.

Address: Portobello Rd, London W11

Nearest Tube: Notting Hill Gate or Ladbroke Grove

Market days: Friday–Saturday (antiques on Saturday)

Columbia Road Flower Market

A short walk from student accommodation in Hoxton, Columbia Road Flower Market is one of London’s most loved Sunday traditions. Arrive early for the best atmosphere. For more in the area, our guide to things to do in Hoxton is well worth reading.

Address: Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG

Nearest Tube: Hoxton (Overground)

Opening times: Sunday only, 8am–3pm

Granary Square, King’s Cross

The regenerated area around King’s Cross and St Pancras is one of the best examples of modern urban development in London. Granary Square has fountains, street food, canal-side seating and regular free events. If you’re living at student accommodation in King’s Cross or St Pancras, this is right outside your door. For more local ideas, read our guide to places to see and things to do in King’s Cross.

Address: Granary Square, London N1C 4AA

Nearest Tube: King’s Cross St. Pancras

Running in London

Running is free, and London has some outstanding routes. The parks, the canal towpaths and the South Bank all make for brilliant running, whatever your pace. Read our guide to running in London for recommended routes.

Free historic sites and landmarks in London

St Paul’s Cathedral (exterior)

Entry into St Paul’s Cathedral is ticketed, but viewing the exterior and any worshipping at the cathedral is free. The steps and the surrounding area around Paternoster Square are worth a visit in their own right.

Address: St Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD

Nearest Tube: St Paul’s

The Tower of London (exterior)

Tower of London entry is paid, but you can walk around the exterior walls, take in the views and see Tower Bridge from the area without paying a penny.

Address: Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB

Nearest Tube: Tower Hill

Trafalgar Square

One of London’s most famous public spaces, Trafalgar Square is always free. It’s also home to regular free events, from outdoor screenings to celebrations. The Fourth Plinth in the north-west corner always has a rotating free art commission.

Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

Nearest Tube: Charing Cross or Leicester Square

Postman’s Park

A small, peaceful park north of St Paul’s Cathedral, Postman’s Park is home to the Watts Memorial to Heroic Self Sacrifice, a series of ceramic tiles commemorating ordinary people who gave their lives to save others. A surprisingly moving place that most people don’t know about.

Address: St Martins Le Grand, London EC1A 7BT

Nearest Tube: St Paul’s

St Dunstan in the East

A ruined church turned public garden, St Dunstan in the East is one of London’s most photogenic and atmospheric spots. The garden is enclosed within the old church walls, with plants growing through the Gothic windows. Free to visit and usually quiet even in summer.

Address: St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD

Nearest Tube: Monument

The Guildhall

The medieval great hall of the Guildhall is open to visitors when not in use for official events. One of the oldest surviving civic buildings in London, dating back to 1411, with striking vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. It’s free to enter and is also home to the Guildhall Art Gallery and the London Roman Amphitheatre.

Address: Guildhall Yard, London EC2V 7HH

Nearest Tube: Bank or St Paul’s

Cross Bones Graveyard

A memorial garden and graveyard in Southwark that honours the ‘outcast dead’, a burial site for prostitutes and paupers from the medieval period. Quiet, unusual and genuinely moving. Free to visit.

Address: Redcross Way, London SE1 1TA

Nearest Tube: London Bridge

The London Mithraeum

Beneath the Bloomberg London headquarters lies a remarkably well-preserved Roman temple dedicated to the god Mithras. The London Mithraeum was excavated in the 1950s and later painstakingly restored in its original location. A fascinating piece of Roman London. Entry is free.

Address: 12 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AA

Nearest Tube: Bank or Cannon Street

Opening times: Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–6pm, Sundays 12-5pm

Free seasonal events in London

Winter Lights, Canary Wharf (January)

A free outdoor light art installation festival held each January in Canary Wharf. This event transforms the district into a luminous, interactive art gallery with 16+ installations. Worth the trip east.

For accurate and up-to-date information, look to the Canary Wharf Winter Lights page.

Related: How to spend NYE in London

Lunar New Year (January/February)

Celebrated in Chinatown and Trafalgar Square, the Lunar New Year festivities include parades, performances and dragon dances. Free to attend.

Read more here about the Chinese Lunar New Year in London.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show (May)

The show itself is ticketed, but the surrounding area comes alive during Chelsea in Bloom, when local shops and businesses decorate their frontages for free. The actual show features world-class garden designs, innovative floral designs and the Great Pavillion.

For information or public tickets, visit the official RHS site.

Pride in London (July)

The annual Pride parade through central London is free to watch and is one of the biggest events in the London calendar. The main event brings together numerous groups and floats, typically starting in central London, with crowds and performance stages in Piccadilly, Soho, Golden Square and Trafalgar Square.

For the most up-to-date information and lineups, visit the Pride in London page.

Notting Hill Carnival (late August)

The largest street carnival in Europe, held each year over the August Bank Holiday weekend. This Caribbean festival is free to attend where you can experience local cuisine, parades, and steel bands.

 The official Notting Hill Carnival website provides more information as well as a map of the route.

Open House London (September)

Once a year, hundreds of buildings normally closed to the public open their doors for free in the Open House Festival. Expect access to private offices, historic houses, hidden staircases and architectural gems. One of the best free events in London.

Related: Halloween In London: Things To Do

Bonfire Night and fireworks (November)

Fireworks displays take place across London on and around 5 November. Many are free to watch from public parks and open spaces. Learn more on where to watch the fireworks on Bonfire Night in London.

Unusual and quirky free things to do in London

Dennis Severs’ House (exterior)

The interior of Dennis Severs’ House is a ticketed experience, but the exterior on Folgate Street is one of the most atmospheric spots in East London. The entire street has a frozen-in-time quality. And the house itself offers a breathtaking and intimate portrait of the lives of a family of Huguenot silk-weavers from 1724 to the dawn of the 20th Century.

Address: 18 Folgate St, London E1 6BX

Nearest Tube: Shoreditch High Street (Overground)

Abbey Road crossing

Recreate the famous Beatles album cover. It costs nothing and is very easy to do, though you’ll need to keep an eye on traffic.

Address: Abbey Rd, London NW8 9AY

Nearest Tube: St John’s Wood

Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station

A free photo opportunity at the famous Harry Potter platform sign inside King’s Cross Station. The queue can be long, but it moves quickly.

Address: King’s Cross Station, London N1 9AP

Nearest Tube: King’s Cross St Pancras

Speakers’ Corner, Hyde Park

A British institution. Every Sunday morning since 1872, members of the public speak their minds from the corner of Hyde Park near Marble Arch at Speakers’ Corner. Eccentric, occasionally brilliant, always free.

Address: Hyde Park, near Marble Arch, London W1H 7EJ

Nearest Tube: Marble Arch

The Barbican Estate

One of the most striking examples of Brutalist architecture in Europe. Just walking around the Barbican Estate is a genuinely interesting free experience. The Barbican Conservatory, the second largest in London, is open to visitors free of charge at weekends.

Address: Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS

Nearest Tube: Barbican or Moorgate

Want more options? Read our roundup of 21 quirky things to do in London for more.

Free things to do in London at night

Free evening views

The Sky Garden is open in the evenings at weekends. It’s a very different experience after dark, looking out over the illuminated City of London. Book well ahead.

The best rooftop bars in London can also be a good evening option if you want views without a dining bill.

Free film and culture

The British Film Institute (BFI) on the South Bank regularly runs free screenings and events. Check their programme on the BFI website before you go.

Related: The Best Outdoor Cinemas in London

The Barbican Estate, near student accommodation in the City, is worth visiting for its architecture alone. The Barbican Conservatory, one of London’s largest, is open at weekends and admission is free.

Live music in pubs

Many pubs across London host free live music, particularly on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. The areas around Hoxton, King’s Cross and Shoreditch tend to have strong programmes.

To get inspired read our guides below:

• The 10 Best Pubs and Bars in Victoria London
• The Best Bars and Pubs in Aldgate
• The Best Student Nightlife in Battersea

Free things to do in London when it rains

London weather is unpredictable. These options work whatever the forecast:

• Most major museums are completely free and will happily absorb a rainy afternoon: the British Museum, the V&A, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum are all good options.
• The British Library on Euston Road is free to enter. The public galleries display the Magna Carta, handwritten Beatles lyrics, original manuscripts and much more.
• Spend time in one of London’s many free reading rooms or public libraries. Our guide to the best cafes and libraries in London for studying has useful recommendations.
• The Tate Modern has free entry to the permanent collection and is a good indoor option on a wet day.

For more, read our guide to 30 fun things to do from the comfort of your room.

Free things to do in London for students on a budget

Living in London is expensive. The great news is that the best of the city costs very little. From world-class museums to free parks and iconic walks, London rewards those who explore it properly.

Looking for more ways to manage your money while studying? Our guide to 8 money saving tips for students and how to budget at university are both worth reading. And if you want to see all of London affordably, our travel card guide explains the cheapest ways to get around the city.

urbanest properties are located across central London, all within easy reach of transport links and the free attractions listed above. Take a look at our available student accommodation london, student studios or find a room to see what’s available near you.

Looking for more London guides? Get inspiration from things to do in the summer for a uni student.