Before traveling to London, one of the things that worried us most was the budget.

Because if, London has a reputation for being a very expensive city.And honestly… there's some truth to that.

But we also discovered something that surprised us greatly: London is probably one of the best cities in Europe for free activities.

And I'm not just talking about "looking at monuments from the outside".

I'm talking about:

• spectacular museums for free
• huge parks
• beautiful neighborhoods
• markets full of atmosphere and curious
• free viewpoints
• changing of the guard
• walks along the Thames
• and many corners where you don't need to spend practically anything to thoroughly enjoy the city

In fact, Some of the things we liked most about the trip were precisely free..

So here's our complete guide to what to see in London for free, with must-see museums, routes, and plans that are really worthwhile.

And if you're still planning the whole trip, you can also see our complete route and experience in this guide. London in 3 days with children

Is it possible to visit London on a budget?

Much more than we imagined.

Because although Accommodation and transport are indeed expensive.London more than makes up for it with:

• impressive free museums
• huge parks
• monuments visible without paying admission
• neighborhoods where simply strolling around is worthwhile

We combined some paid plans with many free activities and the feeling was that we enjoyed the city just as much.

Best free things to do in London at a glance

Free plan
British Museum	Bloomsbury
Natural History Museum	South Kensington
Tate Modern	South bank
Sky Garden	City
Hyde Park	Westminster
Camden Market	Camden
Little Venice	Paddington
Chinatown	Soho
Leadenhall Market	City
St. James's Park	Buckingham Palace

The best free museums in London

One of the great wonders of London It's the number of spectacular museums you can visit for free.

And honestly, some are so impressive that in other cities they would undoubtedly be paid for.

But before we start reviewing these free super museums, you should know that even though they are free, a donation is always requested and people always try to respect that.

British Museum

Probably one of the most impressive museums in the world.

And if:
admission is free.

Here you can see:

• egyptian mummies
• the Rosetta Stone
• Greek sculptures
• samurai
• brutal historical relics

Of course:
Book your ticket online because the queues can be huge.

And honestly, taking a free tour here is totally worth it to understand the most important things in the museum without getting lost among thousands of pieces.

👉 Here you can read our guide:  British Museum: what to see that's a must

Natural History Museum

Perfect for visiting with children.

The dinosaurs are the absolute star attraction, but honestly, the building alone is well worth a visit.

Here you will find:

• giant skeletons
• fossils
• volcanoes
• from?
• interactive zones

Furthermore, everything is designed with families in mind.

One thing to note: book your free ticket online before you go because the queues can be huge.

Science Museum

Interactive museum ideal for families and curious children.

Very entertaining and full of:

• space
• science
• technology
• simulators
• experiments

It's also right next to the Natural History Museum, and they combine perfectly for a day trip.

Tate Modern

London's most famous modern art museum.

Even if you're not a huge fan of modern art, it's definitely worth going in.

Especially because of:

• the industrial building
• the environment
• the giant exhibitions
• the views of the Thames

And also, many people don't know that in the On the 10th floor there is a free viewpoint with spectacular views of:

• St. Paul's Cathedral
• millennium bridge
• The Shard
• much of the London skyline

All completely free.

Highly recommended to go up at sunset, when London starts to light up and the city becomes even more beautiful.

National Gallery

Located in Trafalgar Square, it brings together some of the most famous works in the world.

Here you can see paintings of:

• Van Gogh
• Many
• Velázquez
• Rembrandt
• Turner

And honestly, it's incredibly impressive to be able to enter a museum like this for free.

It also fits perfectly into a route through:

• Trafalgar Square
• Covent Garden
• Leicester Square
• Soho

Victoria and Albert Museum

One of London's most elegant and peaceful museums.

It is dedicated to art, design, fashion and decoration.

Here you will find:

• historical dresses
• jewelry
• sculptures
• furniture
• photography
• design from different eras

It also has a lovely cafe and is much less crowded than other more touristy museums.

Tate Britain

Much less well known than the Tate Modern and frankly much quieter.

Here you will find mainly classic and contemporary British art.

Highly recommended if:

• Do you like art?
• are you looking for a less crowded museum
• Or perhaps you want to discover a more relaxed and less touristy London.

Imperial war museum

One of the most striking and unique museums in London.

It is dedicated to:

• the world wars
• contemporary conflicts
• real human stories
• aircraft
• Tanks
• historical propaganda

It's not your typical tourist museum, and that's precisely why it surprised us so much when we went years ago.

Highly recommended for teenagers or adults interested in history.

National Portrait Gallery

Very close to the National Gallery and completely different.

Here, British history is explained through portraits of:

• kings
• Scientists
• artists
• writers
• famous historical figures

Much more interesting than it seems before entering.

Sir John Soane's Museum

Probably one of the most unusual museums in London.

And also one of the least known.

It's located inside the former home of a British architect and looks like a mix between:

• victorian house
• curiosity cabinet
• Impossible private collection

Full of:

• sculptures
• antiques
• Tables
• extremely rare objects
• labyrinthine rooms

Honestly, it looks like a hidden museum from another era.

National Maritime Museum

Located in Greenwich and perfect to combine with a visit to the meridian.

Very interesting to discover:

• British naval history
• explorers
• historic ships
• maps
• navigation

And the whole Greenwich area is definitely worth visiting.

What to see for free outdoors in London

Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard

Watching the changing of the guard is one of London's great free classics.

Of course:
Most people crowd in front of the palace and often the children see absolutely nothing.

Our trick:
Watch the parade from St James's Palace.

There are far fewer people and you can see the guards passing by much closer.

Important times:

• 10:30 am preparation
• 10:43 am departure from St James's
• 11:00 am Official change of clocks at Buckingham Palace

Big Ben and Westminster

There are places that impress even if you've seen them a thousand times in photos.

And Big Ben is one of them.

The best way to enjoy this area is by walking:

• crossing Westminster Bridge
• strolling along the Thames
• watching Parliament
• waiting for sunset

Especially at night everything becomes even more beautiful.

Tower Bridge exterior

Although going up to the walkways requires payment, seeing Tower Bridge from the outside is well worth it.

Especially:

• at sunset
• strolling along the river
• or crossing it while walking

In addition, the entire surrounding area is beautiful.

Leadenhall Market

One of the most beautiful and photogenic spots in London.

And also completely free.

This Victorian market inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and features:

• decorated ceilings
• cobbled streets
• spectacular architecture
• a lot of charm

👉 If you like Harry Potter, you might also like to read:Harry Potter in London: Magical Places and Complete Itinerary

The best free parks in London

Hyde Park

One of the best places to rest during the trip.

perfecto para:

• picnic
• take a walk
• see squirrels
• disconnect
• let the children run free

👉 Here you can read our guide:Hyde Park London: what to see and tips

St. James's Park

Our favorite park in central London.

Have:

• beautiful bridges
• lagos
• pelicans
• Views of Buckingham Palace
• lots of squirrels

Highly recommended, especially at sunset.

Little Venice

One of the most peaceful and beautiful corners of London.

Canals, houseboats, cafes and walks very different from the more touristy London.

And you can also see the famous Puppet Theatre Barge from the outside.

Free markets and neighborhoods with a great atmosphere

Camden Market

Even if you don't buy anything, it's absolutely worth coming for the atmosphere.

Music, quirky stalls, street food and a whole lot of alternative vibes.

Chinatown

One of London's liveliest neighborhoods.

Perfect for strolling between:

• lights
• restaurants
• asian stores
• bubble tea
• great atmosphere

Covent Garden

Another one of our favorite places to just stroll around.

There is always:

• street musicians
• artists
• technology
• cafes
• nice shops

Free viewpoints in London

Sky Garden

One of the best free viewpoints in London.

The skyline views are spectacular and admission is completely free.

However, you should book online well in advance because tickets sell out quickly.

Primrose hill

Very close to Camden we find one of the most beautiful and pleasant free viewpoints in London.

Primrose Hill is a small hill within a park from which you have spectacular panoramic views of the city skyline.

From above you can see:

• The Shard
• London Eye
• Canary Wharf
• the full profile of London

And the best thing is the atmosphere.

Many people come here simply to:

• have a picnic
• rest
• see the sunset
• have a drink sitting on the grass

Furthermore, after exploring the chaos and alternative atmosphere of Camden Market, walking up to Primrose Hill is a perfect way to slow down and enjoy one of the most beautiful views of London completely free.

Tips for saving money in London

What helped us save the most was:

• book accommodation in advance and a tiny place in the center
• walking a lot
• Combining free and paid plans is the bare minimum.
• use supermarkets for some dinners 
• Take advantage of all the free museums
• Always ask for tap water.

Our opinion about London for free

London surprised us a lot in this regard.

Just because: It's an expensive city.

But also a city where You can enjoy yourself immensely without spending practically anything..

Amazing museums, beautiful parks, lively markets, and some of the Europe's best urban walks completely free.And honestly, many of the things that What we remember most about the trip were precisely those, the free ones.