Free Things to Do in London That Locals Actually Recommend

Jul 20

Think you need a fat wallet to enjoy London? Think again. As a local, I’m always asked: "What's genuinely free and actually worth doing?" Spoiler alert: Londoners know the best freebies, and I'm here to share them.

1. Visit Iconic (and Free) Museums & Galleries

London’s world-class museums are free year-round, and trust me—they’re not just for tourists.

British Museum – Walk through ancient Egypt, see the Rosetta Stone, and geek out over Greek treasures.
Tate Modern or Tate Britain – Top-tier art with rotating exhibits; always something new.
V&A, Natural History Museum, Science Museum – For design lovers, dinosaur fans, and anyone curious about how the world works.

2. Enjoy Free Views — No Debt Required

Sky Garden – Book online and get free tickets for panoramic city views.
Switch House Roof at Tate Modern – Overlook the Thames and the City without dropping a penny.

3. Wander Through Parks & Secret Gardens

Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Victoria Park – Perfect for picnics, summer strolls, and people-watching.
St Dunstan-in-the-East – A ruined church turned magical garden near the Monument.
Red Cross Garden and Waterloo Millennium Green – Tucked away public green spaces managed by community trusts.

4. Catch Free Music & Street Performances

London’s open-air stage is alive:

Live at Lunch at Royal Opera House — free classical performances during weekdays.
Buskers in Covent Garden or Southbank — often studio-quality, always local.
Pop-up street DJ gigs in Lambeth & Camden by DJ AG have become a summer sensation—streamed live and entirely free.

5. Join Free Events & Festivals

West End LIVE (June): catch musical highlights in Trafalgar Square, no tickets needed.
Open Garden Squares Weekend (June): tour private green spaces you never knew existed.
Changing of the Guard, Trooping the Colour, Pride in London, Notting Hill Carnival — all iconic and free to watch.

6. Explore Free Walking Tours & Street Art

Thames & City walks: Historic routes through Docklands and Greenwich.
Tap into local-recommended walking apps or community tours like “Secrets of London” and neighborhood strolls through Camden or Notting Hill.
Leake Street Tunnel, Sculpture in the City, Bloomberg Space installations – free public art trails.

7. Beat the Heat (Without Spending Cash)

With this summer’s heatwave, locals flock to free water spots:

Kensington Memorial Park splash area, Greenwich Park fountains, and Jeppe Hein’s “Appearing Rooms” on the South Bank are always cooling.

8. Discover Free Galleries & Exhibitions

Wellcome Collection, Sir John Soane’s Museum, Queer Britain, Vagina Museum — yes, that last one’s real and fascinating.

9. Enjoy Unique Free Experiences

Choral evensong at St Paul’s or Westminster Abbey for beautiful, spiritual music.
Open House London (Sept): explore secret buildings like Downing Street, City Hall, and more, completely free.
Fun Palaces (Oct): community-led pop-up art, science, and culture events across the city.

Local Tips to Maximise It

Book free attractions in advance, like Sky Garden or concerts.
Choose weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds.
Pack your own snacks—food markets are fun, but often not cheap.
Combine activities: a museum + a stroll + a splash pit = epic free day.

Why Locals Love This

These spots blend the best of London: culture, nature, community, and value. Londoners know you don’t need to spend big to have a great, memorable day in the city.

Final Take

Whether you're a local, new to London, or visiting on a budget, these free, thoroughly recommended options prove the city’s magic doesn’t come with a price tag.

So leave the debit card behind—and start exploring the capital the way Londoners do.

Rohan Pawar