Experiences
Free Things to Do in London
The best of London that costs nothing: world-class galleries, grand parks, hidden corners and great views.
In short: our top picks are The British Museum, The National Gallery and Hyde Park. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Some of the best things in London are free, and not as a consolation. World-class museums, grand royal parks, riverside walks and views that cost a fortune elsewhere are all open to anyone. These are the free things worth planning a day around, chosen the same way we choose everything.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The British Museum | Bloomsbury | ££ |
| The National Gallery | Westminster | ££ |
| Hyde Park | Hyde Park | ££ |
| Borough Market | Borough | ££ |
| Tate Modern | Bankside | ££ |
-
Editor’s choice
The British Museum
Why we pick itWorld history for free; the Reading Room and the Rosetta Stone alone justify the trip.
-
The National Gallery
Why we pick itEight centuries of European painting on Trafalgar Square, free to wander any day.
-
Hyde Park
Why we pick it350 acres of royal parkland; the Serpentine, the rose garden and a deckchair in summer.
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Borough Market
Why we pick itLondons great food market; free to browse and graze your way around before lunch.
-
Tate Modern
Why we pick itFree modern art and the best free river view in London from the viewing level.
Before you book
The big museums are free but special exhibitions are not, so check before you go. Aim for early or late to dodge the crowds at the famous ones. And pair a free morning with a good lunch nearby; the saving buys a better table than you would have booked otherwise.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
The British Museum is our editor's choice: World history for free; the Reading Room and the Rosetta Stone alone justify the trip. The British Museum, The National Gallery and Hyde Park lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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