10 really fun things to do in London on a budget

Despite its pricey reputation, it is possible to explore London on a budget — you just need to know where to look. The city is home to world-class museums and galleries that are free to enter, there are many free events in London, and there’s no shortage of picturesque parks, vibrant street art, or historical landmarks that can all be seen cheaply and even for free. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here are 10 things to do in London on a budget.

Best free things to do in London:

Best place for free views: Sky Garden

Best free attraction: Natural History Museum

Best low-cost activity: Walking around London’s historic and quaint neighborhoods

1. See London’s skyline from its highest free tropical garden

Sky Garden is home to a lush indoor tropical garden with a backdrop of 360-degree views of London. Go through the airport-style security and take the elevator to the 35th floor to find unobstructed views of the River Thames and the surrounding landmarks. It’s completely free to enter.

How best to experience it

Book your free ticket in advance and visit just before sunset to see London at its prettiest. If you want a view from even higher up, try the view from The Shard, London’s tallest building

Address and opening hours

22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AJ. Open Mon 10:00 AM-11:00 PM, Tues-Thurs & Sun 8:00 AM-11:00 PM, Fri & Sat 8:00 AM- midnight.

2. Visit an art gallery that used to power all of London

Spend a day at the Tate Modern, a converted power station on the South Bank of the Thames that has become one of the world’s leading contemporary art galleries. Spot pieces by Picasso, Warhol, and Damien Hirst. The entrance opens into the Turbine Hall, where you can find large-scale interactive installations. The majority of the collections are free to visit.

How best to experience it

If you’d like to hear the stories behind the art, a guided tour will give you an insight into the collections. Walk further up the river to check out the brutalist architecture of the Royal Festival Hall - entry is free.

Address and opening hours

Bankside, London, SE1 9TG. Open daily, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

3. Take a walk through evolution at the Natural History Museum

Stare up at Hope the Blue Whale, the 25-meter-long Whale skeleton hanging in the Hintze Hall of the Natural History Museum, before exploring over 80 million specimens in this cathedral of nature. While some exhibitions have fees, admission is free, as are the permanent exhibits and many educational activities for children.

How to best experience it

The museum is always busy but visit on a weekday for fewer crowds. Plan to see the other museums and galleries nearby, such as the V&A and the Science Museum.

Address and opening hours

Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5.50PM. Last admission is at 5.30PM.

4. Cruise down the Thames for incredible landmark views

Tick off a bunch of sights in one go on the Thames Clippers, London’s budget-friendly river bus. Cruise past the Shard and the Houses of Parliament, and go right underneath the iconic Tower Bridge without breaking the bank. Get on at Westminster Pier and get off at Greenwich Pier to see all the best landmarks.

How best to experience it

Set off in the morning to grab a seat outside and enjoy unobstructed views.

Address and opening hours

Board at a pier of your choice. Times vary for different routes; check the Thames Clippers website for details.

5. Fly 295 ft over the River Thames in the UK’s only urban cable car

For an alternative view of London’s skyline, fly on the Emirates Air Line, a low-cost activity for all ages. It sets off from the Greenwich Peninsula and reaches almost 300 feet above the River Thames. This unique vantage point allows you to see the O2 Arena and the lofty buildings of London’s financial district from an east London perspective. Children under 5 travel free.

How best to experience it

Go at any time during the golden hour to see London lit up in an amber glow.

Address and opening hours

IFS Cloud Royal Docks, 27 Western Gateway, London, E16 1FA. Operates Mon-Thurs 7:00 AM-9:00 PM, Fri 7:00 AM-11:00 PM, Sat 8:00 AM-11:00 PM, Sun & Bank Hols 9:00 AM-9:00 PM.

6. Discover the history of London

Keep your budget in check and explore London on foot. Discover historical neighborhoods and uncover hidden gems. Walk around every Whitechapel or relive the magic of the Harry Potter movies.

How best to experience it

There are hundreds of walking destinations in London, so take your pick, from visiting historic pubs to Jack the Ripper-themed attractions.

Address and opening hours

Locations vary.

7. Fill up on free samples at London’s tasty food markets

Head to the many vibrant food markets dotted across the city to taste London. You can choose from Borough Market, Brick Lane, Camden Market, Spitalfields Market, or Greenwich Market. Either way, you’ll find cheap treats and free samples, from pies and cheese to fresh juice and local delicacies.

How best to experience it

With long lines at food stalls, particularly on weekends, foodies may want to visit local eateries during the week when it tends to be a bit less busy.

Address and opening hours

Opening hours vary depending on the market.

8. Spot deer, pelicans, and royal swans in London’s parks

London is one of the greenest cities in the world, with royal parks providing space for fun without spending much. Go paddle boating on the Serpentine in Hyde Park, or catch a free show at the open-air theater in Regent’s Park. See the swans in St. James’ Park or visit Bushy Park and Richmond Park to spot some deer.

How to best experience it

Many of the parks are close to London landmarks. Plan an afternoon at Hampton Court Palace when visiting Bushy Park, and don’t miss Buckingham Palace when you’re done exploring St. James’ Park.

Address and opening hours

All parks have different opening and closing times. Check the Royal Parks website for details.

9. Visit a farm right in the heart of London

Be transported to the countryside at one of London’s free city farms without leaving the city. Pick from Hackney City Farm, Mudchute Park, and Vauxhall City Farm to see goats, chickens, pigs, and even llamas. Mudchute Park is backdropped against the breathtaking vista of Canary Wharf. Make a day of it as a family, a couple, or go solo.

How to best experience it

Gather some friends and split the cost of a GoBoat for an affordable way to sail around the docklands of Canary Wharf.

Address and opening hours

Opening hours vary depending on the farm, so check in advance.

10. Go on an adventure to spot Banksy’s street art

Set yourself the exciting challenge of spotting Banksy’s renowned street art, which can only be found in a few cities worldwide. Scattered around London and often in unexpected locations, this is a fun and free activity in London to be enjoyed at any age. Pay particular attention to Shoreditch, Camden, and the Southbank to find Banksy’s controversial murals.

How best to experience it

Look out for Banksy’s street art on Rivington Street, Pollard Street, and Chiswell Street next to Lamb’s Passage.

Address and opening hours

Banksy’s art is dotted around London, but start your search at 83 Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3AY.

FAQs

What are the best budget-friendly activities in London?

Take a low-cost walking tour through London’s most historic areas or stroll Columbia Road Flower Market. Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey for free if you attend mass. Many museums in London have free entry, and a river cruise on the Thames Clipper is very affordable. Get one of the best views in London for free from The Garden at 120 Fenchurch Street, the city’s largest public rooftop space.

What are the best free outdoor activities in London?

Outdoor space is abundant in London, with eight Royal parks and other green spaces with incredible skyline views, like Primrose Hill and Hampstead Heath. Take a walk around Central London, where you will undoubtedly stumble across street performers, or spend the day at one of the city’s free city farms. Of course, British weather is unreliable, so check out this list of things to do indoors when it’s raining.

Does London have free museum entry days?

Many of the top museums in London, such as the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, the Natural History Museum, the V&A, the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Air Force Museum, and the Science Museum, offer free daily entry.

Are there things to do for free at night in London?

The South Bank is one of the best places in London to visit at night, with stunning views of illuminated landmarks like the London Eye and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Areas like Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, and Soho are lively at night, with street performances until late. The British Museum stays open until 8:30 PM on Fridays.

What are the best free things to do with kids in London?

Explore the interactive exhibits at the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, or visit the Diana Memorial Playground just around the corner in Kensington Gardens. Take the kids to the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace at 10:30 AM every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Catch a free performance in the Southbank Centre, or spot wildlife in London’s Royal parks.

What is the cheapest way to travel around London?

The cheapest way to travel around London is by using an Oyster card or a contactless payment card. These can be used on buses, the Tube, trains and trams. Buses have a daily fare cap so you can ride around London at no extra cost. Walking and cycling are low-cost ways to get around London, as many attractions are nearby.