London is the capital city of the United Kingdom which has a rich culture and history.
It is usually known for its vibrant atmosphere. London is home to multiple historical landmarks, tourist attractions, and green spaces.
When you visit London, be it for a stay or a tour, you will get a plethora of experiences. However, this is one of the costliest places to visit.
But, there’s nothing to worry about! London also has a lot of free places to visit in London for visitors.
If you have a budget constraint, these places can be the most ideal spots for you to visit.
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Why Look for Free Places in London?
Not everyone can spend a bomb during their visit to London.
This is when visiting no-cost destinations in London comes in handy if you are looking for some recreation and exploration during your stay in London.
- 1. Cost-effective Exploration: London is known to be expensive. Free tourist attractions in London allow you to explore the city without putting any further strain on your budget.
- 2. Cultural Enrichment: This city has multiple free museums, galleries, and historical sites. They offer deep insights into the rich heritage and diverse culture of the city.
- 3. Accessible to All: Not all can access the costly tourist attractions of this city. However, these free tourist attractions are open to all. They ensure that everyone can visit these places and enjoy their stay in London. Anyone, regardless of his/her financial status, can enjoy the beauty and history of London by visiting these places.
- 4. Unexpected Discoveries: People often ignore visiting free tourist places. But, exploring free sites often allows you to discover hidden places and local attractions of the place.
Top 7 Free Places to Visit in London
1. British Museum
The British Museum is a public museum. This place is dedicated to human history and culture.
Why visit it?
- The British Museum has a large and comprehensive collection of antiquities.
- It has become a centre of research and education. Visitors can learn about the historical stories behind the collection.
- It is also an architectural marvel. The iconic Great Court has a stunning glass roof which has been designed by Norman Foster. This makes it a visual treat.
- It hosts multiple temporary exhibitions. They are based on specific themes or periods allowing visitors to gather more knowledge.
- Its collection includes Egyptian mummies, Rosetta Stone, Parthenon Sculptures, etc.
Open Hours: 10 am – 8:30 pm on Fridays, 10 am – 5 pm on all other days of the week
Location: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom
2. Tate Modern
This is a famous contemporary art gallery in London which offers free entry to its visitors. It is located in a former power station.
Why visit this?
- You can come across a lot of modern and contemporary art collections by artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Andy Warhol.
- It is in the former Bankside Power Station. The Turbine Hall is worth seeing.
- The Blavatnik Building gives you soul-touching views of several landmarks of London. Such landmarks include St. Paul’s Cathedral, the River Thames, and the Shard. These are cost-free views of London.
- Tate Modern is known as a cultural hub. You can witness several events, talks, workshops, and performances that align with the interests of several people.
- The museum gives educational programs and resources to students, families, and educators. Thus, it promotes education and learning.
Open Hours: 10 am to 6 pm on all days
Location: Bankside, London SE1 9TG, United Kingdom
3. Natural History Museum
This museum is a very famous one. It has exclusive architecture and exhibits. It is one of the top free places to visit in London.
Why visit it?
- It has a large collection of dinosaur skeletons and exhibits. It also has exhibits on human evolution and a wide collection of minerals and gems.
- Exhibits are designed in a way that they are interactive and engaging for visitors of all ages.
- There are several educational workshops, lectures, and tours that let visitors know more about natural history.
- The museum is in a beautiful Romanesque building that Alfred Waterhouse designed. It has intricate designs and grand details.
- The museum organizes several events like film screenings and festivals throughout the year.
Open Hours: 10 am – 5:50 pm on all days of the week
Location: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
4) Big Ben
Whenever you think of London, one iconic landmark must come to your mind. It is the Big Ben.
It is a clock tower which is a part of British heritage. It is one of the top zero-cost venues.
Why visit it?
- It is quite an enduring symbol of London. It has immense historical significance.
- This tower is designed by Augustus Pugin. It is a Gothic Revival architectural marvel. It has intricate detailing.
- Big Ben is a fantastic place for photoshoots. It is close to the Westminster Bridge and you can click amazing photographs along the banks of the River Thames.
- You can go to the Big Ben to experience the chimes of Big Ben. It has five bells.
Open hours: Always
Location: London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
5) Sky Garden
Sky Garden is located on the 35th floor of 20 Fenchurch Street. It has a landscaped garden with a variety of plants and flowers.
You also get views of remarkable landmarks from here. It is another of the top budget-friendly tourist sites in London.
Why visit this?
- If you want a 360-degree view of the city, this is the best place for it.
- It is a modern architectural structure where you can get good dining options.
- This garden is the best place if you want to create professional photoshoots or just love clicking pictures.
- The Sky Garden hosts several engaging events like live music, yoga sessions, and others.
- Besides panoramic views, you will love relaxing amidst exotic plants and flowers here.
Open hours: Usually remains open from 8 am till 11 pm. On Mondays, it opens at 10 am. On Fridays and Saturdays, it remains open till midnight.
Location: 1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF, United Kingdom
6) Greenwich Park
This is another place where you can visit for free. It is known for housing the Prime Meridian which is 0 degree longitude.
Why visit this?
- It is close to the National Maritime Museum. This is the largest museum of its type.
- The park has extensive gardens, woodlands, and grasslands. It offers exclusive panoramic views.
- People can keep one of their feet in the Eastern Hemisphere and another in the Western Hemisphere. This is a thrilling thing to do.
- The park has historic sites including remains of a Roman temple and Queen Elizabeth’s Oak.
Open hours: The opening hours vary depending on the month. It usually opens in the early morning and stays.
Open Hours: till 7 pm. Sometimes, it also stays open till 9 pm.
Location: Greenwich, London SE10 8QY, United Kingdom.
7) Hyde Park
This is a large and famous park in London. It is a no-cost destination in London which is a must-visit. You must enjoy the free entry spots in this park.
Why visit it?
- A historic spot is there at one corner of this park. It is known for open-air public speaking and debate. You can take part and listen to the debates and speeches.
- There is a recreational lake in this park. You can boat, swim or dine in the restaurant there.
- You have dedicated paths for cycling, rollerblading, horse riding, etc.
- It has huge historical significance. It houses several historical structures like the Joy of Life Fountain and the Achilles Statue.
Open hours: 5 am – 12 am
Location: Central London across several districts W2, W8, W11, and SW1, United Kingdom
Final Words
If you have a low budget, don’t worry! You don’t have to feel bored because of it. You can still enjoy visiting these free places in London.
These free-of-charge points are worth visiting and will make your trip memorable!
