There are so many things to see and do in London that no matter how much time you have to spend here, it will never be enough. If you are on a budget or just looking to save a bit of cash, here are my five favorite free things to do while in London.
1. British History Museum – with a vast collection of famous artifacts from around the world and throughout history, the British Museum is and always has been my favorite museum in London. It might just be my favorite museum in the world. A day in the museum is literally taking a day to walk through history. Not to be missed.
2. Walk down the Thames River – My favorite walk in London by a long shot. Take the tube to Westminster, exit, and behold the glory of Big Ben. Crane your neck. You’ll need to in order to see the very top of this huge clock as you exit the tube station. Take a right to Westminster Abbey and then head back across the bridge to the south riverwalk. Follow the river as it takes you to St. Paul’s, then keep going, winding your way past famous pubs until you reach Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. It is a walk you won’t soon forget. Added bonus? It’s free. If it is your first time here I highly recommend paying the entrance fee to the Tower of London. It is my top choice for paid attractions.
3. National Gallery – When I first visited this museum in college I had no interest or concept of art. I was lucky enough that I spent a day walking around the museum with a friend who was also an Art major. I was dumbstruck and awestruck at once. I looked at the paintings in a whole new light. Some oil paintings seemed incredibly lifelike. However, it was Hans Holbein’s “The Ambassadors” that did me in. I became hooked on art because of a skull. If you are a novice at art I would suggest doing a little brushing up before heading to this gallery. Rick Steves offers a good tour in his book, or glance through a few books at your local library or within the National Gallery itself to familiarize yourself with a few topics. Alternatively, the gallery offers an audio tour as well which I recommend.
4. Portobello Market – This market is fascinating based soley on people-watching and the eccentric items on display for sale. If you can keep enough discipline to not buy anything then consider it a free day. However, I challenge you not to buy that one trinket or pub sign or beer pint glass. There are things in this market you never knew existed and items that are hard not to pass up. Authentic WWII items? Check. Vintage clothing and items? Check. I won’t list them all. Instead, take a stroll yourself through the market on Sunday.
5. National Portrait Gallery – This gallery would not interest me at all without the Tudor section. After reading several books and watching many documentaries on the Tudor era I have become fascinated with this period of time in history. The ability to look at the people face-to-face (well almost – their painted portraits anyway) really feels like being transported in time. This is especially true after seeing the paintings in so many books and documentaries and then being able to look at these in real life.
Is there an item on your list that I didn’t mention above? Let me know in the comments below!
Your Mom told me about your website. You have an exciting life. You found more free things to see then we ever knew of in London.. We were there sometime ago while Gina was going to Laban Dance Conservatory. Sightseers have it good in America. The majority of our places of interest are relatively of very little cost or free. When we were in London it took nearly two dollars to equal a pound.
Stay safe Brian. God Bless. I will be watching your travels. Diana Stickney
Thanks for the kind words Diana – it was good to see you the other night. London is an expensive city, and it takes a little bit more research and creativity in order to keep costs down while you are there. But wow, what a wonderful city!