Best Free Things to Do in London

About the author: Hi everyone! I'm Claire Munro, a recent Digital Marketing graduate from the University of Portsmouth. After spending the best three years of my life in this amazing city, I've made it my mission to help you make the most of your time both in Portsmouth and in London (where I now live!). When I'm not working or writing about my student life, you can find me shopping or hanging out with my friends.

London is known for being pretty expensive, but realistically, we can’t always afford to spend money everywhere we go. So, for those of you looking to make the most of your time in London on a budget, whether you are a student living here or just visiting for the weekend, here is a guide to all things fun and free in London.

–

Best free things to do in London

Museums & galleries

Let’s start off with places everyone has heard of, but may not have crossed your mind when planning your days out. London’s museums and galleries are some of the best in the world, and surprisingly, the majority of them are free to enter! Whether you’re actually interested in history and art or just want something impressive to wander around for an hour, these spots never disappoint.

The Natural History Museum is an obvious classic, but it never gets old. Just seeing the iconic building itself is certainly worth the visit. Stepping into the grand Hintze Hall instantly feels impressive, and wandering past the dinosaur skeletons and sparkling gemstone displays makes the visit feel incredibly special.

Another great free place to go in London is the British Museum, which offers a chance to explore thousands of years of global history under one roof. It is my personal favourite!

If art is more your thing, the Tate Modern is a must. I don’t consider myself much of an art expert, but I love walking around galleries and discovering iconic pieces of art that I otherwise wouldn’t have known existed! Some other standouts include The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, which, of course, are all free to enter!

Markets to wander

Markets don’t have to cost you anything; they can simply be a pleasant and relaxing way to lose track of time by yourself or with your friends. Countless times, I have found myself wandering endlessly around Old Spitalfields Market, browsing independent stalls, people-watching, and soaking up the atmosphere without feeling any pressure to buy. The ever-changing nature of Old Spitalfields Market makes it perfect for repeat visits, with different stalls and themes appearing throughout the week, including an antiques market on Thursdays.

Some other markets in London worth a mention are Portobello Road Market, open seven days a week, as well as Borough Market, open Tuesday to Sunday. Whatever area of London you choose to live in, you’re bound to come across a market you’ll fall in love with!

Parks, views and outdoor beauty

Sometimes, the best way to enjoy London for free is to slow down and head outdoors. Its parks and open spaces are beautiful and should absolutely be considered when planning your London outing. Hyde Park is the perfect place for picnics and people-watching. Primrose Hill offers one of the best skyline views in London (great for Instagram), along with a rich history and an abundance of iconic appearances in films, TV shows and songs. Hampstead Heath feels more wild and open, letting you fully escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Not really an outdoorsy person, but still want to enjoy nature’s beauty AND take in the breath-taking views? Goodness, there couldn’t be such a place in London, right? Or could there be…? Introducing the Sky Garden! With indoor greenery, floor-to-ceiling windows, and unbeatable views, it's perfect. Even better, it is also absolutely free! Just book in advance to secure your visit, and that’s it - no payment required.

Entertainment

If you want something fun and free to do in London, then the Angel Comedy Club is the perfect place for you. On any given night, you might see brand-new comedians making a name for themselves, or you could see well-known names testing out brand-new sets. While some of their shows do need to be booked for a small fee, they do offer free shows seven days a week, giving you the chance to see some insanely funny comedians without breaking the bank.

It’s the kind of hidden gem that feels like you’ve discovered something special, and it perfectly proves that some of London’s most memorable experiences don’t need to cost anything at all. Just make sure you arrive early — spaces fill up quickly, and for good reason.

I hope this guide helps you discover a few new ways to enjoy London, all without spending a thing. If you want to branch out from free things to do in London, be sure to try out some of the best cocktail bars, student-friendly pubs, and study spots.

Need help finding student accommodation in London?

If you’re studying in London and are on the hunt for student accommodation here, allow the team at UniHomes to help. UniHomes works with a variety of letting agents, so you should be able to find a new place that suits your budget and is located near the best free things to do in London.

Our UniHomes Content Ambassadors are current students across the UK who share tips about student life in their city to help you make the most of your time at uni. If you're interested in writing for our programme, click here for more details.

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.