You realize that London is among the world’s most costly metropolises. The remainder of the country may poke fun at the cost of a pint in the capital, but there are still plenty of free activities to enjoy here. There are so many free or cheap things to do in London that even if you have lived here your whole life or just moved here last week, you will never run out of options, even if you are utterly broke.

Most of London’s largest museums and galleries are free to enter; the city’s many beautiful parks are free to explore, and you can spend hours at cultural centers like the BFI or the Southbank Centre without purchasing a cup of tea.

Whether you are flush with fifty dollars or your wallet is full of mothballs, there are many free activities around London. Here is our list of the top five free things so let us get started!

The National Gallery

If you are going to see some of London’s best free sights, the National Gallery should be your first stop. With its majestic columned entrance, this massive art museum is located in the heart of Central London, only a stone’s toss away from the famed Nelson’s Column on Trafalgar Square. It is home to more than 2,300 of the country’s most significant artworks. You may also get free audio tutorials that are compatible with most smartphones. 

Next, visit the National Portrait Gallery, located across the street. The earliest piece in its enormous collection is a picture of King Henry VII from 1536. The museum concentrates on significant personalities in British history.

The Barbican Centre’s Remarkable New Music Space

One of London’s finest cultural centers, the Barbican is housed in a cluster of eye-catching Brutalist structures not far from Smithfield. However, you will need to shell out some cash if you want to make use of the exciting schedule of theatres, movies, & concerts on offer. 

What about a lovely conservatory hidden away just on the third level, brimming with exotic plants, cactus, and flowers of every kind? It is an excellent secret, by the standards of such things. Get on down there immediately after verifying its hours of operation (it was formerly only open on Sundays, but is now open every day, with booking necessary).

Visit the Victoria & Albert Museum for Some Culture

The Victoria & Albert Museum, or “V&A,” more often known, is one of the best free institutions in London. It was established in 1852. The museum’s holdings span five thousand years of human creativity and may be seen in its 145 galleries over many days. 

Book your complimentary tickets online to avoid waiting in lines. Given the museum’s size, you should probably spend some time in preparation to decide which displays to see first. Additionally, pre-arrangement of your visit online allows you to take advantage of free guided tours.

Exhibition Hall of the Oxo Tower

It is not easy to gain a decent view of the city’s stunning skyline without paying exorbitant prices.  The Oxo Tower serves that purpose. A free and exciting London attraction that few tourists know about. 

You are on the eighth floor, not the seventy-second, so we won’t try to convince you that it’s on par, but before you become all arrogant, we will have said that it’s located next to a river and offers some lovely sights to see. Take the elevator to the eighth story, and you will be treated to a breathtaking panorama of our fine city.

Visit the Museum of Natural History to Learn About Earth’s Past 

A few dinosaurs may do wonders for a child’s creative juices. The Natural History Museum’s spectacular critter exhibits are a cut above the rest for parents looking for free family activities in London.

When you visit the museum, you may see one of the world’s most significant collections of dinosaur fossils and bones, and the famed 150 million-year-old “Dippy” will be there to meet you. This gigantic diplodocus skeleton may be seen up close, and the museum has many other artifacts that offer a picture of life during the time of the dinosaurs.

To ensure entry to one of London’s top famous free museums, you must make reservations in advance. While you’re there, see if there are any engaging activities or seminars for youngsters. These resources are often offered at no cost and include various topics, from arts and crafts to dinosaur drawings.

It is a shame that London’s enormous public transportation system comes at such a high price. Fortunately, if you are looking to save money and stick to the city’s core, you can easily walk to most of your locations. Lastly, read more about travel around the world here.