12 of the Best Free Attractions in London

“London boasts numerous free things to do, ranging from world-class museums to beautiful parks and buzzing markets. Here are 12 of the best free attractions in London to explore on your next holiday.

1. National Gallery
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Home to masterpieces by painters like Renoir, da Vinci and Michelangelo, the National Gallery houses some of the world’s most notable art collections. The permanent collections are always free to explore and include some of the most famous works by influential artists through the ages.

2. British Museum
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The British Museum is not only one of the city’s top attractions, but it’s also free to visit. Home to fascinating artefacts from global cultures such as samurai armour, Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta stone, the more than 80,000 artefacts on display in the museum provide for hours of wonder about history and culture.

3. Houses of Parliament
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The Houses of Parliament are not only the site of the famous Big Ben, but they also showcase the House of Commons and the House of Lords and their spectacular neo-Gothic architecture. You can reserve tours in advance or try to attend one at the last minute to see the British democratic process in person.

4. Tate Modern
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Located on the bustling south bank of the Thames, Tate Modern is one of the city’s most famous attractions. It offers a permanent collection with masterpieces from artists like Matisse, Picasso, Pollock and Warhol, as well as gorgeous views of the Thames and the riverside cityscape.

5. Greenwich Park
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Greenwich Park is a sprawling landscape with vibrant blooms, walking trails and cosy spots for a picnic. Throughout the park, you can experience stunning views of the city including the profile of the 17th-century Queen’s House and Canary Wharf.

6. East End
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The East End of London is home to impressive street art. Shoreditch boasts some of the most incredible graffiti in the city, and you can find hidden gems from local street artists near Middlesex Street and Brick Lane.

7. Museum of London
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The Museum of London is one of the city’s jewels. While walking through the museum, you can learn about everything from the geological history of the Thames Valley to the early Anglo-Saxon inhabitants and modern-day Londoners.

8. Kensington Gardens
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Kensington Gardens is not only a beautiful place to stroll through tree-lined pathways and enjoy lush flora, but it’s also home to many of England’s treasures. Some highlights include the Round Pond, Serpentine Gallery, the Diana Memorial Playground and the Albert Memorial. You can also visit nearby parks such as Hyde Park, Green Park, Regent’s Park and St James’s Park.

9. Natural History Museum
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The Natural History Museum has an extensive collection, offering millions of natural history artefacts and curiosities. The Gothic Revival property is home to a wildlife garden, an enormous blue whale skeleton, dinosaurs, moon rocks and other natural wonders.

10. Victoria and Albert Museum
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The Victoria and Albert Museum is a visual arts museum that holds a remarkable 4.5 million artefacts ranging from Asian art and weaponry to European artwork. You can see plaster casts of Michelangelo’s David, Chinese ceramics and Middle Eastern carpets, among other gorgeous pieces.

11. Science Museum
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The fascinating and entertaining Science Museum is a fun-filled museum that’s perfect for kids and adults of all ages. It boasts interactive and educational exhibits that cover everything from technology to space travel, such as a gallery of rockets and satellites and an exhibit of modern locomotives. One of the museum’s notable highlights is the full-size replica of the Eagle, the lunar module that took Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong to the moon in 1969.

12. Sir John Soane’s Museum
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Located within the home of the famed Regency-style architect, Sir John Soane’s Museum showcases the personal collection of his interests and curiosities. Some highlights of the museum include Christopher Wren drawings, slaves’ chains and a lantern room.

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Whether you’re looking for a fun time with the whole family or a budget-friendly holiday, London is a fun city with numerous attractions and historic sites that are free to visit.”