Roaming with Red

London – often seen as an extremely expensive city to visit and explore. While many things in this city do come at a cost, there are also many things you can do in this bustling metropolis that are absolutely free. Below are my top 5 things to do for free in London to add into any London itinerary.

Immerse Yourself in Art and History at a Museum

One of the things I loved the most when I first arrived in London was how many of the museums in this city are free. From galleries to Roman archeological sites and buildings dedicated to science, so many of London’s museums are free to enter and enjoy. This is such a great incentive to learn more about a topic you’re interested in or simply explore something completely new to you.

While the Visit London site lists many of the main free museums in the city, below are a few of my top picks:

• The Museum of London – I am definitely a history buff and absolutely loved this museum. It provides a comprehensive look at London through the ages and I cannot stress enough how well put together this space was. A must if you want to delve deeper in the history of London itself. Note, the main museum building is now closed, with a new site re-opening in 2026. However, a Docklands version has opened up while the new site is built.
• Victoria and Albert Museum – this museum holds everything and anything you could imagine. Ranging from tapestries and major artworks to medieval furniture reconstructions and pottery from the far East, it is easy to get lost in the many rooms and exhibitions housed in this building.
• The National Gallery – while this one may not be a surprise, it is definitely worth adding to your London itinerary. The Gallery houses some incredible masterpieces that will honestly take your breath away thanks to their striking beauty.

See the Main Attractions from their Beautiful Facades

While many of the main attractions, for example the London Eye or Westminster Abbey, require an entry fee, they are still just as striking from the outside. London is a fascinating city to explore and many of these iconic buildings are just as easily enjoyed looking up at their facades as they are admiring their interiors. Take a walk along the Thames, marvel at the exterior of Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament or have a coffee in front of the Tower of London – all key locations within the London city confines that are easily enjoyed from the outside.

Wander Through a Market and Resist Temptation

London is filled with all kinds of markets to enjoy. From food markets to flower markets and more, there’s noting quite like spending a morning or afternoon surrounded by beautiful produce or fascinating knick knacks. While it might be testing your self-control, it’s well worth spending some time in these spaces even when on a tight budget. Below are my top picks if you’re looking for some recommendations:

• Borough Market – this bustling, inner-city market is a simple must see for anyone visiting London. While the produce stalls are incredible, it’s the lunch options that really shine. Pine for a pulled pork sandwich at The Black Pig or a delicious sausage roll at Ginger Pig if you have a spare quid or two to treat yourself. I would recommend going slightly earlier and missing the lunch time rush, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend and are not intending to eat here, as the market can get extremely busy.
• Portobello Road market – while a tourist hot spot, this market is worth a visit if you’re looking for a mixture of food and random goods to buy. The colourful houses that line the street provide a bit of fun and frivolity to this market while you can find everything from old records to fresh fruit and veg and lunch options along the whole stretch of road.
• Columbia Road Flower Market – this bustling market in East London is a great market to enjoy on your travels. While the main attraction is the flower stalls that line the road, this market has so much more to offer. The road is lined with speciality stores selling everything from vintage clothing to records and fresh produce. Spend an hour or two getting lost in all that this market has to offer.

Enjoy Fresh Air While you Explore a London Garden

While London is a big, bustling metropolitan city, it also has many gardens and green spaces for you to enjoy. Majority, if not all, of these are free to enter and enjoy. Whether you spend 30 minutes or three hours in one of these parks, there is something so rejuvenating about spending time in nature. Below are a few suggested parks for you to enjoy within London:

• Richmond Park – these expansive gardens can provide hours of walking or bike riding time. Originally a 17^th Century hunting ground, Deer still roam in this wide open space with pockets of speciality gardens to explore and enjoy throughout.
• Hyde Park – these classic London Gardens are always a must on any London itinerary. Start at Kensington Gardens, under the shadow of Kensington Palace, and spend a morning wandering around this expansive green space, coffee in hand.
• Hampstead Heath – a hilly area to the north of London, Hampstead Heath is a wide open space enjoyed by human and dog alike. If you manage to come here on a nice day, join the hoards of Brits who flock to Parliament Hill to get a view over the whole city while enjoying a beer or two. The area surrounding the park is also lovely if you want to experience another London Borough.

Pretend You’re on a Shopping Spree While you Window Shop Through Famous Streets

Like most big, bustling cities, London is not short on window shopping to enjoy. With Carnaby Street and Oxford street in close proximity, there is no shortage of high fashion labels to covet or beautiful window displays to enjoy. If you want a taste of old world London, enter Liberty. The wooden interior of this building just screams luxury and it’s rather fun to imagine the high society ladies who once shopped here for their evening dresses. Alternatively, take a walk through Harrods and experience the hustle and bustle of this busy shopping mall. The food court especially is worth it if you’re into all things food and produce!

While there are many things in London that do cost money, there is still much you can see without spending a penny. While the above provides some suggestions, take a walk and I’m sure you’ll discover even more interesting (and free) things to enjoy.