You won’t even have to spend a penny with our roundup of free things to do in London.

We love extravagant pop-ups as much as the next person (see our guide to the 500 best things to do in London if you’ve got some cash on hand!) but if your bank account is feeling the pinch, Secret London is here to lend a hand. We’ve put together an all-singing, all-dancing roundup of free things to do in London, and it’s a humdinger of a list (if we do say so ourselves).

Please note that due to Covid-19, some of these places and activities may not be available right now. We’ve tried to state which options are currently closed or unavailable, but with the situation changing constantly, you’re advised to check in advance!

Free museums in London

Yep, there are lots of free museums in London to visit for a cultural fix. Ancient art, fascinating objects, and even an 82-foot blue whale skeleton can be found in the capital’s array of museums, with literally hours of fun to be had.

1. Museum of London

2. British Museum

3. The Chocolate Museum

4. Science Museum

5. Design Museum

6. Natural History Museum

7. Queen’s House, Greenwich

8. Victoria & Albert Museum

9. Wellcome Collection (reopening October 7)

10. Imperial War Museum

11. Horniman Museum & Gardens

12. Sir John Soane’s Museum (reopening October 1)

13. Bank of England Museum (reopening TBC)

14. National Maritime Museum

15. Royal Academy of Music Museum (reopening TBC)

16. RAF Museum

17. Science Gallery London (reopening TBC)

18. Grant Museum of Zoology (reopening late September)

19. Museum of London Docklands

20. National Army Museum

Free gigs in London

Hearing about free stuff is just music to my ears. From the buskers of Oxford Circus, to the halls of the Royal Opera House, music flows freely across London, and here’s where to find it.

21. Tinkle the ivories on one of London’s street pianos.

22. See a concert at St Martin-in-the-Fields. (currently on hold)

23. Catch a hot gig at the Old Blue Last.

24. Attend a lunchtime concert at the Royal Academy of Music. (currently on hold)

25. Record your future hit at the Nando’s recording studio.

26. Catch the next big thing at Rough Trade on Brick Lane.

27. Catch one of the Royal Opera House’s free ‘Live at Lunch’ performances.

Free performances in London

Don’t expect free theatre tickets, but we’ve got some pretty nifty things for you to do when it comes to the performing arts. Comedy, films, and a healthy amount of drama await you!

28. Watch the National Theatre’s sets being made at the Sherling High Level Walkway. (reopening TBC)

29. Marvel at street performers in Covent Garden.

30. Take a free acting masterclass at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.

31. Spot a celeb at a film premiere at Leicester Square.

32. Laugh yourself silly with free comedy shows from Angel Comedy.

33. Or chortle away at the Top Secret Comedy Club, where regulars include Jack Whitehall, Omid Djalili, and Simon Amstell.

34. Dive into the BFI’s film collection.

35. Join a free theatre workshop at Almeida for Free.

Free markets in London

They’re only free markets if you don’t buy anything, but there’s always free samples to be had… Meander around these gorgeous spots for the perfect weekend day out!

36. Maltby Street Market.

37. Broadway Market.

38. Leadenhall Market.

39. Brick Lane Market.

40. Columbia Road Flower Market.

41. Camden Market.

42. Greenwich Market.

43. Portobello Road Market.

44. Borough Market.

45. Street Feast have free entry at all markets before 7pm.

46. Brixton Village and Market.

47. Old Spitalfields Market.

48. Mercato Metropolitano.

49. Pop Brixton

50. Vinegar Yard

51. Canopy Market

52. Victoria Park Market

53. Market Halls West End, the biggest food hall in the UK (reopening TBC)

54. Mercato Mayfair

Free art galleries in London

“There is no must in art because art is free.” It certainly is with these free art exhibitions and galleries, perfect for an eyeful of though-provoking paintings, sculptures, and installations. Just remember to pose thoughtfully, and you’ll fool anyone into thinking you’re a genius art critic.

55. Wander round the street art of East London.

56. The National Gallery.

57. Tate Britain.

58. The Serpentine Galleries.

59. Scenes in the Square, Leicester Square’s lovely, film-themed statue trail!

60. Embrace the underground art scene with Leake Street’s graffiti.

61. Somerset House.

62. Saatchi Gallery.

63. Whitechapel Gallery.

64. The Wallace Collection.

65. Enter a world of neon dreams at Gods Own Junkyard.

66. National Portrait Gallery (sadly, this has now closed for a three year renovation).

67. Tate Modern.

68. William Morris Gallery.

69. White Cube Gallery.

70. Head along to First Thursdays, when over 150 East London galleries stay open late for free exhibitions, events, and talks on the first Thursday evening of each month. (currently on hold)

71. Be mesmerised by the mosaic madness of Carrie Reichardt’s house.

72. Enjoy free events, art displays, and DJ sets at the monthly Tate Lates.

Free attractions in London

I’ll level with you: most of the big tourist draws around town charge for entry, but we’ve found some sneaky ways around that (it is our job, after all). You wanted free attractions in London? You got ’em, kid.

73. Choral evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral is the only way to get in for free.

74. Join one of the day-long celebrations in Trafalgar Square.

75. Wander along the The South Bank.

76. Wellington Arch, although they’ll charge you if you want to go inside it.

77. Explore Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

78. The O2.

79. The Houses of Parliament are free to visit, but only if you’re a UK resident and arrange it through your local MP (they’re currently happening virtually, rather than in real life).

80. Tower Bridge (this dizzying walk will cost you extra).

81. Mosey through Chinatown.

82. The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace won’t cost you a penny, but summer tours are pricey.

83. The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London is free to attend, even if tours of the Tower aren’t.

84. Big Ben is still closed, but historical talks are still running, free of charge.

85. Westminster Cathedral (which is different to Westminster Abbey, just FYI).

86. Tourists have to pay to enter Westminster Abbey, including their previously hidden gallery – however, worshippers will get in for free.

Free walks to go on in London

From free walking tours of London, to self-guided ambles, we’re here to get you up and wandering the streets of the capital. Stretch your legs, up your step count, and get a proper eyeful of nature with any of these lovely London walks.

87. A lovely stroll along Regent’s Canal.

88. Walk the river with the Thames Path.

89. The most efficient sightseeing tour of London.

90. Pay what’s fair at this walking tour from Sandeman’s.

91. See Shakespeare’s London.

92. Walk the path of the Great Fire of London.

93. Marvel at some glorious buildings on this architecture walk.

94. Tackle the mammoth London LOOP walk.

95. Wander the paths of Epping Forest.

96. Or just take a walk that ends at the pub.

Free views over London

It’s time to get high for free (not like that). See stunning, panoramic views of London from high-level platforms or by climbing really big hills, and find a new appreciation for this beautiful city.

97. The Sky Garden.

98. Tate Modern Viewing Level.

99. Primrose Hill.

100. Parliament Hill.

101. Greenwich Park.

102. Alexandra Palace (which has a new beer garden for the summer).

Free cute and colourful places to visit

All the colours of the rainbow, free of charge. See ravishing reds, brilliant blues, and gorgeous greens at London’s most eye-catching places, or mosey through the prettiest streets in London to fill your Instagram feeds with beauty.

103. Wander beautiful these beautiful mews. Or these ones. Maybe these? So many mews!

104. Explore the picturesque Shad Thames.

105. Marvel at Notting Hill’s colourful streets.

106. Climb your way up Peckham Levels’ vibrant stairs.

107. Lose yourself in Neal’s Yard.

108. Feel futuristic in the Kings Cross illuminated tunnel.

109. Shop under the colourful Carnaby lights.

110. Meander through the charming Cecil Court, filled with old bookshops.

Free exercise classes in London

Blergh. But better it’s free than spending £60 a month on the gym, am I right? Whether you’re on wheels, a yoga mat, or on your own two feet, you needn’t break the bank to work out, because London is your playground.

111. Get your skates on with free rollerskating lessons. (currently on hold due to Covid-19)

112. Find inner peace with lunchtime meditation sessions.

113. Work up a sweat at these exercise classes. (currently on hold)

114. Strike a pose with yoga classes at St Margaret’s House. (currently on hold)

115. Show off your tricks at the famous South Bank skate park.

116. Join a running club.

117. Use London’s parks to get fit.

118. Explore the city at top speed with a free London parkour class.

Free parks and gardens in London

Park yourself at one of these spots for a fabulously free afternoon, or wander beneath the trees and reconnect with nature. Oh, and if you’re enjoying this massive list, we’ve got another one dedicated entirely to parks and gardens!

119. Hyde Park (a classic).

120. Walthamstow Wetlands.

121. Kyoto Garden.

122. Postman’s Park.

123. Regent’s Park.

124. Barbican Conservatory.

125. Paddington’s Floating Pocket Park.

126. Hampstead Hill Gardens and Pergola.

127. Crossrail Place Roof Garden.

128. St Dunstan in the East.

129. Battersea Park and the London Peace Pagoda.

130. The Isabella Plantation, found in the tranquil heart of Richmond Park.

131. St James’s Park, famous for its annual carpet of daffodils.

132. Dalston Eastern Curve Garden – and their gorgeous Pumpkin Festival!

133. Tranquil Crossbones Garden, home to London’s forgotten dead.

134. The Garden at 120, with ravishing rooftop views. (closed until 2021)

135. Red Cross Garden, in the shadow of The Shard.

136. The Tide, Greenwich’s fancy Thameside park.

Best shops in London to explore

These places are perfect for a browse, but you’ll have to resist temptation to keep that whole free thing going. From historic department stores to cute independent shops, this city is a shopping paradise.

137. Liberty.

138. House of Hackney.

139. Westfield (at both White City and Stratford).

140. Conservatory Archives.

141. Harrods.

142. Daunt Books, Marylebone.

143. Petersham Nurseries, Richmond.

144. The Royal Arcade.

145. The dreamy Bluebird store in Covent Garden.

146. Hatchards, the royal-approved bookshop.

Even more free things to do in London

You weren’t tired of free stuff in London, were you? Good, cause we aren’t close to being done yet – here’s the best of the rest, with an incredible smorgasbord of experiences and places to check out across the city.

147. Marvel at the beauty of this stunning Hindu temple.

148. Argue your case at Speaker’s Corner.

149. Learn something new at the British Library.

150. Wander round one of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ cemeteries.

151. Take a tour of Brixton Windmill.

152. Watch Battersea Power Station‘s transformation into ultra-luxe flats (also look out for this insane sky pool and a new Northern line station!).

153. Admire the Brutalist architecture of the Barbican Estate.

154. See the Churchill Arms, the flower power pub of London.

155. Visit the mysterious Roman temple in the City.

156. Amble through the stunning Hays Galleria.

157. Attend a free lecture at Gresham College.

158. Hunt for your dream home in Kensington and Chelsea.

159. Pay your respects at David Bowie’s memorial mural in Brixton.

160. Recreate THAT album cover on Abbey Road.

161. See cute animals for free at a city farm – try Hackney, Spitalfields, or Kentish Town.

162. Pose outside No. 10 Downing Street (the fake one).

163. Watch the swift hand of justice at The Old Bailey.

164. Magic up a photo op at Platform 9 and 3/4.

165. Visit the Actor’s Church.

166. Dive into the past at London’s Roman amphitheatre.

167. Uncover the secrets of Freemason’s Hall.

168. Find tranquility at the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

169. Experience the hustle, bustle, and billboards of Piccadilly Circus.

170. See medieval magnificence in the Guildhall Great Hall.

171. Paddle the waters of London with Moo Canoes – free if you attend their monthly canal litterpicking events.

172. Aim “fore” success at Croydon Disc Golf (bring your own disc to keep it free).

173. Explore the artwork of the Harry Potter films at the magical House of MinaLima.

174. Hunt down the seven noses of Soho.

175. Follow Camden’s Hollywood-style Walk of Fame.

176. Skip London altogether and explore these breathtaking nearby villages.

177. Or dream a little bigger and conquer a nearby castle.

178. Get inventive and explore London by way of the Monopoly board!

Free seasonal events in London

Ok, so they’re free, but they won’t be around all year. These seasonal delights are often short and sweet – but they’ll certainly keep you coming back to London all year long!

179. Be dazzled by a stunning free light festival: Winter Lights (January).

180. Partake in London’s Chinese New Year parade, the largest outside of Asia (February).

181. Cheer on your favourites at The Boat Race (March).

182. Support your pals in the London Marathon – or stump up the cash and run it yourself… (April).

183. See all of London in bloom, from bluebells, to daffodils, to wisteria (April/May)

184. Lounge around at the free Summer by the River festival (May–September)

185. Find hidden green spaces during Open Garden Squares Weekend (June).

186. Get your new profile pic at Mayfield Lavender Farm – it’s free for under 16s, but adults will have to pay a whopping £1 to see the lavender (June to August).

187. Show your true colours at Pride in London (July).

188. Join a picnic in the middle of Regent Street during Summer Streets (July).

189. Head to London’s overnight art festival (July).

190. Pick up a free plant at the RHS’s Big Plant Giveaway (July)

191. Boogie your way around Notting Hill Carnival (August).

192. Kick back at Ruislip Lido, the beach you can reach on the Tube (Summer).

193. Watch the summer slip by from the Granary Square steps (and play in the fountains!) (Summer).

194. Cool off at one of the capital’s best wild swimming spots (Summer – or winter if you’re hardy enough!)

195. Wander round London’s most impressive buildings for free at Open House London (September).

196. Marvel at Blackheath’s free fireworks display (November).

197. See the splendour of the Lord Mayor’s show (November).

198. Feel the festive cheer at one of London’s Christmas markets (November/December).

199. Join in the merry madness of Santacon (December).

200. Stroll beneath London’s dazzling array of Christmas lights (December).

Right, that’s one challenge over – now try and do the 500 best things to do in London!

Also published on Medium.