London is one of the most iconic and exciting cities in the world, but it also has a reputation for being very expensive. However, there are plenty of free and affordable things to see and do in London if you’re on a budget. With some planning and insider knowledge, you can have an amazing time in London without spending a fortune. In this article we talk about London on a Budget In 2024.
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Walk Along South Bank
One of the best free activities in London is simply walking along the South Bank of the River Thames and taking in the views. Start at Westminster Bridge near the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, then stroll east towards the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern art gallery, and the food markets at Borough Market. Soak up the atmosphere and street performers along the way, and cross the iconic Tower Bridge to get to Tower of London.
Explore Free Museums and Galleries
Many of London’s biggest and best museums like the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), and British Museum have free permanent exhibitions. Pay what you wish or for special exhibits only. Also check out free art galleries like the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Britain, Tate Modern, and the Wallace Collection.
Take a Free Walking Tour
Free walking tours are perfect for getting an overview of London’s top neighborhoods and famous sights. Tip-based tours like Sandeman’s New Europe Tours and Free Tours by Foot let you pay what you think the tour was worth at the end. Or look for completely free tours from volunteer organizations and charities.
See Iconic Sites and Changing of the Guard
Get up close views of London’s most iconic sites like Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, and more without spending a penny. Be sure to time your visit to Buckingham Palace right to watch the colorful Changing of the Guard ceremony at 11:30am. Arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
Picnic in Parks
Pack a picnic lunch or snacks from the grocery store and enjoy free green spaces like Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and St James’s Park right in central London. Have a picnic on the grass or rent a deckchair during summer. Parks often host free concerts and events as well. Escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy nature in the middle of the city.
Go for a Hike
Get out into nature and go for a free hike in Hampstead Heath or Richmond Park, Royal Parks with miles of woodland trails, hills, lakes, and wildlife. Pack a lunch, rent a rowboat on The Serpentine in Hyde Park, or play beach volleyball on the sand courts. It’s hard to believe you’re in the middle of a major global city when you’re surrounded by so much green space!
Ride Above the City on the Emirates Air Line
Get a bird’s eye view of London landmarks old and new like the O2 Arena, Canary Wharf financial district, Greenwich, and more from this unique cable car ride over the River Thames. It’s not completely free but at under £5 for a roundtrip it’s one of the cheapest thrills in London. Go on weekdays to beat the crowds.
Watch Street Performers
London’s streets, subway stations, and parks are filled with talented musicians, dancers, artists, magicians, and performers. Stop and watch the excitement of street artists in Covent Garden, classical music in St Martin in the Fields Church, or theater in Leicester Square. Toss money in the hat if you enjoy the show. You never know what delightful surprise you’ll stumble upon next!
Go Pub Hopping
Pop into historic English pubs to soak up the atmosphere, people watch, listen to live music, play pub trivia games or darts, and maybe enjoy some affordable pub grub and a pint. Many pubs offer discounts or happy hours too. Favorites include The Grenadier in Belgravia, Princess Louise in Holborn, and Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in the City of London.
See a Free Concert or Theater Performance
In the summer, there are free concerts and performances happening daily in parks and outdoor venues across London. The BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall offers hundreds of concerts with cheap standing tickets. West End LIVE in Trafalgar Square has free musical theater performances. And Shakespeare’s Globe and other theaters often have discounted standing tickets starting at £5.
Go Window Shopping & People Watching
You don’t have to spend any money to enjoy wandering through iconic shopping areas like Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, Harrods in Knightsbridge, and the luxury boutiques of Bond Street. Go window shopping, soak up the lively atmosphere, and grab an affordable lunch from one of the many food stalls nearby.
Ride the Top Deck of a Double Decker Bus
Riding atop the open-air upper deck of London’s iconic double decker buses down famous streets and over bridges is a classic London experience. While single bus tickets add up quickly, consider getting an Oyster card or daily bus pass which caps fares. Or hop on the free museums route between museums and Oxford Circus.
Explore Markets
Open-air markets are a great way to experience London culture, hunt for souvenirs and street food while sticking to a budget. Best markets include Camden Lock, Borough Market, Columbia Road Flower Market, Old Spitalfields Market, Greenwich Market, Portobello Road, Leadenhall, and Brixton Village. Haggle for deals and try unique international foods for just a few pounds.
See Tower Bridge and Tower of London from Outside
While going inside the Tower of London is pricey, you can admire this historic castle and fortress from the outside gates and walk along the Thames path with views of iconic Tower Bridge. Cross over and explore the Tower Wharf area. Then head to the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch (free with booking) for sky-high city views or HMS Belfast museum ship.
As one of the top global cities, there is no shortage of incredible sights, vibrant culture, and memorable experiences to be had in London. With this list of free and affordable ideas, you can get a taste of everything this amazing city has to offer without breaking the bank. So see London on a budget, and fall in love with this captivating capital. I sincerely hope you find this “London on a Budget In 2024-Free and Affordable Activities” article helpful.
With over 5 years of experience exploring London’s diverse neighborhoods and a background in urban studies, our author brings a blend of expert knowledge and personal insights to alondonlist.com. Passionate about uncovering the city’s hidden gems and cultural hotspots, they offer readers practical tips and authentic experiences for making the most of London. Follow their adventures on Instagram.
