London may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but if
you’re in the know, a visit to the English capital doesn’t have to be
costly at all. There are so many amazing free activities, events and
sights in London. You’ll have no problem indulging in the city’s many
offerings while sticking to your budget! Even a simple stroll along the
South Bank of the Thames rewards you with iconic London sights including
the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and Shakespeare’s Globe
Theater.
We’ve compiled a list of five fantastic things to do in London, and all of them at our favorite price – free!
Uncover hidden treasures in London’s markets
Wandering around London’s diverse markets is a great way to get a
sense of the city’s edgy and eclectic style. There truly is something
for everyone on offer, whether you’re in search of a tasty snack, a
vintage coat or an antique clock.
Camden Market is full of alternative, original arts
and crafts, as well as unique clothing and accessories, and with its
fun, quirky atmosphere, it’s easy to see why Camden Market is London’s
fourth most-visited attraction.
Foodies will delight in the vast array of delicious street dishes from around the world available at Borough Market, one of London’s oldest food markets.
For collectors, there is nowhere better than Portobello Road Market, the biggest antiques market in the world, home to almost every kind of collectible and antique imaginable.
Relax in the Royal Parks
Escape from the bustling city to the fresh air of one of London’s many parks. Stroll to the top of Primrose Hill in Regent’s Park for a priceless view of the capital in all its glory. Head to Hyde Park,
London’s largest green space, and get active. The park boasts a wide
range of activities from boating, horse riding and cycling in the
summer, to ice skating in the winter.
But that’s not all, because there’s also Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park, St James’s Park, Greenwich Park, Bushy Park and Green Park, each offering sanctuary from the busy city as well as a range of events to keep the whole family entertained.
Become cultured in the museums and art galleries
London’s museums are some of the best in the world, and entry to the
majority of them is completely free! The pick of the bunch has to be the
British Museum, with a permanent collection of over
eight million exhibits and home to important artefacts including the
Parthenon Marbles and the Rosetta Stone. But there are many other
fantastic choices, from the fun and interactive Science Museum to the Natural History Museum and its vast collection of ancient, rare and fascinating specimens.
London also has many fantastic art galleries, from the world-renowned National Gallery
which houses celebrated works by some of the most influential artists
Western Europe has produced, including Renoir, Da Vinci and Van Gogh, to
the Tate Modern, where you can explore the unusual world of contemporary and modern art.
Be amazed by the street performers in Covent Garden
All of the street performers in Covent Garden have
to pass an audition before they are allowed to perform here, so you know
they’re sure to put on a good show. Join the crowds and marvel at the
amazing, unusual, funny, crazy and sometimes downright weird talents of
the performers, from the stunt artists, mimes and magicians in the West
Piazza to the exceptional classical music performances in the South Hall
Courtyard.
Covent Garden is also full of quaint cafés and boutiques, and there
are an incredible thirteen theaters nearby. Watching the performances is
another great way to pass the time before heading to the theater to
catch a show.
Watch the Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard is one of London’s most
iconic attractions, with the Queen’s Guard decked out in their
recognizable black busbies and red tunics. Why not get a unique,
up-close view of this traditional ceremony by heading over to St James’s Palace
where you can watch the Captain of the Queen’s Guard inspecting half of
the Old Guard before following their procession to Buckingham Palace to
join with the rest of their corps?
The Changing of the Guards takes place every day during the summer
and every other day in the winter, and starts at 11am at St James’s
Palace and at 11:30am at Buckingham Palace – but if you’re heading
straight to Buckingham Palace, don’t forget to show up early in order to
get a good view.
