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Top 10 Free Attractions in London

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1. Museums 


Visit one of the free museums the city offers. London is one of the world’s capitals of culture, and it is no surprise after learning that you can see some incredible permanent collections at world-class museums and galleries free of charge. Visit the British Museum, where you can see highlights such as the Rosetta Stone or wander around skeletons in the Natural History Museum. Visit the National Gallery for fantastic collections from artists such as Da Vinci and Van Gogh. Of the more than 170 museums the city has to offer, you will definitely find something of interest.

United Kingdom - British Museum in London - Nicolas Lysandrou, Unsplash.jpg
British Museum. Photo: Nicolas Lysandrou, Unsplash

 

2. Changing of the Guard


Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, the Guards wear red coats, a bearskin hat and perform traditional marching. Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, at 11:00 hrs the guards change between three locations throughout London. Please always check the date you plan to visit, as times and dates may change. You can watch this phenomenon at Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace and Wellington Barracks. The best part is, it is completely free to go and watch this world-famous ceremony.

United Kingdom - Changing of the Guard - Paul Fiedler, Unsplash.jpg
Changing of the Guard. Photo: Paul Fiedler, Unsplash

 

3. Guided tours


Join one of the free guided walking tours that are being offered throughout London. Different companies offer a variety of tours, join a spooky late-night Jack the Ripper tour, a magical Harry Potter tour or one of the tours where you walk past all the classic highlights of the city. The tours have set dates and times, always check if they are available on your preferred day. The tours are based on a pay-as-you-feel concept, which allows you to pay only as much as you believe the tour is worth. This gives everyone a good chance to discover the city with a local guide. Read more

Buckingham Palace Ferdinand Stohr Unsplash.jpg
Buckingham Palace. Photo: Ferdinand Stohr, Unsplash

 

4. Markets


Stroll along one of the many different markets in London. Visit the largest antique market in the world in Nothing Hill, Portobello Road Market, where you can buy jewellery, art, clothes and much more. Another market that is worth a visit is Covent Garden, with an indoor part as well as an outdoor farmers market. Here you can enjoy, among others, a variety of fresh food. Other great markets to visit throughout the city are Camden Market, Stables Market and Borough Market. Opening times vary from market to market, check before you go whether the market is currently open. Read more

 

5. Sky Garden


Take in the amazing views of London on top of the “Walkie Talkie” building. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows and an open-air terrace you get to experience the panoramic views of the famous rooftops of London as well as the River Thames, Tower Bridge and pretty much everything else you would want to see from above. Besides the spectacular views, Sky Garden also offers an indoor garden where you can stroll around. There are also several dining options; the Darwin Brasserie, Fenchurch Restaurant and City Garden Bar where they serve a selection of cocktails and other drinks.

United Kingdom - Sky Garden London - Matthew Foulds, Unsplash.jpg
Sky Garden. Photo: Matthew Foulds, Unsplash

 

6. Parks


Walk through one of the many parks that London offers, here you can discover London’s wildlife, beautiful gardens and exotic trees, as well as the opportunities for outdoor activities, or why not sit down for a picnic? Pass by the centrally located Hyde Park, the beautiful Regent's Park or the royal-influenced St. James Park. Other parks well worth a visit are Richmond Park, Victoria Park, Greenwich Park and Kensington Gardens. Read more

 

7. Famous sights in London


When visiting London, be sure to see the city's famous highlights. Stop by Big Ben, see the London Eye, walk across Tower Bridge, pass Buckingham Palace or watch the movie screens in Piccadilly Circus. Some of these attractions may require an entrance fee, but you can get excellent views and photo opportunities for free. All these must-sees are easy to find and can be reached on foot or by public transport. To get around London, most visitors use the Underground. Read more

United Kigndom - Westminster + Big Ben - Ugur Akdemir, Unsplash.jpg
Westminster and Big Ben. Photo: Ugur Akdemir, Unsplash

 

8. Street art


See some incredible street art that can be found all over the city, free for everyone to appreciate. You will find abstract art, unusual installations, modern murals and contemporary carvings throughout London.  As London is home to one of the best street art collections in the world, it is worth searching for the amazing art in the streets. Enjoy some masterpieces of different well-known artists, like the world-famous anonymous Banksy, in Shoreditch, Camden, Covent Garden, Soho and Croydon. Read more

United Kingdom - Street art in Shoreditch - Toa Heftiba, Unsplash.jpg
Street art in Shoreditch. Photo: Toa Heftiba, Unsplash

 

9. Parliament Hill


Embrace the stunning views across London from Parliament Hill, located in the south-east part of the Hampstead Heath park. An ancient, rambling and hilly park, including ponds, a lido and playgrounds. It also adjoins the former stately home Kenwood House and its estate, which is worth a visit. Adjoining the west part of Hampstead Heath is Golders Hill Park. It has a flower garden, duck pond with a small humpback bridge, a small zoo, a playground as well as a restaurant. Unlike the rest of the Heath, Golders Hill Park is closed at night. Read more

 

10. Film scenes of Harry Potter


Immerse yourself in the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. As real Harry Potter fans know, scenes in London have regularly appeared in the eight films. These can be admired free of charge throughout the city, but you have to look out for them. Start at King Cross station and walk through the wall towards Platform 9 ¾, continue to St Pancras International and stroll along the Millennium Bridge. Besides the mentioned highlights, there are a lot more to admire in the city of London. Read more

United Kingdom - Millenium Bridge - Alberto Zanetti, Unsplash.jpg
Millenium Bridge. Photo: Alberto Zanetti, Unsplash

 

By Authentic Europe Team / Jan 31 2023

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