You want to go to London but your account says "nope"? I know! When I first came to the British capital, I seriously thought I had to sell my kidney to afford more than a beer. But let’s say something: London can also be really cheap – even free!
The town on the Thames has a well-kept secret: some of the coolestFree attractions in LondonIt doesn’t cost a single penny. And the best? You hardly meet tourists with selfie sticks, but real Londoners who like to tell you where the next hidden treasure is waiting for you.
In this article I take you to 11 absolutelyFree attractions in London, which are not in any standard travel guide. These spots not only saved my backpacker budget, but also made me totally in love with London. So, grabbed Oyster Card and go!
Table of contents
11 Free Attractions in London That Hardly Anyone Knows
#1 Sky Garden – The Free Observation Platform with Wow Effect
Imagine you're standing155 meters above London,Around you a tropical garden, and in front of you lies the entire city like a toy country. Best of all, you didn’t pay a cent for it! Welcome to Sky Garden, London’s best kept free secret.
While other tourists £25+ for the Shard or London Eye, enjoy here perhaps the bestPanoramic view of the cityCompletely free. You can follow the Thames in their windings, marvel at the Tower Bridge and even to theBuckingham PalaceWhen the weather plays along.
How to get in: Make sure to reserve online in advance (up to three weeks in advance). The tickets are unlocked, and zack – you’re there! My pro tip:Come to the Sunset. When the city is immersed in golden light and the lights slowly turn on, you get goosebumps – I promise!
#2 Leake Street Tunnel – London’s colorful street art oasis
Among theTracks of Waterloo Stationhides an300 meters long tunnelIt looks like a wild color dream. TheLeake Street Tunnelis one of the fewLondon's legal graffiti zonesHere even the mysterious Banksy has left his mark.
What makes this place so special? It is constantly changing! One day you photograph a masterpiece, the next it is replaced by something new. It's like a free, ever-changingArt exhibition for street art fans.
If you love Instagram, you’re guaranteed to make your followers freak out here. The bright colors and crazy motifs in front of the raw brick backdrop are absolute photo magnets. And if you’re lucky, you’ll even see artists at work – calmly ask, most are happy about interest!
For your London trip, I have a practical article for you:Packing list London (free): plan your city trip perfectly!
#3 God’s Own Junkyard – London’s most shining secret
Imagine a room filled withhundreds of flashing neon signs,which shine in all the colors of the rainbow. Sounds like a dream? InGod's Own Junkyard in WalthamstowIt will come true! This crazy collection belongs to the Bracey family, who have been producing neon signs for movies and clubs since the 1950s.
The store is a shininglabyrinth of colorful signs,provocative sayings and cheesy symbols. Every corner is a new subject, and you don’t know where to look first. It feels like a mix of Las Vegas, a retro movie set and an art installation.
My insider tip: Give yourself a coffee and a piece of homemade cake in theRolling Scones CaféIn the middle of all the shining signs. Here you can really absorb the surreal atmosphere while you are surrounded by neon lights. Pure magic for exactly0 pounds entry!
Budget travel also means flying cheaply. How to pack only with hand luggage, you will find out in this article:Travel only with hand luggage: Packing list for small holidays.
#4 Little Venice – A touch of Italy in London
No, you don’t have to fly to Venice to see romantic canals and colorful houseboats! Northwest London, where theGrand Union Canaland theRegent's Canal meetThere is a little piece of Italy:Little Venice.
The calm waterways are lined withBeautiful houseboatsin all the colors of the rainbow. Many have small gardens on the roofs, others are tooFloating cafesconverted. It is so peaceful here that you almost forget to be in the middle of a big city.
MsFavorite wayLeads along the Regent’s Canal towards Camden. On the walk you will pass the London Zoo (sometimes you can even see the monkeys from the outside!) and discoverHidden gardensand curious houseboats. Pack a sandwich, sit on the shore and watch the relaxed bustle on the water – pure London feeling without spending a penny!
If you are planning a short holiday in London, then be sure to check out the following articles:Packing List Short trip: Clever pack for 3-5 days on the go.
If you are traveling longer, then I have the appropriate article here:Packing list Holiday: 1 week on the road – Packed in 5 minutes!
#5 Postman’s Park – London’s most moving monument
In the middle of the hectic City of London lies a small,Inconspicuous park,It tells one of the city's most emotional stories. ThePostman's ParkIt houses the Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice – a wall of small, hand-painted ceramic panels dedicated to people who sacrificed their lives to save others.
Each record tells a short, butIncredibly touching story:From a 12-year-old boy who saved a friend from drowning and died himself, to a woman who ran into a burning house to save strange children.
Why does hardly anyone know the park?He is tiny and hidden,And most tourists rush past it on their way to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Take one for yourselfhalf hour timeAnd read the stories. Sounds morbid, but is one of theThe most moving moments,which you can have in London – and definitely more authentic than any tourist attraction.
As a supplementary packing list, you might be interested in this article:Packing List City Trip – Printing Checklist.
#6 Daunt Books – The most beautiful bookshop in town
If you, like me,Book freakIf you are, you will love this address:Daunt Books in MaryleboneIt’s not just a bookshop – it’s aTemple for literature lovers.The Edwardian building with its long oak shelves, skylight and winding corridors feels like aMixture of Hogwarts and an old library.
The bookshop is onTravel literature specializedand by country. So you will not only find travel guides, but also novels, cookbooks andBiographies of the respective countryA brilliant idea! I’ve spent hours here and traveled all over the world.
You don’t have to buy anything to enjoy the special atmosphere. Employees won’t mind you browsing the shelves, reading a book in one of the corners, or just admiring the beautiful architecture. A real insider tip for rainy days in London!
There are incredibly many free activities in London – and yet there are a few experiences that are really worth the price.
One of them, for example, is a tour of the Harry Potter studios, which I have already done myself and which has remained in my mind until today. I like to book such special activities through GetYourGuide because it is simple and straightforward and I can choose exactly what suits me and my journey. If you click on the link, you will be suggested many more great activities for London – take a look around there.
#7 Kyoto Garden in Holland Park – Japan’s Zen Garden in the middle of London
Stress from the Noisy City? IntactHolland ParkThere is a piece of Japan waiting for you: the Kyoto Garden. It shall:Japanese gardenwas donated in 1991 by the city of Kyoto and is aMasterpiece of Japanese Garden Art– with waterfall, pond, stone lanterns andtraditional plants.
What makes this place so special: it radiates an incredible calm. No matter how crowded the subway was or how stressed you are from the sightseeing tour –Here you come down.Watch the orange koi carp in the pond, listen to the gentleWaterfall splashingand enjoy the perfectly arranged plants and stones.
My tip:Come early in the morning when the park opens. Then you have a good chance to have the garden almost for yourself and can evenFree-range peacocksThey live in Holland Park. A piece of Zen rest at zero cost!
#8 The Scoop – Enjoy open-air cinema and culture for free
Next to Tower Bridge, inShadow of the Futuristic Town HallThere is a hiddenAmphitheater: The Scoop.And then the soil was swallowed up.Open-air venueholds 800 people and offers in the summer a completeFree cultural program.
FromShakespearean performancesover film evenings to concerts and dance shows – here you canHigh-class entertainmentIt’s not worth paying a penny. Just come, sit and enjoy! TheView of the ThamesTower Bridge is the icing on the cake.
My Insider Tip: Finding the Best Events fromJune to Septemberinstead. Check before theLondon Bridge City website,to see what is going on during your visit. Bring a blanket and a bottle of wine (yes, alcohol is allowed!), come about an hour early for good places, and enjoy a perfectLondon summer eveningUnder the open sky.
#9 Camden Market’s Hidden Gems – Away from the tourist trail
Every tourist knows Camden Market – but few know that you will find real treasures that cost nothing apart from the crowded main streets. As the crowds push through the main streets, you discover in theBackyard Street Art,small performances andhidden viewpoints.
My favorite spot is the bridge behind theStables Market,From where you come the colorfulWatching houseboatscan. Or look at them.Camden Lockas they do,Navigate boats through the lockA fascinating spectacle! And if you are ever there: In the side streets of the market regularly findFree music performancesFrom jazz to folk.
Sure, the scent of the street food stands makes you hungry, but no one forces you to buy. Camden is a perfect place to watch people,Atmospheric probesand discovering –Completely freeIf you can resist the lure of the shopping mile!
#10 Temple Church & Middle Temple Hall – Discover historic London
Between the modern office buildings of the city hides aMedieval World: Temple Churchand Middle Temple Hall. TheRound Temple ChurchIt was in the 12. century of theKnights Templar Built(yes, the one from "Da Vinci Code"!) and has a fascinating history.
What many do not know: You can do that.Visit the church for free on weekdays.The circular shape, the old grave plates and themysterious atmosphereCatapult yourself directly into the Middle Ages. And right next door is the Middle Temple Hall, one of the best preservedElizabethan Halls of London, in which even Shakespearean plays were performed.
This whole area feels like aTime travel.Winding alleys, historic buildings and hidden gardens – you completely forget that you are in aModern metropolisare. And the lawyers in their black robes who work here (the area is full of law firms) provide additionalHarry Potter feeling!
#11 Greenwich Foot Tunnel – A Walk Under the Thames
Did you know you can walk under the Thames in London? TheGreenwich Foot Tunnel is a 370 meterLong, tiled tunnel from the year1902, the Greenwich with the Docklandsconnecting. Doesn’t sound spectacular? Wait!
The tunnel has somethingIt's incredibly fascinating.The white tiles, the slight curvature, the humidity in the air – it feels like an old movie. And thatEcho of your stepsIt creates a very special atmosphere. On both sides lead beautifulDome buildingswith spiral stairs in the depth.
But the best comes when you reappear on the other side: From the Docklands you have aStunning View of Greenwich with Royal Naval Collegeand the famousCutty Sark sailing ship.And in Greenwich the beautifulPark with the observatory.A free adventure that literally takes you to the other side!
Conclusion: Free through London – Discover more without budget
After my trips to London, I can assure you one thing: This city doesn’t have to be expensive! With the11 Secret TipsFrom this article you will experience aLondon,This is more authentic and surprising than any 08/15 tourist attraction – and without spending a single penny.
If you have a few pounds left, give yourselfstreet food in Borough Market(already) £5), drive with theEmirates Air Line cable carfor a favourable panoramic view ()£4) or grab itSantander rental bicycle()£2 for 24 hours. And remember,Almost all major museums in London are freeFrom the British Museum to the Tate Modern!
So pack your backpack, put on comfortable shoes and experience London like a local – your account will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions About London Sights
Where do you have to be in London?
Aside from my insider tips, there are of course some classics you should have seen: The British Museum (free!), a walk along the Thames from Westminster to Tower Bridge, a detour to Notting Hill and Portobello Road, and a visit to one of the royal parks such as Hyde Park or St. James’s Park. But honestly, don’t spend all your time ticking off tourist attractions – the best experiences are off the beaten path!
What 15 London attractions are free?
In addition to my 11 insider tips, these more well-known spots are also free: The major museums (British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Natural History Museum), watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, strolling through the colorful Columbia Road Flower Market, experiencing Speaker’s Corner at Hyde Park, and visiting Borough Market to try (not buy). Also free: Walk across the Millennium Bridge and through the impressive St. Paul’s Cathedral lobby (admission is due for the main room).
How do I get to the various attractions in London?
London has a super public transport system, but single trips can get expensive. My tip: Get an Oyster Card ()£5 deposits, you get back) and use the daily price cap. From a certain number of trips you pay no more. Even better: London is a great city to run! Many sights are closer together than you think. Alternative: The Santander bikes only cost £2 for 24 hours (as long as you do not drive more than 30 minutes).
When is the best time to travel to London for a budget trip?
If you really want to save, avoid the high season (June to August) and Christmas. In February, March or October you will get the best deals for accommodation. The weather is unpredictable (typically British!), but the sights are emptyer and the prices lower. An added bonus: In autumn, the parks glow in beautiful colors, and in spring, crocuses and daffodils bloom everywhere – perfect photo opportunities for zero!
