Free things to do in London

If you’re a tourist and you find yourself in London, it can be a very expensive place to visit.  To help you with your trip, here are top 10 fun and exciting things to do in London that won’t cost you a penny – just arm yourself with a London Transport travle pass and enjoy all that London has to offer for free.

1. Watch Free Concerts! London is also known for producing the best concerts and shows.  Have fun and enjoy going to free concerts and recitals that are usually held at the Barbican Arts |centre and the National Theatre. 
2. Visit Museums. Unlike most historical landmarks in London, visiting museums in London won’t cost you anything except for special exhibits and events that the museum holds.  Be prepared to pay  if you choose to go to one of these.  With seven million items from all over the world, the British Museum boasts of a wide range of Greek, Egyptian, and natural history collection.  If you want to know more about London you can also check out the London Transport Museum and Museum of London. 
3. Art Galleries. If going to museums isn’t enough to feed your curiosity, London is also home to many art galleries.  Visiting one won’t cost you anything.  Go to the National Gallery to check out Western European paintings from as far back as the 13^th century.  If you want a more contemporary atmosphere, Tate Modern offers a wide collection of contemporary artworks. 
4. Spend a day in the Park. London boasts of several parks that have lush greeneries and rich in diverse flora and fauna.  Visiting the park can be your day off from the hustle and bustle of the city.  You can do a quick walk, hang around the park benches and eat a snack, or if the weather permits, go swimming or rowing in the lake—all for free!  Enjoy the quiet and tranquil side of London as you spend a day in the park. 
5. Watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Your trip to London will not be complete if you haven’t seen this wonderful ceremony which usually comes with a band.  At around 11:30am every summer and every other day during winter, the guards change at Buckingham palace.  Enjoy this event for free, just make sure you come on time!
6. Visit the British Library. This is a special treat for book lovers out there as the British Library is distinguished as one of the greatest libraries in the world.  Known for its expansive collection of books, tours are held for visitors to see some areas of the building as well as some exhibit galleries.  As a tourist, you need to obtain a special permit to go to the reading room. 
7. Listen to free talks and lectures. There are free events held at the Science Museum’s Dana Center where known speakers and lecturers share the gift of knowledge for free.  The British Academy gives out their evening lectures on humanities and social sciences for free.  Similarly, the Royal Academy of Arts is host to free lunchtime lectures by major scholars on art and history. 
8. Watch free Comedy. London shows off its wide range of comedians and talents through free comedy clubs that you can go to.  There are so many to clubs to choose from.  Camden Head over at 2 Camden Walk presents the best of its open mic repertoire while Queens head at Denman St. Offers a friendly atmosphere with a lineup of new comics and new materials each week. 
9. Street Performances. A more multi-cultural and diverse London can be seen in the many performances of singers, dancers, musicians, jugglers and street performers  at the Covent Garden Market.  These artists cannot just perform in this venue; they actually have to pass an audition.  This ensures that you only get the very best performances in London. 
10. Street Markets. Visit Portobello and Camden markets to check out a different kind of market atmosphere.  At Portobello, you will see all odds and ends for sale at really low prices such as antiques, clothes, bread, fruits, vegetables, and many other items.  Market is open every Saturday and shops are open six days a week.

Whether you are on a budget or not, it’s nice to know that there are still free things available in London.

This is a guest blog post by London43, the ultimate resource for moving to London!