Are you on a student budget trying to live that London life? You might think that enjoying London for free means you can only visit a park to prevent money from draining out of your account. However, there are a bunch of exciting things you can do for free to get the full London experience!
- Plan a day at the museum – Most of London’s famous museums offer-free entry to those who want to get their cultural fix. From world-famous artefacts to giant dinosaurs, London’s museum scene has got you covered! Some of my favourites are the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Horniman Museum. Keep an eye out for end-of-the-month events as both the V&A and Tate Modern stay open till late, usually on the last weekend of every month!
- Go to a food market – Of course, wandering through food markets will make you hungry enough to buy some grub, but there are also plenty of opportunities to get some free samples, enough to make a full meal! Many of these markets also have an incredible history behind them, such as Leadenhall Market which has architecture dating back to the 14th century, so you can enjoy both delicious food and a history lesson!
- Wander around art galleries – Just like museums, London also has many famous art galleries that have free entry. My personal favourite is the iconic National Gallery, which contains works by big-name artists from all over the world. Other free galleries include Somerset House, the Serpentine Galleries, and Saatchi Gallery. If the weather is warm and sunny, and you fancy getting some exercise in, London also has plenty of street art to keep you entertained on your walk! I love grabbing a coffee and walking down Brick Lane to marvel at the colourful art. Shoreditch, Leake Street and Camden are other areas where you can spot beautiful street art!
- Explore free attractions – One of the best things about London is that most of the world-famous attractions are free to visit! Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Westminster Cathedral, Chinatown, etc, are some major places just to name a few! I personally love sipping on some tea and walking down the Thames and listening to some music. While the Southbank Trail is a more popular way to walk past the Thames, did you know you can also reach the riverside in just five minutes from campus? By walking to Temple Station, you can continue on either side of the Thames, finding yourself either towards Millennium Bridge and St. Paul’s or towards Westminster Pier.
- Enjoy (free) breathtaking views of the city – You can enjoy stunning, panoramic views of London from places such as Sky Garden (which is also a great study spot!), Tate Modern, Greenwich Park, and my favourite – Primrose Hill. All of these places are free to visit, and you’ll find a new appreciation for this gorgeous city from up above!
- Soak up the sun in a park or garden – No list of free activities in London would be complete without a mention of its plethora of parks and gardens. It may seem like an obvious (and boring) choice when you’re trying to cut costs but want to explore the city. However, London offers so many options for green spaces that you will always find a new place to connect with nature. Free parks and gardens include the classic Hyde Park, Kyoto Gardens, Hampstead Heath (and the lesser-known Hill Gardens and the Pergola hidden in this massive woodland), Regent’s Park, and the Barbican Conservatory!
Living in one of the most expensive cities might be a challenge, but with free activities in mind, you can plan on getting your London experience without worrying about your wallet!
