Central London doesn’t have to cost a fortune – some of the city’s most fascinating spots are totally free to visit. Whether you’re after culture, history, or just a great place to explore, there are plenty of free things to do in Central London that don’t involve spending a single pound. From world-class museums to unexpected art spaces and iconic landmarks, here’s how to enjoy the city on a budget while still getting the full London experience.
You don’t need to spend money to see incredible art and history in London, since there are loads of free museums and galleries in Central London worth visiting. Here are some places where you can wander and get inspired – without opening your wallet.
The British Museum: One of the most famous museums in Central London. Explore centuries of global history, from the Rosetta Stone to Egyptian mummies, for free.
The Wallace Collection: Step inside a grand historic home filled with 18th-century art, furniture, and armour.
Sir John Soane’s Museum: An architect’s house-turned-museum packed with antiquities, models, and hidden doors.
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Yield Gallery: A Fitzrovia contemporary art space featuring bold new voices in painting, photography, and mixed media.
Gillian Jason Gallery: One of London’s oldest female-focused galleries, spotlighting powerful feminist and emerging artists
National Portrait Gallery: Reopened with a fresh redesign, this popular gallery in Central London showcases portraits of Britain’s most influential figures.
Wellcome Collection: An unusual museum blending science, medicine, and art in thought-provoking displays
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If you’re after iconic sights and photo-worthy spots without paying a fee, these locations deliver. They’re some of the best things to do in Central London—and completely free to enjoy.
Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station: Probably one of the best things to do in Central London for Potterheads. You can nap a photo with the famous trolley going “through” the wall at this Harry Potter landmark.
Trafalgar Square: Admire Nelson’s Column, the Fourth Plinth’s rotating art, and fountains in this busy public square.
The Artist’s Garden at Temple Station: A lesser-known rooftop garden with rotating installations and views over the Thames.
Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel: A legal graffiti tunnel near Waterloo filled with ever-changing street art by local and international artists.
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Borough Market (for wandering): While the food isn’t free, browsing the stalls, soaking in the atmosphere, and sampling tasters definitely is.
Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace: A classic London spectacle with marching guards, music, and ceremony—best viewed from the palace gates.
Explore historic churches like St Martin-in-the-Fields: Open to the public, this beautiful 18th-century church often hosts free lunchtime concerts.
Southbank Centre’s public spaces: Sit by the river, enjoy pop-up performances, or explore installations across this cultural hub’s outdoor areas.
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The following spots offer some of the best views in Central London – for free. Whether you’re into cityscapes, sunsets, or a new angle on familiar sights, here are places where you can take it all in without spending a penny.
Royal Opera House : Head to the 5th floor to find a quiet public terrace with a view over Covent Garden Piazza.
The Post Building Rooftop Garden: A new public rooftop near Holborn with relaxed seating, city views, and zero crowds.
The Garden at 120: A lesser-known rooftop garden with skyline views, modern landscaping, and no ticket needed.
Sky Garden: One of the most popular free attractions in Central London, offering panoramic views from the top of the Walkie Talkie building.
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When you need a breather from the city’s noise, these green (and sometimes hidden) spaces are perfect. They’re some of the best places in Central London to visit when you just want to walk, sit, or snack under a tree.
Camley Street Natural Park: A peaceful wildlife spot by Regent’s Canal, with ponds, wildflowers, and the occasional kingfisher.
Hyde Park: A classic for a reason—huge, central, and always full of people walking, picnicking, or paddling in the Serpentine.
The Phoenix Garden: A small, quiet community-run garden near Soho that feels worlds away from Oxford Street.
Kensington Gardens: Right next to Hyde Park, it’s home to the Peter Pan statue and the peaceful Italian Gardens.
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Victoria Embankment Gardens: Tucked between the river and Whitehall, this one’s great for a shady bench and quick lunch break.
Regent’s Park: Come for the formal gardens, stay for the rose garden, open-air theatre, and views from Primrose Hill nearby.
Neal’s Yard: A small, colourful courtyard tucked behind Covent Garden—ideal for photos or a quiet coffee.
Somerset House: A large open space framed by grand architecture, often filled with free events, fountains, or pop-up installations.
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Exploring London with kids? There’s no need to break the bank. These free things to do in Central London are fun,interactive, and great for families looking to spend a few hours out and about.
Diana Memorial Playground: A pirate ship, teepees, and sensory trails make this Kensington Gardens spot a hit with younger kids.
Natural History Museum: From dinosaurs to giant whales, this iconic museum never gets old—and it’s always free to enter.
Battersea Park Children’s Zoo (free for under-2s): While not fully free, toddlers go in for free—and the surrounding park is great to roam.
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Vauxhall City Farm: Feed goats, watch alpacas, and get hands-on with animals right in the middle of Zone 1.
Coram’s Fields: A huge, family-focused green space with a playground and farm animals – adults can only enter with a child.
Young V&A: Named Museum of the Year 2024, Young V&A is a vibrant space made to become “the world’s most joyful museum”. The museum features three permanent galleries – Play, Imagine, and Design – that inspire creativity through play.
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Whether you’re in London for the first time or just killing a free afternoon, these simple, no-cost ideas are great ways to experience the city. They’re relaxed, flexible, and offer something for everyone – classic central London activities (free) and easy to fit into any itinerary.
The Jubilee Walkway: Follow one of London’s best free walking routes past major landmarks like St Paul’s and the South Bank.
West End LIVE at Trafalgar Square: If you’re in town during summer, this weekend event features free live performances from top West End musicals.
Discover Soho’s record stores and independent bookstores: Dig through vinyl at Sister Ray or browse hidden gems at Any Amount of Books.
Winchester Palace ruins: Tucked behind Southwark Cathedral, these atmospheric medieval remains are easy to miss but worth a look.
Window shopping on Oxford Street and Regent Street: Big-name stores, creative window displays, and a great way to explore without buying.
Explore more: Explore Oxford Street: Shopping, dining, and entertainment
If you’re looking for a slower pace in the middle of the city, Fitzrovia Quarter is a great place to start. This West End neighbourhood is known for its calm streets, independent cafés, wellness studios – perfect for an afternoon reset.
Visit Fitzrovia Quarter to explore the more relaxed, wellness-focused side of Central London.
