Looking to explore the vibrant city of London without breaking the bank? Although England’s capital city is a notoriously expensive destination, there’s a ton to explore for free. From vintage markets to skyscraper gardens, and secret crypts to cult classic film locations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while keeping costs low. I’ve curated a list of 18 exciting budget-friendly activities that will make your trip to London unforgettable without emptying your wallet.
1. Sip a cocktail at the verdant Sky Garden
Sky Garden is one of my favorite free attractions in London. This multi-level public garden rests atop the iconic “Walkie-Talkie” skyscraper and boasts sweeping views of the Thames and the Shard.
During your visit, lounge around high tables or relax on concrete benches surrounded by lush greenery while sipping a pint or cocktail. Entry to the gardens and observation deck is free, but booking a timeslot is required, which I recommend doing well in advance as it often sells out.
2. Bask in Victorian elegance at Leadenhall Market
Not far from Sky Garden is a hidden architectural gem. Leadenhall Market is a glass-covered Victorian marketplace that boasts timeless elegance and charm. Stop at one of the many historic-looking pubs or restaurants to take in the full glory of this enchanting space.
For Harry Potter enthusiasts, Leadenhall Market is the location of Diagon Alley and the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in the first film.
3. Explore Notting Hill and the Portobello Road Market
I adore Julia Roberts, so visiting the charming neighborhood of Notting Hill was an absolute must during my visit to London. Fellow rom-com lovers will want to check out the Notting Hill Bookshop. While the bookstore that originally inspired “The Travel Book Company” in Notting Hill has closed, tourists still flock to its address for photos in front of its lovable replacement.
Nearby, stroll along the pastel-perfect Lancaster Street for Instragrammable shots of the iconic rainbow houses. Also while in Notting Hill, you can’t miss the Portobello Road Market. This expansive market boasts antiques, food stalls, clothing, and trinkets vendors lining Portobello Road.
I recommend visiting on Saturdays as this is the main antiques trading day and includes the farmers market. The market opens at 9:00 am, but arrive before noon to beat the crowds.
4. Have coffee in the Crypt at Trafalgar Square
While bizarre, the Cafe in the Crypt was one of my favorite discoveries during my London weekend. Look for a small, unassuming cylindrical glass building beside the imposing facade of St. Martin-in-the-Fields and take the stairs down to the cafe.
Hidden away under the hustle and bustle of Trafalgar Square, enjoy a coffee under the brick vaulted ceilings of the 18th-century crypt at St. Matrin-in-the-Fields. Rest your feet on worn tombstones while enjoying café fare under soft lighting for an experience that is equally relaxing and spooky.
5. Soak in art, history, and culture
Although infamously expensive, London is home to a collection of exceptional and free museums. For art, I adore the Tate Modern and The National Portrait Gallery. Albeit controversial, The British Museum has spectacular and expansive collections comprising artifacts from all walks of human history. For a complete list of free museums in London, visit here.
Although entry is free, some museums require you to book a time slot, be sure to check their website before visiting.
6. Shop vintage on Brick Lane
London has exceptional vintage shops, and if you’d like to add a few new pieces to your wardrobe Brick Lane is your place. This edgy, hip neighborhood features brownstone buildings decked out in street art housing vegan eateries, vintage shops, and art galleries.
If you’re visiting on the weekend, check out the Backyard Market for handmade goods and art, and the Truman Brewery Markets for eclectic goods and food vendors. For vintage enthusiasts, the subterranean Brick Lane Vintage Market is open daily from 11 am – 7 pm and offers everything from sequined dresses to your grandpa’s old military jacket.
7. Explore Shoreditch
Nearby Brick Lane is the trendy London neighborhood of Shoreditch. This artsy, hipster neighborhood is brimming with vintage and independent shops, gastropubs, and chic bars. If you enjoy window shopping, check out Redchurch Street. Just off of Shoreditch High Street, this side street houses a myriad of high-end designer and independent shops.
8. Smell the blooms at the Columbia Road Flower Market
The Columbia Road Flower Market is pure magic on a Sunday morning. You know you’re approaching the market when suddenly you’re in the crosswalk passing droves of people carting paper-wrapped bouquets or massive monstera plants.
This small stretch of road lined by varicolored Victorian shops overflows with fresh-cut flowers and potted plants every Sunday between 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. Check out the smattering of independent, home goods, and antique shops in between browsing the greenery.
9. Shop the eclectic Camden Market
Step into a world of subculture and alternative arts in Camden Town. This funky neighborhood in north London is known for eclectic shopping markets, collectively known as Camden Market. The area features several markets clustered around Regent’s Canal, my favorites being the Stables and Buck Street.
The Stables is a collection of independent vendors (no chain retailers allowed), selling everything from clothing and jewelry to home goods and art from market stalls. Don’t miss Cyberdog, a funky independent clothing brand selling rave attire under flashing lights.
Camden Market Buck Street is a lively container market just down the road from the Stables. This area focuses on eco-friendly and sustainable products, offering food stalls and vintage/upcycled clothing brands.
10. Unwind at the Barbican Conservatory
The Barbican Center is an expansive performing arts venue known for its stark brutalist architecture. Level 4 of the Barbican Center is home to a stunning conservatory that is free to visit. Transport yourself from the City of London to the rainforest, where vining plants drip over concrete balconies and koi swim peacefully in landscaped ponds.
Entrance is free, but you must book a time slot. New times are released every Friday for the following week on their website.
11. Channel your inner wizard at Platform 9 ¾
London is a haven for Harry Potter fans, and no visit would be complete without a visit to the infamous Platform 9 ¾. While perhaps a bit of a tourist trap, (there’s a gift shop just next door) venture inside King’s Cross station and join the queue to snap your photo with the trolley and birdcage “disappearing” into the brick wall.
For more Harry Potter fun, take a walking tour to hit the highlights from the film series. Stroll across Millenium Bridge, see Gringotts, and visit Diagon Alley, while your guide regales you with fun facts and trivia from the books and films. I went on the 2.5-hour “Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour” and enjoyed it. For only $18, your tour covers significant ground, visiting landmarks and film sites across London.
12. Strut across Abbey Road
For all the Beatles fans, snapping a photo sauntering across the iconic Abbey Road is a must when in London. Fans line the streets at the pedestrian crossing, waiting for their turn to cross and capture the perfect picture. Although far from the typical landmarks that line the Thames, the pilgrimage to Abbey Road Studios in St. John’s Wood is worth the effort for music fanatics.
13. Escape the hustle and bustle at the British Library
If you’re looking for a respite from London city chaos, check out the British Library. Adjacent to St Pancras International, the library offers ample seating space to whip out your laptop and get some work done, or to chill out with a tea or coffee from the café. For bibliophiles, the library boasts a trove of significant historical documents, including original works from Shakespeare, Jane Austen, the Beatles, and two copies of the Magna Carta.
Access to books and the reading room requires a membership, but the library and Treasures Gallery are free to visit. The British Library is open daily from 9:30 am – 8:00 pm Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Sundays.
14. Explore the canals in Little Venice
The picturesque neighborhood of Little Venice is a slice of Italian charm in northwest London. Unwind in the manicured Rembrandt Gardens at the junction of Grand Canal and Regent’s Canal. Watch whimsically-painted houseboats glide across the glassy canals, or pop into one of the many waterside cafes for a treat.
15. Shop and eat on colorful Carnaby Street
Steeped in London history, Carnaby Street is a vibrant pedestrian shopping street in the trendy Soho neighborhood. Shop cult-favorite brands like Birkenstock or pursue independent designer shops in the area. Carnaby Street boasts a thriving gastronomic scene; from classic English pubs to Blues bars, and taquerias to modern Italian, there’s something to eat or drink for everyone.
16. Spend the afternoon in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Two adjacent but distinctly different outdoor spaces, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are the perfect spot for an afternoon stroll in the (elusive) midday sun. Throw down a picnic blanket and sprawl out on Hyde Park’s expansive lawn, taking in the rich history of this urban park.
Nearby, wander the pristinely manicured Kensington Gardens. Once the private gardens of Kensington Palace, this area is now one of London’s stunning Royal Parks. Relax on a bench overlooking stately fountains populated by resident waterfowl, stroll the flower beds, or visit the beloved Peter Pan statue.
17. Eat your way through Borough Market
No visit to London would be complete without a visit to Borough Market, one of London’s oldest and most comprehensive open-air food halls. Although often crammed with visitors, the market is home to some gastronomic gems. From artisan cheeses and fresh bread to Spanish tapas and Iraqi street food, Borough Market is a symphony for the tastebuds.
18. Stroll across the iconic Tower Bridge
London features an arsenal of impressive bridges that soar across the River Thames, but one stands out from the rest: Tower Bridge. Completed in 1894, this stately Neo-Gothic bridge features two towers connected by walkways that mimic the nearby Tower of London.
Stroll across the bridge while black cabs and red double-decker buses fly past, taking in the views of the city and Thames on either side. For a small fee, you can go inside and climb the bridge, walking over spine-tingling glass floors while enjoying sweeping views of the Thames. Tickets can be booked on their website.
Getting around
London is extremely well-connected by public transport, making this the best option during your stay. If you have a contactless credit card or Apple Pay, etc, this is the most convenient payment method if you’re solely paying for yourself.
Tap your card/phone against the reader when getting on and off transit, and the fare is automatically charged to your account. Charges appear on your statement under TfL (Transport for London), so don’t be alarmed when a random charge appears on your card at the end of the day/week under TfL.
Contactless payment can be used on the underground (“Tube”), buses, trains, riverboats, and more. This is more time-efficient than buying individual tickets and functions the same as an Oyster card. However, you cannot pay for more than one person using this method, only one card can be used per journey.