London may have a reputation for being expensive, but the city has lots of amazing spots that cost absolutely nothing to visit. From giant museums and rooftop views to peaceful parks, there are plenty of free attractions in London that feel just as exciting as paid experiences. Some places even look and feel so impressive that you’d never guess they’re free to enter.
The best part is that these attractions let you enjoy the city without rushing through your budget. You can spend your day admiring famous artwork, relaxing in royal gardens, or taking in skyline views without spending extra money. In this guide, we’ll share some of the best free attractions in London, plus travel tips and Klook picks to make your trip easy and fun.
🎨 Free museums & galleries
Tate Modern
Exhibits at Tate Modern | Photo Credits: Fred Romero on Flickr
Tate Modern is one of the top free museums in London, and it’s much more exciting than a typical art gallery. The museum sits inside a huge former power station beside the River Thames, giving the space a cool industrial look. Inside, you’ll find modern and contemporary art from artists around the world.
Tate Modern is one of the best places to visit in London for free if you want something fun and cultural. Pair your visit with a Thames River Cruise for an even better day out!
📍Location: Bankside, near Millennium Bridge
🕓 Best time to visit: Weekday mornings
The National Gallery
National Gallery in London | Photo Credits: Miguel González on Pexels
The National Gallery is one of those places that makes you stop and stare. Located in Trafalgar Square, this museum is home to famous paintings by artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and da Vinci. It’s one of the most popular free attractions in London, especially for first-time visitors.
You can take your time checking out different galleries. If you’d rather see the key highlights without figuring out where to go, a National Gallery highlights tour is a good option, with a guide leading you through the most well-known works.
If you’re looking for free attractions in London that are easy to enjoy and worth your time, this is one to add to your list.
📍Location: Trafalgar Square, Central London
🕓Best time to visit: Early afternoon on weekdays
Imperial War Museum
Supermarine Spitfire at Imperial Museum London | Photo Credits: Peter Trimming
The Imperial War Museum gives you a powerful look at modern history through real stories and objects. Inside, you’ll see military vehicles, wartime posters, photographs, and personal items from people who lived through major conflicts. It’s one of the most meaningful free museums in London.
There’s plenty to see; some exhibits are interactive, while others focus on emotional personal stories. If you enjoy learning while traveling, this is one of the best free attractions in London to visit. You can also grab the Go City: London Pass to add more nearby attractions like London Eye or Sea Life London Aquarium to your itinerary!
📍Location: Lambeth, near Waterloo
🕓Best time to visit: Morning
🌆 Free observation decks
Sky Garden
Sky Garden in the morning
Sky Garden proves you don’t need expensive tickets to enjoy amazing views in London. Located at the top of the "Walkie-Talkie" skyscraper, this indoor garden gives you sweeping views of the city skyline for free. From here, you can spot landmarks like the River Thames, The Shard, and Tower Bridge. It honestly feels more like a luxury rooftop lounge than a free attraction.
If you want to level up your visit, you can go on a Sky Garden breakfast treat! You’ll get early access to the observation deck before the crowds arrive. You’ll also get a breakfast pastry and a hot beverage included, so you can enjoy a light meal while taking in the skyline.
📍Location: 20 Fenchurch Street, City of London
🕓Best time to visit: Late afternoon or sunset
Horizon 22
Horizon 22 gallery | Photo Credits: Caledonianl on Wikimedia
Horizon 22 is one of London’s newest skyline spots, and it already feels like a hidden gem. It’s one of the highest free viewing platforms in the city, offering panoramic views across London. Unlike some busy observation decks, Horizon 22 often feels quieter and more relaxed. That makes the whole experience feel even better.
Large windows let in tons of natural light, making it a great place for photos during the day. Many visitors come here before sunset to watch the city slowly light up in the evening. Since it’s less crowded than other viewpoints, you can enjoy the scenery without rushing.
📍Location: Bishopsgate, City of London
🕓Best time to visit: Mid-morning or before sunset
🌿 Free parks and gardens
Kensington Gardens
Kensington Garden | Photo Credits: Maciek Kwiatkowski on Wikimedia
Kensington Gardens offers a break from London’s busy streets. This large green space is filled with tree-lined paths, open lawns, and quiet corners to relax. The park also sits beside Kensington Palace, which gives the area an elegant and royal feel.
When you visit, you can walk around, enjoy a picnic, or simply people-watch on a bench. During spring and summer, the flowers and gardens look especially beautiful. If you want a slower day during your trip, this is one of the best free attractions in London to add to your plans!
If you want to upgrade your visit, you can join a Kensington Palace Gardens tour with high tea. It includes traditional sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of cakes.
📍Location: West London, next to Hyde Park
🕓Best time to visit: Late morning or early evening
Hyde Park
The royal parks ice cream in Hyde Park | Photo Credits: howderfamily.com on flickr
Hyde Park is one of the most famous parks in London, and it’s easy to see why. The park has wide walking paths, open green spaces, gardens, and the large Serpentine lake right in the middle.
You can easily spend a couple of hours here without getting bored. Locals and tourists come here to walk, jog, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. It’s also a great spot to try Royal Parks ice cream, which is served from a converted Rolls-Royce ice cream truck. The soft-serve is made with 90% Jersey cow milk. It’s one of the classic free attractions in London that never gets old.
📍Location: Central London, near Marble Arch and Knightsbridge
🕓Best time to visit: Morning
FAQs about free attractions in London
What attractions in London are free?
London has many free attractions, including museums, parks, galleries, and observation decks. Popular spots include Tate Modern, Hyde Park, Sky Garden, and the National Gallery. These places let travelers enjoy the city without spending much money.
Can I visit the Tower of London for free?
The Tower of London requires a paid ticket if you want to enter the grounds and exhibits. However, you can still enjoy views of the historic building from outside for free. Walking around the nearby riverside area is also worth doing.
Can you walk across Tower Bridge in London for free?
Yes, you can walk across Tower Bridge for free using the public walkway. The paid ticket only applies to the glass-floor exhibition inside the bridge. The regular crossing still gives you amazing views of the Thames and nearby landmarks.
What are the best free parks and gardens in London?
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are two of the best parks to visit in London. Both offer lots of space to walk, relax, and enjoy nature in the middle of the city. They’re also easy to reach from major sightseeing areas.
What are the best free viewpoints in London?
Sky Garden and Horizon 22 are among the best free viewpoints in the city. Both offer incredible skyline views and modern indoor spaces to relax in. Booking ahead is recommended because free slots can disappear quickly.
More London budget guides for you
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
