Things to Do in London

20 (Budget-Friendly) Things to Do in London

With the current exchange rate and the cost of dining out in the city of London, we found it necessary to find fun, budget-friendly things to see and do during our week in the city. Luckily, London is full of stunning architecture, remarkable museums, and charming outdoor spaces, making it easy to enjoy the city without breaking the bank.

Read on to See 20 Budget-Friendly
​Things to do in London.

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Victoria & Albert Museum

1. Explore The Victoria & Albert Museum

Textiles and Fashion Gallery

Well-curated displays at the V&A Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum is one of several free museums in the City of London. Though London is full of fabulous, well-curated museums, the Victoria and Albert Museum was by far my favorite. If you're a fashion nerd, make sure you allow extra time to fully examine the Textiles and Fashion Gallery. While you're there, splurge on a light bite at the luxuriously-decorated cafe - the world's first museum cafe.

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Flowers in Hyde Park

Birds of Hyde Park

2. Stroll Through Hyde Park

This sprawling 350-acre park features jogging trails, flower gardens, ponds, urban wildlife, and lots of open spaces. Start early, and enjoy a coffee or tea and a pastry in the park. Hyde Park is the perfect place for people-watching and relaxing in nature.

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Stop and Smell the Roses

3. Don't Miss the Smells of the Rose Garden

In the southeast corner of Hyde Park lies the immaculate Rose Garden. During your visit to Hyde Park, don't forget to stop and smell the roses!

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Parakeets of Kensington Gardens

4. Spend an Afternoon in Kensington Gardens

Connected to Hyde Park, and formerly a part of it, are the Kensington Gardens. This 265-acre garden features wildlife, large open spaces, a river, man-made ponds, and a number of sculptures and memorials. Here are some not-to-miss activities at Kensington Gardens:
- Pay tribute to Princess Di at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain
- Bring fruit to feed the parakeets
- Re-visit your childhood at the Peter Pan statue
- See how many bird varieties you can spot throughout the park
- Eat a picnic lunch in the Italian Gardens

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Covent Garden Piazza

5. Wander the Streets of Covent Garden

Wander and shop in the pedestrian-friendly Covent Garden Piazza, catch a free show by one of many street performers, and enjoy a bite and a pint at The Covent Garden Pub, housed in a lovely historic 1700's brick building used first as a police station of sorts for the Bow Street Runners.

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Platform 9 3/4

6. Get Your Geek on at Platform 9 3/4

If you, like me, are a Harry Potter fan, make sure to visit Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross tube station. Because this is now one of London's most popular attractions, be prepared to wait in line if you want a picture with the famous trolley. Or, like me, simply take a picture of the prop by itself. Then browse the Harry  Potter-themed items at the Harry Potter Shop.

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East India Arms

Grab a pint with a friend

7. Sip a Pint at the East India Arms

Owned by Shepherd Neame, Britain's oldest brewery, the East India Arms has been serving up brews since 1829. The authentic pub setting and rich history are sure to make this pub one of your favorites in the city.

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Tower Bridge over the River Thames

8. Take in the Views Along the Thames River

Stroll along the River Thames, crossing one of the several bridges, like the Tower Bridge, the London Bridge, or Westminster Bridge, to take in gorgeous views of the bustling city and its major waterway. Westminster Bridge is also one of the best places for views of Big Ben, one of London's main attractions.

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Piccadilly Circus

9. Discover Piccadilly Circus

This crowded shopping area features fabulous architecture, row upon row of British flags (hello, Instagram!), and neon lights reminiscent of Times Square. See the Statue of Eros and take some time to wander through St. James Square.

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British Museum

10. Explore the Collections of the British Museum

Another amazing free museum is the British Museum. With over 8 million objects, several days could be devoted to the collections located in this 990,000-square-foot Greek-Revival building. With artifacts from every corner of the world and every period of time, this museum is well worth a visit (or two or three!).

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Westminster Abbey

11. Visit Westminster Abbey

Opened in 1090, the Gothic architecture of Westminster Abbey is impressive from every angle. With a 22-pound entry fee, a tour of the inside of the abbey may not be considered budget-friendly, but the free views from the outside make this awe-inspiring building one of the best things to see in London.

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Little Venice

Regent's Canal, Little Venice

12. Amble along the Canal in Little Venice

On a pleasant afternoon, another good option for a tight budget is to stop by Little Venice and enjoy a stroll along Regent's Canal. Have a bite to eat at Waterside Cafe and find a souvenir at one of several boats-turned-shops.

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Kensington Palace

13. Wander the Grounds of Kensington Palace

Built in 413, Kensington Palace has been the home of royalty for over 1600 years. The grounds of this sprawling mansion feature manicured lawns and topiaries, sculptures, and more. Wander just the outside, or splurge on tickets to tour the inside (£16.00-£19.50).

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The Shard from Sky Garden

Tower Bridge from Sky Garden

14. View the City from Above

You can enjoy the best views of the city from the top of the Sky Garden tower just north of the Thames. Best of all, the views are free! Just schedule your time slot online and show up a few minutes early for your elevator ride to the top.

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National Gallery, London

15. See Paintings by Cezanne, da Vinci, van Eyck, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Monet, & Many More

With 2,300 paintings, an entire day could be devoted to admiring the stunning collections of paintings at the National Gallery. Best of all, this educational and enjoyable experience costs nothing but a voluntary donation. The National Gallery is located in Trafalgar Square, and inside you'll find the National Portrait Gallery, home to portraits of many famous Brits.

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Regent's Park, London

16. Regent's Park

One of several lovely parks in the city, Regent's Park covers 410 acres and contains the London Zoo (not free, but worth the splurge if you love zoos). Watch the birds, enjoy the sounds of the water and the wind rustling through the willows, take a picnic, and simply relax. For the more adventurous, climb Primrose Hill for great views of the city.

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17. Admire the Stunning Architecture of London's Churches

A visit to London would not be complete without seeing the works of architect Sir Christopher Wren. St Paul's Cathedral and St James's in Piccadilly are two of Wren's most famous churches. Also make sure you see the Southwark Anglican Cathedral on the south side of the Thames, designed by Arthur Blomfield. With dozens of other beautiful churches, an entire week could be devoted to the historic religious architecture of London.

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Street Vendors and Vintage Stores on Portobello Road

18. Score Great Deals on Portobello Road

The world's largest antiques market, the Portobello Road Market features over 1,000 vendors selling antiques, vintage items, handmade items, and much more! Find something unique to bring home with you.

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Colorful houses abound in Notting Hill

19. Discover Instagram-Worthy Shots in Notting Hill

Flowers of Notting Hill

Rose Hedge in Notting Hill

One of the most photographed areas of the city, Notting Hill is dotted with flowers and flower-colored buildings. Vintage bikes and vintage garden decor line the narrow lanes, making Notting Hill a quaint place for a peaceful stroll.

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20. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Few things call to mind the phrase "pomp and circumstance" like the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Prepare to fight the crowds, but don't miss this only-in-London experience!

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21. Learn about the natural world

Another great free museum in London is the Natural History Museum. With a wide variety of specimens to view, you're sure to learn something new!

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22. Sate your appetite at Borough Market

My fellow foodies can enjoy a bite from one of the many vendors at the Borough Market. From fresh fruits and vegetables to baked goods and prepared foods, you're sure to find something to fill your belly at the Borough Market.

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23. Learn about the wonders of the universe

A great way to make your visit to London educational is to explore the collections at the Science Museum. With free admission, you can get your learning on without breaking the bank.

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24. Learn from history

History buffs will appreciate the artifacts of the Imperial War Museum, from the small to the very large.

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25. Take in the Beauty of the Round Reading Room at the British Library

For my fellow bibliophiles, nothing quite replenishes the soul like a visit to the library, and the British Library is no exception.

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Use Oyster cards to navigate the London Underground.

We are so thankful that London's public transportation system is budget-friendly. We highly recommend purchasing an Oyster Card to ride the London Underground. We walked quite a bit, but London is a large city, and we utilized the Tube as often as we could, as this was often the cheapest option for getting around.

I hope this list of inexpensive and free things to do and budget-friendly tips have given you ideas to add to your London bucket list that won't bust your budget. Enjoy London!

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