From world-class art to glorious parks and gardens, London has plenty of incredible things to see and do for free. Explore London without breaking the bank with these free sightseeing ideas.

  1. Stroll along the Thames Path on the South Bank: Lining a pretty stretch of the river Thames in central London, the South Bank is dotted with arts and cultural venues, stylish restaurants and big-hitter attractions. See major London landmarks from the Houses of Parliament to Tower Bridge. The banks of the river Thames also offer long stretches of traffic-free cycling. Most of London’s Thames-side cycle route is on the Thames Path National Trail, which runs from the source of the Thames in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier east of Greenwich.
  2. Explore the eight Royal Parks in London: Discover incredible London wildlife, beautifully designed gardens and plenty of space for picnics and leisurely strolls in London’s best parks, from pretty St James’s Park to peaceful Bushy Park. Admire the 12,000 roses in Queen Mary’s Gardens in Regent’s Park, go boating in Hyde Park or try deer-spotting in the countryside of Richmond Park.
  3. See world-class art for free in gorgeous galleries dotted across the city: Whether you love Old Masters or modern art, contemporary sculptures or Impressionist paintings, London has an art gallery to satisfy your cultural cravings. Most are free, including the exceptional National Gallery, Tate Modern, the National Portrait Gallery and Tate Britain. You can also visit lesser-known gems, such as the William Morris Gallery, featuring beautiful works from one of Britain’s most famous designers.
  4. Visit the city’s most famous museums for free: Be amazed by iconic artefacts, vast permanent collections and exciting exhibitions at the best museums in London, most of which are free to visit. Some of the best free museums in London include the British Museum, the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Maritime Museum.