London is an expensive city, period! But, there are things to suit all budgets and a good selection of tourist attractions that visitors can enjoy for free.
Walk, Walk, Walk…
If you have feet that are strong enough to carry you through the streets of London, you are in luck!
Parks and Gardens
Go enjoy the roses in bloom in Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens. Get a spectacular view of Buckingham Palace from a different angle. St James’ Park offers you that luxury and if you time it right, you’ll also be able to watch the military scene of changing of the guard!
Take your kids to see Peter Pan Statue and Diana Memorial Playground at Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. The Kid’s Zone at National Army Museum, Museum of London Docklands: Mudlarks Play Area, Kew Gardens, Zoo animals-Let them enjoy too!
Don’t forget to include Trafalgar Square in your walking tour – it’s one of Britain’s greatest attractions.
Museums and Art Galleries
It’s interesting to note that London’s major museums and art galleries offer admission free of charge where you can see the world’s masterpieces on display. While on your way to the museum, you can enjoy the music and gimmicks of street performers who are seen in abundance along the Covent Garden Market, National theatre and South Bank.
You can catch an exhibition or two in some of these museums and galleries:
- Museums
- Art Galleries
- Film Premieres at Leicester Square
Your chance to meet the celebs as they pose for the cameras on the red carpet! Make sure you arrive early to get the best possible viewing angles. With 50 film premieres every year, it’s an exciting place to be at.
Street Markets
Did your tryst with movie stars create in you a desire for luxurious clothes and pricey jewels? If so, do not fret. Street markets offer you great solace by just looking around or buying inexpensive things if you so desire. Who knows, you could get things that look like a million dollars, but may not be a penny’s worth!
You could also go window shopping to Sotheby’s if you so wish!
Concerts, DJs and TV shows
London’s National Theatre puts on free jazz and folk concerts for people to enjoy and bars in the east end offer free music along with a chance to see world-class DJs. If that’s not enough, there’s a chance to appear on TV! Visit BBC and TV recording sites to look for free tickets to be the audience of game shows and sitcoms…
Looking at the opportunities that London offers to anyone who needs to watch the pennies, Samuel Johnson was right when he said, ‘for there is in London all that life can afford’!