Top 10 Free Attractions in London: A Tourist Guide

‘You are in the flight and excitement is at its peak!

The moment you land,

Happy tears are rolling as you have just landed in your dream city’

This is a short story of me back in September 2022, when I first landed in London, to pursue my master's degree in Marketing. As London continues to be the most attractive destination for students, the city is also known for its royal history, iconic landmark attractions, vibrant experiences of art, culture, and touristy extravaganza.

Being in one of the most expensive cities in the world, keeping yourself well-entertained on a budget is something that everyone looks for, isn't it?

In this blog, I have dropped down a list of my top 10 free attractions in London, coming straight from my personal experiences. The following list is curated in such a way that it offers a place for every tourist; be it a history buff, art and music lover, shoppers stop, or simply explorer and adventurer!

London has something for everyone!

Let's take a look at the bumper list of the top 10 free attractions that London has to offer…

1. Visit to the Notting Hill's Portobello Market

If you're someone who's a market explorer and loves to shop from the streets, then Notting Hill's Portobello market is the right stop for you. The market is known for selling mostly vintage clothing and accessories, and it is usually crowded over the weekend. The market also consists of food stalls, bookstores, tourist stores, and small coffee shops that you can enjoy coming across your way.

The nearest tube station is Notting Hill and from there, walk your way out to the market

2. Stop at the multiple Museums

London as a city is set apart as there are a number of museums that you can visit for free, primarily located across different zones. If you are someone who is curious about history, facts, or artworks, then you can find yourself at the British Museum located in Tottenham Court Road or the Natural History Museum located in Kensington. As these two are the most popular museums, you can also explore the Science Museum, V&A Museum, and Museum of London to name a few

3. Enjoy the London Views from Sky Garden

Sky Garden is one of the famous tourist attractions in London where you can find yourself enjoying the panoramic views of London, sitting at a cafe, and witnessing some greenery around. The viewing gallery is almost crowded every day because of its popularity. One of the important things to note is that the tickets for Sky Garden are in huge demand, so it's important to book your free spot at least a month in advance.

4. Walk Underneath the river Thames on Greenwich Foot Tunnel

You might have crossed famous bridges like Tower Bridge, Millennium Bridge, and Waterloo Bridge crossing above the River Thames, how about walking inside the tunnel which is located beneath the River Thames? This 370-meter straight tunnel was opened in 1902 and is used as a common pathway to cross one side of the River Thames to another. Though there are likely chances that people might not know at first, if you go inside, it's a different feeling to experience

5. Hop around the famous Borough Market at London Bridge

If you ask anyone about food market recommendations, they will surely suggest Borough market, just a 2 min walk from London Bridge tube station. The market is quite famous for its fresh street food that attracts the tourists and enjoys the quality food. From seafood to famous breads and cocktails, the market is worth a visit

6. Exploring the art in Leake Street’s graffiti tunnel

The graffiti tunnel beneath the Waterloo tube station stands famous for its space to promote creativity and culture, supporting restaurants, bars, and entertainment spaces and promoting the spirit of the art community. The place also holds workshops and live events that give you a chance to showcase your artistic charm and provide a space to leave your mark on the graffiti wall.

7. A picnic at the Primrose Hill

When it's summer or a sunny day outside, the best thing to do is grab some snacks and drinks and head towards a nice quiet picnic. Though there are many parks in London for you to enjoy, you can go to the famous Primrose Hill and enjoy your time with your family and friends. Walking around the greenery as well as enjoying the views of London, you will surely have a good time.

8. Walking down the waterways in Little Venice

Little Venice truly marks it as one of the most charming spots in the heart of the city. If you drop down from Paddington tube station, you can find yourself exploring the waterways, pretty houseboats, and waterside cafes and enjoying the aesthetic vibes of the place. As a visitor, you should explore the place and you will find joy in the peace and calmness

9. The beautiful South Bank riverside

Walking along the River Thames is one of the most peaceful times that I enjoy and always makes me feel special about London. You just need to drop down at the Westminster tube station, and then walkway towards Big Ben, crossing the Waterloo Bridge and enjoying the best views of London. On your way, you can find the food trucks and market to stop by, until you reach the iconic London Eye and spend the time walking around.

10. Check out the National Art Gallery at the Trafalgar Square

The national art gallery recently completed 200 years and is a tourist attraction for painting lovers, poets, and passionate artists. The gallery is a home for holding different exhibitions with collections of paintings and displaying masterpieces that depict stories from history. You can either book the free ticket online or simply walk into the gallery. The gallery has a tourist shop to purchase things for your memories and cafés for you to explore.

Well, that summarizes my list of top 10 attractions that I truly enjoyed in London. All the places have their unique charm and energy for you to enjoy and discover something new, every time you visit the places. If you ask me my personal favorite, it has to be the walk to the South Bank Riverside, because I find so much peace there and that moment of time is filled with gratitude

London in itself is a city of exploration, so pack your bags and start with your tour today!

Diksha S

London local, London

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Meet Diksha: a Londoner, marketer, and enthusiastic explorer with a love for discovering new experiences and cultures.