09 July 2019

Free itinerary in London

Interesting things to see and do completely free in the city

London is an absolutely accessible city even if you have a limited budget. In London there are hundreds of interesting things to see and do that are completely free and not to be missed when you arrive in the city. The ideal is to have at least 3 or 4 days to devote to each experience with the right attention. Here you will find a selection of free accesses to museums, galleries, tourist attractions but also recitals, street theater, samba classes and public parks for sporting. In addition there are also shops and low-cost locations where you can stop for lunch or dinner.

London skyline from the London Eye

Museums and Galleries with free access

British Museum

Great Russell St, City of London, WC1B 3DG (Russel Square underground) The famous British Museum was founded in 1753 by an act of the Parliament, from the collections of Sir Hans Sloane. The museum is one of the largest in the world and exhibits works of art from prehistory to modern times, with collections from all over the world. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and mummies from Ancient Egypt. The museum offers a program of special exhibitions and daily tours and conferences. Admission is free but special exhibitions require tickets. Info: www.britishmuseum.org

Museum of London

150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN (Barbican / St Paul's underground)
Entering the London Museum means ensuring an unforgettable journey into the turbulent past of the capital. Here we discover prehistoric London, how the city changed under the Romans and the Saxons, the wonderful medieval London and the tumultuous years in which London was devastated by civil wars, pestilences and fires. Then the Galleries of Modern London, where you can stroll through the streets of Victorian London, take a stroll in recreated pleasure gardens and admire the magnificent Lord Mayor's Coach. Admission is free. Info: www.museumoflondon.org.uk

Bank of England Museum

Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH (Bank underground)
Housed inside the Bank of England, the Bank of England Museum traces the history of the Bank from its foundation with the Royal Charter in 1694 to its present role as the nation's central bank. There are gold bars dating back to antiquity up to modern times, coins and a unique collection of banknotes, as well as the pikes and muskets used to defend the Bank, the Roman pottery and mosaics discovered when it was rebuilt in 1930 and related documents to famous clients like Horatio Nelson, George Washington and the Duchess of Marlborough. Admission is free. Info: www.bankofengland.co.uk

Tate Britain

Millbank, Londra SW1P 4RG (Pimlico underground)

Tate Britain holds the largest collection of British art in the world. The gallery shows the work of the last five centuries, including British contemporary art, in a series of exhibitions. Tate's collection includes masterpieces by British artists such as Hogarth, Gainsborough, Constable, Millais, Burne-Jones, Whistler, Sargent, Sickert, Hepworth and Bacon. The extraordinary work of JMW Turner is visible in the Clore gallery. Furthermore you can also spend an evening at Tate Britain (open until 10pm every Friday). Admission is free. Info: www.tate.org.uk

V & A Museum

Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL (South Kensington underground)
The Victoria and Albert Museum is one of the largest art and design museums in the world and represents over 3000 years of human creativity. Highlights include medieval Renaissance galleries containing some of the greatest surviving treasures of the period, the extraordinary William and Judith Bollinger Jewelery Gallery and the splendid British Galleries, which illustrate Britain's history through the nation's art and design . In addition to its exceptional free permanent collection, the V&A offers an internationally acclaimed temporary exhibition program and an extensive calendar of events. Admission is free. Info: www.vam.ac.uk

National Army Museum

Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HT (Sloane Square underground)
Britain's past has shaped the present and the future. Here you will see the impact the Army has had on the history of Great Britain, Europe and the world. In addition to four gallery exhibitions, there is a program of events that offers a series of temporary exhibitions and activities for children. Admission is free. Info: www.nam.ac.uk

Saatchi Gallery

Duke of Yorks's Building, Kings Road SW3 4SQ (South Kensington / Sloane Square underground)
The Saatchi Gallery was founded by Charles Saatchi in 1985. It is famous for its controversial contemporary works of art and for the exhibitions of works by relatively unknown artists. In 1992 he held the concerts of the Young British Artists, where Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin became famous. His current site is at the headquarters of the Duke of York, since 2008. Admission is free. Info: www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk

Panorama of Tower Bridge at sunset in London

Tourist attractions not to be missed

London Wall

Fenchurch Street, Tower Bridge EC3N 4DJ

In London there is a testimony of the Roman wall that was once part of the eastern defenses of the Roman Londinium. The wall was built in 200 AD and defined the shape and size of London for over a millennium. Info: www.english-heritage.org.uk

Ceremony of the Keys for free at the Tower of London

Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB (Tower Hill underground)
You can see the Free Key Ceremony at the Tower of London. The ancient 700-year ceremony of the blockade of the main gate of the Tower of London is performed every evening by the Chief Guardian of the Tower, accompanied by guards. Passes are essential and must be obtained in advance upon written request. You must indicate name, date of request and alternative dates, number of people and attach an envelope with stamps and stamped. Info: www.hrp.org.uk

London's parks are areas for recreation and relaxation

Parks and sports activities

Richmond Park

Richmond, TW10 5HS (Richmond underground/rail)

Richmond Park, London's largest Royal Park (1,000 / 2,500 hectares) which houses 650 deer, is all to be explored. The landscape of hills and woods set among secular trees, with plants, animals and butterflies, offers a quiet breath to visitors. The park boasts playgrounds at the gates of Kingston and Petersham and two golf courses near Roehampton Gate. It is possible to fish in Pen Ponds, go to the riding tracks or indulge in the cycle path. Also worth visiting is the Isabella plantation which is an organic woodland garden. To eat, you can choose Pembroke Lodge, a Georgian villa with spectacular views and seating in the garden, or Roehampton Café or the refreshment stalls located in the main parking lots. Info: www.royalparks.gov.uk

Hyde Park and Speaker's Corner

(Hyde Park Corner underground)
Hyde Park and Speaker's Corner to explore every Sunday. Hyde Park is one of the largest city parks in the world. It comprises 142 hectares (350 acres) and over 4,000 trees, a large lake, a lawn and ornamental gardens. You can do swimming, rowing, cycling and skating. There are fields for team games, tennis courts, riding tracks and a spectacular playground for children. The park has two lakeside restaurants that serve everything from a three-course meal to a cup of coffee. The park is home to many special buildings and monuments, such as the Serpentine Bridge, the Joy of Life fountain, the famous Archiles statue and the Diana Memorial Fountain. If you go on a Sunday, don't miss Speaker's Corner to listen to London speakers who share their opinions with the world. Info: www.royalparks.gov.uk

Recital, street theater, samba course

Free recital at the Royal Opera House (Mondays)

Covent Garden, Londra, WC2E 9DD (Covent Garden underground)
The popular series of free Monday lunchtime recitals continues. Be sure to call in advance. Members of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Royal Opera Chorus and the Jette Parker Young Artists Program presented a range of song recitals and chamber music. There are several recitals each month. Info: www.roh.org.uk/recitals

Street theatre in Covent Garden

Street theater, food and music at Covent Garden. The central square of Covent Garden is a thriving coffee culture and is animated by extravagant entertainers and fun events all day, every day.Info: www.coventgardenlondonuk.com

Free samba class at Guanabara

Parker Street, WC2B 5PW (Holborn underground)

You can take a free samba course at Guanabara. At the Brazilian bar Guanabara most free dance evenings are held. Dance styles include Brazilian favorites such as gafiera, samba and forró. You need to show up early for happy hour and, for free entry, before 20:00. Info: www.guanabara.co.uk

Carnaby street in London

Shopping, lunches and dinners

Shopping and restaurants in Carnaby

Exploring the shops and restaurants of Carnaby is a must. Carnaby is just five minutes walk from Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus underground stations, in the heart of London's West End. The 13 streets of Carnaby are famous for exclusive boutiques and international brands, which make it one of the most famous and characteristic commercial destinations in London. You enter under the iconic arch of the famous Carnaby Street to discover the fashion and lifestyle of flagship stores and global brands. The next door to Carnaby Street is the creative center of the Newburgh district, where you can discover independent boutiques, restaurants and iconic brands. For new talents and emerging brands in the food, fashion and lifestyle sectors, Kingly Court offers three floors of independent retailers in a beautiful outdoor courtyard. Info: www.carnaby.co.uk

Lunch at Bodean's BBQ

16 Byward Street, The City, Londra, EC3R 5BA (Tower Hill underground)
Bodean's is an authentic American BBQ restaurant that serves large portions of steaks, ribs and other American barbecue dishes. The American decor and atmosphere add authenticity as the friendly service. The main dishes start at £ 6.75. Info: www.bodeansbbq.com

Dinner at My Old Dutch

221 Kings Road, Chelsea, Londra, SW3 5EJ (Sloane Square underground)
The original pancake house was established in 1958 and offers savoury and sweet pancakes as well as a selection of salads, traditional Dutch starters and desserts. The atmosphere is warm friendly and relaxed which makes it a great place for families. Main dishes start from £5.95. Info: www.myolddutch.com

Dinner at Flat Iron

17 Beak St, Soho, W1F 9RW (Piccadilly underground)
Enjoy a high quality steak at just £ 10 at this restaurant in Soho. No need to book. All you have to do is choose which side to combine with the meat. Info: flatironsteak.co.uk

You can reach London all year with flights operated by different airlines that land at one of the 6 airports in the city.

Edited by Nicolò Villa

Source: London & Partners Media

Photos: Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock

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