Sure, let's proceed in a systematic manner. Here is how I would insert your link into the provided article section maintaining a natural context and coherence:
London is undoubtedly one of the best cities in the world, and we can see why. With a ton of stunning attractions, streets steeped in history, incredible dining options and a dizzying array of shopping opportunities, you'll never get bored in the bustling metropolitan cities. The city, however, can also be expensive to explore and can burn a hole in your wallet if you don't plan your trip well.
Part of planning well is finding the right place to stay during your visit. You might consider staying close to one of London's airports for more convenient travel. It's easy enough to find accommodation in these locations. You can book here >> for a selection of airport hotels that provide comfortable accommodation at relatively affordable prices.
There are, however, some of the most unique free activities to do in London, guaranteed to give you a great day out, even if your budget is tight.
London is the 15th most expensive country to live in, according to a recent Mercer report (published in Forbes). The city is also expensive if you're a tourist looking to explore all the sights and sounds London has to offer. Although getting around the city is easy enough, thanks to London's extensive underground and overground rail network, the cost of hotels, tickets to attractions and restaurant bills can add up to be quite staggering.
However, exploring the city on a budget is entirely possible as there are a number of places you can visit for free. This list will come in handy whether you're a student, a budget traveller or just someone who likes to manage their finances. What's more, there's no better way to connect with the city you're in than by walking its cobbled streets.
So, before your trip to the city, check out these top free things to do in London that will keep you busy for hours, and also allow you to relax and soak up the London atmosphere.
Free things to do in London
Buckingham Palace is an icon in its own right, but it's for the Changing of the Guard that many flock here. One of the many fun and free things you can do in London is watch this traditional ceremony unfold, where the old guards hand over responsibility and the keys to a new group at 11am on some days. The ceremony spans three venues across London - Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace and Wellington Barracks - and is a visual treat with great pomp and spectacle (including bands playing traditional and modern pop tunes).
The ceremony takes place on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from January to May and August to December, and daily from June to July. The best place to see it is Buckingham Palace where you can grab the best spot at the gates if you arrive early.
Spend time at London's Borough Market
(Image credit: Bruno Martins/Unsplash)
London's favourite foodie haven, Borough Market, celebrated its 1,000th anniversary in 2014, so it's safe to stay that it's a place that has stood the test of time. Easily one of the best free places to visit in London, the market is packed with delicious food that won't cost you an arm and a leg, while allowing you to wander the winding alleyways filled with everything from freshly prepared food to organic produce and more.
Here you can enjoy free treats if you can't decide what to eat, although paella, freshly shucked oysters, roast chicken wrap and Monmouth coffee often attract long queues. With a plethora of world cuisines in one place, Borough Market is a great place to indulge without breaking the bank. The market is open Monday to Saturday.
Visit London's Mithraeum
If you didn't know there was a Roman temple in London, you're not alone. Among the many fun and free things to do in London is a visit to the London Mithraeum, which is dedicated to the mysterious figure of Mithras, whose cult followers met in secret in underground locations. The Roman temple has no entrance fee and you'll find it hidden beneath London's Bloomberg buildings. The archaeological attraction is one of Britain's most important archaeological sites and one of only 100 Mithraic temples discovered in the ancient Roman world. So be sure to spend some time at this lesser-known attraction. Although entry is free, be sure to book your slot here for guaranteed entry.
See the permanent exhibitions at the National Gallery
If you love art but don't have the budget to explore new exhibitions, you'll be delighted to know that entry to the National Gallery is free. The gallery is home to works of art by some of the most renowned artists who have ever lived, such as Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, William Turner and Vincent van Gogh. These are part of the permanent exhibitions, which means you don't have to pay a penny to see them.
Picnic in Greenwich Park
If you want to enjoy a fun picnic with your family, partner or friends, pack a basket full of tasty treats (this is where the trip to Borough Market comes in handy!) and head to the hill in the middle of Greenwich Park. With stunning views of the city's rooftops and most picturesque surroundings, the park is sure to make for a memorable afternoon, especially if the weather gods are in a good mood.
Enjoy one of London's free walking tours
As we mentioned at the start, there's no better way to explore a city than on foot. So, if you've got the whole day to yourself (or even a few hours), spend it exploring the streets. The routes will take you into less touristy alleys and corners, leading you to quaint cafés, restaurants and shops known only to the locals. If you don't want to walk alone, join some of the free walking tours easily available online.
Visit the British Museum for a history lesson
Among the many free things you can do in London is visit the city's many magnificent museums, and the British Museum is one of them. One of the largest in the city, the museum offers a variety of artefacts, paintings and much more to see on your trip there. The only tip? Wear a pair of comfortable shoes and walk around until you can't stand it any more!
Other museums in the city that offer free entry to visitors to permanent exhibitions include Museum of London, Royal Academy of Arts, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Imperial War Museum, National Maritime Museum and Tate Modern.
Visit the Barbican Conservatory
(Image credit: Russ Martin/Unsplash)
The Barbican Conservatory is one of London's best cultural venues. Essentially a giant greenhouse filled with tropical plants, cacti, flowers and more, this conservatory is a curious marriage of brutalist architecture and indoor rainforest paradise, and promises to be an unforgettable memory that's - best of all - free! Admission is free, but we recommend booking online in advance and choosing a time slot to avoid disappointment. Bookings are published a week in advance and you can make yours on the website.
Stroll around Trafalgar Square (and spot a celebrity or two)
Head to Trafalgar Square and meet the stone lions, or simply enjoy the many cultural shows on offer. What's more, this popular London address is also often visited by celebrities, so who knows, you might just bump into your favourite stars. This page on the Mayor of London's website will give you an idea of the importance of this landmark in the city's history.
Another famous place to take a photo is Piccadilly Circus, a famous landmark you would have spotted in shows like Sherlock.
Relax in Hyde Park
(Image credit: Kevin Grieve/Unsplash)
Hyde Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in London, especially in the morning. The best part? It's totally free! Go for a jog or grab your camera to capture some great shots of the lush greenery, swans, strolling pets and more.
Explore the Horniman Museum
The Horniman Museum was built in 1091 by Frederick Horniman, a tea merchant with a passion for collectables. The museum offers free admission and you can visit the place to witness its collection of stuffed birds and animals. Its main attraction, however, is a huge stuffed walrus. The museum also has a music gallery with over 1,500 instruments and extensive gardens with a butterfly greenhouse, animal trails and much more.
Visit Kensington Gardens
(Image credit: Nicholas Musilli/Unsplash)
Another great park to visit in London is Kensington Gardens. Take a stroll, spend time with your partner or play with the kids. You'll find plenty to do here, including visiting the famous Peter Pan statue, touring the Serpentine Galleries and letting the kids enjoy the Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Playground.
You can also see the many water features here and many other structures that will make your time worthwhile!
Stroll through Harrods
(Image credit: Igor Wang/Unsplash)
One of London's - and the world's - most famous landmarks is this luxury department stores' on Brompton Road, home to 1.1 million square feet of retail space. Sure, it's one of the best places to go if you're in a spending mood, but you don't need a fat wallet to enjoy this historic building either. Soak up the bustle and touching tributes of this building, which includes two memorials to Diana, Princess of Wales, and Dodi Fayed that were commissioned by its former owner and the latter's father, Al-Fayed. There is also an Egyptian-themed escalator in the building.
Feeling peckish? Head to its world-famous food hall, where you'll find artisan biscuits, jams, cakes and even Middle Eastern desserts.
See the London Eye and Tower Bridge
(Image credit: Çağlar Canbay/Unsplash)
A trip on the London Eye will give you a 360-degree view of the city, but if you don't want to spend around £33 and 30 minutes on this observation wheel, you can simply visit the South Bank area and see the Ferris wheel from outside and take photos.
While you're in the area, about a 12-minute walk away is Tower Bridge. It can also be seen from the South Bank. One of the most fascinating things to see is the bridge opening up to let ships pass, including tourist boats.
Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station
Image: Courtesy of kingscross.co.uk
If you're a Potterhead, this is one of the few free things you need to do in London. Head to King's Cross station where you'll find a trolley stuck to a wall in the station concourse. You'll find other fans queuing for this photo opportunity wearing their favourite Hogwarts scarf. However, remember to get here as early as possible as the queue can be really, really long.
Take a photo at the Blue Door in Notting Hill
If you're a romantic comedy fan, you'll remember Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant in Notting Hill. In the 1999 film, Grant's character, William Thacker, lives in a house with a blue door. While the original door from the film has already been sold at auction, a similar replacement can be found at house no. 280 in the London borough of Notting Hill. The area is also home to the world's largest antiques market, Portobello Road Market, which is also seen in the film. Ask anyone in the area and they'll direct you to these famous sites where you can take photos.