Once in a lifetime

London on a Budget

London

Found yourself in London on a shoestring budget? That's perfectly fine. You could not have picked a better city to visit. With a population of over 8 million people, London has become a great option for budget travelers. Here are some free things to do in London. 

Watch the Changing of the Guards in front of Buckingham Palace

The Changing of the Guards is a ceremony that takes place in front of Buckingham Palace every day during the summer. During the winter, it takes place every other day. The ceremony involves guards mounting their hoses and switching stations. Be sure to arrive early because huge crowds tend to gather to watch this ceremony. When it's over, feel free to snap some photos of the Queen's Guard or the palace. 

Plan a picnic at Regent's Park

Regent's Park is a beautiful and huge park in the city. In the park, you'll find beautiful flowers, plants, wildlife, lakes, and canals. If you enjoy biking or running, there are paved laps. There's also the London Zoo for travelers with children, although it's not free.

Listen to Big Ben ring its bell

Built in 1858, Big Ben is the nickname for the Elizabeth Tower. It could be the most famous landmark in London. It stands at 315 feet tall. Big Ben is actually the name of the main bell that weighs 13.5 tons. The bell rings every hour on the hour. It's closed for tourists, you must be a UK resident to go inside. 

Do some window shopping in Portobello Market

Every Saturday, there's a lengthy market that opens on Portobello Road in Notting Hill. You'll find antiques, second-hand goods, fruits, veggies, vintage clothing, jewelry, and more. Just imagine a huge flea market. 

Walk across the Tower Bridge

Built in 1886, the Tower Bridge is crossed by 40,000 people per day. Walking across the bridge should take about 5 to 10 minutes. After dusk, the bridge glows in a brilliant blue light. It's perfect for a romantic stroll. 

Visit the British Museum

The British Museum is the most popular museum in London. It focuses on human cultures from different centuries and multiple countries. It's also free to visit. It has over eight million historic artifacts. Some famous pieces include the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian statues, and a manuscript of Beowulf.

Spend some time at the Tate Modern Museum

The Tate Modern Museum is an international, contemporary art museum. The full museum is seven floors. The permanent collection makes up half of the museum and is free to view. You'll find collections dedicated to Surrealism, Cubism, Impressionism, and Pop Art.

Admire the art at the National Gallery

With over 2,000 art pieces from the 13th to 20th century, the National Gallery is the fourth most visited museum in the world. Its free admission probably helps its rank. You'll find famous works by Jan van Eyck, Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh. 


Other things to do in London

London is filled with culture, history, and activities. I've put together a list of things to do at What To Do in London. If you're only in town for a day, here my recommended attractions are at London in a Day.