8 free attractions in London

It's renowned for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, but surprisingly there are plenty of things to do in London without having to dig deep into your pockets.

London offers an incredible amount of free attractions and things to do. Most museums and art galleries are free, London's street markets are worth visiting even if you don't plan to do any shopping, and many London neighbourhoods are perfect for independent walking tours.

The British Museum

One of London's most popular museums is the British Museum in Bloomsbury. Its top attractions include the famous mummies from Ancient Egypt, and the museum also offers free short tours with volunteer guides. You can visit most of London's museums for free, although you may have to pay to visit some special exhibitions.

The National Gallery

The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square exhibits works by some of the most famous European artists, and it attracts millions of visitors every year. Its collection of Western European paintings from the 13th to the 19th century includes masterpieces by Titian, Cezanne, Rembrandt, van Gogh, Michelangelo and many others. The National Portrait Gallery, on nearby St. Martin's Place, is also free.

The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum

The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum are located within walking distance from each other in London's South Kensington, and both are family-friendly places to spend a few hours. Most kids (and many parents) love the dinosaurs in the Natural History Museum and the interactive exhibitions in the huge Science Museum.

The Tate Britain and the Tate Modern

The Tate Britain in Pimlico houses a prestigious collection of British art from the 16th century to the present day. Its modern sister, the Tate Modern, offers a collection of 20th and 21st century art and is located in Bankside, on the banks of the River Thames.

London's Street Markets

Even if you are not planning to do any shopping, London's street markets belong to the city's best tourist attractions. Visit the Borough Market and browse through high quality local and international foods, spend a Saturday or a Sunday afternoon in Camden where the covered Camden Lock market is surrounded by street stalls, shops, cafes and bars, or head to Portobello Road in Notting Hill on a Friday or a Saturday for antiques, vintage clothing, fashion by up-and-coming designers, arts, crafts and souvenirs.

London's Parks

London's parks resemble communal living rooms: locals come to their beloved parks to have a coffee in the morning or a sandwich at lunchtime, to sunbathe, to read a book, to meet friends, to fly a kite, to feed squirrels and ducks, to play football or cricket, to cycle, to rollerblade or just to hang out on a sunny afternoon. Hyde Park, St. James Park, Green Park and Regent Park are the most central of London's parks and the easiest to get to.

East London's Docklands

The East London neighbourhood that is now called Docklands was once the location for one of the world's busiest ports. When changes in the shipping industry led to the closure of the docks in the 1980's, this riverside area was scheduled for a massive redevelopment project. The project turned the formerly poor neighbourhood into a cluster of high-rise buildings that house many international financial institutions, luxury apartments and retail complexes.

Take the Docklands Light Railway to West India Quay and visit the Museum of London Docklands (free entrance), or to Canary Wharf and its massive shopping centre, riverside cafes and restaurants. You can also walk to Canary Wharf from Tower Bridge along the Thames Path, or continue further towards Greenwich.

Greenwich and the Meridian Line

Greenwich in Southeast London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of London's 2012 Olympic sites. The Greenwich Park is spacious and leafy, and inside the park you can find the Royal Observatory (free entrance) as well as the Meridian Line where the Greenwich Mean Time is measured. The National Maritime Museum (free entrance) exhibits Britain's seafaring history, and the famous 19th century ship Cutty Sark has been going through conservation work and will be reopened by the 2012 Olympics. Greenwich also has some good street markets, independent shop and cafes. 

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