London never stops evolving, and honestly, that’s exactly what makes it so bloody brilliant. We’ve spent months diving deep into what makes this city tick in 2025, and let us tell you – whether you’re planning your first visit or you’re a local looking for fresh ideas, there’s more happening here than you could experience in a lifetime.
With 20.3 million international visitors in 2023 alone (that’s a 26% jump from the previous year), London’s pulling in crowds like never before. But here’s the thing – we’re not just going to rehash the same old tourist traps. We’ve got the insider scoop on everything from world-class free museums to the hottest new exhibitions, plus practical tips that’ll save you both time and money.
Free things to do in london for free that’ll blow your mind
Let’s start with the absolute best part about London – you can have incredible experiences without spending a penny. The city offers over 100 completely free activities, and some of them are genuinely world-class.
Museums that cost nothing but offer everything
The British Museum remains our top pick, and for good reason. Housing 2 million years of human history, it’s where you’ll find the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and the controversial Parthenon sculptures. Open daily from 10am to 5pm (until 8:30pm on Fridays), it’s completely free but we recommend booking a time slot online to skip the queues. With 6.5 million visitors annually, it’s officially the world’s most visited free attraction.
Tate Modern deserves equal praise. This converted power station on the Thames isn’t just about art – it’s about experiencing creativity in one of London’s most dramatic spaces. The viewing platform offers stunning views of St Paul’s Cathedral, and the permanent collection includes works by Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol. Plus, their Friday and Saturday late-night openings (until 10pm) often feature DJ sets and special events.
The Natural History Museum is an absolute must, especially if you’re traveling with kids. The Darwin Centre houses 80 million specimens, the dinosaur gallery will make you feel like you’re in Jurassic Park, and yes, you can actually lift a real gold bar at the interactive exhibits. The Victorian architecture alone is worth the visit.
Don’t sleep on the V&A Museum either. With 3,000+ years of art and design, it’s where fashion meets fine art. Their Friday late-night events (until 10pm) are legendary among London’s creative crowd.
Sky-high views without the sky-high prices
Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street offers London’s highest public garden on the 35th floor. The catch? You need to book up to 3 weeks in advance, but it’s completely free. The 360-degree views are spectacular, and there’s a bar if you want to grab a drink while you’re up there.
Horizon 22 at 22 Bishopsgate is even higher – the 58th floor gives you London’s tallest free viewing platform. The 300-degree views are breathtaking, and unlike many observation decks, you can actually spend quality time taking it all in.
One New Change offers the perfect close-up of St Paul’s Cathedral from its free rooftop terrace. No booking required, and the views are absolutely stunning for photos.
Parks and green spaces that rival any paid attraction
London’s Royal Parks system is world-class. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens together cover 350 acres, offering everything from the Serpentine Lake to the Diana Memorial Fountain. Speaker’s Corner on Sunday mornings is free entertainment at its finest – you’ll hear passionate speeches about everything from politics to philosophy.
Richmond Park is our personal favorite for wildlife photography. Home to 650+ free-roaming deer, the park covers 2,500 acres and offers some of the best panoramic views of London from King Henry’s Mound.
Greenwich Park combines history with stunning views. The Royal Observatory and National Maritime Museum are here, plus you get incredible London panoramas. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site that doesn’t cost a penny to explore.
Best things to do in London this weekend
Weekends in London are when the city really comes alive. As of July 2025, there’s an incredible variety of events happening, from street festivals to world-class exhibitions.
Current weekend highlights (July 2025)
Whitecross Street Party (July 12-13) is completely free and features street art, live painting, music, dance, and spoken word stages. It’s near the Barbican, so you can easily combine it with other cultural activities.
Whitecross Street Party
Summer in the Park at Greenwich Park offers free live music, circus performances, and immersive theatre. The Indian and Persian-inspired pageant is particularly spectacular, and the Samba parade gets everyone dancing.
Happy Place Festival at Gunnersbury Park (July 12-13) is perfect if you’re into wellness and positive vibes. Think yoga sessions, live podcasts, and a shopping village featuring independent brands.
Weekend markets that are experiences in themselves
Borough Market is tourism gold. Dating back to the 13th century, it’s where serious food lovers come to play. Saturday (8am-5pm) is the big day with over 2,000 stalls, but weekdays are less crowded if you prefer a more relaxed browse. The free samples alone could constitute lunch.
Portobello Road Market on Saturdays is the world’s largest antique market. We’re talking 2,000+ stalls of vintage fashion, bric-a-brac, and genuine treasures. Get there early for the best finds.
Columbia Road Flower Market (Sundays only, 8am-3pm) is Instagram heaven. The Victorian street comes alive with colorful blooms, and the independent shops are perfect for unique gifts.
Things to do in London today (weekday activities)
Even on random weekdays, London offers incredible experiences. Cocktails in the City Festival at Bedford Square Gardens (July 10-12) showcases 20+ of London’s best bars and mixologists. It’s the festival’s 10th anniversary, so expect something special.
The BBC Proms classical music festival runs throughout July and August, with world-class performances at the Royal Albert Hall. Standing tickets start at just £6, making it accessible to everyone.
Wimbledon Championships continue until July 13, and even if you don’t have tickets, the atmosphere around SW19 is electric. Many pubs and outdoor spaces show the matches on big screens.
Central London attractions that define the city
Historic landmarks with staying power
Tower of London remains unmissable, though it’ll cost you £34.80 for adults. The Crown Jewels alone are worth the price, and the Yeoman Warder tours are genuinely entertaining. Pro tip: the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula is closed until October 2025 for conservation, but the commemorative ceramic poppies display (May-November) marking the 80th anniversary of WWII’s end is extraordinary.
Westminster Abbey (£30 for adults) is where British history comes alive. The Coronation Chair, Poets’ Corner, and royal tombs create an atmosphere that’s both spiritual and historical. Book well in advance – several months ahead during peak season.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are still under restoration, but you can get brilliant photos from Westminster Bridge. The Elizabeth Tower restoration is ongoing, so tours are limited.
Modern additions to the classic lineup
The London Eye at £32+ might seem touristy, but the 30-minute rotation in climate-controlled pods offers unparalleled views. On clear days, you can see Windsor Castle. Book online for 15% savings.
The London Eye
The Shard at 310 meters is Europe’s tallest building, and the observation decks on floors 68-72 provide 360-degree views extending up to 40 miles on clear days.
New attractions and major changes in 2025
London’s museum scene got a major upgrade this year. The V&A East Storehouse at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park revolutionizes how we experience museum collections. Objects appear to “float” in space, creating an immersive experience that’s unlike anything else in the world.
The National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing reopened in May 2025 after an £85 million renovation. Despite some design controversy, the enhanced entrance and improved accessibility make it more visitor-friendly than ever.
Moco Museum London at Marble Arch officially opened in 2025, bringing works by Banksy, Warhol, Kusama, and Basquiat to a historic London townhouse. The Marina Abramović temporary exhibition is particularly powerful.
Frameless London offers the UK’s largest immersive art experience. Van Gogh, Monet, and Dalí masterpieces come alive in 360-degree digital displays across four themed galleries.
Expert recommendations and insider tips
Travel expert Tharik Hussain from Lonely Planet puts it perfectly: “London is where I grew up, where I became a travel writer, and where I completed my first Lonely Planet assignment. I love London and know it better than most.” His advice? Experience London through different compass points to appreciate its global diversity.
South London offers Borough Market’s culinary authenticity and Brixton’s vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture. East London delivers Brick Lane’s markets and Columbia Road’s Sunday flower market. West London houses Kensington’s world-class museums and Notting Hill’s colorful houses. North London provides Hampstead Heath’s natural beauty and Camden’s alternative culture.
Transportation that actually works
London’s transport system is genuinely excellent. The contactless payment system means you can tap any debit or credit card (including international ones) and automatically get the best daily rates. Zone 1-2 daily cap is £8.50, which covers most tourist attractions.
Avoid rush hours (7:00-9:30 AM and 4:00-6:30 PM) if possible. The Northern Line is particularly brutal during these times. Stand right, walk left on escalators – this isn’t negotiable.
All Elizabeth Line stations are fully accessible, and there are 90+ step-free Tube stations. All buses are wheelchair accessible, and black cabs are legally required to accommodate wheelchairs.
Booking strategy that saves time and money
Book 3-4 weeks ahead for major attractions like the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for restaurant reservations and specific museum exhibitions. Many free museums don’t require booking, but timed entry tickets can save you queuing time.
The London Pass offers genuine savings if you’re planning to visit multiple paid attractions. A 5-attraction pass starts at £59, saving up to 72% compared to individual tickets.
Current exhibitions and cultural highlights
Tate Modern’s Leigh Bowery exhibition is the first major focus on this boundary-pushing artist and performer. The “Light and Magic” international photography exhibition features 50+ artists from around the world.
National Gallery’s “A View of Mexico” is the first UK exhibition of José María Velasco, running until August 17. The upcoming Millet exhibition (August 7 – October 19) focuses on rural life subjects.
National Gallery
Design Museum’s “Splash: A Century of Swimming & Style” (until August 17) is perfectly timed for summer, while “More than Human” (July 11 – October 5) explores how design can help our planet.
Seasonal activities and summer highlights
London’s summer streets initiative has created car-free zones in Brixton, Leyton, Shoreditch, and the West End. St Martin’s Lane is car-free 11am-11pm daily, with 34 businesses offering alfresco dining.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre runs until September 20, while London’s numerous outdoor cinemas take advantage of the long summer evenings. Rooftop bars across the city offer everything from casual drinks to fine dining with views.
Food and drink experiences worth the calories
London’s food scene has exploded. Little Fires in Shoreditch has relaunched with a Mexican bar concept, while Ace Pizza opened its first permanent location near Victoria Park. The Duck and Rice now has a second location at Battersea Power Station.
Borough Market remains the gold standard for food experiences. Maltby Street Market (weekends only) offers artisan food under railway arches with a more local feel.
Practical information that matters
What things actually cost
- Major attractions: £15-35 (Tower of London, London Eye, Westminster Abbey)
- Free attractions: Most major museums, parks, markets
- Theatre shows: £25-150+ depending on seats and show
- Meals: £15-25 for good casual dining, £50+ for fine dining
- Transport: £8.50 daily cap for central London
Crowd management strategies
Visit major attractions at opening time (usually 10am) for the smallest crowds. Thursday arrivals often have better flight prices. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, except in business areas like the City.
School holidays mean larger crowds at family attractions. Winter months offer smaller crowds but shorter opening hours.
Weather reality check
London weather changes quickly. Layer up – you’ll need a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Carry an umbrella always. The city averages 22°C (72°F) in summer with occasional brief showers.
Safety and etiquette
London is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets in crowded areas like Oxford Street and major tourist sites. Respect queuing culture – jumping lines is seriously frowned upon. Tipping is 10-15% at restaurants if service charge isn’t included.
Statistics that tell the story
London hosted 20.3 million international visitors in 2023, spending £16.7 billion. The first half of 2024 saw 10.4 million visitors spending £7.4 billion – a 5% increase over 2019 levels. The US remains the largest visitor source with 3.5 million visitors in 2023.
Average spend per visit: £877 (up 22% from 2019) Average stay: 4.6 days Primary purpose: 49.9% holiday, 28.2% visiting friends/family Economic impact: £27.3 billion to London’s economy
Hidden gems that locals actually visit
Beyond the obvious attractions, London’s real magic lies in places most tourists never find. We’ve uncovered some absolute treasures that’ll make you feel like you’ve stumbled onto secret London.
Underground spaces and unusual venues
Leake Street Tunnel (also called the “Banksy Tunnel”) under Waterloo Station is London’s only legal graffiti space. The artwork changes constantly, and it’s completely free to wander through. The tunnel connects to the South Bank, making it perfect for an alternative art walk.
Leadenhall Market is a Victorian-era covered market that doubled as Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films. The ornate roof and cobbled floors create an atmosphere that’s pure magic, plus there are some fantastic pubs and restaurants tucked away here.
God’s Own Junkyard in Walthamstow is a neon wonderland featuring vintage signs from Soho’s heyday. It’s like stepping into a cyberpunk movie, and the on-site café serves excellent coffee surrounded by glowing artwork.
The Old Bailey offers free public access to ongoing court cases. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the British legal system, though you’ll need to arrive early as spaces are limited and security is thorough.
Secret gardens and quiet spaces
Kyoto Garden in Holland Park is a perfectly manicured Japanese garden complete with peacocks wandering around. It’s free, surprisingly quiet even during busy periods, and absolutely gorgeous for photography.
St Dunstan-in-the-East is a bombed church turned garden in the heart of the City. The medieval walls covered in ivy create an otherworldly atmosphere that feels like discovering ancient ruins in the middle of urban chaos.
Phoenix Garden near Covent Garden is a community garden hidden behind busy streets. Most tourists walk right past it, but it’s a perfect spot for a quiet break from shopping crowds.
Neighborhood deep dives: Where to spend your time
East London: Creative energy and authentic culture
Shoreditch remains the creative heart of London, though it’s definitely more polished than it used to be. Brick Lane on Sunday mornings offers the best vintage shopping experience – we’re talking thousands of stalls with everything from 1970s band t-shirts to vintage Burberry.
Columbia Road Flower Market (Sundays 8am-3pm) isn’t just about flowers. The Victorian street hosts independent shops, galleries, and cafés that stay open all week. Blondie does the best brownies in London, and Angela Flanders perfumery has been crafting scents since 1985.
Spitalfields Market operates daily but really comes alive on weekends. The mix of established brands and up-and-coming designers makes it perfect for discovering something unique. The vintage section on Thursdays is particularly good.
South London: Where real Londoners live
Borough Market gets all the attention, but Maltby Street Market (weekends only) offers better value and more innovative food. Monmouth Coffee here roasts beans that rival any fancy café, and Champor-Champor Thai serves some of London’s most authentic Thai cuisine.
Greenwich combines maritime history with stunning views. The Cutty Sark ship museum tells the story of the tea trade, while the Royal Observatory houses the Prime Meridian line. The Saturday market in Greenwich offers antiques and crafts with much smaller crowds than central London markets.
Brixton pulses with Afro-Caribbean culture. Brixton Village and Market Row house over 100 independent businesses serving everything from Jamaican patties to Ethiopian coffee ceremonies. The Friday night street food scene is legendary among locals.
West London: Royal connections and refined experiences
Notting Hill beyond the famous colorful houses offers some of London’s best independent shopping. Portobello Road on weekdays becomes a completely different experience – quieter, more local, with antique shops that actually negotiate prices.
Kensington houses three world-class museums within walking distance. The Science Museum’s new interactive galleries make complex concepts accessible to everyone, while the Natural History Museum’s recent dinosaur gallery expansion features animatronics that’ll fool anyone.
Holland Park offers formal gardens, peacocks, and the stunning Kyoto Garden. The surrounding area features some of London’s most beautiful residential architecture, perfect for an afternoon stroll.
North London: Villages within the city
Camden Market has four separate markets, each with its own personality. Camden Lock Market focuses on vintage and alternative fashion, while Stables Market houses larger stores and international food courts. Weekend crowds are intense, but weekday browsing is much more pleasant.
Hampstead Heath provides 790 acres of ancient parkland with three swimming ponds (including one that’s been men-only since the 1860s). Parliament Hill offers some of London’s best skyline views without the crowds you’ll find at Primrose Hill.
Islington combines canal-side walks with fantastic dining. Angel and Highbury neighborhoods offer Victorian architecture and independent shops that feel genuinely local rather than tourist-focused.
Entertainment and nightlife that goes beyond pubs
Theatre scene that’s worth the splurge
London’s West End houses 40+ professional theatres, many in buildings that are attractions themselves. The Lion King continues to pack houses after 25 years, while Hamilton remains nearly impossible to get tickets for. But here’s the insider secret: day tickets and returns often become available 2-3 hours before performances.
Off-West End theatres like Donmar Warehouse, Almeida, and Young Vic often feature major stars in intimate settings. These productions frequently transfer to Broadway, so you’re seeing tomorrow’s hits today.
Fringe theatre in London rivals Edinburgh’s famous festival. Camden People’s Theatre, The Vaults, and Theatre503 showcase experimental work that’ll either blow your mind or confuse the hell out of you – sometimes both.
Music venues across every genre
Abbey Road Studios offers guided tours that take you inside the world’s most famous recording studio. The Beatles crossing remains a photo destination, but the studio tour reveals where countless classics were created.
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in Soho has hosted every major jazz artist since 1959. The intimate setting means you’re practically sitting on stage with the performers, and the late-night sessions often feature surprise guests.
O2 Academy Brixton combines historic venue architecture with world-class acoustics. The sloping floor means excellent views from anywhere, and the Art Deco interior is stunning.
Fabric nightclub pioneered the underground electronic music scene and continues to break new artists. The sound system is legendary, and the crowd knows their music.
Comedy that’ll leave you in stitches
Comedy Store in Leicester Square launched countless careers and continues to showcase the best up-and-coming comedians alongside established stars. Monday’s Comedy Store Players improv show has been running since 1985.
Soho Theatre combines established acts with experimental comedy in an intimate setting. The upstairs bar often features informal late-night sets from major comedians trying out new material.
Food scene deep dive: Beyond the touristy spots
Markets that feed the soul
Borough Market deserves its reputation, but knowing when and how to visit makes all the difference. Thursday mornings offer the best selection with smallest crowds. Bread Ahead does London’s best doughnuts, while Fishmonger serves oysters that rival any fancy restaurant.
Broadway Market (Saturdays only) in Hackney features artisan producers and street food that reflects London’s incredible diversity. L’eau à la Bouche serves French pastries that transport you straight to Paris.
Bermondsey Antiques Market combines vintage treasures with some of London’s most innovative street food. Zucco Restaurant started as a market stall and now serves some of the city’s best Italian food.
Restaurant recommendations by area
Central London dining can be tourist-trap hell, but Dishoom recreates Bombay café culture so authentically that Mumbai residents rave about it. Hoppers brings Sri Lankan street food to Soho with queues that prove the quality.
East London leads food innovation. Brat serves Basque-inspired grilled food over wood fires, while Typing Room combines British ingredients with modern techniques in ways that’ll surprise you.
South London offers incredible value. Champor-Champor serves Thai food that locals claim beats anything in Bangkok, while José recreates authentic Spanish tapas bar atmosphere so perfectly you’ll swear you’re in Seville.
Food halls and covered markets
Leadenhall Market combines Victorian architecture with modern dining. Beef & Brew serves some of London’s best burgers in a space that feels like dining inside a cathedral.
Seven Dials Market in Covent Garden houses 24 independent food vendors under one roof. Club Mexicana serves plant-based Mexican food that’ll convert any meat lover.
Practical strategies for different budgets
Luxury London (£200+ per day)
Savoy Hotel afternoon tea remains the gold standard at £75 per person, but the experience includes history, luxury, and enough food for dinner. The Langham offers a chocolate-themed afternoon tea that’s Instagram heaven.
Michelin-starred dining like Sketch combines exceptional food with art installation atmosphere. Gordon Ramsay restaurants offer celebrity chef experiences, though booking requires advance planning.
Private tours of major attractions skip all queues and provide access to areas closed to general public. Westminster Abbey private tours include areas like the triforium that regular visitors never see.
Mid-range London (£75-150 per day)
Premier Inn and Travelodge offer excellent value with central locations. Many include breakfast, saving £15-20 daily on meal costs.
Pre-theatre menus at quality restaurants offer 3-course meals for £25-35. Many West End shows offer dinner-and-show packages that provide better value than booking separately.
London Pass becomes cost-effective if you’re visiting 3+ paid attractions. The 3-day pass at £89 includes Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Thames River cruise.
Budget London (under £50 per day)
Hostels like Generator and YHA London offer private rooms from £60+ per night with communal kitchens for self-catering.
Wetherspoons pubs serve filling meals for £8-12 and operate in historic buildings that are worth visiting regardless. Museum tavern opposite the British Museum occupies a gorgeous Victorian building.
Tesco Meal Deals provide lunch for £3-4, and Greggs offers hot food that’s surprisingly good for the price. Borough Market free samples can constitute an entire meal if you’re strategic.
Transportation mastery: Getting around like a local
Understanding the zones
Zone 1 covers central London including all major tourist attractions. Zone 2 includes Greenwich, Camden, and most attractions beyond the city center. Most visitors never need to go beyond Zone 2.
Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) revolutionized east-west travel with air-conditioned trains and platform doors. Bond Street to Canary Wharf takes just 15 minutes versus 45+ minutes on older lines.
Thames Clippers riverboat services offer scenic transportation with Oyster Card validity. Westminster to Greenwich takes 70 minutes but provides unique London perspectives impossible from underground.
Avoiding transport chaos
Rush hour (7:00-9:30 AM, 4:00-6:30 PM) turns the Underground into human sardine cans. Central Line and Northern Line are particularly brutal during these periods.
Weekend engineering works regularly close sections of the network. TfL website and Citymapper app provide real-time updates and alternative routing suggestions.
Night Tube (Friday and Saturday nights) operates on five lines but runs every 10-20 minutes rather than the usual 2-3 minutes during peak hours.
Alternative transport options
Boris Bikes (Santander Cycles) offer 30-minute trips for £1.65, perfect for short journeys in good weather. Docking stations appear every few blocks in central London.
Black cabs remain the most comfortable option for groups of 3+ people, especially with luggage. The drivers’ Knowledge training means they know every street in central London.
Uber and Bolt operate throughout London with generally reliable service, though surge pricing during events can be extreme.
Shopping experiences beyond Oxford Street
Vintage and unique finds
Portobello Road Market (Saturdays) remains the world’s largest antiques market with over 2,000 stalls. Clothing section operates Friday-Sunday and features pieces from every decade of the 20th century.
Brick Lane vintage shops operate year-round with constantly changing inventory. Beyond Retro and Rokit offer curated selections at various price points.
Camden Passage in Islington features permanent antique shops rather than market stalls, allowing for more serious browsing and authentic discoveries.
Department stores as destinations
Harrods remains tourist central, but the Food Hall showcases incredible artisan products, and the Egyptian escalator is genuinely impressive architecture.
Selfridges on Oxford Street features constantly rotating installations and popup shops from emerging designers. The rooftop restaurant offers decent views and surprisingly good food.
Liberty combines Art Nouveau architecture with carefully curated fashion and home goods. The fabric department has supplied designers since 1875.
London’s future
2025 projections suggest 43.4 million UK visits generating £33.7 billion in spending. The sustainable tourism trend is driving growth in plant-based dining and eco-friendly experiences.
Food tourism has increased 22% over two years, while cultural tourism continues to thrive with events like Notting Hill Carnival and the London Film Festival attracting 10 million visitors annually.
The Elizabeth Line completion has reduced travel times across London by an average of 30%, making previously hard-to-reach areas like Woolwich and Abbey Wood accessible to tourists for the first time.
Climate initiatives are reshaping tourism patterns. The Ultra Low Emission Zone expansion has improved air quality in central London, while car-free streets initiatives make walking more pleasant.
London successfully balances preservation with innovation. The city’s exceptional public transport, world-class free museums, and diverse cultural landscape ensure its continued position as a premier global destination.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, London offers experiences that’ll stick with you long after you leave. The city’s ability to surprise even longtime residents means there’s always something new to discover – and half the fun is in the finding.
Final insider tip: Don’t try to see everything. Pick a few areas, dig deep, and save something for next time. London will still be here, probably with even more incredible things to experience. Trust us – we’ve been exploring this city for years and still find new favorites every month.