The best free experiences to enjoy if you find yourself in London for the Arsenal - Olympiacos match.
The London is one of the most exciting cities in the world and there’s so much you can see and do without spending a single pound. With the Arsenal - Olympiacos match at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday (01/10), you can enjoy unforgettable experiences in the city.
From museums to markets and parks, we’ve found twelve of the best completely free things to do on your trip to the British capital. All you’ll need are tickets for the Tube and buses and a little time to fit in as many as you can.
Arsenal x Northbanksy Tunnel
Right behind Arsenal’s ground, Emirates Stadium, you’ll come across an interesting open-air street art gallery. Just a few steps from the stadium on Hornsey Road, there’s an old tunnel with works by Northbanksy, an anonymous North London street artist who is a big Arsenal fan. The murals of "The Tunnel” are themed around Arsenal F.C. and were created to celebrate its history. Snap your photos there just before the match kicks off.
Borough Market
One of London’s most historic food markets, Borough Market is packed with delicacies from all corners of the world. Street food options abound, whether you go for breakfast or lunch. It’s also a great place for a leisurely wander with free tastings. Weekdays are better, as it draws fewer crowds. Pair it with your walk to Tate Modern, as it’s just 13 minutes away on foot.
Tate Modern
The former power station was transformed in 2000 and has since become one of the city’s most beloved attractions. Tate Modern is set by the Thames and has an impressive art collection. The permanent collection - which includes works by Pollock, Warhol, Matisse and Picasso - is completely free. After you finish exploring the collections, take the lift to the top floor to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of London’s skyline.
British Museum
The British Museum is a must stop for most travelers visiting London - and it’s completely free. Access to the museum’s main halls and permanent collection is free and if you want to secure your entry easily and stress-free, you can book for free to reserve your visit time. Its collections are among the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Notably, the 80,000 objects on display represent only 1% of the items the museum holds.
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
One of the most fascinating sights loved by visitors to London is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. The impressive ceremony takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 11 am outside Buckingham Palace. Make sure you’re there at least 45 minutes early to get a spot with a good view.
Harry Potter filming locations
Harry Potter fans will be thrilled to see the real locations used for the filming of the popular movie series. Head to King’s Cross station and visit Platform 9 ¾, the famous station platform where the journey to Hogwarts begins. There you’ll find the trolley to take a photo while waiting for the Hogwarts Express. Leadenhall Market is the filming spot for the famous Diagon Alley. This stunning 14th-century market hosts boutiques, shops, restaurants and bars and is an excellent place to visit in London.
Explore the impressive parks
London is renowned for its impressive parks, where Londoners spend their free time. The city has at least 3000 parks you can visit with free entry. The splendid Kensington Gardens are home to the Albert Memorial, the Peter Pan Statue, the Serpentine Gallery, the Round Pond and the Diana Memorial Playground. East and north of Kensington Gardens, you’ll find Regents Park, Hyde Park, Green Park and St Jamess Park. Wander their paths and enjoy nature.
Natural History Museum
A visit to London’s Natural History Museum is sure to thrill you. The impressive museum is housed in an architecturally distinctive building and features a huge collection of around 80 million objects with great historical and scientific value. The exhibits come from fields such as botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology and zoology. Visitors gather around the towering, impressive dinosaur skeletons.
Science Museum
If you love science this museum is for you. The Science Museum (Science Museum), in the South Kensington area, also has free admission. Founded in 1857 and today it is one of the city’s most important attractions, with over 3 million visitors a year. In the Energy Hall you’ll see the first steam engines, dating from the early 19th century, while the third-floor exhibits, which include old gliders, hot-air balloons and flight simulators, are popular with young and old.
National Gallery, London
One of Europe’s most impressive galleries, the National Gallery, London houses one of the largest art collections in the world. Tickets for the permanent exhibition are free and you have the chance to admire paintings by great artists - from Uccello and Gentileschi to Turner and Van Gogh.
View from above
London from above is mesmerizing and there are many places where you can admire it without paying an entrance fee. Access to the Sky Garden - the highest public garden in London, on the top floor of the Walkie Talkie, at 20 Fenchurch - is free until 18:00 on weekdays and until 21:00 on weekends. Horizon22 is a platform that allows visitors to admire the city’s view from the top of 22 Bishopsgate, the tallest building in the City of London. Enjoy the 360-degree view and the Thames reflecting the city’s lights.
Street performance at Covent Garden
Covent Garden is worth a visit during your trip to London, for a short or long stroll. On its cobbled square, street artists and performers have been entertaining people since the 1660s. There you can encounter daily everything from acrobats and magicians to stilt-walkers, musicians and comedians. You’ll immediately spot where they are from the crowds gathered all around.
