The best free things to do in London

Back in 2001, the government made scores of museums across the UK totally free to enter. A couple of decades later, that decision has paid off with booming visitor numbers and diverse crowds flocking through the doors of London’s eclectic, world-class array of institutions. Whether you want to window shop through centuries of stunning fashion at V&A, find out how the world actually works at the Science Museum, admire slick architecture at the Design Museum, gaze in awe (or mild trepidation) at the Natural History Museum’s T-Rex or go searching for the Rosetta Stone among the countless treasures at the British Museum, you can do it without paying a penny. Here's our list of London’s best museums to check out.

Time Out tip: Don't forget to visit the museum gift shop on the way out. They're a great place to buy presents!

Animal-lovers, rejoice! You don't have to splash out a fortune in vet bills, zoo tickets or cat cafe coffees to get some quality time with four legged creatures. London's full of city farms, most of which you can enter for free or for a small donation. They were established in the radical 1970s and 1980s as a way for nature-starved townies to rediscover the wonders of the animal kingdom on small, community-run farms. Massive pigs, curious goats, fancy ducks, and fluffy rabbits... meet them all at these much-loved local spots. Here's where to start.  

Time Out tip: The best time to visit a farm is spring to see the baby animals. At Vauxhall City Farm you can buy animal feed, while bottle feeding is an option at Stepney City Farm and Royal Docks Farm. 

You don't need to have art collector levels of spare cash to enjoy London's many galleries. Although the blockbuster special exhibitions at galleries like Tate Modern, National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery can be pricy, their free permanent collections are a brilliant starting point for cash-strapped art fans. Once you've got to grips with the basics, your next port of call should definitely be London's smaller galleries, where you can get to know the hottest art world names without paying a penny. Here's our list of the best free exhibitions to check out right now.

Time Out tip: Why not visit a few museums in a day? Try out the Tate to Tate boat which zooms you across the river to visit both art galleries. 

London's finest crop of dead celebs is to be found at Highgate Cemetery, but you've got to pay to get in. So set aside that cash for your funeral (gotta pay at least two sexy ladies to weep on your grave) and head to Brompton Cemetery for a free afternoon of ghoulish delights. This historic Grade I-listed cemetery is the final resting place of more than 200,000 people, including staunch suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst and public health pioneer Dr John Snow. Getting creeped out? There are also palette-cleansingly lovely gardens to picnic in once you've finished exploring.

Time Out tip: There are plenty of wildflower medows; look out for Yew Trees in particular.

London is one of the world's greenest cities, with more than 3,000 parks to explore – ranging from tiny pocket parks to massive, beautifully landscaped wonderlands you could easily spend all day exploring. Cool your feet in the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain at Hyde Park, marvel at views over the city from the hilly heights of Greenwich Park, or head for small but wildly atmospheric spots like St Dunstan-in-the-East. Here are the city's biggest hitters.

This city's biggest sculpture trail is a must for both art fans and nature fans, leading walkers along waterways including the Royal Docks and the River Lea, as well as soaring over the Thames on the Emirates Air Line. Just download the map and you'll discover an ever-changing line-up of works by big names including Tracy Emin and Anthony Gormley: plus pretty parks, Egyptian geese, and plenty of spots to rest your feet with a craft beer or flat white. 

Time Out tip: The art gets an update regularly, so you can walk The Line every year or so and expect to see new things.

Fed up of endless superhero flicks at your local cinema? Take an enjoyable (and totally free) dive into cinematic history at BFI's mediatheque. You can pick from hundreds of historic flicks to watch in your own comfy private booth, amongst researchers and hardened film buffs. Just leave the popcorn at home, you oaf.

Time Out tip: On a summer's day the BFI bar on the Southbank is a great place to drink and enjoy the London views.

Zip up 35 floors of the Walkie Talkie's shapely layers and you'll be transported to a public garden with some truly spectacular views. Sky Garden boasts three storeys of landscaped gardens lush with South African and Mediterranean plants, observation decks, an open-air terrace, two restaurants, a bar and an uninterrupted panorama of the city's skyline. Entry is free, but visitors must book their 90-minute timeslot in advance on the website.

Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House is one of the city’s most iconic performance venues, pulling in crowds of more than 600,000 each year. But while tickets for its world-leading programme of opera and ballet productions tend to cost a pretty penny – top-price tickets for its biggest shows can set you back upwards of £250 – that’s not the case for its Live at Lunch performances. Taking place on select Friday lunchtimes throughout the year in the Opera House’s magnificent glass conservatory, the free 45-minute performances feature a surprise line-up of Royal Ballet, Royal Opera and guest artists. There’s no need to book; simply turn up nice and promptly on the scheduled date and pick up an entry token on arrival. Find out about upcoming dates here.

Time Out tip: If you're between the age of 16-25, you can also sign up to the ROH's Young RBO Scheme. You'll get £30 tickets to shows on the main stage and even get access to the Royal Ballet and Opera Stream where you can watch over 100 productions for free. 

Visiting a National Trust-owned stately home involves having pockets almost as deep as the long-dead aristos who built them. But if you want to get your fill of historical grandeur for free, make for Fulham Palace: a fascinating spot where Catharine of Aragon was sequestered in Tudor times, and bloody deeds were done on the times of Mary 1. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, and stroll down the nearby Thames-side walks like the king, queen, or jester you are. 

Time Out tip: You can also get married at Fulham Palace. So, if you want to get a feel for the place a day trip there is a brilliant idea. 

Transport yourself back to old Londonium with a trip to these intriguing ruins, hidden underneath a massive shiny tower block. 1,800 years ago, this space was the home of the men-only cult of Mithras, a place to drink, misbehave and worship the ‘god of Mithra’, a deity known for slaying a primordial bull. Nowadays, nosy punters of all genders can enjoy audio and light installations designed to bring these ancient stones to wicked life.

Time Out tip: Take your time in the atmospheric underground temple, and listen out for the immersive soundscapes that evoke Roman London—this is as close as you’ll get to stepping back into Londinium

There's something very fulfilling about going to a market. You can browse (and if you're lucky even try) local produce at food markets. And the people behind the stalls are always pretty passionate about the things they're selling. Best of all you're supporting local buisnesses so you can give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. There are markets for just about everything: Borough Market's The Black Pig is one of the best sandwiches in all over london, Camden Market has all the snacks the teens are obsessing over this week. Paddington Bear nostalgia is in abundance at the storied Portobello Read. And, if you want to feel bad about your fashion choices, Broadway Market is one of the cities treniest locations. Whereveryou go, you'll be certain not to leave empty handed.

Time Out tip: Visiting a market is a great thing to do at the weekend. So get up early and make a day of it.

You won't find grand palazzos or twinkly-eyed gondoliers at London's optimistically-named Little Venice, but the reality is even more charming. This peaceful, canal-crossed corner of London is full of traditional narrowboats moored on tree-lined waterways: walk towards Camden Lock to get a fascinating glimpse into this city's boating life. 

Time Out tip: The Puppet Theatre barge, moored into the canal, is a great way to spend an afternoon with the kids.

Wander for long enough among the Barbican's concrete angles and you’ll stumble into a gasp-inducing tropical paradise. The Barbican Conservatory opened in 1984 and houses 2,000 plant species, including towering palms and ferns. There are even koi carp and terrapins.

Time Out tip: The Barbican Conservatory is free to enter, but slots get booked up fast. Remember to book in advance if you want to be sure to get in at your chosen time and date.

London is packed with comedy talent, so don't rely on your friends to entertain you: show up to Angel Comedy's stellar line-up of free nights to laugh yourself silly at emerging stars or seasoned show-offs. Refreshingly, there's no need to a book a slot in advance, but make sure you arrive in good time to secure yourself a decent spot. 

Time Out tip: Get down early to grab a drink at the bar. We all know comedy is just that little bit better when you've got a cold beer in your hands.

Make for the hallowed halls of Westminster and you can treat your eyes and ears to the inspiring sight of democracy in action (or snooze like a backbencher after a three hour liquid lunch). This majestic building has public galleries that are free to visit: the business within won't always be riveting, but book a slot in advance for Prime Minister's Questions at noon on Wednesdays to watch the top dog squirm. 

Time Out tip: The galleries are open to the public from Monday to Thursday (and some Fridays). But times differ throughout the week and for each House.

One of Southbank Centre's best kept secrets is its fab line-up of free performances. These are usually designed to tie in with the venue’s themed seasonal festivals, and have a loose, drop in feel. Turn up and you could catch anything from live music to hit fringe theatre to interactive dance workshops: check out the venue's teeming schedule to fix up your next free dose of culture. 

Time Out tip: The next door Hayward Gallery is also free and a great way to spend an afternoon. Do both in one day!