Free things to do in London

Turbine Hall installations and free Bankside views from the viewing terrace.

Free museum exploring medicine, life and humanity with genuinely provocative and moving exhibitions.

Weekend foodie arches market beneath railway viaducts — smaller and more local than Borough Market.

Tropical greenhouse hidden in the Brutalist Barbican complex — a surreal free oasis open Sundays.

Two-hour guided walk through history, food or street art — great solo intro to a city.

Centuries-old food market — salt-beef bagels, oysters and raclette.

Community-focused indoor market with dozens of artisan food traders — a local favourite hub.

320 hectares of meadow, ponds for swimming and Parliament Hill skyline.

Waterway towpath through East London's canal network — peaceful, flat and ideal for weekend cycling.

The most atmospheric winter skating rink in London, set in a grand neoclassical courtyard.

Hop on the water for an hour — beginner-friendly, great with a friend or date.

Lace up at a city rink — date-night classic and the easiest winter family outing.

Day-pass bouldering with shoe rental — great solo workout or first-date conversation starter.

Free indoor garden 155 m above the Walkie-Talkie — book ahead.

Rooftop bar atop a multi-storey car park with skyline views — a summer institution for East Londoners.

Flights, board games and food trucks parked out front — laid-back friends hang.

Social darts with app scoring and cocktails — an instant group hit regardless of actual skill level.

Ping pong bar with DJs, cocktails and leagues — a loud, sweaty and brilliant group night out.

Underground Roman-style thermal baths in a vaulted Victorian space — a dreamy solo or date visit.

Low-stakes 18 holes — perfect date, family outing or chill friend hang on a warm evening.

Pack snacks, park up and catch a double feature under the stars.

Slide down on an inner tube, ride the lift back — silly fun with kids or friends.

Two frames in, nobody's bored — easy plan with friends, family or a casual date.

Hundreds of games, coffee and snacks — equally great solo, on a date or in a group.

Coached lanes, leagues most nights — go-to group activity when everyone's bored.

Open jump, dodgeball courts and foam pits — chaotic kid energy or unironic adult fun.

Free-roam VR rooms — works for friend groups, parties or rainy-day plans.

Soak, steam and reset — book solo, with a friend, or as a couples thing.