Top 6 things to do in London for Free

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Usually would expect to see a Top 10 things to do in London for Free but we do things a little faster here. To be honest Top 10 lists are usually too much for one weekend anyway. So here we are - our Top 6 Things to do in London - mainly Central London.

Top 6 London for Free Tip #1: British Museum

The British Museum is huge. In fact it can almost be too big for a short visit. Despite this you have to go. Last time I went I enjoyed looking over the Rosetta Stone. There are rooms for everyone so don't be silly and take a bottle of water. The building alone is amazing and you will be impressed as you walk into it's wide open lobby area.
Special displays are usually charged for but the rest of the Museum is fine. There is a Cafe and Souvenir shop in the middle. Normal tourist food and prices.

Top 6 London for Free Tip #2: Victoria & Albert Museum

This building is beautiful and well worth the visit if you fancy Museums at all. The most impressive part of this is the Raphael Cartoons (don't think Cartoons like Simpsons - think Cartoons like 30 foot high paintings). You have to see those if you see nothing else. The V&A is popular as a place to go for Lunch also. You can take a sandwich in to the Courtyard in the middle in Summer and sit on the grass and dabble your feet in the water pool in the center.

Top 6 London for Free Tip #3: National Gallery & Trafalgar Square

The National Gallery isn't just for art fans (although it helps). The building is also huge but in a wonderfulyl decadent way. You can plot the history of the world just from walking between the Centuries (this is how the art is organised into sections). This is also a great place if you are looking for a free Loo (Toilet). It is on the upper side of Trafalgar Square and the front stairs also offer a great view over Trafalgar Square if you fancy getting some photos. The cafe in the Courtyard is normal high priced tourist food but it's OK.

Trafalgar Square is really just a photo spot. There might be a concert or rally on which can ruin your photos unless it appeals to you. Otherwise it is a cool place to chill out and feel the history around you. The mandatory photo by the Lions occurs here.

Top 6 London for Free Tip #4: Southbank & St Pauls

South Bank is a surprising place and you will be surprised as to how many landmarks are there. The history around the South Bank is rich and was once known for it's whorehouses and industry more than it's Tourists. The thing to do on the South Bank is just walk it. You will also be able to cross the Millennium Bridge and visit St Pauls which is a must do. Even if all you do is walk in the back and have a look down the Pews. A magnificent building and Church.

The Southbank offers a skate and bmx area which fun to watch and photograph. It may look a little disconcerting at first but these kids can play nice. You can also see the London Eye, The Tate Modern (which is Free!) and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (The Globe Theatre) which you can't get into but ogle from the outside. It was made in the original manner with no nails etc.

Top 6 London for Free Tip #5: Westminster Abbey & Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

You can't actually get into either of these for free. But standing outside the Houses of Parliament and admiring the amazing architecture is worth it. In addition to this you can get up real close to Big Ben and get your photo to send home to impress your friends.

Westminster Abbey has a cover charge but they don't charge people going to worship so if you go in with that in mind you can get in. It is the largest and finest in London in line with St Pauls.

Top 6 London for Free Tip #6: Piccadilly Circus -> Leicester Square -> Covent Garden

These three can be done in a morning or afternoon and are a great experience alround. You will see some great architecture and will pass about 80% of the major Theaters hosting all the West Ends best stage shows and musicals.

Piccadilly Circus holds all the big digital billboards and you can get some cheap sports shoes or accessories @ Lilywhites (if you can get through the crowds)
Leicester Square is a good place for coffee and watching a Premier movie launch - stars spotting.
Covent Garden is a must so don't run out of energy before you get there! A great mix of stalls and artwork combined with good pubs and shops.

Additional things to carry in London:

These things are free but a bottle of water, money for a coffee and good shoes are essential. All these tips require a certain amount of walking and standing so be comfortable. Your camera will need to be charged and if your feeling uncertain get a London map from your Hostel or Hotel.

Travel Guide Photos: 
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Comments for this Travel Tip

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Anonymous

South Bank in London on a sunny day is one of my favourites for sure. The Youngs Pub is worth a stop for a Pint or there is a cool Pub further down just round the bend from Vinopolis

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