If you’ve chosen London as a travel destination, you’re already off to an incredible start! Not only a global city which is both cosmopolitan and welcoming, but London is also steeped in rich legacy and history. Every corner and street junction has a bit of history that is special to its native people. From the highly revered Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace to the iridescent sunsets at South Bank, here are 5 free things you can do in the city!
Visit Primrose Hill:
Make your way to the Primrose Hill on a sunny evening and you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the City of London! From the omnipresent BT Tower and The Shard, to the London Eye and St. Paul’s Cathedral – you can scan the entire city from here! What’s more, pack a picnic and laze amidst the greens for a perfect summer day. On the map, find your way to the northern side of Regent’s Park to access the hill and the gorgeous views.
Tate Modern:
The UK reverses it visit policies as compared to the rest of Europe, one where all the museums have free entry and the churches/cathedrals are charged. While this may mean amazing destinations like St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey may require payment, it also means world-renowned museums such as The British Museum, V & A Museum, The National History Museum and Tate Modern all are free to visit! Make your way to Bankside along the Thames in Central London to visit arguably one of the world’s best modern art museums – Tate Modern. Made in the former Bankside Power Station, visit Tate’s vast collection of contemporary art. Don’t forget to visit the coffee shop on the top floor that has sweeping views of the South and North banks!
South Bank:
Get off Waterloo Station or cross over Westminster Bridge and you will find yourself in a stretch of the riverside dotted with eateries, museums, cultural centers and performance powerhouses. Against the bank, the Houses of Parliament looms with the Big Ben watching over the entire area. Walk along the London Aquarium to the massive London Eye and onward to South Bank center which is open to everyone for performances or a bite to eat. Continue walking along the river amongst street performers and graffiti all the way to the Globe, a restoration of William Shakespeare’s famous theatre! End it with Bankside, where you can visit Tate Modern, or cross over to visit the Cathedral.
Changing of the Guards:
Perhaps the most typical representative of the UK would be the Changing of the Gaurd ceremony at Buckingham Palace. While fairly short, combine this experience with exploring more of The Mall, visiting the palace and roaming around the streets of London Victoria and make a day of it. There are many relics from the days of the World Wars, memorials for fallen soldiers and lakeside walks! Fun fact – The Queen owns all the swans in London!
Greenwich Park:
A relatively unknown fact about London is how it has the GMT, the 0-hour mark that sets the time for the entire world! Make your way to this part of London to explore the beautiful Greenwich University, St. Catherine’s Docks and climb up the hill to the Greenwich Meridien. While entry inside the institution is charged, you can still stand near it and read about its history, methods of measurement and explore the incredible gastronomic offerings that line the way up to the hill.
