Top 10 Free Things to Do in London This Year

You can explore London’s world-class museums, historic parks, and stunning viewpoints for absolutely zero pounds. By prioritizing free landmarks like the British Museum and the Sky Garden, and switching to a local eSIM to avoid $10-a-day roaming charges, you can keep your Aussie dollars for the things that really matter. London has a reputation for being one of the most expensive cities on the planet, but for Australians and Kiwis, the secret is knowing where the 'free' stuff is hidden. Whether you are landing at Heathrow from Sydney or touching down at Gatwick from Auckland, you do not need a massive budget to see the best of the Big Smoke. All you need is a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a reliable data connection to navigate the Tube. Before you leave home, see plans for the UK to ensure you are connected the moment you land.

1. The British Museum

This is the big one. Located in Bloomsbury, the British Museum is free to enter and houses over eight million works. You can see the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the Egyptian mummies without spending a penny. It is massive, so do not try to see it all in one day. Use the museum's free Wi-Fi or your own data to download a floor plan so you do not get lost in the Enlightenment Gallery. While entry is free, you should book a timed entry slot online in advance to guarantee your spot, especially during the busy summer months.

2. The Sky Garden

Forget paying £30 to go up the Shard. The Sky Garden, located at the top of the 'Walkie Talkie' building at 20 Fenchurch Street, offers 360-degree views of the London skyline for free. You can see the Thames, the Tower of London, and St. Paul’s Cathedral from the open-air terrace. The catch? Tickets are released three weeks in advance and they go fast. If you miss out, keep an eye on the booking site for cancellations. It is the best place in the city for a sunset photo to send back to the family group chat.

3. The Tate Modern and Bankside

Walking along the South Bank is a quintessential London experience. Start at Westminster Bridge and walk east towards the Tate Modern. This former power station turned art gallery is free to enter (excluding special exhibitions). Even if you are not a fan of contemporary art, the building itself—especially the massive Turbine Hall—is worth the visit. Outside, the South Bank is alive with street performers, food markets, and the famous second-hand book market under Waterloo Bridge.

4. Changing of the Guard

It is a classic for a reason. Watching the King’s Guard change over at Buckingham Palace is a display of British pageantry that costs nothing. It usually happens at 10:45 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, but check the schedule online first. It gets incredibly crowded, so arrive at least 45 minutes early to get a spot near the railings. Once the ceremony is done, you can walk through St. James’s Park, which is easily the prettiest of the Royal Parks.

5. The Natural History Museum

Located in South Kensington, this museum is a masterpiece of Victorian architecture. As soon as you walk into Hintze Hall, you are greeted by 'Hope,' a massive blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling. From dinosaur fossils to earthquake simulators, it is a brilliant spot for families. Right next door, you will also find the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and the Science Museum, both of which are also free. You could spend an entire week in this one neighborhood alone.

6. Greenwich Park and the Prime Meridian

Take the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) out to Greenwich. The park offers one of the best views in London, looking back over the Queen’s House and the Naval College toward the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. While there is a fee to stand exactly on the Prime Meridian line inside the Royal Observatory, you can see the line for free through the gate or simply enjoy the view from the top of the hill. It is a great spot for a picnic if the London weather is playing nice.

7. Borough Market

While you will definitely want to spend money on the food here, entry to London’s most famous food market is free. Located near London Bridge, Borough Market is a sensory overload of fresh produce, international street food, and artisanal cheeses. It is a great place to soak up the atmosphere and grab a few free samples. If you are on a budget, browse the stalls and then head to a nearby supermarket for a cheaper lunch to eat by the river.

8. Street Art in Shoreditch

East London is a living gallery. Take a self-guided walking tour through Shoreditch and Brick Lane to see some of the world’s best street art, including pieces by Banksy and ROA. The area is constantly changing, so there is always something new to see. Shoreditch is also the heart of London’s tech scene, so your 5G connection will be lightning-fast here as you upload your photos. If you are wondering if your phone can handle a digital SIM for these uploads, check our compatible device list.

9. Hampstead Heath

For a break from the urban chaos, head north to Hampstead Heath. This massive park feels like the English countryside but is only a few miles from the city center. Hike up to the top of Parliament Hill for a protected view of the London skyline. If you are feeling brave, you can pay a small fee to swim in the famous bathing ponds, but walking the trails and exploring the woodlands is completely free.

10. The Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross

For the Harry Potter fans, a visit to King’s Cross Station is a must. You can find the famous Platform 9 3/4 sign and a luggage trolley disappearing into the wall. There is usually a queue for a professional photo, but you are more than welcome to snap your own for free. It is a quick and easy way to tick off a bucket list item before catching a train to the north of England or the Eurostar to Paris.

Staying Connected Without the Roaming Sting

London is a city that relies on apps. Whether you are using Citymapper to navigate the complex Tube network, booking your free tickets for the Sky Garden, or checking the menu at a pub in Soho, you need data. Many Australians fall into the trap of using the Telstra International Day Pass or Optus roaming daily charges. At $5 to $10 per day, a two-week trip can easily add $140 to your holiday costs—money that could be spent on a West End show or a fancy dinner.

AussieRoam offers a better way. Our eSIMs connect you directly to local UK networks like EE and 3 (Three). EE is widely regarded as the best network for 5G coverage in London, ensuring you have a signal even in crowded areas like Oxford Circus. Three provides excellent 4G coverage across the country, making it a reliable backup. Our plans are data-only, meaning they do not come with a local phone number, but they work perfectly with WhatsApp, Messenger, and FaceTime for calling home.

Why a Local eSIM Beats Roaming

Feature	AussieRoam eSIM	Australian Carrier Roaming
Cost	Local rates, no daily fees	$5 - $10 per day
Data Allowance	Up to 50GB	Often limited to 1GB/day
Network Speed	Full 5G/4G access	Often throttled or deprioritized
Convenience	Digital delivery	Auto-activated (hard to track)

If you are heading further afield, make sure to read our guide on Avoiding Hidden Roaming Fees in Europe to keep your costs down across the continent.

How to Install Your UK eSIM

Setting up your connection is simple and can be done before you even board your flight. You do not need to hunt for a physical SIM card shop at Heathrow.

1. Purchase: Choose your data plan and see plans for the United Kingdom.
2. Scan: You will receive a QR code via email. Scan it using your phone’s camera.
3. Label: Name the new line 'Travel' or 'London.'
4. Activate: Set the AussieRoam line as your primary source for 'Cellular Data.'
5. Roaming: Ensure 'Data Roaming' is toggled ON for the eSIM line so it can connect to EE or 3 once you land.

For a more detailed breakdown, check out our guide on how to install an eSIM for both iPhone and Android devices. For more tips on choosing the right plan, see our article on the Best eSIM for Australian Travelers: Top Picks for 2026.

Data Needs for Your London Trip

How much data do you actually need? London is a 'heavy data' city because you will be using GPS constantly.

• Light User (1GB - 3GB): Best for short stays or if you rely heavily on hotel Wi-Fi. Good for basic Google Maps and WhatsApp.
• Medium User (5GB - 10GB): Perfect for a 10-day trip. Allows for frequent social media posting, heavy use of navigation apps, and occasional music streaming.
• Heavy User (20GB - 50GB): Ideal for digital nomads, those who want to stream video on the train, or travelers spending a month or more in the UK.

Our plans range from 1GB for a quick week-long trip to 50GB for those planning a massive UK and Europe adventure. We also offer daily passes if you prefer a 'set and forget' approach with a daily data refresh.

The bottom line

London is only as expensive as you make it. By taking advantage of the world-class free museums, booking your Sky Garden tickets early, and avoiding the daylight robbery of international roaming fees, you can enjoy one of the world's greatest cities on a budget. Grab an AussieRoam eSIM, download Citymapper, and get out there—the Big Smoke is waiting for you.