View an Attraction and visit a Museum for free!
London prides itself on four World Heritage Sites and over 200 attractions which have free entrance. That’s totally unique! The capital city is the home of some of the world’s most well-known sites so whether you fancy historical buildings, art galleries or museums, London has it all!
• London Eye: experience a fantastic view over the most famous landmarks of London in 30 minutes! The London Eye has become one of the icons of London as well as being the tallest observation wheel in the world. Relax in the comfort and design of its capsules for an unforgettable journey.
Tube: Waterloo
Opening: all year-round except for Christmas
• Big Ben (Houses of Parliament): The clock of the Big Ben is the most represented icon of London and it shows when the Parliament is in session. The Houses of Parliament (also known as The Palace of Westminster) incorporate The House of Commons (destroyed during the Second World War and rebuilt in 1950), The House of Lords & Westminster Hall which can be visited in the summer.
Tube: Westminster
Opening: 1 Aug-30 Sept.
• Westminster Abbey: The tallest Gothic building in Great Britain, this medieval church has been holding religious services for a thousand years, including for important events of the British Royal family such as coronations, weddings and funerals. Inside you will also find tombs of famous kings, knights, actors…
Tube: Westminster
Opening: all year-round
• British Museum: Without any doubt one of the most important antiquity collections in the world. The treasures exposed at the British Museum come from all over the world but it is the controversial Parthenon Gallery which hosts the disputed statues of the Acropolis which attracts all the attention at the moment. The Egyptian Gallery and the Grand Court which have been restored recently are two other points of interest.
Tube: Tottenham Court Road
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• Natural History Museum: This museum is dedicated to all forms of life present on earth as well as the history of planet Earth. All the topics are treated, from the fragility of the ecosystem to the biologic development of human beings through time. There are excellent galleries that show dinosaurs, reptiles and mammals. A very entertaining day out!
Tube: South Kensington
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• National Gallery & Portrait Gallery: Opened in 1824 after King George IV has persuaded the government to buy 38 masterpieces, the National Gallery has gradually gathered one of the best collections of the world. The permanent exhibition displays no less than 2,200 painters going from Rembrandt to Constable; a delight for all art lovers.
Tube: Charing Cross
• Royal Academy of Arts: Huge crowds come continually to admire the numerous painting exhibitions and architectural creations. The building hosts the first annual exhibition of contemporary artists as well as temporary exhibitions. It’s better to check in advance to avoid deception.
Tube: Piccadilly Circus/Green Park
• Tate Modern: located in a former power station, the Tate Gallery exhibits international collections of modern art from 1900 to nowadays. Among the major pieces presented, we can find artists name like Bacon, Dali, Picasso, Matisse, Rothko and Warhol. The access to the permanent collection is free. The top café/restaurant offers an incredible view over London.
Tube: London Bridge
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• Tate Britain: The Tate Britain is the former Tate Gallery. It brings together the most important collection of British art in the world, from 1500 to nowadays. Abstract art rubs elbows with Impressionism. The first of every month, the evening events “Late at Tate Britain” are organized around a drink, some music and artists.
Tube: Pimlico
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• Victoria & Albert Museum: The V&A is the edifice where is resembled the largest decorative arts collection. There are also artifacts that go back to the beginning of Christianism as well as national sculptures, jewelry and music instruments. There are 145 galleries to visit in total, so you would better concentrate on what is really of interest to you or you will never see the end of it!
Tube: Tower Hill
Opening: all year-round
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• Tower of London: With famous executions and its history as a prison, the Tower of London is one of the most famous castles on the world. Visiting the monument gives you an insight of those events as well as the chance to see the Crown Jewels. Another attraction taking place daily is the change of the guards.
Tube: South Kensington
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• Tower Bridge: One of the most famous bridges in the world, standing over the Thames since 1894, Tower Bridge hosts an Exhibition from which you can learn the history of the bridge and enjoy amazing views over London. Tower Bridge also houses superb venues which can be used for corporate parties and private events.
Tube: St James’s Park/Victoria/Green Park
bestlondonhostels nearby: St Christopher’s Village and Orient Espresso
• Buckingham Palace: Official residence of the Royal family in London since 1837, Buckingham Palace opens 19 of its 661 staterooms to visitors. Those include the Throne Room, Picture Gallery and Ballroom, the largest room in Buckingham Palace used for investitures and State banquets. The visit also includes a walk through the south side of its garden. Do not miss the change of the guards every day!
Tube: South Kensington
Opening: 26 July-26 Sept.
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• St Paul’s Cathedral: After being destroyed by the Great Fire of London, the current cathedral’s architectural and artistic importance reflect the willingness of making this building London’s leading church. This is reflected in the number of major services being celebrated here such as the Queen’s anniversaries or Jubilee celebrations. This is also where the tombs of famous statesmen such as the Duke of Wellington lie.
Tube: St Paul’s
Opening: all year round
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