Visiting London can be an expensive endeavor. After airfares and hotel costs, spending more money to visit attractions isn't high in terms of priorities. But London has plenty of free sights and activities that are attractive to a wide variety of audiences and can keep anyone busy all day.
• Tate Modern ( http://www.tate.org.uk/ )
One of four Tate Galleries in the UK , the Tate Modern was created in 2000 as a free exhibition of international modern art. Located in Bankside in an abandoned power station, it offers audio guides and free multimedia tours online. There are also lectures, free gallery tours, performances, and films shown, depending on the season. Though the modern art collections rotate, there is a permanent British collection, with art dating from 1500 to present.
• Houses of Parliament ( http://www.parliament.uk/ )
Visiting the House of Lords and the House of Commons can be an excellent way to learn about British culture. Though the tours cost £12, you can attend a debate in the public galleries, watch a committee, watch a judicial hearing or visit the archives for free. During the Prime Minister's Question Time, free tickets are only available to UK residents, but all other times are open to the public (during regular hours). Committee meetings usually take place in the Palace of Westminster , and are easier to get into than a debate by the House of Commons.
• The Royal Parks ( http://www.royalparks.org.uk/ )
There are eight Royal Parks, the most famous of which is Hyde Park . Hyde Park is located on the Knightsbridge Underground stop, or near Oxford Street . Covering 350 acres, it is the home of Speakers' Corner, famous for the Sunday speakers delivering their views on politics and human rights. Next to Hyde Park is Kensington Gardens , the perfect setting for Kensington Palace . Located conveniently close to the Royal Albert Hall, and the Natural History Museum, it is 275 acres of memorials and Italian Gardens . Also interesting are Regent's Park, near Madame Tussaud's, and St. James Park, near the London Eye.
• The British Museum ( http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/ )
Specializing in ancient art and antiquities, the British Museum is one of the most famous museums in London . Holding some of the world's most prized relics, such as the Rosetta stone, it has departments in Ancient Egyptian, Ancient Greek and Roman, Middle Eastern and Prehistoric and European art. Some exhibitions require tickets, but most are free of admission charge.
• The Victoria and Albert Museum ( http://www.vam.ac.uk/ )
Located in South Kensington, the V & A Museum is a dedication to the famous British monarch Victoria and Albert. It holds 3000 years worth of artifacts, including Architecture, Photography and famous British design and art. Rotating Exhibitions can include anything from Surrealism or Postmodernism, to Contemporary Fashion to Medieval and Renaissance art.
