But there is actually a lot you can do for free and a lot you can do with 20 pounds if you just know where to go!

No city in the world has more or better free things to do than London. In addition to world-class museums – almost all of which have free admission – the city is home to beautiful parks, buzzing markets, stunning churches, and phenomenal viewpoints. 

So without further ado, keep reading how to marvelously spend a day in London..with 20 pounds!

A Day In London – Get into London by bus – 1.50

The tube might be easier, but taking the bus into London will save you money and reward you with a free tour of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks!

Keep your eyes peeled for the amazing views of London Bridge ( Not to be mistaken for Tower Bridge)

Grab a Coffee …For a Pound! – 1.00

A cup of filter coffee – aka the ”golden liquid” at Pret, will only set you back 1 pound, and give you heaps of energy to tackle the day!

A Day In London – Tate Modern Art Gallery

The Tate Modern is one of the city’s most loved attractions. And like most of London’s magnificent galleries and museums…it doesn’t charge an entrance fee!

The gallery – with works from Pollok and Matisse is absolutely free to enjoy, so spending a few hours marveling at some of the world’s finest art is a great idea.

The museum is located on the south bank of the Thames.

A Day In London – Marvel at views from St Pauls Cathedral (Free)

After you are done marveling at art in this futuristic gallery, head on up to the 10th-floor viewing deck of the Blavatnik Building.

it offers wonderful panoramic views over the Thames and beyond, and the building itself is amazing.

Walk to Borough Market and grab a bite – 5 pounds

Borough Market was established in 1885, making it the oldest in the city. It is also one of the most renowned markets in London for artisan prepared food and fresh organic produce.

Open Monday to Saturday, this gorgeous market is filled to the brim with lovely food featuring cuisine from all over the world.

After all, London is the no1 food capital of the world!

Take your pick from sausage on a stick, olive and cheese crusty pies, paella, Portuguese egg tarts, or a Spanish chorizo sandwich for a mere 5 pounds!

Borough Market Location

A Day In London -Walk along the London Tower Bridge

After your lunch, keep on walking down the River Thames and particularly, towards the historic Tower Bridge.

Walking across the bridge will fill your eyes with wonder – so make sure you stop for pictures!

Tower Bridge and its Neo-Gothic architecture, is London’s most striking bridge and you can walk it for free.

If you wish, you can tile your walk to fall in time for the lifting of the drawbridge – which is ALSO free!

This event happens 2-3 times a day – and as often as 8 times daily during the summer. So it is definitely worth it ( click the highlighted link above to find the time schedule)

Try the Uber boat service – 7 Pounds

Next, walk on over to the London Bridge City Pier, and purchase a one-way ticket ( or use your Oyster card) to Greenwich Pier.

How cool is it, that you can travel by boat for a mere 7 pounds in one of the most magical cities in the world?

Not only that, but you will get incredible views of the city – and spot many famous monuments – for 1/4 of the price you would do in on land!

It is a great chance to sit back and enjoy a peaceful 30-minute cruise. The ferries pass by famous sights such as the London Eye, Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Big Ben. 

Duration: 25 – 30 minutes with ferries arriving every 30 mins!

Click Here for More info on the Uber Boat Service

A Day In London – Walk through Greenwich Market – Free

After a lovely cruise, take a stroll through another iconic London Market – the Greenwich Market. It is fun, colorful, and packed with arts, crafts, and tasty food.

Antique lovers will adore finding unique pieces here – and some of the best collections of British designer-makers.

Tap for Location

Other fantastic free markets

• Portobello Market. I love this market SO much, that i rented a flat there for a year! Located in the heart of London’s inconic Notting Hill, the eclectic and energetic Portobello Road Market sells everything from vintage clothes and sumptuous street food to antiques. On weekdays it is perfect as it is not packed full of people! But even on Saturdays, when it is at its busiest, Portobello is a whole vibe and whooooole mood! Now, it is free to visit, but good luck resisting the urge to buy a bunch of stuff Tia’s Tip: Avoid visiting on Sundays, because the stalls are all closed, and only the shops are open!
• Camden Market. Iconic, unique, eccentric! When i was studying for my SFX theatre and film makeup course, I had the pleasure of it being located right in the middle of Camden town! I have such gorgeous memories of this wacky place. I got several tattoos and a tongue piercing there (sorry mum). i also devoured my way through the Food stalls of the Camden market, and did a hell of a lot of people watching ( fabulous, unique, wacky individuals!) The market is gorgeous, with a canal in the middle, street food market, bars, cafes, and more!

Chill at Greenwich Park – Free

London is filled with numerous, incredible parks. You can have a picnic, play some sports, jog, or simply relax and take in the beauty of nature.

If you walk to the top of the hill of Greenwich Park, you can bask in the glory of the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. You’ll also see the 17th-century Queen’s House, the Thames, and all of Central London. Heaven!

Tap for Location

A Day In London Watch a sunset with immense London views – Free

The view of London from beside the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park is immense, so it is inevitably busy!

On a rare but gloriously sunny day in London – the tourists swarm the place like a pack of hyenas haha!

If you want the view, without the obstructions, then head just ten minutes up the road to the Point.

The Point offers glorious sunset views, and comfortable benches, and some oh-so-needed peace and quiet!

Address: Point Hill, SE10. or click here

Grab a pint at an iconic London Pub – 6 Pounds

After an undoubtedly marvelous day exploring one of the greatest cities in the world.. you deserve a drink!

And of course, you can’t go wrong with a classic pink of lager at a classic British Pub.

( or a cheeky glass of wine if you are like me!)

You will find numerous pubs in every corner of London, so sit back, take a sip, and enjoy!

Other FREE things to do in London

• The Changing Of The Guards. Location: Buckinham Palace. ICONIC and an absolute must-see!
• House of Parliament – aka house of the iconic Big Ben
• East London Street Art in Shoreditch! Shoreditch is famous for having particularly impressive graffiti.
• Kensington Gardens. The delightful Kensington Gardens are home to a trove of treasures! Including the Albert Memorial, the Peter Pan Statue, the Serpentine Gallery, the Round Pond and the Diana Memorial Playground. All are free to admire or visit.East and north of here is a string of Royal Parks, all free to enter: Regent’s Park, Hyde Park, Green Park and St James’s Park.
• Harrods -Needs no introduction, correct?
• Sky Garden – Offering perhaps the best free view of Central London! You can book a lunch/brunch at the indoor viewing decks and restaurants, or you can hang out for the view for FREE. It is open daily, but you MUST book your free visit in advance

Free Art Galleries and Museums in London

Free As I said before, there is a plethora of galleries and museums to visit in London! Here is a list of some FREE museums in the city:

• British Museum. Wander the galleries of the British Museum
• Grand Museum of Zoology
• The Library and Museum of Freemasonry
• National Gallery. Discover more than 2,000 paintings from the Middle Ages to the 20th century at the National Gallery
• Museum of London
• Royal Academy of Arts
• Natural History Museum
• Science Museum
• IWM London
• National Maritime Museum

Thank you for sticking around for A Day In London for 20 pounds! I hope I have given you plenty of options of free things to do in the city!

There are SO many things worth paying for of course. But a whole day in London for 20 pounds is definitely a winner in my eyes too!

Save this post for your next London Visit

You might be interested in….

• A Day In London With 20 Pounds – Budget tips for cheaper and fun days out in London
• The Best Food in London – Quirky and outstanding restaurants in the food capital of the world
• Best Fry Places around the world – Out of this world potatoes, you must eat.
• Winter Wonderland The best Christmas Markets and winter destinations around the world
• Responsible Tourism – A guide to traveling ethically with less damage to the planet

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I called London my home for 11 years and I never run out of new tastes to try, food markets to explore and restaurants to eat in. This Quirky Restaurants London guide is only a small taste of the incredible food in London, but it sure packs a punch! Cross a few of these restaurants off your list on your next trip to London, and you’ll thank me later! Special thanks to my darling George Marcou – a dear friend and an avid foodie for the idea contribution!

Quirky Restaurants London – Chotto Matte – Soho

A fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine that provides a true culinary experience. The quirkiness comes in the form of the live cooking theatrics in the center of the restaurant. The quality and authenticness of the ingredients are impressive and the taste payoff is totally worth the experience. The star of Chocco Matte is most definitely fish, although vegan and meat dishes are very much available and plentiful! The experience is pretty unique – the waiters will help you create your bespoke order and will then organize the order of the dishes to be served.

Your order will arrive according to Chocco Matte’s philosophy: Eating colder, light-flavored dishes first, graduating to hotter, fuller flavors and ending the meal with sushi. ​Yum!

Location: 11-13 Frith Street, London W1D 4RB

Smokestak – Shoreditch

Hello, carnivore heaven!! If you are looking for some serious meat dishes, this quirky restaurant is the one for you! Smokestak is an incredibly stylish rustic barbecue joint with a bar and terrace. The menu is exploding with delicious dishes (and gluten-free options) like the fennel sausage, incredible bone marrow, and the signature boneless BBQ rib! Smokestak obviously specializes in smoky, slow-cooked meats, and the result is evident, in fantastic dishes like the beef brisket.

Bonus points for the great beer and cocktails and the polite staff! The restaurant is often packed, so making a reservation is adviced!

Location: 35 Sclater St, Shoreditch, London E1 6LB, United Kingdom

Quirky Restaurants London – Senor Ceviche, Carnaby Street

A quirky London restaurant that is all about fresh and healthy food with a Peruvian twist. From street food snacks and super fresh ceviches to fiery Peruvian barbecue and healthy super salads, you will adore Senor Ceviche. Furthermore, the Pachamanca Pork Ribs, fresh zingy ceviches, and tangy tiraditos are the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent, the way eating should be.

Location: Kingly Court, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW

Kiln – Soho

Thai food fit for kings! This incredibly quirky restaurant takes its name from its cooking method. The chefs cook in small clay kilns full of charcoal with a wok on top. If you are seated at the bar, you’ll get a first-class seat of the chefs at work!

The food is…outstanding! Incredible hake, monkfish, and red mullet, and the star of Kiln, glass noodles with pork belly and brown crab meat. Simply out of this world! Kiln is a marvelous, vibrant place and by Soho standards, it’s also reasonably priced. The taste payout is well worth the price tag, for Thai and Asian food lovers alike!

Location: 58 Brewer St, London W1F 9TL. Tip: They only take bookings for tables of four or more. So if you’re a two or a three you should get there early.

Quirky Restaurants London – Balthazar, Covent Garden

Breakfast? Lunch? Brunch? Afternoon tea? Well there you have it, welcome to Balthazar London! In the heart of Covent Garden, Balthazar is open all day, seven days a week, and offering great French bistro food, good wine, and outstanding service it is all about. Baked Whiskey lovers; you will be glad to find a selection of bottles from more than 15 states alongside classic cocktails that can be enjoyed pre-dinner or even late into the evening.

The quirkiness? Well, the all-new New York tea special of course! This American inspired tea is worthy of numerous Instagram snaps! Savories featuring classic New York ingredients such as a pastrami bun with egg, pickle, and mustard make you feel like you are back in New York! The signature baked cheesecake and the crowd-pleasing Cookies and Cream Tart close the deal in this beautiful spin on an afternoon tea.

Location: 4-6 Russell St, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5HZ, United Kingdom

BAO – Soho

Bao celebrates and elevates Taiwanese Food to a whole new level. Located in the heart of Soho, this quirky London restaurant draws inspiration from the Streetfood markets and Xiao Chi Houses in Taiwan. Here, you will find a selection of BAOs and unique takes on Xiao Chi.

How is it quirky you ask? Well, there’s a pig blood cake for the adventurous and a vast selection of dreamy non-alcoholic drinks, using foams, gradients, and Asian ingredients. The restaurant takes its name from its specialty;’ Bao Buns – delicious steamed buns of soft bread stuffed with pork belly, prawn or other ingredients and vegetables. Yum!

Location: 53 Lexington St, Soho, London W1F 9AS, United Kingdom

Fishers Fish and Chips – Chelsey

A taste of the world-famous fish and chips must be ticked off every visit! Fish and chips is a London classic and can be found practically everywhere. This doesn’t mean it will taste the same everywhere though. The fish and chips at the Fishers in Chelsey are to die for – succulent fish, crispy fries, mushy pies and creamy homemade tartare. Add a pint of beer, and there you have it; heaven! I lived in Chelsey for my last 6 years in London, and the Fishers became a regular spot for me. Highly recommended!

Location: Fishers, 19 Fulham High Street, SW6 3JH.

Jolly Butchers – Stoke Newington

Are you even in London, if you aren’t spending your Sunday in a pub devouring an English roast? The almighty Sunday roast is without a doubt the epitome of English cuisine and one of my favorite meals ever! Even now, leaving back in Cyprus, I cook a Sunday Roast every single week. Again, every pub worth its money serves a Sunday Roast. But after 11 years of living in London, I’ve had my share of stale, unseasoned, overcooked roasts to tell you, they don’t all taste as they should.

What is a roast dinner you ask?

The Sunday roast is a traditional British main meal that is typically served on Sunday, consisting of roasted meat, roast potato, and accompaniments such as Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, seasonal vegetables, and gravy sauce.

The Jolly Butchers offer one of the best roast dinners in London – period. Particularly famous for their generous servings of good quantity of meat, larger than life Yorkshires puddings, seasonal vegetables, and a gravy sauce to die for. The vegetarian nut roast is pretty special, as well as the leak and cheese wellington veggie roast- my veggie and vegan friends often rave about it! The meat menu offers choices of beef or pork (no chicken or turkey options here), and they are all available in kids’ portions too. Just gorgeous. If you choose ONE thing to eat in London, make sure it is an English Roast!

Location: 204 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 7HU

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I hope you have enjoyed this quirky restaurant London guide as much as I did eating and writing it!

Do you love food guides? I’ve got more!

• Love Greece? Then Check out, the best food in Mykonos!
• Fan of Asia? Then my guide of the best restaurants in Phuket is a must.
• Vegetarian or Vegan? My Vegan Jordan Food Guide is pretty great 🙂
• In love with fried potatoes? Best Fry Places around the world–

And as for my beautiful London..I’ll be back shortly <3

Have you experienced Christmas Holidays in London yet? If not, then make this Christmas extra special in London, or choose from one of the best Winter Wonderland destinations around the world

Love, Tia

The post Quirky Restaurants London – Incredible Food appeared first on Tia Does Travel.