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Top 10 fun, free things to do in London

London is the most populous metropolitan area in the UK and the largest urban zone of the European Union. Founded by the Romans, it was originally known as Londinium. It's a fascinating city to visit and even on a restricted budget there are many free sights and activities to keep you occupied for hours.

Here are ten fun, free things to do when you visit London.

1. Live Music

There are numerous places to enjoy free entertainment. Southbank Centre has music and events, the National Theatre has foyer concerts, the Royal Opera House has lunchtime recitals on Mondays, and St. Martin-in-the Fields has regular lunchtime concerts.

2. Westminster Abbey

There are no admission costs for Westminster Abbey for those who want to worship but a small admission fee for sightseers to cover administration and maintenance costs. Westminster Abbey Choir School has educated the musical talents of the Choristers of the Choir and Evensong is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful services. These services are on Mondays through Fridays, with the exception of Wednesdays at 5pm. On the weekends, the services are at 3pm.

3. Street Markets

One of the most popular attractions for Londoners and visitors alike are the street markets. The best way to find out more is to get a copy of London Street Market's Guide.

Here is a brief list of some of the most popular:

• Portobello Road Market (Notting Hill)

• Camden Market

• Greenwich Market

• Old Spitalfields Market

• Brick Lane Market (Only on Sundays)

• Petticoat Lane Market

• Columbia Flower Market

• Borough Market

4. Street Performers

One of the quirkier things, London is famous for are its amiable and multi-talented street performers. These highly-talented artists can be found on the west piazza of Covent Garden Market. The performances happen every afternoon of the week. The performers have to be licensed and pass an audition before they can perform, which results in some amazing talent that draws big crowds. Other street performances can be found on the South Bank on the weekends near the National Theatre.

5. Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square may be the most famous attraction in London. In the 1820s, John Nash designed it and construction began in the 1830s. Nelson's Column, the National Gallery, and many other sights attract visitors from all over the world, as well as political demonstrators. Trafalgar Square is also famous for its Christmas tree, a gift from Norway every December as a token of thanks to Great Britain for liberation from Nazi occupation.

6. Art Galleries and Museums

London has some of the best art galleries in the world and many remain open late.

Tate Modern has contemporary art while Tate Britain has British art works from the 16th century to present times. Other impressive galleries are the National Portrait Gallery, the National Gallery, and The Wallace Collection.

7. Museums

Most London museums are free to visit although some require you to pay a small fee if there is a special exhibition.

Here are three "must see" museums:

• Museum of London has artefacts that tell the story of London from the days of the Roman Empire to modern times.

• Geffrye Museum captures the life and times of Londoners through the ages through exhibits that show domestic interiors.

• The Horniman Museum is an eclectic museum with exhibits like Explore Your World, Hands On (where you can touch museum artefacts), Pardhan Gond, Paintings from India Tuareg: People of the Veil, Dress and jewellery, Coal, Frankincense and Myrrh, and From Yemen to Britain.

8. Gardens and Parks

London has many gardens that celebrate the beauty of nature, including Queen Mary's Rose Gardens in Regent's Park, St. James's Park (which offers a view of Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and the Diana Memorial Playground), Hyde Park and Green Park. Primrose Hill is also a favourite among celebrity spotters and picnic lovers, and offers spectacular views over London.

9. South Bank

The South Bank along the River Thames offers a view of many London sights including Big Ben, London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral and the building Affectionately as "Gherkin" known. You can even be a sign of your MP3 player, and enjoy the history and sights on your own.

10. Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace

Finally, we should not miss visiting London for the change to the guards in the courtyard at Buckingham Palace, which can be viewed from the front gates. This is done at 11:30 on the clock every day in the summer, and day after day in the winter.

This post was written by: Franklin Manuel

Franklin Manuel is a professional blogger, web designer and front end web developer. Follow him on Twitter