Budget-friendly things to do in London this week for £5 or less.
Looking for more free things to do in London? Here are 102 of em! We've also compiled this epic map of free stuff in London.
Ogle beautiful vintage tram posters
Ding ding! The latest exhibition at the London Archives, which opens on Monday, showcases posters and artworks used to promote London's tram network in the first half of the 20th century. 40 works are on display, including the first set of posters — commissioned in black and white by the London County Council — and a slew of coloured designs that came after.
Free, 10 February-26 June.
Dive into Britain's water crisis
Why does Britain have a water and sewage crisis? That's the topic of Tuesday's Gresham College lecture, given by Professor Martin Daunton, who talks about why the discharge of raw sewage into rivers has been allowed to happen, and whether a return to public ownership would help.
Free, 11 February.
Mark 20 years since Mandela's Make Poverty History speech
Head to Trafalgar Square on Tuesday evening for Mandela+20: Light the Way, a rally marking 20 years since Nelson Mandela gave his Make Poverty History speech in London. Hear from activists, artists and changemakers about the challenges facing the world today, from inequality to climate injustice. The event, which is supported by the Mayor of London, culminates in a projection onto Nelson's Column.
Free, 11 February.
Get your head around global politics
The British Academy brings together a panel of experts to reflect on a year of global elections, on Tuesday. In 2024, almost half the world went to the polls, and this event is a chance to ask your questions about the electoral outcomes to political scientist and author Professor Ben Ansell FBA, expert on US and Indian politics Dr Pavithra Suryanarayan, and expert on European Union politics Professor Sara Hobolt FBA.
Free, 11 February.
Meet new people at a community coffee morning
Did you know that Chelsea's National Army Museum holds regular community coffee mornings on the second Tuesday of the month? Anyone's welcome to drop in for a hot drink and a chat, surrounded by the museum's exhibits. You'll need to book your space in advance — full details here.
Free, 11 February.
Watch live music for free
Every week in London, there are several opportunities to watch live music for free. This week why not try:
- Secondary school students from Southwark schools including Harris Academy Peckham, Charter North Dulwich and Haberdashers Borough Academy join forces to perform a programme of music from composers including Florence Price and Antonín Dvořák at Southbank Centre. Free, 11 February
- The regular Music in the Chapel events at the Charterhouse in Clerkenwell offer free events in impressive surroundings. Wednesday's Choral Evensong features St Michael’s Chorale. Free, 12 February
- Talented music students from Dulwich College give a free lunchtime concert in the Chapel at Dulwich Picture Gallery, part of a series of near-weekly free events at the venue. Free, 12 February
- It's not all classical and choral music, y'know. Up-and-coming artists Jeffrey the KiDDD and The Black Esper unleash a free, hour-long set of R&B, hip-hop and neo-soul in the Foyer at Southbank Centre. Free, 13 February
- Think the Royal Opera House is only for those with deep pockets? Think again — the Live at Lunch series offers free performances featuring Royal Ballet and Opera and guest artists. You won't know who you're seeing until you arrive, but it's worth the gamble don't you think? Free, 14 February
Celebrate Lunar New Year at a lantern festival
The Chinese New Year celebrations continue at Merchant Square in Paddington on Wednesday evening, where a lantern festival takes place on the canal. Write your wishes, dreams or messages of gratitude on a floating lantern and release it, illuminated, into the water. Lanterns are limited, so get there early.
Free, 12 February.
Have a curry on the house at Rosa's Thai Covent Garden
Free red curry is on the lunch menu at Rosa's Thai Covent Garden on Thursday, in honour of their newly refurbished site. Available for walk-ins only, you can chose from either chicken or tofu — with doors opening at 12pm. Needless to say the offer's only available while stocks last... let's hope they've got a generous vat of curry on the go...
Free, 13 February.
Test your knowledge at a Friends TV show quiz
Swot up on lobsters, Chandler's job title, and brands of East German laundry detergent for a Friends TV show quiz at Boxpark Wembley. The winning team gets a plush lobster toy and two free lobster rolls from seafood brand Molo, and the event also includes a photo booth and DJ set.
£2.88, 13 February.
See the Design Museum's free new showcase
The Design Museum launches a new annual showcase, PLATFORM, championing contemporary design by shining the spotlight on specific artists and designers. Bethan Laura Wood is the first to be recognised in the series, with over 70 objects that she's created on display on Level 1 of the museum, showcasing some of her radical and vibrant designs. Wood's work — which spans furniture, lighting and jewellery — heavily features bold use of colour and intricate patterns.
Free, 14 February-January 2026.
Free things to do in half term
Already wondering how you're going to keep the kids occupied when the schools finish for half term at the end of the week? We've got a guide to things to do in London in February half term, and it includes a section with free events, and places to visit which won't cost a penny. Have a browse and get planning.
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