London city breaks

The Crypt Gallery

Once used as a burial place for Londoners, the Crypt beneath St Pancras Church makes a dramatic background for displaying art and photography. Check out this atmospheric gallery’s year-round programme of modern art exhibitions. Opening times vary for each exhibition; Euston Rd, London NW1 2BA

Viktor Wynd Fine Art

This quirky little shop (home of the Last Tuesday Society) in hackney is packed with curiosities including some unusual taxidermy. Meanwhile, upstairs you’ll find a changing collection of surreal artwork in the Viktor Wynd Fine Art gallery. Open Sat 11am-8pm; 11 Mare Street, E8 4RP

The Horse Hospital

This independent arts venue celebrates individualism and its anti-conformist ethos is reflected in the programming of its gallery. Be sure to check out underground art and fashion at its Chamber of Pop Culture. Open Mon-Sat 12-6pm; Colonnade, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1JD

Banner Repeater

The train will deliver you right to the door of Banner Reporter, found on Platform One of Hackney Downs railway station. This artist led reading room and project space holds an inspiring exhibition programme of contemporary art. Rush hour opening times attract commuters and for the rest, it’s open 6 days a week. Platform 1, Hackney Downs railway station, London E8 1LA

The Spaniard's Inn

Sitting at the edge of Hampstead Heath, this C16th boozer was built as a tollgate inn and has strong literary connections – Keats and Dickens both drank here. Inside, oak panelled walls, low beams and fire places keep things cosy. Spaniards Rd, Hampstead, London NW3 7JJ

The Marksman

This Victorian East End pub welcomes both old regulars and newcomers through its doors. Inside the unassuming facade you’ll find walls decked in dark mahogany and a 100 year old piano that still gets a tinkering. 254 Hackney Rd, London E2 7SJ

Ye Old Cheshire

In the heart of the city, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese was rebuilt shortly after the Great Fire of London and maintains its C17th charm. Navigate its warren-like interior and creaking staircases, following in the footsteps of past literary legends. 145 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BU

The Black Friar  

Built on the site of a medieval Dominican friary in 1905, this Grade II listed pub was remodeled in the Arts and Crafts style – intricate friezes, elaborate tile work and scenes of jolly looking monks hang above you while you sip your pint. 174 Queen Victoria St, London EC4V 4EG

London museums

The Museum of London provides a fantastic overview of London's history and includes sections on the Great Fire and the plague that are bound to appeal to budding young historians. The Natural History Museum's dinosaurs always rank among the most popular free things to do with kids in London but it's also worth visiting the nearby Science Museum or the Victoria and Albert Museum.

London art galleries

The National Portrait Gallery is unmissable for its "Who's Who" of British history, while the National Gallery includes works by Van Gogh, Turner and Veláquez. Tate Britain and its sister gallery, Tate Modern, both enjoy scenic spots overlooking the River Thames. Tate Modern, in particular, is known for its interactive exhibits aimed at children. Elsewhere in the city, the Saatchi Gallery is the place to spot star artists of the future.

London markets

Wandering through a London market stalls is one of the most interesting free things to do in London or, for that matter, anywhere else. Saturday is the day for Portobello Road Market's antique fair, while Sunday means Columbia Road's flower market. Borough Market, in the shadow of Southwark Cathedral, is one of the capital's oldest food markets, while the nearby Old Spitalfields Market also has plenty of culinary attractions.

London cultural events

It's difficult to visit London, especially with children, without enjoying the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard, which takes place daily outside Buckingham Palace. The annual Lord Mayor's Show provides another opportunity to enjoy some London pomp and pageantry. The processional route takes in much of the City of London, giving onlookers plenty of chances to enjoy the spectacle and glimpse the ornate State Coach belonging to the Lord Mayor of London.

London libraries

For free stuff in London or elsewhere, it's hard to beat a good library. London has plenty of them, including, of course, the British Library. Although most tours incur a charge, its reading rooms are free to use to anyone who has a Reader Pass. Meanwhile, a visit to the Barbican Library provides an ideal excuse to explore the brutalist concrete architecture of the Barbican Centre.

London street performers

One of many people's favourite things to do in London is to wander along the South Bank or through Covent Garden and admire the artistry and skill of some of the capital's street performers. Trafalgar Square is another good place to enjoy an impromptu outdoor performance. Don't forget the Tube: London Underground's buskers have all passed an audition, are licensed and occasionally include some famous names.

London carnivals and festivals

The annual Notting Hill Carnival, the New Year's Day parade and the Chinese New Year in London have all achieved world-wide fame but London has many other smaller festivals and carnivals. Try the Regent Street Motor show for vehicle enthusiasts or the Prudential Ride London for bike lovers. Diwali and Eid both also offer plenty of public celebrations.

Music in London

Free music in London can be hard to come by but is available. Look out for free events by performers from the Royal Opera House at venues such as St Clement Danes on the Strand and the Linbury Theatre. The Southbank Centre also offers a varied programme of free musical performances. For a more formal experience, lunchtime performances at St James’s Church in Piccadilly are always popular. Pubs and even record shops, particularly Rough Trade East, also often put on gigs by both up-and-coming and more established performers.

Panoramas of London

Something many London visitors want to do is to soak up a panoramic view of the city. Luckily, several vantage points allow you to do this for free. In north London, Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath has extensive views down across the city. To the south, Greenwich Park overlooks the river Thames as it winds its way through central London. Finally, 20 Fenchurch Street is home to Sky Garden, with its three storeys of carefully designed gardens and 360-degree view of the city. Tickets to Sky Garden are free if booked online.