With a population of over 8 million, London is a busy city. There are tons of activities to choose from. But what should you do if you're on a budget? Luckily, there are many options for budget travelers. I'll describe some free and cheap things to do here.

Take a photo with the Elizabeth Clock Tower

Better known as Big Ben, the clock tower was built in 1858 and stands at 315 feet high. The main bell weights 13.5 tons and rings every hour. The tower leans slightly to the North West, which may be why the tower is closed off for tourists. UK residents can still make an appointment to go inside.

Visit the famous churches like St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey

The two most popular churches in London are St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. Both charge a fee to go inside, but you can still admire their architecture from the outside. St Paul's Cathedral was built in the 17th century. It sits on top of Ludgate Hill, the tallest hill in the city. Climb up the dome for an amazing view of Central London. Westminster Abbey was built in the 970s. It currently serves as the home to royal weddings and coronations.

Take a short walk across the Tower Bridge

This suspension bridge was built in 1886. Presently, over 40,000 people cross the bridge everyday. It should only take 5 to 10 minutes to walk across. For a small fee, you can enter the exhibition. Visitors can learn more about the history of the Tower Bridge. You can also see the Victorian engine room. The engine powers the raising and lowering of the bridge for boats.

Visit Buckingham Palace

Built in 1705, Buckingham Palace is home to the royal family. It also serves as a meeting location for state officials. Inside, you'll find the Queen's Gallery which features art and furniture. The Changing of the Guard is a free ceremony that takes place in front of the palace. It lasts about 45 minutes and involves guards mounting horses. The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place every day during the summer. During winter, it takes place every other day.

Go for a spin on the London Eye

At 443 feet high, the London Eye is the tallest ferris wheel in Europe. A ride lasts about half an hour. It's an ideal date for couples. The London Eye sits between the Jubilee Gardens and Thames River. Even if you don't go for a ride, it's still an amazing view. At night, the ferris wheel is lit with blue lights.

Visit some of the many free museums

Take advantage of London's large network of free museums. There's a lot to choose from. For art lovers, try visiting the Tate Modern Museum or the National Gallery. For science enthusiasts, stop by the Natural History Museum. For history buffs, spend a day at the British Museum. It's the largest and most popular museum in the United Kingdom. None of these museums charge an
admission fee!