Top 10 Spots for Free Music in London

If you’re keen to check out London’s excellent music scene but you’re traveling on a tight budget, don’t fret. There are tons of great venues across the city that offer free gigs, recitals, and scheduled performances.

The Southbank Centre

Address: Southbank Centre, London SE1, UK

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The Southbank Centre offers an incredible amount of free music and entertainment. The Clore Ballroom at the Royal Festival Hall is particularly inviting, as it’s viewable from the bar and shop. You can enjoy free lunchtime music events every Friday in the Central Bar, featuring classical, jazz, folk, and world music sessions.

St. James’s Piccadilly

Address: 197 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LL, UK

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Phone: +44 20 7734 4511

St. James’s Piccadilly, designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1684, offers free lunchtime recitals every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1:10 p.m. Donors are welcome, but attendance is complimentary.

Kings Place

Address: 90 York Way, London N1 9AG, UK

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Phone: +44 20 3695 7895

Kings Place, opened in 2008, features an art gallery and hosts regular free musical events. It is an unexpected venue overlooking canal barges moored in Battlebridge Basin.

St. Olave’s

Address: 8 Hart Street, London EC3R 7NA, UK

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Phone: +44 20 7488 4318

St. Olave’s Church, a serene setting for music recitals, offers lively lunchtime sessions every Wednesday and Thursday. It features a rich history, including the burial site of the famous diarist Samuel Pepys.

St. Martin-in-the-Fields

Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ, UK

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Phone: +44 20 7766 1100

Regular free lunchtime concerts are a highlight at St. Martin-in-the-Fields. This historic church, designed by James Gibbs, hosts delightful free recitals that enrich the Trafalgar Square experience.

The Royal Academy of Music

Address: Bow Street, London WC2E 9DD, UK

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Phone: +44 20 7304 4000

The Royal Academy of Music hosts free concerts on Tuesdays and Thursdays, providing a magnificent opportunity to experience performances from talented students and esteemed faculty members.

Union Chapel, Islington

Address: 19b Compton Terrace, London N1 2UN, UK

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Phone: +44 20 7226 1686

Union Chapel is renowned for being one of the best venues for live music in London. With its unique Daylight Music series, it offers pay-what-you-can ‘mini gigs’ throughout the year, showcasing a variety of musical talents.

Rough Trade East

Address: Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL, UK

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Phone: +44 20 7392 7788

Rough Trade East, near Spitalfields Market, is a vibrant music store that regularly hosts free live performances. It’s an ideal spot to catch emerging talents and established artists alike while enjoying the unique atmosphere.

Trafalgar Square

Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DS, UK

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Phone: +44 20 7983 4750

Trafalgar Square serves as a dynamic venue for cultural events, ceremonies, and festivals, most of which are accessible to the public without charge.

Covent Garden Market

Address: 41 The Piazza, London WC2E 8RF, UK

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Phone: +44 20 7420 5856

In Covent Garden Market, you can frequently find free live music performances. Head to the central area and observe the lower level for ongoing acts to experience the vibrant atmosphere.