The 6 best free things to do in London this weekend [February 13-15 2026]

"It's Valentine's Day this weekend, and don't budget-conscious Londoners know it. This city's restaurants are all booked up, ready to entertain wooing couples who'll lock eyes over the last shred of rose-petal-scattered burrata. Bakeries and gift shops are tempting shoppers with their sweetest heart-shaped wares. The supermarkets and petrol stations are ornamenting their entrances with red bouquets to ensnare unimaginative men. In short, there are ways to squander cash pretty much wherever you look."

"But stay strong, dear reader. 'Love don't cost a thing,' as J-Lo once sung. And you can have a lot of fun this V-Day weekend without flirting with extending your overdraft. Read on for some brilliant things to do in London, from free art to pint giveaways to community markets. And if you want to spend all the cash you've saved on a box of sickly-sweet heart-shaped doughnuts, well, that's on you."

London presents many free and low-cost options for the Valentine's weekend, enabling budget-conscious visitors to celebrate without overspending. Tate Britain stages an after-dark program on Lee Miller, featuring a drawing session with a jazz quartet, a panel on surrealism in fashion, DJs from Reprezent Radio and a curated film and photography display. The Condo artfest gathers around fifty international galleries, offering insight into contemporary global art and vibrant fashion-led crowds. Community markets and promotional giveaways, including pint giveaways and Valentine-themed stalls, provide social, festive alternatives to pricey restaurant outings.

Read at Time Out London