The 6 best free things to do in London this weekend [January 16-18 2026]

"But one thing to feel happy about is the lack of pressure to fill your weekends with a constant flurry of social plans. It's London's collective month of chilling out a bit. So instead of stressing about trains to weddings, buses to festivals or long treks to parties on the other side of the city, you can be master of your own free time."

"London is full of galleries and museums that are gloriously quiet at this time of year, as well as under-the-radar cultural events that'll put a bit of sparkle into a dull month. You live in an incredibly exciting city, and now it's time to explore it in your own way. And before you complain that you spend all your money on mulled wine and manicures last month, rest easy."

January brings quieter weekends in London and reduced social pressure, offering time for relaxed, inexpensive activities. Many galleries and museums are unusually peaceful, and under-the-radar cultural events add sparkle to a dull month. Several free options are available, including gallery crawls, exhibitions such as Nan Goldin's The Ballad of Sexual Dependency at Gagosian Davies St, the opening of the city-wide Condo art festival, and themed events like a 'Stranger Things' quiz. Six recommended free activities for the weekend of January 16-18 2026 are highlighted, all costing nothing to attend.

Read at Time Out London