The festive period has passed and you are returning to work or study feeling a bit gloomy. Or you may have got a bit carried away and are now trying to get on top of the bills after two weeks of genuine extravaganza. Dear Londoner, you are not alone! You are suffering from what we call “January blues”.

Luckily, London is one of the few cities in the world where you can enjoy good entertainment for free! Forget all the big museums and galleries. They will be packed with tourists this time of the year. We especially selected a handful of lovely galleries you might be missing out.

• The Saatchi Gallery is a London gallery for contemporary art, opened by Charles Saatchi in 1985 in order to exhibit his collection to the public. The gallery has been a major influence on art in Britain since its opening. Housed in the historically significant Duke of York HQ, it has continued its mission to provide a platform for unknown, young, contemporary artists both homegrown and international. Duke Of York’s HQ, King’s Rd, London SW3 4RY
• The Institute of Contemporary Arts supports radical art and culture through a vibrant programme of exhibitions, films, events, talks and debates. The ICA has been at the forefront of cultural experimentation since its formation and has presented important debut solo shows by artists including Damien Hirst, Steve McQueen, The Clash and The Smiths. Their cinema continues to screen rare artists’ film, support independent releases and partner with leading film festivals. The Mall, London, SW1Y 5AH
• The Wellcome Collection is a museum displaying an unusual mixture of medical artifacts and original artworks exploring ideas about the connections between medicine, life and art. The free London venue is a unique mix of galleries, events, and meeting, reading and eating places where you can consider what it means to be human. 183 Euston Rd, London NW1 2BE
• For over a century the Whitechapel Gallery has premiered world-class artists from modern masters such as Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Frida Kahlo to contemporaries such as Sophie Calle, Lucian Freud, Gilbert & George and Mark Wallinger. With beautiful galleries, exhibitions, artist commissions, collection displays, historic archives, education resources, inspiring art courses, dining room and bookshop, the Gallery is open all year round, so there is always something free to see. 77-82 Whitechapel High St, London E1 7QX
• Camden Arts Centre in the London Borough of Camden, is a place for contemporary visual art and education. Positioning the artist at the centre of the programme, the venue strives to involve the public in the ideas and work of today’s artists and the artists who inspire them. The exhibition and education programmes are developed with equal importance, and are continually intertwined. The changing programme includes exhibitions, artist residencies, off-site projects and artist-led activities, ensuring it remains a lively place for seeing, making and talking about contemporary art. Arkwright Rd, London NW3 6DG