London is the most populous city in Great Britain and for good reasons too. From iconic landmarks like the Buckingham Palace and Tower of London to hidden gems off the beaten path like Little Venice and The Painted Hall, there is an endless array of attractions to visit and experiences to explore and enjoy! We know what you’re thinking – will exploring the capital city of England burn a hole in my pocket? We’re here to tell you – it won’t.
This guide is packed with insider tips and budget-friendly options for accommodations, dining, and shopping. Also, there are FREE things to do. So let’s dive in and start planning a budget-friendly, unforgettable adventure to London.
Why visit London?
To fall in love, not with another person (great if you’re looking to and it does happen) but with the city itself. With art and architecture, food and football, entertainment and fashion and history and experiences, London has something for everyone.
As the capital city of England, London probably has a reputation for being ‘too expensive for my budget’ but guess what? It isn’t and this guide is exactly what you need.
Top budget-friendly things to do in London
The capital city of England is packed with exciting sights and activities that won’t cost you a fortune. Here’s our top picks for budget-friendly attractions to make the most of your visit:
The British Museum is a public museum dedicated to human history, art, and culture. One of the largest in all of England, the museum houses over 60 galleries on the lower, ground, and upper floors, together with two galleries created especially for an online audience. Admission to the museum is completely free! Enjoy free guided tours and audio guides to enhance your experience.
Tip: Check the museum website for any temporary exhibitions or special events that may require tickets or have limited availability.
Arguably the most famous park in London - Hyde Park, is a serene escape from the hustle-bustle of London city. At Hyde Park, reconnect with nature - take a leisurely walk along the lake and feed the ducks or lay out a blanket and have an afternoon picnic with sandwiches and juice. Admission to the park is free.
Tip: If you’re visiting in the summer, check the schedule for any upcoming free concert/performances at the open-air theater, the Serpentine Pavilion, or the bandstand.
A highly recommended place to check out modern and contemporary art from around the world, Tata Modern allows free admission on all days. Take a break from the museum tour and head to the rooftop for stunning views of St. Paul’s Cathedral’s 365ft-high dome, at a distance.
Tip: Take advantage of the free guided tours and audio guides to gain a better understanding of the gallery.
London’s prime tourist center, Covent Garden, is a treasure trove of entertainment, shopping, and dining destinations. Shop by the day, brunch by noon, and catch a play at the Royal Opera House by night. What makes this a budget-friendly attraction is that there is something for everyone, be it a local shopping experience or a budget-friendly eatery.
Tip: Take advantage of lunchtime specials at the restaurants for affordable dining options.
Free things to do in London
There are a multitude of experiences and activities to do in London that won’t cost you a single penny. Here’s our top picks for free things/experiences in London:
The Changing of the Guard, also known as Guard Mounting is an elaborate ceremony that takes place when the King’s Guard finishes their guard watch and hands it over to the new guards.
- Where: Buckingham Palace
When: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
Timings: 10:45 AM and lasts around 45 minutes
Best place to watch it from: Buckingham Palace gates and steps of the Victoria Memorial
An icon of Brutalist Architecture (massive and monolithic with bare building materials), the Barbican Conservatory is one of the UK’s architectural treasures. While most programmes (films, tours, and concerts) here are paid ones, it hides a pretty little secret which is free - a gorgeous conservatory packed with tropical plants, cacti and flowers.
Timings: 9:30 AM - 11 PM
A warehouse in Walthamstow filled to the brim with neon signs, God’s Own Junkyard exists solely to display unique neon signs that are available to rent or purchase. While renting/purchasing isn’t a cheap affair, you can window shop for free!
Timings: Friday & Saturday - 11 AM to 10 PM
Sunday - 11 AM to 6 PM
OKAY, even if it’s free, I’m not going to visit a cemetery. We get why you would feel this way but hear us out! Brompton Cemetery is named one of the treasures of London and for good reason too - well maintained with perfectly manicured lawns with pretty wildflower meadows and wide pedestrian paths.
Famous burials: Emmeline Pankhurst, Dr Benjamin GoldingSir Henry Cole, Dr John Snow amongst others.
Timings: 7 AM - 4 PM
Budget shopping in London
London is a shopper's paradise, and even if you're on a budget, you can still find great deals and unique items to take home. Here's our list of top budget shopping spots in London that offer a range of products at affordable prices:
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Brick Lane Market
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Covent Garden
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Westfield Stratford City
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Oxford Street
Camden market is one of London’s must-visit shopping destinations. It is best known for its diverse shopping options, including vintage clothing stores, independent boutiques, and markets selling handmade jewelry and accessories.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to haggle. We say, just do it.
Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM
Budget-friendly dining in London
London is a food lover's paradise, offering a wide variety of delicious and affordable dining options. In this section, we'll introduce you to some of the best budget eateries in London that will leave both your stomach and wallet satisfied.
If you’re craving some crispy masala dosa with coconut chutney and sambar, head to The Madras, one of London’s budget-friendly restaurants for Indian cuisine.
Price range: £8 to £12 per main dish
Insider tip: Definitely order the masala dosa and sweet lassi
There are some things in life worth queuing up for and BAO Soho’s tasty steamed buns is definitely one of those.
Price range: Baos starting at £5
Insider tip: Their signature pork belly bun
Craving authentic Neapolitan pizza? Head to Franco Manca for some delicious wood-fired pizzas, with vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.
Price range: Starting at £6
Insider tip: Highly recommend trying their sourdough crust, top-grade I believe.
Yet another pizza eatery makes it to the list. Homeslice at Neal’s Yard is a must-visit for their creative and generous-sized pizzas.
Price range: Starts at £4 per slice
Insider tip: Share a few different slices with friends to try a variety of flavors. They currently have 10 flavors with a delectable choice of sauces.
Craving a wholesome crab-loaded meal? Padella is your go-to pasta bar for some delicious handmade pasta dishes, in true Italian style.
Price range: Starts at £7
Insider tip: Try their famous cacio e pepe for a simple yet flavorful pasta dish. Also anticipate a long wait line.
Cheapest areas for long term rentals in London
Affordable accommodation in London
Finding budget-friendly accommodation in London can be a challenge, but fear not! We've compiled a list of affordable and comfortable options for you to consider during your stay in the capital city of England.
- YHA London St Paul’s
Accommodation style: Dormitory and private rooms
Location: Near King’s Cross Station, Central London
Tariff: Starts at £20 per night
Near-by attractions: Museum of London (400 m), London Bridge (1 km), British Museum (2 km)
Hostel features: Common area, a bar, and a self-catering kitchen
Check-in: From 3 PM
Check-out: Until 10 AM
Closest airport: London City Airport (10 km) - easyHotel London Victoria
Accommodation style: Private rooms
Location: Pimlico, Central London
Tariff: Starts at £30 per night
Near-by attractions: Chelsea Bridge (1000 m), Hyde Park (1.1 km), Big Ben (1.5 km)
Check-in: From 3 PM
Check-out: Until 10 AM
Closest airport: London City Airport (13 km) - Generator London
Accommodation style: Dormitory and private rooms
Location: King’s Cross, Central London
Tariff: Starts at £25 per night
Near-by attractions: Russell Square (400 m), Piccadilly Circus (1.9 km), London Zoo (2.3 km)
Check-in: From 2 PM
Check-out: Until 10 AM
Closest airport: London City Airport (12 km) - Premier Inn London City
Accommodation style: Private rooms
Location: Algate, EastLondon
Tariff: Starts at £40 per night
Hotel features: On-site restaurant
Near-by attractions: Hoxton Square (714 m)Barbican Arts Center (1.4 km), St Paul’s Cathedral (2.7 km)
Check-in: From 2 PM
Check-out: Until 12 PM
Closest airport: London City Airport (10.8 km) - The Walrus Bar & Hostel
Accommodation style: Dormitory and private rooms
Location: Lambeth, South London
Tariff: Starts at £15 per night
Hotel features: Communal kitchen, a bar, and a 24-hour reception
Near-by attractions: Waterloo Millenium Green (400 m) Westminster Bridge (550 m), St James’s Park (1.4 km)
Check-in: From 3 PM
Check-out: Until 10 PM
Closest airport: London City Airport (11 km)
Hacks for exploring London on a budget
Traveling on a budget doesn't mean you have to compromise on your experience in London. In this section, we'll share some insider tips to help you save money and make the most of your London adventure without sacrificing the quality of your trip.
- Utilize public transport: London has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, the Underground (Tube), and Overground trains. Invest in an Oyster Card or a London Travelcard which will give you travel access to all London transport networks including buses, London underground (tube), and the River Boat.
- Explore free attractions: London is home to many attractions and experiences that are absolutely FREE! Check out our section Free things to do in London above.
- Take advantage of lunch specials: Many restaurants in London offer lunch specials or prix-fixe menus, which can be a more budget-friendly option. Look out for restaurants that offer those deals.
- Explore local markets: As mentioned under the section Budget shopping in London, shop at these markets to purchase affordable souvenirs, clothes, and other items.
- Pack your own snacks: If the accommodation you are staying at has a communal kitchen, we suggest you pack your own snacks and water when exploring the city. This way you can even enjoy a nice picnic in one of London’s many parks.
- Travel during off-season: This is an age-old travel trick to take advantage of lower prices on flights and accommodations. London’s off-seasons are: January-April and September-November.
Budget your London trip
Planning ahead is key to keeping expenses low. As per BudgetYourTrip on an average you’ll spend about €156 daily. Here’s an average breakdown:
- The average daily price for traveling in London is $32 (£26)
- The average price of food for one day is $43 (£35)
- The average price of a hotel is $307 (£246)
On the whole, the average daily cost per person, per day on a budget should cost you $237 (£190)
