Full of culture, history, and class, London is at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists. The city is also touted as one of the most expensive cities in the world, but if you take the right precautions, it doesn’t have to be.
Here are my tips on how to do London on a budget!
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Find the Free Things
One of the benefits of a city as huge as London is that there are loads of free things to see and do. There are lists and lists of free attractions, museums, spectacles, and what have you—as long as you keep your eyes open.
The Tate Modern, National Gallery, Museum of London, and British Museum are all—you guessed it—free! Wander around the beautiful outdoors in Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and Hampstead Heath.
The Changing the Guard, a fun and historical event that nobody should leave London without seeing, will cost you nothing.
There are also loads of free events throughout the city. Keep your eyes and ears open for art exhibitions, bookshop readings, and lunchtime concerts—all without a price tag.
And don’t miss East London’s street art scene. While Banksy may be Britain’s most famous street art export, there are also a series of street art pieces situated in locations around East London, including the distinctive mushroom sculptures of Christiaan Nagel.
The Time Out website is a great resource for local events and festivals. Or you can wander aimlessly in the streets of London—there’s always something going on.
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Eating on a Budget
Cheap eats are everywhere—be on the lookout for traditional cafés and delis where you can pick up pre-made sandwiches, as well as food carts.
Dive into English eateries by stopping at Regency Cafe, a diner with simple food. An all-day breakfast costs between £3 and £9; you can get eggs and bacon for just £3.75.
On a bright and sunny day, buy a handful of fresh groceries from one of the local markets like Borough Market. Fruits, veggies like celery or carrots, wine, cheese, and a bottle of olives make for the perfect picnic in one of the city’s many parks.
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Santander Cycles
When in London, mix it up: take the Tube for speedy long-haul trips and switch to Santander Cycles for those local rides. For just £1.65 per 30 minutes, or opt for a day pass for better value, you can cruise through London’s many neighbourhoods, all while keeping your budget in check.
I suggest downloading the Santander app in advance so you’re ready to ride!
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Get the London Pass
If you’re a museum nut, invest in the London Pass. Opt for a 1 day pass for £79, a two day pass for £104 or if you’re staying longer there are options for up to 10 days. The pass grants you access to 32 attractions and free public transportation.
It includes many of the London highlights, such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Britain at War Museum. If you do a lot of indoor sightseeing, individual museum tickets can add up, especially in London.
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Airbnb
From the swanky hotels in the West End to nice budget accommodation, London can be a very expensive city in terms of accommodation costs, even at the lower end of the market.
So, hunt on Airbnb for discount accommodation. There are hundreds of flats and shared apartments available; you just have to look around.
Decide where you want to stay, and be aware that it doesn’t always pay to be in the heart of the city—farther off is considerably cheaper, but you can easily hop on the Tube straight to Piccadilly Circus (or wherever you want to be).
Try to find an apartment with a kitchen and cook at home a few nights—this is a great way to save money.
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Airport Transfers
How you get into the city from the airport depends on your budget. You can catch the Tube, which is the cheapest option, but you’ll have to deal with your bags.
If you pack light, it’s not a problem—otherwise, you may want to arrange a taxi to meet you upon arrival. Try not to catch one directly from the airport—these are often expensive.
Helpful Tip:
If you want a little more comfort, opt for the Heathrow Express train, which costs about £25 ($32 USD) for the trip from LHR to Paddington Station. The earlier you book, the cheaper your fare can be!
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Free Walking Tours
Take a free walking tour such as Sandemans. Though the guides are not professional, they are local and are usually enthusiastic students and volunteers who love taking travelers on a trek through their city.
This is a terrific introduction to the highlights in town, and it is often coupled with a few anecdotes and hidden spots from your guides.
Remember to tip them afterward!
London is a lovely place. I hear it’s expensive to travel there. So this post is helpful, Kiersten.
Thank you for a very useful information. My husband and I will go to London in December. It will be our first trip to London. I have been reading lots of blogs and watched lots of vlogs about travelling to London but still need more info on planning the trip.
You will have an amazing time! London is an incredible city!