How to Visit London on a Budget

Visiting London on a budget can be challenging, but it is definitely possible. It took me a while to get to know my own capital city but after several visits, I’ve finally got London on a budget sorted!  Check out my top tips to make the most of a cheap London trip, including the best free things to do in London, how to get around and where to stay in London on a budget! 

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Know Before You Go to London

Before travelling to London, make sure you book accommodation and popular attractions ASAP as hotels and tickets can sell out.

🛌 MY FAVOURITE CHEAP ACCOMMODATION IN LONDON:

$$ Pembridge Palace Hotel: comfortable hotel close Notting Hill and Portobello Market

$$ The Z Hotel Covent Garden: stylish modern hotel in London’s theatre district

$ Wombat’s City Hostel London: Private rooms and shared dorms with a great bar in the basement

⭐ TOP 3 LONDON ACTIVITIES TO BOOK IN ADVANCE:

1. Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket

2. The London Eye Entry Ticket

3. Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Return Transportation

The Cheapest Time to Visit London

The best time to visit London if you’re on a budget is during the off-season or shoulder season.  London can be very busy and expensive during the peak tourist season, which is typically from June to August, but if you come outside of school holidays the prices drop and it is quieter too.

My favourite time to visit London is during the Spring or Autumn (Fall), as springtime brings blooming flowers and the weather starts to improve.  In the Autumn you can still get good weather, and the parks are lovely as the leaves start to change colour.

Visiting London in the winter is a good idea for Christmas shopping, and although the weather is likely to be cold and wet there are lots of things to do in London in the rain so as long as you prepare for the weather you will be fine!  In November there are special displays and events for Remembrance Sunday on November 11th. 

Of course, having a weekend away in London is a lovely idea, but Friday and Saturday nights in hotels are the most expensive for leisure travellers, and Tuesday and Wednesday nights are expensive because of business travellers.  Staying in London on a Sunday and Monday night for example should save you some cash on hotel stays. 

The Imperial War Museum in November -The Cheapest Time to Visit London
The Imperial War Museum in November -The Cheapest Time to Visit London

How to Get to London for Cheap

Cheap Flights to London

London has several airports serving the city so you can choose from a range of flight options to match your budget.  Before you book the flight, remember to check how to get from the airport into London, as some airports are further away than others. 

 

Getting Around London

Use Public Transport in London

London has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and the Tube (also known as the Underground).  Sometimes I prefer to get the bus so I can watch the world go by as I travel, or if I need to get somewhere quickly then the tube is usually best.

You can buy single tickets but the cheapest option is either to buy an Oyster Card and use that, or use a contactless card as they have daily and weekly limits, after which you journeys are free.  Just make sure you use the same card each time you travel otherwise the limits won’t apply. 

Buses are cashless so you can’t buy a ticket on the bus with cash.

Is Oyster Card Cheaper than Contactless?  It depends!  

If you have a UK bank card that is contactless, just use that and you will pay the same as you would with an Oyster Card.  You can also use contactless payments on your phone – if you make sure you don’t run out of battery.

However, not all foreign cards work with contactless, and if your card charges international transaction fees you will be charged every time you use your card, so in that case it is best to buy an Oyster Card.

A Visitor Oyster card costs £5 (plus postage) and is pre-loaded with however much credit you choose to add.  You can top up your Oyster Card as needed and the credit never expires so you can use it for future trips, or request a refund for unused credit when you leave.

Children under 11 travel free on buses and trams as well as on the Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line and some National Rail services when accompanied by a fare-paying adult (up to four children per adult).

If you are travelling with children aged 11-15, buy a Visitor Oyster card in advance and when you arrive you can add a Young Visitor discount to the card.

Walk

It’s also great to take a walk in London to enjoy the sights as you wander around.  While some London attractions are spread out, you can walk along the Thames River to see some of the most popular places in London – and if you get tired then hop on the tube or a bus to get back to your accommodation.

London Underground Sign near the Tower of London - Get Around London Cheaply with Public Transport
London Underground Sign near the Tower of London – Get Around London Cheaply with Public Transport

Where to Stay in London on a Budget

There are lots of hostels and budget hotels in London that offer affordable accommodation options.  Hotels close to tourist areas and main train stations are usually more expensive so consider places that are in less central areas, but still have good access to public transportation so you can save some cash.

I love the area around Tower Bridge as it is walking distance to a lot of the attractions such as the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, while not being crazy expensive.  It is also well connected by the Tube to the rest of London, being close to the underground stations Tower Bridge for the Circle and District Lines, and Aldgate East for the Hammersmith Line.

The Best Hostels in London

The cheapest way to travel in London is to stay in a shared hostel dorm.  Yes you’ll be sharing a room with strangers (potential new friends?) but if you really are on a tight budget you can’t beat the price of a hostel dorm bed.

One thing to look out for is the age limit, as many of the highly-rated London hostels have an age limit of 18-35 or 18-40, so if you’re an older budget traveller like me then you won’t be able to stay there.  That’s one of the reasons why I love Wombat’s as they don’t have a limit, but if you are in a younger bracket you have a lot more options to choose from.

Wombat’s City Hostel London

I usually stay at Wombat’s City Hostel London, a fabulous hostel close to Tower Bridge that is spotlessly clean, with friendly staff and an unbeatable location. Dorm rooms are great for backpackers or visitors on a strict budget, or there are private rooms available for all the perks of being in a hostel with the privacy of your own room. 

Wombat’s London is about 10 minutes’ walk from Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and Tower Hill underground station, and is walking distance from Shoreditch, Borough Market and plenty more places to see in London.  The only age requirement is 18+, unlike some other London hostels which don’t allow older people.

You can read my full review of Wombat’s London here>>>READ MORE REVIEWS AND BOOK

A Dorm Room on the Top Floor of Wombats London - Where to Stay in London on a Budget
A Dorm Room on the Top Floor of Wombats London – Where to Stay in London on a Budget

Hostel One Notting Hill

The highest rated hostel on Hostelworld, this clean and well-equipped hostel is in the heart of Notting Hill and perfect for young travellers looking for a hostel in London.  Hostel One has an age limit of 18-36 years old.

There is a nice terrace and social areas for meeting people and lots of activities arranged by the staff.  The private rooms are expensive but dorm rooms are good value for what you get.  >>>CHECK PRICES & READ REVIEWS

BROWSE MORE HOSTELS IN LONDON

How to Find Cheap Hotels in London

There are thousands of hotels in London to choose from, and you can find something for every budget, although getting the balance between good quality and good value isn’t easy!  I usually try to book hotels with ratings at least over 8.0 in Booking.com, but in London I do go down to 7.5 for good value hotels.  

Staying outside of the city centre is cheaper, so if you are staying in London for several days you could save money that way, but if you are short on time then somewhere close to central London is a must.  And if you think about it, you won’t be in the room very much anyway, so location is probably more important than luxury unless you’re having a romantic weekend away.

As for price point, finding a room in a decent hotel in London for under £100 is possible for certain dates but don’t be surprised if you’re looking at more like £150 as a minimum budget, or even £200 for a Saturday night. 

As I said earlier, weekend stays and Tuesday/Wednesday nights are usually the most expensive, as are dates when big events are happening in the city, so try to be flexible with your travel days if you can.

Look out for different room types too, private rooms with shared bathrooms are cheaper than en-suite rooms, and some hotels will offer budget rooms that don’t have windows, or single rooms with single beds instead of a queen or double.  Non-refundable rates are also cheaper than ones with flexible cancellation policies. 

It all comes down to what you are willing to compromise on to save money on your London trip.

When I’m searching for cheap hotel rooms in London I go to Booking.com, put in my dates and room requirements, and sort the results by price, lowest first.  On the left hand-side I scroll down to filter the results by rating (over 7) and take a look at the list.  Using the map feature I check the location, then read reviews to see if I like the places.  

As I use Booking for all of my hotel stays I am a Genius member and also get access to special offers for up to 30% discount on rooms and other perks like free breakfast or room upgrades for some bookings, so if you travel regularly that comes in handy! >>>READ MORE ABOUT GENIUS DISCOUNTS

FIND CHEAP HOTELS IN LONDON

The Best Budget Hotels in London

These are some of my top picks for budget hotels in London that combine good price, good reviews and a good location:

Motel One London-Tower Hill

The Motel One London-Tower Hill is a budget-friendly hotel in the City of London, one of my favourite areas to stay in London.  It’s a short walk from Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, and close to Brick Lane as well as transport links at Liverpool Street Station and Tower Hill and Aldgate underground stations. 

The hotel offers stylish, air-conditioned rooms with comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, and ensuite bathrooms with rain showers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and there is a 24-hour reception desk. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast buffet and drinks at the hotel bar. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY  

Motel One London Tower Hill Bedroom - Cheap Hotels in London
Motel One London Tower Hill Bedroom – Cheap Hotels in London | Credit: Booking.com

Pembridge Palace Hotel – Notting Hill

Pembridge Palace Hotel is walking distance to Notting Hill and Portobello Market, and 5 minutes walk Bayswater tube station so you can easily get around the city.  Rooms are comfortable, (if a little small according to some reviews) most with ensuite bathrooms, and free wifi is available in the lobby public areas.  >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY  

The Z Hotel Covent Garden

Z Covent Garden is a stylish and modern hotel located in London’s theatre district, just a few minutes’ walk from Covent Garden Piazza and is a great choice if you want to see a show while you’re in London. There are other Z Hotels in London but this one gets the best ratings and is excellent value for the location.

Rooms are small but all have en-suite shower rooms and large Samsung HD TVs as well as free wifi throughout the hotel.  There is a roof-top terrace and cafe downstairs.  

  >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY  

Cheap Things to Do in London on a Budget

When it comes to things to do in London, you can end up spending a lot of money on activities but there are ways to get discounts on tickets for attractions and events like theatre shows. 

Discount websites like Groupon and Time Out often offer discounted tickets to attractions, restaurants and events in London and have offers for things like afternoon teas which can be fun. However, make sure you read the fine print and check the expiration date before buying anything.

Booking attractions and activities in advance can save you money and time. Many attractions offer discounts for advance booking, and you can avoid the long lines.  Do your research and compare prices.

If you plan on visiting many of the city’s paid attractions, a London Pass may save you money. The pass offers entry to over 80 attractions, as well as discounts on dining and shopping.

If you can afford to splurge a little, check out some of the top tours and paid attractions in London:

Free Things to Do in London

If you are on the tightest of budgets and don’t want to spend anything then there are tons of free London activities you can enjoy too.

Take a Free Walking Tour in London

As with any free walking tours, it is customary to tip your guide if they have done a good job.  So, strictly speaking these aren’t free tours but I wanted to include them anyway as they are excellent value and are some of the best cheap things to do in London.

I took a walking tour of London Landmarks East with Strawberry Tours from Wombat’s Hostel, or you can sign up for the tour online and meet by Tower Hill underground station.  You can also find free walking tours of West London, graffiti tours, Harry Potter Tours and food tours too.  Check the full details here.

Tower Bridge - Free Things to See in London
Tower Bridge – Free Things to See in London

Visit Historic Landmarks

London is steeped in history, and many of its famous landmarks are free to see from the outside so you can tick those off your London bucket list for free!  See Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral and even Buckingham Palace for free.

You can admire the architecture and take photos without spending a penny, but there are charges to go inside.

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

One of the best things to do in London for free, the Changing of the Guard takes place on alternate days at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.  It is a traditional ceremony where the soldiers currently on duty hand over responsibilities to the New Guard, accompanied by a band.

The soldiers are all dressed in their official uniforms, complete with red tunics and black bearskin caps. The ceremony begins at 10:45am and lasts for about 45 minutes. Arrive early to get the best view!  Check the official website here for up to date times and locations.

The Thames River Walk

The Thames cuts through the heart of London and offers spectacular views of the London Skyline right the way from Big Ben and the London Eye through to the O2 Arena if you care to walk that far!

My favourite spots include the area close to Tower Bridge where you can see the bridge itself, the Tower of London and the Shard on the other side.  You can walk across Tower Bridge for free, but there is a small fee to enter the museum and get to the upper viewing platform.

Millenium Bridge at St Pauls Cathedral at Night - What to Do in London for Free
Millenium Bridge at St Pauls Cathedral at Night – What to Do in London for Free

Cross the Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge was was first opened in 2000 but soon closed to make some structural changes.  It re-opened in 2002 and has since been featured in films like Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Guardians of the Galaxy (as part of Xandar). 

From the bridge, you get one of the best views in London of St Paul’s, especially first thing in the morning before it gets busy, or at night when the city lights reflect off the water of the Thames.

The London Wall

I must have walked past the London wall 50 times before realising that it is actually part of the Roman Wall around the city of Londinium, which was built around 200 AD.  The wall was about 2.5 miles (4 kilometres) long, enclosing an area of about 330 acres, but much of it has been built on, torn down or hidden for centuries. 

You can complete a walk of the remaining sections of the wall, with the most complete parts being close to Tower Hill underground station and the Museum of London.

Go Instagram Crazy in Notting Hill

Notting Hill is one of the prettiest areas of London and one of the most colourful places in the world!  Almost every house is painted a different colour, so you can take your pick from the pastel shades of pink, purple and yellow to find your perfect shot.

Pretty House in Notting Hill - Tips for Visiting London on a Budget
Pretty House in Notting Hill – Tips for Visiting London on a Budget

Take a Walk in the Park(s)

There are some wonderful parks to enjoy for free in London.  My personal favourite is Richmond Park, a national nature reserve and a haven for wildlife, including around 300 Red Deer and 240 Fallow Deer who roam freely, so you can get close to nature in the heart of the city. 

Battersea Park, St James’ Park, Regents Park, Hyde Park and Greenwich Park are just some of the other green spaces in London where you can get some fresh air and enjoy the sunshine.

Explore Cool London Markets

London has some incredible markets where you can find unique souvenirs, vintage clothing, and international cuisine at affordable prices or just enjoy the atmosphere for free. Some popular markets include Camden Market, Borough Market, and Brick Lane Market.

For photo opportunities, don’t miss Leadenhall Market, a beautiful Victorian indoor market is filled with shops selling everything from cured meats to clothing and cute gifts, as well as bars and restaurants.  It was also a Harry Potter filming location. 

Inside the Beautiful Leadenhall Market - Free Things to do in London on a Budget
Inside the Beautiful Leadenhall Market – Free Things to do in London on a Budget

Visit the Free Museums in London

There are a crazy amount of free museums and galleries in London!  All of these are free to enter, although a donation is appreciated.  There may be charges for special exhibitions, but you can enjoy most of the museums’ exhibits for free.

The Natural History Museum is one of my all-time favourite museums in London and the Tate Modern has great views from the terrace as well as a fabulous selection of modern art including works by Jackson Pollack, David Hockney and Andy Warhol among many others.

For classic works, head to the National Gallery to admire seminal works by Turner, Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Rousseau and more.  The Design Museum, Imperial War Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum are also free to visit.

Check Out the Street Art on Brick Lane

If you prefer your art to be outdoors instead of in galleries, Brick Lane is THE place to go for street art.  There are fabulous murals, stencils and beautiful artwork all over the place – check out this article about the street art to do a self-guided street art tour.

On Sundays there is also a market in Brick Lane, as well as the usual funky shops and boutiques along the road.

A Beautiful Street Art Mural on Brick Lane - How to Visit London on a Budget
A Beautiful Street Art Mural on Brick Lane – How to Visit London on a Budget

Where to Find Cheap Food in London

You can get some delicious cheap eats in London so you can fill your belly without emptying your wallet.  Check out these places to eat cheaply in London:

TOP BUDGET TIP: Don’t buy bottled drinks, bring your own reusable water bottle and fill it up.  Many cafes and restaurants will fill up your bottle for you if you ask them if you can’t find a water fountain.

Street Food Markets

London has a thriving street food scene, with many markets offering a variety of affordable and delicious cuisines. Some popular markets include Borough Market, Camden Market, and Greenwich Market, as well as Sunday’s Brick Lane Market.

Pub Food

Traditional British pub food can be found all over London, and is often reasonably priced. Try classic dishes like fish and chips, bangers (sausages) and mash, and pie and peas.

Tasty Pork Pies from Borough Market - Cheap Eats in London
Tasty Pork Pies from Borough Market – Cheap Eats in London

Cafes and Sandwich Shops

There are many independent cafes and sandwich shops in London that offer tasty and affordable meals. You can find options for breakfast, lunch, and snacks, such as croissants, bagels, sandwiches, and salads.  Cafes are best for breakfast (a full English will set you up for the day!) or lunch as they usually close around 3pm.

Takeaways

London has a variety of takeaway shops that offer quick and cheap meals although they aren’t the healthiest options.  You can find cheap kebabs, burgers, fried chicken, pizza and more at takeaways all over the city. Look for places that have good reviews and ratings before you buy.

Chain Restaurants

Some chain restaurants in London offer affordable meals, such as Nando’s, Pizza Hut, and Wagamama. You can often find deals and discounts online or through loyalty programs.

Supermarkets and High-Street Shops

Many supermarkets and shops like Boots and WH Smith in London offer ready-made meals like sandwiches, salads and snacks at affordable prices.  Meal Deals usually include a sandwich or salad, crisps or a snack like a chocolate bar, and a drink. 

In supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsburys you can also find fresh produce and bakery items to create your own meals.  Pack a picnic to eat at one of the parks, or take something back to your accommodation to cook if you have self-catering facilities.

St Pauls Cathedral London with Pink Roses in Front - London on a Budget
St Pauls Cathedral London with Pink Roses in Front – London on a Budget

Final London Budget Tip

I hope find this epic London budget guide to be useful for planning your London trip.  I love London, despite being a Northerner through and through – just remember that as fabulous as visiting London is, try to get outside the city and see more of the UK while you’re here! 

Head north from London to visit cities like Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham, or one of my favourite places in the UK, York, for a cheaper city break.  Even Edinburgh is only 4.5 hours from London by train.  But, London is London, one of the best cities on earth, so I am always happy to help you enjoy London on a budget!

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