How to Visit London on a Budget (A Local’s Guide)

👉 Jump to: Budget Tips | Cheap & Free Things to Do | Where to Stay | Cheap Eats

You might assume that a London trip is automatically going to be expensive. But that doesn’t have to be the case! Visiting London on a budget is an option if you plan accordingly and follow the local advice in this guide.

I’ve lived in London for a few years now and have improved my budgeting skills a lot. In this article, I’ll give you my insider info on the best London activities, where to stay, and the best restaurants for sticking to a budget. I’ll also dish my best money-saving tips.

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6 Tips to Do London on a Budget

Tip #1 – Take Public Transit

As a London local, I’m always taking public transit. In fact, I’d go so far as to say the transit offerings here are some of the best in the world.

Between the London underground, buses, and trains, you can get pretty much anywhere you need to go in London and the surrounding areas of the UK. In addition to accessibility, public transit is a very affordable way to get around when visiting and taking day trips from London.

Most of the main airports have a train that brings directly into the city. I would highly recommend taking this over a taxi or rideshare, as it often takes the same amount of time and could save you at least half the cost.

Tip #2 – Book Your Stay Outside of Central London 

As I’m sure you’re aware, staying in the heart of big cities can come with a hefty price tag. However, staying just outside of the city center is one of the best ways to save money here.

This doesn’t mean staying outside London entirely, but rather checking out a neighborhood outside of Zone 1 with easy access to central London. 

A few great areas to stay in Zone 2 with great character include Clapham, West Hampstead, Islington, Hackney, and Fulham. 

Tip #3 – Visit During the Low Season

One of the easiest ways to save money on your trip is to avoid traveling to London during peak times of the year, including the summer and Christmas. It’s a great way to save money on flights, accommodations, and activities.

I’ve written a guide on the best time to visit London to help you choose when to visit and also to save money.

Tip #4 – Take Advantage of Budget-Friendly Food Options

London is a multicultural city with one of the best food scenes in the world. If you’re a foodie, I recommend trying the incredible variety of restaurants, food stalls, and food markets.

To partake in the great culinary delights of the Big Smoke without spending a lot of money, there are several top-rated budget-friendly restaurants to enjoy. Later in this article, you’ll find my top picks of the best cheap eats in the city. 

For more, check out my guide to the best foods to try in London.

Tip #5 – Visit Free Museums and Attractions

There are some great free attractions in London. Prioritizing these is the best way to partake in London’s arts and culture without breaking the bank.

The top free London museums and galleries I recommend are the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum (conveniently located across the street from the Victoria and Albert), National Gallery, Tate Modern, and Science Museum. 

For free London attractions, my top picks include St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Brick Lane to view the creative street art.

Tip #6 – Check Out the Markets

Touring the various markets in London is a great way to save money in the city.

There are markets all around the city and you’ll find everything from artwork to hand-crafted jewelry and food stalls.

Borough Market (pictured above) is London’s most famous food market. Entrance to the market is completely free, allowing you to browse with ease, and perhaps treat yourself to a tasty bite or a souvenir with the money you saved at the entrance.

For more budget travel advice, grab your copy of Budget Travel 101 by McKenna Mobley. It’s Travel Lemming’s epic handbook for first-time budget travelers.

9 Cheap & Free Things to Do in London

Natural History Museum

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 207 942 5000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5:50 pm daily (latest entry is 5:30 pm) | Entrance: Free

Of the several great free museums in London, the Natural History Museum is one of my favorites. It’s filled with history, science, and life-sized exhibits.

They have exhibits about wildlife, space, earth, dinosaurs, and more. You won’t run out of things to see. This place is also kid-friendly, making it a great spot to bring the family.

👉 Pro Tip: Book your free ticket online in advance to ensure entry.

Hyde Park

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 300 061 2000 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 12 am daily | Entrance: Free

Arguably the most famous park in London, Hyde Park is filled with people all year long and is a great budget-friendly activity.

Located in Westminster, it is in close proximity to all the main attractions. Grab a coffee or tea and take a stroll through this beautiful landscape. Hit up Kensington Palace Gardens along the way, located within the park.

Science Museum

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 330 058 0058 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: Free General Admission, Day Passes for the Wonderlab from $19+, IMAX tickets from $18+

The Science Museum offers an extensive selection of interactive exhibits. It’s another great spot for families and is sure to keep the kids entertained. Admission is free, and they also offer a great selection of affordable activities.

Special features of this museum are its IMAX theatre and the Wonderlab interactive gallery, which can be enjoyed at a small cost.

Covent Garden

📍 Google Maps | Website | Jubilee Market Hours: 5 am – 5 pm Monday, 10:30 am – 7:30 pm Tuesday – Friday, 10 am – 6 pm Saturday – Sunday (individual store hours may vary) | Entrance: Free

Covent Garden is a shopping center that also has a variety of restaurants. Inside the apple market, you’ll find traditional vendor stalls with sellers offering a selection of goods. 

This is a great area to shop, window shop, and grab a bite. It’s always buzzing with people. There are often street performers and musicians trying out their latest acts within the outdoor space, making it a great spot to hit up with the family.

Buckingham Palace

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 303 123 7300 | Website | Hours: Any time of day to see it outside; 9:30 am – 7:30 pm July & August; 9:30 am – 6:30 pm September & October | Entrance: Free to visit outside or $16-35 to tour parts of the inside (discount for families if you book directly through the Buckingham Palace website)

Buckingham Palace is a must-visit attraction if you’re traveling to London for the first time. Visiting the outside is free, but there is a fee to go inside.

Observing through the gates is how to watch the changing of the guard, a traditional British ceremony taking place during weekly set times and dates. However, if you’re a fan of the royals and want to learn more about the history of the palace and royal family, I would recommend paying for the tour to visit parts of the inside.

Tate Modern

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 207 887 8888 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Sun-Thu, 10 am – 9 pm Fri-Sat | Entrance: Free (some exhibits cost money)

Located in the Bankside area of the London Borough of Southwark, the Tate Modern is an excellent modern art museum.

Open every day, I would highly recommend checking this place out to take in special pieces of modern and contemporary art from around the world. The walk along the Southbank is beautiful, and you’ll find some great food stalls and scenery to enjoy.

Self-Guided Walking Tours

🎟️ Entrance: Free

I’m a believer that there is no better way to see London than on foot. 

You’ll get to see great parts of London without paying for transport costs and take in the main attractions like Big Ben, Westminster, St Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge up close and personal.

Hampstead Heath

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 207 332 3322 | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours daily | Entrance: Free

Hampstead Heath is one of London’s greatest hidden gems that doesn’t receive the same amount of recognition from tourists as Hyde Park and Greenwich Park. 

This is a spot that locals recommend, and its location in North London is close to several adorable pubs, restaurants, and bars. The park itself offers one of the best views over London.

Sky Garden

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 333 772 0020 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 12 am Monday – Thursday, 8 am – 1 am Friday, 8 am – 1 am Saturday, 9 am – 12 am Sunday | Entrance: Free

The Sky Garden is a great free attraction for views similar to those at The Shard, but without paying the high ticket price. One thing to note is that you must have an advance ticket for entry, which is released the week of. 

Tickets go quickly, so make sure to go online and snag yours!

For more London planning advice, check out my 5 day London itinerary.

Where to Stay for Budget Travelers

If you are hoping to stay in a vibrant area without spending a fortune on accommodations, check out my top picks on affordable places to stay below. 

For further details on the various neighborhoods around the city so you can weigh your options, check out my guide on where to stay in London.

Islington

👉 Best Area For Renowned Independent Restaurants | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: Keystone House

If you’re hoping to stay in a more trendy part of London off the expensive beaten path, look no further than Islington. 

This neighborhood is in close proximity to other buzzing areas such as King’s Cross, Coal Drops Yard, and Shoreditch. It also comes with its own character and things to offer.

Because Islington is in zone two, you’ll still be centrally located but have options for more affordable accommodations. Upper Street in the heart of Islington offers a lovely selection of boutique shops and some of the best restaurants in London, including names like Ottolenghi, Chinese Laundry, and others.

Camden

👉 Best Area For Shopping, Nightlife, & Entertainment | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: NOX West End Lane II

Another affordable area to stay in London that offers a completely different vibe is Camden. Home to many student houses and near a main university, this area offers affordable accommodation options and never misses a beat in terms of vibrance. 

Within Camden town, you have the famous Camden Locke, and outside of Camden Market, a wide variety of shops, affordable restaurants, and a great jazz scene. This area really has it all when it comes to nightlife, food, drinks, and culture.

Fulham

👉 Best Area For Sports | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: The Wolfpack Inn

Located in West London, Fulham borders the neighborhoods of Chelsea and Hammersmith. It’s a very underrated location filled with lovely cafes, great pubs, and most importantly, two of the most popular sports stadiums in London.

Fulham is home to Fulham Football Club’s Craven Cottage and Chelsea Football Club.

If you manage to snag tickets for one of these football teams, the area lights up when a game is on as these stadiums often sell out from eager fans. Football is an integral part of UK culture, so it is worth trying to get tickets to a game while you’re in town. 

For pre-game festivities or if you aren’t able to score tickets, I can guarantee that every surrounding pub is a great vibe, filled with patrons cheering on their respective teams.

Richmond

👉 Best Area For Royal Parks & Gardens | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: The Red Cow Guest House

Located a bit further out in Zone 4, but still accessible to central London, Richmond Upon Thames is a thriving community famous for its breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and magical parks. 

Within Richmond, you have a bustling high street along a glistening waterfront with a generous array of shops, restaurants, and London bars.

The main highlight of Richmond is two incredible London parks, Richmond Park and Kew Gardens. If you’re a lover of wildlife, I highly recommend checking out Richmond Park, as you are very likely to stumble across some deer.

Kew Gardens is also a great spot that offers a large wild botanical garden. It’ll make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairytale.

Cheap Eats in London

Eating cheaply in London can be done but requires a bit of planning. It is important to avoid tourist traps in Leceister Square that normally have inflated prices for sub-quality food.

Along with my general list of favorite London restaurants, check out my top affordable restaurants here:

Lina Stores

Flavorful and authentic Italian.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ££

Lina Stores takes a traditional Italian delicatessen and spruces it up with cute decor. It serves simple, yet homely Italian dishes. Pasta is their bread and butter and they offer delicious flavors including truffle and pumpkin. 

With multiple locations across London, this adorable little spot is worth trying out.

Pockets

The fluffiest pita jam-packed with an array of flavorful ingredients including fresh falafel.

📍 Google Maps | Social Media | Price Range: £

Pockets is a 2-item food stop known for its Tik-Tok famous falafel pita, filled with all kinds of other goodies. This East London spot became so popular that it has a permanent location down the road from the food market it was previously situated at.

This fluffy pocket full of joy comes with fresh homemade falafel, cabbage salad, a chili pepper, houmous, tahini, amba, zhoug, and a deep-fried potato. It’s guaranteed to give you a burst of flavor the second you bite into it.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit less messy, the stand also offers falafel bowls, filled with the same wonderful ingredients.

Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza

Bottomless pizza fresh from the oven.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ££

Imagine having unlimited pizza that is fresh from the oven and served by the slice. You can make this a reality by visiting Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza, where you can enjoy 6 different kinds of pizza for under £20.

Delizie D’italia

An authentic neighbourhood Italian deli serving homemade dishes, coffee, and fresh paninis.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: £

If you’ve read my guide to the best restaurants in London, you’ll already know that I can’t get enough of this little corner Italian deli. It’s nestled in the quaint neighborhood of Pimlico and is a small but mighty spot serving the most authentic Italian eats in London.

When you walk in the door, you’ll be greeted by friendly faces and an array of Italian goodies sourced from Italy. My favorite thing about this deli in particular is its impressive paninis, packed to the brim with high-end ingredients for only 8 GBP. 

My go-to order is the Venezia panini, a San Pellegrino soda, black Americano, and a lemon cannoli, all of which you can get for under 15 GBP, what a steal!

Dumpling Shack

Street food stall with juicy dumplings.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: £

Dumpling Shack is a popular street food stall with two locations in London: Spitalfields Market and South Quay. 

They serve a small menu of Asian street food items including a few types of noodles, smacked cucumbers, and of course, delicious dumplings. Prices range from £4-12 per item, and they offer meal deals, which are a great way to try more than one thing.

Padella

Simple yet tasty fresh pasta.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: £

Demonstrating that delicious and authentic Italian cuisine doesn’t always have to come with a high price tag, this simple and extremely popular pasta restaurant offers freshly made pasta at a very reasonable price. Each dish is packed with flavor and you can watch it being made while sipping on a negroni or Aperol spritz. 

There are two locations in London Bridge and Shoreditch, and unfortunately, they don’t take reservations due to their popularity. I would recommend visiting during off-peak times during weekdays. 

BAO

Succulent bao buns filled with bursts of flavor.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ££

For tasty Taiwanese cuisine in central London that won’t cost a pretty penny, I would highly recommend checking out BAO. 

Bao buns have become one of the most popular street food staples, and this little spot offers a great selection ranging from £6.50 – £8 a piece, along with affordable sides and small plates.

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I hope this article was helpful when it comes to finding ways to save money during your trip to London. Check out my guide on safety in London for more great travel tips!

Safe travels and enjoy the big smoke!