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London on a Budget: 15 Cheap Travel Tips

Home » Destinations » Europe » UK » London on a Budget: 15 Cheap Travel Tips

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Updated: 1st March 2023

“But isn’t London super expensive?”  is one of the most common questions I’m asked when talking about travel to the United Kingdom’s capital. And, while it might be a surprising answer, I always reply that cheap may be a stretch – but London on a budget? Absolutely!

There are heaps of tips and tricks you can follow to cut your costs and make a stay in one of England’s best places to visit more affordable. Take it from an ex-local who survived in this city as a waiter for more than a few years; you can make your pound go much further if you know how.

Of course, all the usual stuff applies: visit in the off-season, avoid dates when huge events mean prices spike, and consider hostels or further-out accommodation. But, rather than focusing on the obvious that can apply anywhere, I’ve tried to focus more on London-specific tips and ways I’ve personally tried to do London on the cheap while living here.

So, before even thinking about all the best things to do in London – including all these fantastic free museums – here are some of the budget basics you need to know when planning and during your trip.

1. Flying to London (or not)

Firstly, let’s look at the most significant initial cost: flights. London has two major airports (Heathrow and Gatwick), one city-centre airport that mainly caters to business travellers (London City), and two further large airports (Stansted and Luton), which mainly serve European and budget flights. There’s also London Southend Airport, which I’ve used once for a package holiday; however, it’s tiny and far away, so I will ignore it here. To be fair, most of these airports aren’t really in London, so how you get into the city centre from these airports (see point 5) is also a cost to factor in.

So, the first thing you’ll want to do is search for cheap flights to all of these airports. Skyscanner is great for this, as you can put in your starting point and then ask it to search for flights to London (any) and see which airport is most cost-effective. You can even search for a whole month, or from all your nearby airports, to find more options.

If you’re coming from Europe, then chances are that budget carriers like Ryanair (mainly Stansted) and easyJet (mainly Luton and Gatwick) will offer the cheapest fares. Just keep in mind that on these no-frills airlines, certain extras do cost more.

Luckily, if you play the game, you can find good deals for your flights to London – just be sure to know the main things that will give you surprise fees at the airport. The first is to understand the difference between carry-on vs personal item , as on airlines such as Ryanair, the latter is free, while the first can get you a hefty surprise charge when it comes to boarding. The second major point that a lot of people fall foul of is not doing their check-in online; to do it at an airport usually means a rather eye-watering fee.

From further afield, such as Australia or the USA, you may want to consider other options. While a weekend in London will mean you will want to fly directly to the city, if you’re instead using London as a starting point to explore Europe’s hidden gems , it may be cheaper to start and end your trip elsewhere on the continent.

I have travelled to Amsterdam or Rome to take long-haul flights in the past because it has been up to £250 cheaper each way. London has high taxes, and direct fares are not always that competitive, so look at flying into a different European city first, saving some bucks for a night or two there and then jumping on a budget flight – or a Eurostar train – to London. Alternatively, look at airlines which offer ‘stopover’ deals or connecting flights, as these can also be cheaper to reach the UK while also allowing you to see another city. Two well-known options include TAP Portugal’s Lisbon stopover and Norway-based Norse, which launched in 2021.

If you’re coming from the United States and want to visit London on a budget, you might also want to sign up for one of the cheap flight email services to be notified when deals or error fares are available. I’ve also written in detail about how to find cheap flights using Skyscanner.

You can also use your flights to save money on accommodation if you book an overnight arrival and late-night departure – essentially giving you two full days. There are loads of places to ditch your luggage for the day if your hotel or apartment doesn’t offer this service. LuggageHero  is pretty cheap and has lots of different storage locations.

2. Book your tickets and activities in advance

When you’re planning your cheap trip to London, you’ll likely have already made a list of all the attractions and activities you want to visit. Of course, many of these will not cost a penny, such as seeing the Changing of the Guard or visiting a free-entry museum; however, the reality is not everything will be so wallet-friendly.

So, to reduce and manage these costs, look for deals and discounts so you can book as many activities as possible in advance. You may assume that booking directly will guarantee the best prices, and while this is true most of the time, it isn’t always the case. There are plenty of coupon and discount websites in the UK, and you can often find some of the capital’s best attractions listed with deals.

Some websites worth checking before booking include Voucher Codes , which shares discount codes to use at checkout, and Groupon, which has both discount codes and deals on certain activities and hotels. For theatre tickets, consider websites such as Love Theatre – but also keep in mind day tickets and the West End lottery mentioned below. If you’re travelling to London by train, you can also usually get decent attraction deals on National Rails’ Discount website when using your train ticket.

You might also want to consider one of the various London Passes. Some bundle 2-7 attractions together for a discount, while others are for specific periods and include transport. I know these are really popular websites to recommend as they pay us a nice commission fee for each sale; however, they are only cost-effective if you really make the most of them.

So, evaluate what attractions you will certainly see in London – many museums and galleries are free – and then work out if one of these passes will actually save you money before buying it. If it will, great, snap it up. If you only plan to visit one or two attractions, it might be better to book separately and find deals on those specific activities.

3. Finding affordable London accommodation

Whatever search engine you use, I promise you one thing: cheap does not usually mean cheerful in London. Whilst there can be some bargains to be found the further out you go, you’ll have slim pickings in central London.

As well as searching on hostel or hotel comparison websites like Trivago , take a look at the websites of budget hotels such as Tunes, Easy or The Z, which usually offer central accommodation at a fairly reasonable price and will guarantee a certain standard of hygiene and facilities. Also, some budget hotels, such as Premier Inn, aren’t listed on comparison websites and should be searched and booked directly.

Alternatively, stay further out and use it to your advantage. London is a super-connected city, and we even have a night metro on weekends now so that you can rent any one of  London’s high-quality short-term rentals , and you won’t miss out on a thing. The bonus of staying in zones 3 and 4 is that not only is accommodation usually cheaper, but food and drinks can also drop dramatically in price, and you’ll get a more ‘local’ experience.

If you plan to stay in London for longer than a few days, you might also want to consider housesitting. This tends to work best for slightly longer stays – sometimes a week or more – as you’ll be looking after someone’s home (and potentially pets or plants) while they go on holiday themselves.

There are a few different platforms which help potential sitters and hosts connect. Many of these platforms require a subscription, so you may want to read a firsthand TrustedHousesitters Review before making the initial payment. However, once you’ve secured your first housesit – especially in a city like London – the savings will quickly add up.

4. Rent a car only when you need one

It might be tempting to rent a car the second you arrive in London, especially if you’re planning to explore other parts of England or road trip Scotland , but if you’re looking to do London on a budget, this isn’t wise. Firstly, you just won’t use your car much when you’re in the city, and secondly, by the time you account for car parking and any congestion charges, those costs will rack up.

As such, it’s better to pick up your car on the day you plan to start your road trip. Alternatively, if you want some wheels for the day to head off to a few nearby places, consider a service like Ubeeqo . This car-sharing website offers easy access via an app to local cars by the hour or day, already including fuel and insurance. They have around 100 parking locations in London, and cars can be rented as far afield as Hertford or Cambridge, so it saves on train fares if you’re staying outside the capital and driving in, or vice versa.

5. Don’t get scammed on your airport transfers and trains

“Express Trains” are not something you will find me on. Often, these services only shave a few minutes off the journey time and come at a hefty premium, and there are much more cost-effective ways to reach London’s centre.

These express trains operate from Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted, so when you’re planning how to reach the capital itself, compare the prices and timings of these services with the regular routes – you’ll be amazed at how much extra you are paying when the difference can be as little as 10 minutes. That said, the express services offer some advanced tickets at a heavily reduced price, so it’s always worth checking to see if you can book one of these.

From London City and Heathrow, you can also use the tube or DLR – Heathrow even has access to the new Elizabeth Line – as these are usually cheaper than rail. National Express coach services from Luton or Stansted can also be cost-effective alternatives depending on the time at which you arrive. The bottom line is there are plenty of options, and depending on where in the city you are staying, the express trains might not be the most direct or cheapest option to arrive in London on a budget

6. Walk, cycle and get contactless

London may seem scarily big when you look at a map – or especially a tube map – but walking around central London actually does not take too long. In fact, walking between some tube stations can be quicker than taking the metro when you add up all the time. So, my tip to you is that when the weather is good, do as much of London on foot as possible.

We also have the  Santander Cycle scheme  – standard and e-bikes – which you can find dotted around the city and access with an app or bank card. While these aren’t as cheap as they once were – standard bikes now cost £1.65 per 30 minutes – they offer a really nice way to get around London. If you’re planning to stay in the city for a while and make heavy use of the scheme, the £20 monthly option may be appealing.

You may have heard of the Oyster card, which is cheaper than buying individual travel tickets for the underground and bus network as it has a capped daily price and cheaper individual fares. Thankfully, this benefit also applies to paying with a contactless credit card, so you don’t need to purchase an Oyster card to enjoy the same price cap. If using a foreign card, you’ll just want to check that your bank will not add an additional exchange fee each time; if so, get the Oyster or find a better travel card such as Wise or Revolut.

7. Use public transport for sightseeing

Public transport in London is pretty decent and a daily occurrence for most of us, so if you are from a country/city that requires a car to get around, forget it – TFL can become your best friend when visiting London on a budget.

While the Tube is great, if a little crowded, heading underground will mean missing some of the best Instagram spots in London . So, make use of the buses and sit on the top deck to get that hop-on, hop-off tourist feeling without spending a fortune.

If you want to experience the River Thames without paying for a river tour, then you’ll want to make use of the Thames Clipper , London’s public ferry service. From as little as £4.80 for a standard single – or £18.90 for a full-day pass – you can take a jaunt along the river and spot some of the city’s most famous attractions on the way.

8. Check out the free attractions

London may be an expensive city, but many of the best attractions actually cost nothing. Learning  how to travel the world for free  is a fine art, and here, you have plenty of it to practice.

Some of London’s best free attractions and museums include the British Museum, St Paul’s Church (not the cathedral), The Tate, The National Portrait Gallery, strolling through Covent Garden, people watching at Borough Market (I know a lot of people recommend this for cheap eats, but in reality, many stalls are quite boutique) and taking in the views from Greenwich. There are also plenty of beautiful parks to enjoy.

Then there are the cultural attractions such as watching the Changing of the Guard, exploring the street art in trendy neighbours such as Shoreditch and heading up to one of the free rooftop viewpoints such as One New Change and the Oxo Tower – they might not be as high as The Shard, but they are a lot cheaper!

9. Skip the Shard and get views for free

The Shard may be the most famous of London’s skyscraper viewing platforms, but it’s not the only option.

My favourite spot is actually found across the river – the bonus is you can see The Shard – in the SkyGarden. Not only will you get some far-reaching vistas across London’s best landmarks, but the space is incredible, with plenty of inside foliage.

You do need to book your visit online in advance  to get free access – the tickets are batch-released every Monday – but that little bit of forward planning will save you the same cash. Alternatively, you can book a table at one of the restaurants, but this turns one of London’s best free attractions into a more pricy experience.

10. Look for free events and gigs in London

London’s cultural scene is all-encompassing, and there is no denying this is one of the best cities in the world for music, arts, theatre and other creative pursuits. Thankfully, that means there are plenty of free – don’t forget to drop some coins in appreciation – events to enjoy throughout the year.

Keep an eye on websites like Secret London, which keep a decent and up-to-date calendar of free events in London so that you can plan ahead – or go last-minute – to an extraordinary event. They cover anything from buskers in Covent Garden and free Royal Opera House performances to church choir performances and Friday night parties at the Tate Modern.

11. Chain restaurants are not the enemy

Yeah, yeah, I’m probably going to get slated for saying this – especially as someone who loves supporting independent businesses – but there are some pretty decent chain restaurants in the UK which can provide affordable deals in decent locations, ideal for a quick, easy and affordable lunch.

Some of my favourites include Pizza Express (they often run 2-for-1 deals), Wahaca for Mexican food, and chain pubs such as Greene King or Fullers for decent-priced British grub and pints. Most of these chains have apps with discount deals. For a slightly more upmarket option with good-quality British dishes, head to one of the Browns Bar and Brasserie’s across the city, the restaurant group where I worked for many years.

If you’re going to spend a while in London, then the Taste Card may be worth considering as after a certain amount of uses, the discounts will more than pay for themselves.

12. Hunt out set menu deals

Set menus, especially on quieter evenings (like Sundays or Mondays) and during lunches, are pretty common in London. These are the times when restaurants are not too busy, and you’ll most likely find the best deals.

If you have a restaurant you really want to visit whilst you are here, call or check the website to find out if they offer a set menu – it will usually save you a fair chunk on the À la carte price.

Do keep in mind that the locations you are looking at will likely change the available deals. For example, in financial districts such as the City of London or Canary Wharf, lunches are usually their prime time with office workers, meaning deals aren’t likely during weekday lunches. On the flip side, in the Theatre District and around Soho or Covent Garden, Prix-Fixe menus are usually early evening to get diners in and out quickly before a show.

13. Picnic on a meal deal

If you want to go super cheap – and generally ‘live like an office local’ – then grab yourself a meal deal. It’s not exactly fancy, but it’s a way to cut your travel costs and do London on a budget.

These simple lunch deals are something of a staple in the UK and are offered in places such as supermarkets and even health retailers such as Boots. Usually costing between £3-£4, you can grab a sandwich, crisps (or fruit and other snacks) and a drink. Take these to one of the beautiful parks in London, and you have a bargain picnic lunch on your hands.

14. Try and get last-minute theatre tickets

West End theatre tickets can run into triple digits, especially for the best seats at the hottest shows. Yet, there are a few ways to save money beyond the voucher websites I mentioned previously. Of course, these options aren’t ideal if you need a specific show on a particular day – for that, it’s best to accept the price and book in advance – but if you have some flexibility, consider the below.

Firstly, there are nearly always last-minute tickets up for grabs directly from the box office. These may be returns or just tickets that have been held back for various reasons. On my last visit back to London, I scored great tickets to Miss Saigon for £20 about an hour before curtain up.

Some other shows also offer a ‘lottery’ a little before the performance starts. For example, the Book of Mormon even runs a lottery every day for £20 tickets if you want to gamble daily 2.5 hours before the performance. This is a great way to enjoy London on a budget and appreciate the incredible cultural scene.

15. Book train fares in advance

This isn’t so much a London on a budget tip, but it will apply if you plan on leaving London to visit other parts of the UK, such as Cornwall’s attractions , Scotland’s capital city of  Edinburgh , or the buzzing city of Manchester .

The fact is rail travel in the UK is very costly. You might think these high train prices mean excellent services, but that also isn’t always the case – sometimes a seat isn’t even guaranteed – and you may find yourself standing for much of the journey. As such, you’ll want to book in advance online.

Not only can you usually score a seat reservation this way, but you can sometimes save up to 50% or more from on-the-day ticket prices.

While individual train companies (we don’t have one rail company) allow booking on their websites,  The Train Line  is an excellent place to start as it will search all operators on that route and show you the best prices. However, they charge a small booking fee, so if you want to save a pound or two more, once you’ve found the deal, go to the operator’s website to try and book directly.

If you plan to travel to some of the most beautiful parts of the country, such as  visiting the Cotswolds , these advance fares will be your biggest money saver. Also, check out National Express, the UK’s long-distance coach company. These buses are nearly always modern, comfy, and good value – providing an additional option to reach places perhaps not served by the trains or at an even lower price.

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Thanks for sharing so many tips. I agree with the Skygarden trip, the views are great, and the drink bar at the top is also good. There was a DJ playing live music, so my evening was great.

This is very helpful for my hometown friends. They will travel from the states to here in London when the lockdown ends. This is very informative for them on where to go. Thank you very much for the tips!

Nice blog, And impressive information. Thanks for sharing such a nice information about budget of London travel article

Thanks for these amazing tips. London is a very costly city, these tips will help each traveller to plan his trip to London.

These are amazing tips. I traveled to London and did a 3-day sightseeing walking and taking public transport for the most part. While this has become a no-brainer, it took me time to plan my itinerary considering which part of London I would be staying, what I wanted to see and what attractions are best to see when. So I developed the App which plans the itinerary for you based on these above data. Check it out http://londontrip.io Thanks

Really difficult to stay in a budget while traveling but these tips are really amazing and very helpful. overall thanks for this great article.

Exploring London is a part of the trip and London is a city where you will never get bored. I appreciate your ideas, they are good enough to travel to London on budget.

Thanks for sharing such an interesting and really helpful guide. Every visitor before going to London should read it. There are many hotels available in the budget but booking short stay apartments in London is a nice idea to keep your journey in the budget.

Nice blog. Glad that I read this blog. One of the best tips blog on how to have a vacation cheaply. The “meal day” tip is very useful for the people, who come from other countries. Keep helping. All the best,

I agree, hotels can be expensive in London. A cheaper alternative may be booking a holiday home (house, apartment, cottage) within and outside of London.

Getting the train from/to Kings Cross from/to Gatwick is also a super cheap way of travelling between the city and this airport but not many people know this route. There are often tickets on the Thameslink for around £10.

Also accommodation really can be a lot cheaper than you’d think. I stayed at a hostel in zone 1 near Nottinghill for less than £20 per night.

Great tips Dan.

Yep, that’s another great train line to take, though I really dislike Gatwick for some reason :)

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Top tips for visiting London on a budget

Mar 11, 2024 • 7 min read

You can see the best of London without blowing your budget © AzmanJaka / Getty Images

London has a reputation as one of the most eye-wateringly expensive cities to visit in Europe. Its fame and global appeal have long made it a top "bucket list" destination, with jacked-up accommodation prices and exorbitantly priced experiences, from swanky fine dining to designer shopping.

But there are easy ways to enjoy London without taking out a giant bank loan. Follow these transport, accommodation and meal hacks to save stacks of cash when exploring England's capital.

Daily costs

• Dorm bed in a hostel: £15–30
• Basic hotel room for two: £100–200
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from £100
• Daily transport travel card: £15.20
• Cup of coffee: £2–6
• Lunchtime sandwich: £3–8
• Three-course restaurant dinner for two: from £80
• A pint of beer at the bar: £4–8
• Theatre ticket for a West End show: £25
• Average daily cost: £200

Flying is generally the cheapest way to get to London

Europe's budget airlines, including EasyJet , Ryanair , Wizz Air , Wow Air and others offer hugely competitive fares to the UK capital. However, check which airport you are flying into, as you may have to tag on the price of a costly train fare if you arrive at an airport farther from the center (including London Stansted, London Southend, London Luton and London Gatwick). Also check flight times, as arriving early in the morning (particularly on a weekday) can mean tricky transport links, and possibly a pricey taxi transfer to town.

Stay outside central London to find lower overnight rates

London is divided into nine transport zones, with the most expensive accommodations found in the center in Zone 1 and Zone 2. To save money on accommodation rates, consider staying in Zone 3 or Zone 4 near a Tube station – you'll pay less and you can still take public transport to the main attractions. Good deals can be found in areas such as Stratford and Islington, or try near King’s Cross if you must be downtown. Budget motel-style hotels such as Premier Inn and Travelodge are another option, as are hostels for solo travelers. Prices for Airbnb apartments can also be reasonable if you're traveling in a group (stay in the suburbs for lower rates).

Take a walk or use public transport to get around

London is a huge, sprawling city – it would take more than a day to walk across town from east to west. However, in central London, distances between attractions are very walkable, often along atmospheric old streets lined with historic buildings. When your legs get weary, hop on a red London bus or take the Tube to cover more distance.

Another great option is to rent a Santander Cycle from one of the docking stations dotted around the center. This budget transport option costs less than £2 per day, allowing unlimited trips if you ride and dock within 30 minutes on each trip.

Take advantage of pre-theater restaurant deals

Dinner in the West End is usually cheaper if you go before the curtain call. Many restaurants in London's "Theatreland" offer three-course meals for a fraction of the regular price, starting from when they open at around 5pm until around 7:30pm, on the condition that you'll be gone by the time the shows start. Another option is to dine out earlier in the week (Monday to Wednesday) when restaurants and pubs offer "Taco Tuesdays" and "Steak Clubs" and other similar offers. 

Buy theater tickets far in advance

Sign up to theater mailing lists when you book your trip to London, and whenever a show you are interested in begins its run. Tickets in the West End can cost as little as £20 booked ahead of time, but you might pay hundreds if you leave booking to the day before. Some last-minute theater booking websites may have tickets available for the next day, but these will likely cost you more.

Budget diners should look for end-of-the-night deals

Apps such as Too Good To Go can help you find takeaway meals at restaurants just before closing time, at a fraction of the normal price. Sometimes the food can be a mixed bag, and you may not know what you’ll be getting until you turn up – it's not ideal for fussy eaters, but it helps restaurants reduce food waste, serving up portions that would typically be thrown away.

Save money on attractions with a discount pass

Buy a London Pass and you'll get free entry to some 80 attractions in the city, including the Tower of London , Hampton Court Palace , London Zoo and Windsor Castle . If you plan on visiting multiple sights over several days, the savings can be considerable. If you intend to visit royal attractions such as the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace , consider getting a Historic Royal Palaces annual membership (from £55 for unlimited entries), as admission fees for these attractions average around the £25 mark for each visit.

Hit the free museums and galleries

One of the best things about London is the fact that many of its world-class attractions don’t charge a penny, from the extraordinary Natural History Museum and Science Museum to the magnificent Tate Modern . There are also free theater shows, music concerts, movie screenings and more (read our guide to free London for tips).

Eat street food at London’s many markets

Visiting London's street markets will give you a chance to support local vendors, and you'll also get to sample home-grown British produce and all sorts of flavors from around the world, often for just a few pounds. Camden Market , Borough Market , Seven Dials Market and Broadway Market are some of the best. Many vendors are happy to offer free samples before you buy.

Eat local foods to save on cash

There’s a reason we say "cheap as chips" – a bag of chips in a local chippy (fish and chips joint) should only set you back a few pounds if you head out of the center. It’s one of the cheapest, most filling meals you can eat in the capital. Alternatively, hit a local "greasy spoon" cafe – these traditionally working-class joints offer breakfasts (usually fried) for less than £10 in a cafeteria-like setting.

Head to a traditional East End pie-and-mash shop to try another working-class delicacy that won’t break the bank; expect to pay £5–15 for a full liquor-slathered pie with mashed potatoes. Alternatively, eat at the pub, where meals are usually a fraction of the price of a restaurant (again, head out of central London to get the most bang for your buck). Also, seek out all-you-can-eat curry buffets (like the one served by Indian Veg in Islington’s Chapel Market) to load up on tasty Indian dishes for around £15.

Go to a BYOB restaurant

Dining establishments without a liquor license often allow patrons to bring their own bottles of booze, either for free or with a small corkage charge. This means you can get your plonk in a supermarket for a fraction of the price charged by restaurants, and save a ton on service charges too.

Hit the happy hour drinks deals

If you’re prepared to drink early – typically between 3pm and 6pm – you'll save money on cocktails, beers and wines in London. Look for details of the best happy hour deals on listings websites such as Design My Night , Time Out , Secret London and London Drinks Guide . Happy hours usually run from Monday to Friday and target workers leaving the office early.

Students, children and over-60s get discounts

Discounts for students, children and the over-60s are available at many tourist attractions, at some entertainment venues and on public transport. Checking for these discounts every time is an easy way to save cash. Free events are regularly held for these groups too; check on attraction websites and social media for upcoming deals.

Check for voucher deals online 

Spas, tour companies, stores, restaurants and some tourist sights offer regular voucher deals online (see websites such as VoucherCodes , Groupon and Wowcher ). Also look out for promo coupons for family attractions such as the London Aquarium and Legoland Windsor on packets of snacks and breakfast cereals. It’s well worth checking for internet or app deals before you book any London experience.

This article was first published Sep 8, 2023 and updated Mar 11, 2024.

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Travel Tips for Visiting London on a Budget

Mark D. Kahler

Visiting London on a budget can be challenging, because this is among the world's most expensive cities. Each year, many prospective tourists -- people who would enjoy themselves very much in this city -- bypass London because of high costs.

But it is possible to visit this vibrant, historic city on a budget. Here are some strategies for dealing with the price of a trip to London. Check out budget travel tips for airfares, hotels, transportation, things to do, dining, attractions and even a short layover on the way to another city. 

London Airfare

It is set up as few other cities for economical travel. There are six major airports in the region that serve hundreds of commercial flights a day. With this much volume, there are many more chances for the budget traveler to snag a bargain ticket. Check out some strategies to get started with your search.

London Hotels

A typical London hotel room is undersized and overpriced. But there are ways to save. Consider London's budget hotels, bed & breakfast options, hostels or apartment rentals. Start looking for ways to save money for London accommodations on a budget .

London Transport

What's the cheapest way to get around London? The answer depends upon your plans. If you're planning to spend most of your time in Central London, there's little doubt The Tube is your most efficient and economical option. Take a look at tips for public transport and car rental.

London Things to Do

London is a city with famous attractions that are often viewed as "must visits." Some of them are expensive. But you can balance those expenditures with plenty of free or inexpensive activities. Attending Broadway-quality productions is cheaper in London than New York.

London Restaurants

Many travelers will tell you London is not known for its food. You'll do better in other European capitals such as Paris and Rome. While that might be true for many tastes, don't discount the variety of budget choices London offers travelers. From pubs to the area's thousands of small ethnic restaurants, you're bound to find a satisfying cheap meal on a budget in London.

London is famous for Parliament and Savile Row.

For many, it is not a place to visit solely for its cuisine. People who feel this way tend to have food-critic tastes and budgets to match.

As with all stereotypes, this one fades with each passing year. Excellent food and reasonable prices are not that hard to find. In fact, the cosmopolitan nature of this vast city makes it one of the best locations on earth for sampling a variety of dishes.

Let's start with breakfast.

Bed-and-breakfast establishments typically offer a morning meal that will tide you over until dinner. Lunch need not be more than a snack. If you stay at a conventional hotel where breakfast is not included, consider this: Unlike Paris and many other European cities, you can find hearty breakfasts in restaurants here that will not break the budget.

Lunch and even dinner can be a "picnic" assembled at London's markets.

London pub tours have long been a place to enjoy an inexpensive meal and incomparable atmosphere. Beware: developers are putting up imitations of the authentic neighborhood pubs throughout the city. The imitations are frequently long on expense and short on authenticity.

London is a great place to employ a sound budget dining strategy. The idea is to eat a big, free breakfast when possible, take it easy on lunch, and save the bulk of your food budget for nice dinners that expose you to the culture of your destination.

There are a number of guides that give information based on price ranges, generally using "expensive-moderate-inexpensive" or similar designations.

London Dining Guide  provides links to restaurants in a fairly wide area.

Other guides are less structured, and often assembled by students or people with an interest in helping visitors to London.

London Eye - Review

 TripSavvy / Gautier Houba

It's one of the most popular attractions in London, but it can rank among the most expensive when you have a larger travel party at peak tourist season. What's worse, it can cost you precious time waiting in line. Consider your interests, budget and time constraints carefully before you plan a visit to London Eye -- with help from this review.

London Layovers on a Budget

It happens to many travelers in Europe: you find yourself with a lengthy layover in London or with 10 hours to switch from one major airport to another before your journey can continue. It is possible to take in a few sights on a budget if you know how to plan for a London layover .

London Budget Travel Mistakes

In any city that attracts large numbers of visitors, there are traps (both intended and otherwise) that will cost you money. In London, some first-time visitors are intimidated when confronted with public transport, opting for expensive cabs instead. Don't allow your initial reactions to result in added costs. You'll save money and that other precious resource of time.

How to Enjoy a Quick Layover in London on a Budget

How to Travel From Luton Airport to Central London by Train, Bus, and Taxi

Step-By-Step Budget Tips for a First European Vacation

Tips for Budget Business Travel

Everything You Should Know Before Renting Your First RV

Strategies for Visiting New York City on a Budget

Budget London for Senior Travelers

Visiting Paris on a Budget

How to Visit Munich on a Budget

A Travel Guide for How to Visit Orlando on a Budget

How to Visit Dublin on a Budget

10 Budget Travel Tips for Visiting Venice

San Francisco on a Budget: Money-Saving Tips

Best London Budget Hotels

Tips on How to Save Money when You Visit Toronto

Your Trip to Puerto Vallarta: The Complete Guide

$127 Find cheap flights to London

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to london departing on 7/19. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to london.

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Cheap flight deals to London

Flights to london - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends for flights to london to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest flight to london.

In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight to London was $127 for a one-way ticket from New York and $248 for a round-trip. The most popular route searched for by our users was for flights from Los Angeles to London and the best round-trip deal found in the last 3 days was $280.

How much is a flight to London?

On average, a flight to london costs $713. the cheapest price found on kayak in the last 2 weeks cost $142 and departed from new york john f kennedy intl airport. the most popular routes on kayak are new york to london which costs $629 on average, and los angeles to london, which costs $793 on average., see prices from:, what is the cheapest day to fly to london, based on kayak data, the cheapest day to fly to london is wednesday where tickets can be as cheap as $797. on the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is saturday, where prices are $867 on average., what is the cheapest month to fly to london, the cheapest month for flights to london is october, where tickets cost $605 on average for one-way flights. on the other hand, the most expensive months are june and july, where the average cost of tickets from the united states is $976 and $842 respectively. for return trips, the best month to travel is february with an average price of $555., what is the cheapest time of day to fly to london, the cheapest time of day to fly to london is generally in the evening, when flights cost $578 on average. the most expensive time of day to fly to london is generally in the morning, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $653., what is a good deal for flights to london, if you’re looking for cheap airfare to london, 25% of our users found tickets to london for the following prices or less: from new york john f kennedy intl airport $337 one-way - $545 round-trip, from los angeles $407 one-way - $669 round-trip, from chicago o'hare intl airport $556 one-way - $693 round-trip., how far in advance should i book a flight to london, to get a below average price, you should book around 3 weeks before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 30 days before departure., which is the cheapest airport to fly into in london, prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in london is london southend airport, with an average flight price of $63., which airlines fly to london, airlines flying the most to london from united states are british airways, american airlines and virgin atlantic. see the amount of flights per week for popular airlines flying to london., which airline offers the most flights to london, of the 5 airlines that fly to london, british airways offers the most flights, with around 417 per week, followed by easyjet with 333 flights per week., how many airports are there in london, there are 6 airports in london: london heathrow airport (lhr), london gatwick airport (lgw), london stansted airport (stn), london luton airport (ltn), london city airport (lcy) and london southend airport (sen). the busiest airport is london heathrow airport (lhr), with 48% of all flights arriving there., how long is the flight to london, the duration of your flight to london depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to london on kayak are from newark , which takes 6h 40m, new york , which takes 6h 45m, miami , which takes 8h 20m, and los angeles , which takes 10h 15m., how many direct flights to london are there each day, there are around 227 direct flights from within united states to london every day. most flights depart in the evening, with 9:00 pm the most common departure time and 57% of flights departing in the evening., how many direct flights to london are there each week, each week there are around 1,589 direct flights from within united states to london. the most common day for departures is wednesday, with 15% of flights taking off on this day., how many long-haul flights are there to london each week, each week, there are 1,479 long haul flights (6-12 hour flight duration) and 112 medium-haul flights (3-6 hour flight duration) to london. there aren't any short-haul flights (up to 3 hour flight duration)., how many cities have direct flights to london, from the united states, there are direct flights to london from 30 cities. the city with the most direct flights is new york, with 387 direct flights each week., good to know, when to book flights to london, faqs - booking london flights, how many terminals does heathrow airport have.

Heathrow Airport (LHR) has four terminals: Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. Travelers can walk through the pedestrian underpass from terminals 2 to 3 and vice versa. You can use the free shuttle trains or underground London services when connecting to other terminals. Moving from one airport terminal to another takes about 20 minutes.

Which airport is closest to Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace is recognized worldwide as home to the royal family. The state rooms are open to the public for ten weeks during the summer and selected days during winter and spring. London City Airport (LCY) is the closest to the palace, 9.2 miles away. Heathrow Airport (LHR) is 15 miles, London Gatwick Airport (GBR) is 34 miles, London Luton Airport (GBR) is 34.3 miles, and London Stansted Airport (STN) is 39.5 miles from the palace.

How do I get to the city from London City Airport (LCY)?

There are various ways to get into the city from London City Airport (LCY). First, you can take a public bus which takes 50 minutes to the city and will cost £5 (about $6). A Taxi ride costs £41 ($50) and takes 15 minutes. A train ride costs £5 (about $6) and takes 21 minutes and lastly, a shuttle ride costs £58 (about $50) and will take you 21 minutes.

What services are there for business travelers in Heathrow?

Heathrow has bookable meeting rooms, such as its Regus Express business lounge, which can be rented by the hour. Along with their premium lounges, business travelers can also rent cell phones and pre-order foreign currency in advance, ensuring that the required currency will be available upon arrival. These services further enhance the convenience for business travelers.

Which London airport is closest to downtown?

London City Airport (LCY) is the closest in terms of physical proximity to the downtown area and can be reached via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and city buses. However, most of its flights are short hauls to mainland Europe. If your flight to London originated across the Atlantic, chances are that Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the best airport option for quick access to the city.

Which London airport offers good services for families traveling with children?

Both Heathrow Airport (LHR) and London Gatwick Airport (GBR) have excellent facilities for families and children. Heathrow’s Stay & Play is available in Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 and features slides, play spots, and separate areas for babies and young children. At Gatwick, there are Kids zones in both the North and South Terminals, both of which provide play areas and free TV for young travelers.

Can I store my luggage at Heathrow Airport (LHR)?

Layovers are frequent at Heathrow Airport (LHR). The airport has excellent luggage storage facilities managed by Excess Baggage Company, where storage duration determines charges. Baggage and luggage can be stored for a few hours or up to 90 days. 0-3 hours will cost you £7.50 and 3-24 hours will cost you £12.50.

Are there good restaurants in Heathrow?

Heathrow Airport (LHR) has an expansive restaurant selection, ranging from fine dining to quick bites. Additionally, you can even order your food in advance from participating restaurants via the LHR London Heathrow Airport app. Furthermore, many restaurants in Heathrow offer 15-minute menus, as they understand that every minute counts during your travels.

Which London airport is closest to central London?

Out of the 6 airports in London, London City is the nearest to the city center (8 miles). You'll travel 14 miles to reach the center of London if you land in London Heathrow Airport, 24 miles if you land in London Gatwick Airport, and 28 miles if you arrive in London Luton Airport.

On average, a flight to London costs $713. The cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks cost $142 and departed from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to London?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to London.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to London?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to London is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to London?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to London with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to London?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to London up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to London

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest London flight deals.
• Landing at any of the six international airports in London guarantees an excellent travel experience. These airports have passenger assistants to help travelers navigate through the airports and special assistance programs for those who require extra help. Programs such as the Sunflower Lanyard at London Luton Airport (GBR) and London Southend Airport (SEN), as well as the Blue Badge scheme at Heathrow Airport (LHR), assist airport employees in identifying travelers who may need additional assistance.
• Inter-terminal movements are often unavoidable at Heathrow Airport (LHR). If you land at the airport, you will need to obtain a free inter-terminal ticket from one of the machines at the station in order to use the airport shuttles. However, if you have a connecting flight at Heathrow, you won't need to use the shuttles. The airport provides frequent flight connections and buses to take you to the next terminal without leaving the passenger-only area.
• Flights to London can land you in any number of airports serving the greater London area . Six international airports service London and, in terms of number of passengers served, they rank as follows: Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (GBR), London Stansted Airport (STN), London Luton Airport (GBR), London City Airport (LCY) and London Southend Airport (SEN). Lucky travelers flying to London have a plethora of options.
• The most popular airport, Heathrow Airport (LHR) easily connects to the London Underground and can be reached via the Piccadilly Line. Travel time should be under an hour and a single-way fare will be upwards of £6 (around USD $8.00). Heathrow has three separate stations on the London Underground: one for terminals 2 and 3 and one each for terminals 4 and 5.
• Landing at London Gatwick Airport (GBR)? There are several popular ways to reach the city from the airport. Trains run to London Bridge and Victoria, and many locations around the city are reachable from London Blackfriars. As if that weren't enough, coaches and shuttle buses also offer services to numerous other locations across the city.
• When traveling with a lot of luggage and flying to Heathrow Airport (LHR), you can request porter services available at the airport. You can hail a porter in the baggage halls, and they will assist you with your luggage. Porters charge £30 for 1-8 bags and operate from 6 am to 9 pm.
• If you love animal therapy, you should consider landing at London Southend Airport (SEN). The airport has partnered with Essex Therapy Dogs to provide therapy dogs. These dogs roam around the airport's terminals seeking to ease the anxiety and stress travelers face.
• The No1 Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3 is a serene refuge in one of the world's busiest airports, perfect for travelers on long layovers . It features snack machines, cozy seating, and complimentary buffet-style food options. The fully stocked bar offers a wide selection of premium beverages. The lounge provides various seating areas, including a mini cinema, a bistro with high tables for work and snacks, a lounge area with comfortable sofas, and private meeting spaces.
• Are you landing at Heathrow Airport (LHR)? If you would like a quiet place to meditate , take advantage of the multi-faith prayer rooms available. You can find the rooms at Terminal 2 Gate A21, Terminal 3 Gate 24, Terminal 4 Mezzanine Level, Terminal 4 Gate4, and Terminal 5 Gates A8, B34, and C52. The prayer rooms are open from 7 am to 7 pm.
• If duty-free shopping is one of the perks you enjoy while traveling, then Heathrow Airport (LHR) is definitely the airport to visit. Not only do they offer an extensive range of luxury stores and products, but you can also save time by pre-ordering purchases a day in advance, allowing you to skip the lines. Additionally, Heathrow Reward members earn points with every purchase, which can later be redeemed for miles and various other perks.

Prefer to fly non-stop to London?

Find which airlines fly direct to London, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

United States to London

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +121 more

ANA, AccesRail, +122 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +122 more

ANA, AccesRail, +123 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +120 more

ANA, AccesRail, +121 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +125 more

ANA, AccesRail, +126 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +119 more

ANA, AccesRail, +120 more

Nonstop returns

London to United States

Top 5 airlines flying to london.

It was pretty good I was worried with the short Layover that I might not catch my connection but the gate was there

It was good until there was a 3 hour delay because there was not any pilots to fly the plane.

There was plenty of overhead room but half of the passengers were told they had to check their carryon bags. My partner and I checked in as early as possible and our seats were split across the aisle.

Friendly flight attendants. Comfort plus seats were very comfortable and had lots of leg room. 10A and 10 B.

I've flown many many times on Northwest and then Delta. The crew on this flight were absolutely the best I've had the pleasure of being looked after by.

Flew first class so everything was great. But maybe because the flights were red eye, no meals were served, just chips. I flew Alaska Air 1st class at 9PM (2 hour flight) and they served beef short rib sliders!

Had to change aircraft due to a faulty door. Surprisingly it only caused about an hour and a half of delay. Delta handled this situation as well as can be expected.

Awful. Flight was continuously getting delayed and gates kept changing without any reason. Flight was delayed for more then 3 hours

Paid premium for Delta only to be on safe but tired old 767 with ancient cabin in mediocre condition. Poor wifi and horrible inflight entertainment. Hardly a premium experience. Should have flown SW and had fun flight crew and no pretense

Our flight to Zurich was delayed by almost 3 hours, so we missed our next flight. There was no indication it would be delayed this much. We were told the gate had changed and then it apparently took over 2 hours to load the "catering" on the plane. We were not compensated in any way for the trouble.

Cabin crew on our flight showed lack of any customer service gruff and acting annoyed if you asked anything and I mean anything Example a man on the seat over dropped his beer on my husbands blanket We asked if we could switch out blankets cabin crew Said. No we don’t have any extras OK well can you take the wet one Cabin crew looked disgusted and annoyed Took it no OK or yes just a growl

Quick flight. But cabin crew were very noisy and talking too much, especially when we were seated at the back of the plane trying to sleep through the night .

My ticket was for Premium Economy and all the seats were taken, I was placed in Economy class and I’m looking for a refund.

Unfortunately delayed 2 hrs due to faulty tyre.. which had to be changed, but better safe than sorry.

The delay was an issue. Other than that. Every thing good

Hi vergin Atlantic service was good but the flight ticket agent travel up charge me extra 57 pounds as a airport charges, actually I refuse to pay but they say if I not pay £57 then they say you will not be able to travel from Heathrow to goa ,so for me there was no option and it was just 3 day before my departure so i paid, so please look in to the matter. And I have a receipt of £ 57 as well .thanks

Staff didn’t check cabin well for landing seemed more interested in chatting to each other. Food was poor and differed from pre order.

We were in the last group to be called to the flight - which was 30 minutes late taking off. While we were lucky enough to have been given bulkhead seats (due to a medical condition I’d told them about beforehand) the seats weren’t particularly comfortable. A crying baby for the whole trip made things worse, so the crew managed very well with coping. The final thing I’d say was that there wasn’t enough food served during the flight.

Very good. Glad we had Premium for the flight out.

We flew Upper Class from London to The Turks and Caicos. Check in was amazing. Our ldriver too us directly to a special entrance to terminal 3. It took 10 minutes to check in and clear customs. Amazing! The VA lounge is large and comfortable. Boarding the flight was easy and without a wait. The crew was excellent. But the seats were awful, strange and uncomfortable. Having a comfortable flat bed seat is the reason we pays 1000s extra. The VA 787 uses a reverse herringbone configuration. Look it up. You have your back to the window and are facing the aisle with no privacy. Turning the seat into a bed requires assistance from the crew so not very spontaneous. . The food was ok. A bit tasteless and meager portions. Had to pay for WiFi. I believe VA has other configuration on their dream airbus flights. Lots of stuff about all this on YouTube where you can see what I have been describing. I can not recommend taking VA on a long flight with these seats.

Internet service was erratic. Crew service was poor and slow. My luggage on this non-stop flight was lost and not recovered

Missed this flight due to the first AA flight delay

Missed connection from Philadelphia to London because flight from DC was seriously delayed. Was re-routed the next day (had to pay for hotel) to Zurich and was given a main cabin middle seat while I had paid for premium. Great job AA!!!

Original flight delayed several times and finally canceled at 2:30 in the morning. Staff at the gate was not very helpful in resolving problems or communicating why there were delays. I spent 34 hours at the airport before I could leave, they couldn't book me on another early flight even after canceling my original flight. Next flight available after my original flight was canceled was 22 hours later. I will never fly American Airlines again.

very very tight seats unfriendly crew who do not seem to care about the comfort of their passengers and do not know how to smile poor ground staff support at LHR and PHX

So uncomfortable to sit in the tiny space on a long, international. Food was rough. Please, less white flour and processed food.

Our flight was delayed 2.5 hrs due to plane being too hot! After 1.5 hrs, airline decided to use another plane but had to wait for gate, baggage transfer & beverage transfer. Anyone could tell after first half hour that another plane was required and although did not affect us many would miss connecting flights at Heathrow. I have found the stewards are not the friendliest in the industry and the food is questionable, even as I like airplane food normally, the best of the 2 flights was the yogurt & granola for breakfast.

Terrible boarding , Business class seats are sub standard. As usual crew will miss your food too

Just get Economy Plus for international flights, so worth it the extra room, bigger seats…

The return trip was a customer service disaster. American Airlines needs an overhaul of how they treat their customers.

I loved the ability to upgrade my seat which was worth it. The large seat and ability to recline made it comfortable to fall asleep. My only two complaints were entertainment (movie selections were old) and approx 30 mins before landing the crew started to collect the blankets despite the cabin air temperature remaining cold. Maybe wait for passengers to get off the plane before collecting the blankets.

Excellent! Although it stinks to pay extra for leg room and then have no screen option.

Very much dislike: Airline requires check-in at the Airport Airline does not work with TSA PreCheck

Overall a great experience. Only complaint was the movie selection was pretty limited, but that's pretty minor in the grand scheme of things and easy to overcome.

The crew was unfriendly front check-in. The filth in the plane was so disappointing. I could smell dirt and looked up and there was literally dirt that was blowing in through the air. Old food on the seat back tray in front of me so I didn’t use it. No toilet paper in the bathroom and scum/old dirt next to the seats.

No blanket pillow headphones, not even a water or snack makes for a very uncomfortable flight. There are too many extra fees that should be basic and standard included.

There was no communication about the check-in process, even the fact that Norse doesn’t do online check-in! And once we were at the Los Angeles airport (LAX), there was no signage or assistance about where to check in. I kept Googling for 3rd party information until I finally found on the airport website that we had to check in at Terminal 1 and be bussed back to Terminal B, the international terminal. How were we supposed to know that?! Otherwise, the flight itself was comfortable and the attendants were helpful and friendly. I just feel like we were lucky to have managed the check-in and boarding process on our own - why keep it a secret??

The flight was comfortable, smooth, hardly any bumps even though we encountered some jetstream. The onboard entertainment could be jazzed up a little, the TV shows were old ans not much variety. The movies we ok. The staff was pleasant. The Orlando ground crew was excellent, they were pleasantand friendly. My kids and I were seated separately but the Orlando crew was able to reassign us together. The ground crew at Gatwick, UK need some work on attitude, they were not so sociable. All in all wonderful flight to and from England. I will be definitely traveling with Norse again. Ps...Norse need to work on an app for both Android and iOS.

Crew at airport who completed boarding were incredibly and blatantly rude and unhelpful. 0/10 customer service. I was going to upgrade my seat to first class and upon asking, I was met with an awful attitude so I changed my mind.

Boarding was a disaster. 2 hours in line to get boarding passes and we had no luggage to check in. Coffee was $4 so is water. 11 and a half hour’s flight and food was not included. You could purchase the food but it was complete garbage, This is worse than spirit airline. Never again

Very bed boarding, there was overbooked and make a lot of problems and noises

On my way from Chicago to London, I was seated next to a quite heavy passenger. I could barely move. BA should have ensured that overweight customers are placed in comfortable seats and not to penalize also other passengers because BA is not willing to accommodate these passengers and their needs. No respect at all.

The flight as far as timings go was excellent. Unfortunately we ended up sat with someone on a night flight who had been drinking alcohol before boarding and BA staff were happily serving him more alcohol. He was very drunk which made our flight uncomfortable and awkward. My partner had this person lying on him whilst asleep. Alcohol should be served minimally. If there had been an emergency this person would not have been in a fit state to act accordingly.

First time flying with BA and I will do it again. Staff at airport and on board were very nice and helpful

Wonderful service and very comfy in the bulkhead in Economy Plus! Delicious food.

The BA team at Sky Harbor is deplorable, full of unnecessary attitude and poor communication. It seems like every member of the team was looking at another to solve the problem, instead of taking agency to do so themselves. I saw no less than 6 altercations with the same gate agent where he threatened to revoke the passengers boarding pass for asking a wildly reasonable question, something as simple as where the cue to board was. I’ve complained to BA before but it seems this isn’t an issue for them, which is very disappointing

Boarding poor in London,ok in Chicago. Don’t like Heatrow/terminal5

It was very good. We got a late start by about an hour and a half. However I worked rather have that than crash. It was purely mechanical. They had our tickets ready when we came off the plane in London for the next leg. The only mishap was when we got to Lisbon my husbands luggage made or bit mine didn't. All was not lost because I did finally get it 2 days later. I was really pleased that they c made the effort.

Liked that my American Airlines status seamlessly transferred to BA so luggage check was free. Flights were on time, boarding quick. Wish they didn’t assign connecting gate so late at Heathrow.

The entire process was flawless and as expected flying first class. The only thing that I have a complaint on...when first boarding, the plane was EXTREMELY cold; then when we were trying to sleep, it was way too hot - just better regulating (especially trying to sleep) would have made it perfect.

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How to spend a day in London for £50 (or less)

By Sarah James

There’s no escaping it: London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. A survey conducted by Mercer in 2022 ranked 227 cities globally – and placed the UK capital at number 15, outpacing San Francisco, Vienna , Oslo and Dubai . Add on inflation and the effects of a looming cost-of-living crisis, and spending a day exploring London’s streets can feel wallet-bursting. 

But, if you know where to look, you can spend a day gallivanting the city’s best-known landmarks and taking in its prettiest sites without the need for deep pockets. Here, we’ve put together a one-day itinerary for soaking up some of London’s best-known attractions – plus eating some of its most delicious food – for less than £50, including transport to whip you around in no time. 

Here’s how to spend a day in London for £50 (or less). 

10am - walk through Green Park and The Mall (free)

Almost 20 per cent of London is parkland – there are officially about 3,000 public green spaces flecked across the many boroughs, from tiny squares to sprawling headliners such as Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath. Start the day strolling through one of the most-visited – Green Park. Set just behind the buzz of Piccadilly, lined with grand hotels , restaurants and shops, it stretches across 40 acres in the borough of Westminster. Emerge at the eastern end, where The Mall – the road that links Green Park and Buckingham Palace – carves through St James’s in all its movie-star glory.

11am - The Changing of the Guard (free)

The Changing of the Guard is one of the spectacles London is best known for. It takes place at Buckingham Palace every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 11am. This ancient ceremony has taken place since the 17th century, first at the Palace of Whitehall and then St James’s Palace. Remember to check that the ceremony is still taking place if you’re visiting on a rainy day.

11.45 – walk to Big Ben (free) 

The ceremony at Buckingham Palace lasts about 45 minutes – once it’s over, continue east along Birdcage Walk to Big Ben (the walk takes about 15 minutes). After years of restoration, the scaffolding on the clock tower was removed in April 2022, revealing what might just be London’s best-loved landmark in all its finery. The clock tower is still closed for renovations, but there are a few vantage points to get a picturesque view – we recommend following Queen’s Walk to find an arch underneath Westminster Bridge, which frames Big Ben perfectly, or wandering along George Street, where you’ll encounter a smattering of red telephone boxes for a patriotic shot. 

12.15pm: hop on an Uber Boat (£12.70 return)

Sure, you could get the tube. But a boat is the snazziest way to make the journey from Westminster to Bankside. TfL’s River Boat service connects lots of London’s loveliest corners , and is now operated by UberBoat – why head underground when you can take to the waters and see the city from a new, river-faring vantage point? Return journeys cost £12.70 for adults and £6.40 for children – and fares are cheaper if you book on the app rather than paying once you arrive at the pier. Head for Westminster Pier and board a boat heading east, finding firm ground again at Bankside Pier. 

1.15pm: Borough Market for lunch (£7)

There has been a market hall on the site of Borough Market since the 12th century. These days, it’s a bustling, boujie space where independent stalls sell speciality snacks to hungry explorers. Stretch your stomach with a walkabout, sampling meats, cheeses and bread from the vendors before picking your poison. We recommend the grilled cheese sandwich from Kappacasein – an oozy blend of English cheeses between sourdough bread that will fuel your afternoon perfectly.

2pm: Head to the Tate Modern (free)

Lots of London’s best museums have free admission to the general areas – including The British Museum, The National Gallery, and both The Tate Britain, in Pimlico, and The Tate Modern, just around the corner from Borough Market. Take in works by Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Paul Cézanne and Henri Matisse before nipping in the lift to the sixth-floor bar and restaurant for a well-earned sit down overlooking the river.

By Jessica Puckett

By Olivia Morelli

By Karthika Gupta

3.30pm: Jump back on an Uber Boat (return fare included)

You paid for a return Uber Boat journey, so you might as well travel in style to your next stop – Tower Bridge (alighting at Tower Millennium Pier). Entrance to the Tower of London is pretty pricey, but walking around the grounds and taking in London’s most iconic bridge is totally free. 

4pm: Visit The Sky Garden (free)

Access to the Sky Garden – London’s highest public garden, on the top floor of the Walkie Talkie – is free of charge until 6pm on weekdays and 9pm on weekends. It’s worth booking a ticket in advance, if you can, although they will accept walk-ins if there’s space – tickets are released every Monday. From here, you can get a glimpse of London 35 floors above the frenetic streets below – the three storeys are filled with thriving plants and observation decks.  

5pm: drinks in Central London (£4, plus £2.50 tube fare)

Hop on the tube for the first and final time, taking the Central Line to Tottenham Court Road. Nearby, you’ll find Arcade Food Hall – one of London’s best, it’s run by the people behind JKS restaurants (Trishna, Lyle’s, Bao). Nab a spot on the humming ground floor for drinks – happy hour runs 4pm to 6pm Tuesday-Friday, making beer and wine just £4. 

6.30pm: Dinner in Chinatown (£16.50)

You could find an affordable bite in plenty of Chinatown spots. But we’d place our bets on Dumplings Legend, which draws on inspiration from southern and northern China. Expertly folded dumplings such as the legendary xiao long bao and stellar steamed prawn dumplings are a steal – and a set menu for one costs from £16.50. 

9pm: Finish the night in Soho (£7.50)

You should have about £8 change from £50 left to fritter away. Spend it in Soho at Bar Termini, one of London’s best bars , where a House Negroni costs £7.50.

More ideas for an affordable trip to London

Looking for a budget-friendly place to stay? We've rounded up the cheapest, nicest hotels in London , including The Culpeper in East London and The Pilgrm in Paddington. As for more affordable options for eating and drinking, see our round up of cheap restaurants in London and cheap bars in London . And what's even better than cheap things to do? Totally free things to do. Check out our edit of the best free activities in London for more. 

Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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Guide to london on a budget | how to save money in london.

How to visit London on a budget — what to do, see, and eat for cheap!

It might be a little difficult to visit London on a budget but there are plenty of great ways to save money in London. In fact, there are actually plenty of free things in London so mixing free/cheap attractions with the more expensive paid attractions is a great way to spend less on your visit.

So, to help you stretch your London travel budget further, we’ve enlisted the help of some locals to share their favorite affordable restaurants, pubs, neighborhoods, shops, sights, and other attractions perfect for backpackers and other budget-savvy travelers.

Estimating Your Daily Costs For Visiting London on A Budget

First, let’s take a look at some ballpark costs to see how much it costs to visit London for an average budget-traveler.

I’ll take a much deeper dive into London budget travel costs throughout this article but I wanted to provide a quick overview to get started. You can also check out my London Price Guide .

• Hostel Prices: £25-£55/night (for the cheapest option)
• Budget Hotel Prices: €80-€120/night
• Rental Apartment Prices: €150-€250/night (for an entire centrally-located studio/1br apartment)
• Budget Breakfast: £3-£5
• Budget Lunch: £6-£10
• Budget Dinner: £10-£15
• Treat (dessert/beer/wine):  £3.50-£6
• Most Museums: Free
• Paid Sights: £20-£30
• London Tube Ride: £2.40 (w/ Oyster card)
• London City Bus Ride: £1.50
•  Santander Cycle City Bike: £2 (30-min ride)

Pick Up an Oyster Card For The Tube & Bus

The London Underground (subway) is the fastest way to travel around London but it is expensive — especially if you buy single tickets. You’ll get the best fares when you use the official Oyster Card metro card.

Another benefit to using the Oyster Card is that there is a daily cap (around £8.50) so once you hit that amount you won’t pay extra for the remainder of your rides that day.

Cheap Things To Do In London

London is a bit of an oddity when it comes to sightseeing — the main museums are free but everything else is very expensive.

Take A Free Walking Tour

One of the things I do when I arrive in a new city is to take a free walking tour — it truly helps me get a feel for the city and the local guides usually have some good tips on places to eat and drink.

These tours are often led by university students and the tours tend to be fun/casual and general in their subject matter. Note: These guides work on tips so they’re not “free” but they’re cheap.

Furthermore, most of these walking tours start in the morning so it’s a good excuse to get up and going.

• Strawberry Tours
• Free Tours By Foot
• Free London Walking Tours

London Walks ( www.walks.com ) isn’t free but their highly recommended tours cost £15.

Take A Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

I’ve always been a huge fan of Rick Steves and his travel videos, but he’s also put out some excellent self-guided audio walking tours — and they’re all completely free. He has a few different tours for London that cover many of the most-visited areas/sights.

• Download Rick Steves’ London Audio Tours here
• Self-Guided Walking Tours By Free ToursByFoot.com

Buy A Quality Guidebook

Yes, I still like traveling with a guidebook as it gives you a ton of helpful information at your fingertips. Most guidebooks come with travel itineraries, self-guided walking tours, and budget dining suggestions so guidebooks end up paying for themselves very quickly.

My favorite guidebooks are Lonely Planet and Rick Steves since they both focus on budget travel. That said, Amazon has a ton of London guidebooks that focus on multiple types of travel.

See A Lot (And Save) With The London Pass

A lot of travelers end up saving a bit of cash (and time waiting in the ticket lines) with the London Pass as it includes a lot of the most popular tourist attractions — notably the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Windsor Castle, View From The Shard Skyscraper, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour.

I’ve written up a more in-depth London Pass review to see if it’s a good option for your visit.

There is also the newly released London Explorer Pass which might work for some travelers.

Enjoy Cheap Sightseeing Via Public Transport

Tourist open-top buses and river cruises are a great way of seeing a city but they’re expensive. Luckily, London has a few bus routes and a public ferry that will give you a decent look at popular parts of London at a cheap price.

Here’s a link to the popular London Public Bus Routes PDF from above.

• Route 11: The section between Liverpool Street Station and Victoria Station hits many of the city’s sights like the City of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament.
• Route 15: This is a great route for tourists as it passes Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, St Paul’s, Blackfriar’s Bridge, Fleet Street, Waterloo Bridge, the Strand, and Trafalgar Square
• Route 9: You’ll go by Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park, Piccadilly, St. James’s Palace, and Trafalgar Square.

The Thames Clipper is London’s public water ferry that runs along the Thames.

Visit One Of the Free London Museums

Below are London’s best free museums but here’s a list of all 26 free museums in London .

BRITISH MUSEUM

Opened in 1759, the British Museum is dedicated to two million years of human history, art, and culture — including Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone. Its collection contains over eight million works so it’s easily one of the largest collections in existence. It’s also the most-visited attraction in Europe.

Naturally, like all museums this large, you might want to pick a few sections that interest you instead of trying to see everything. The museum also offers multiple free daily tours that focus on individual sections and last around 30 minutes.

• Admission: FREE
• Visit Website
• See On Google Maps

TATE MODERN ART MUSEUM

One of the world’s best museums for international and modern contemporary art. The Tate Modern, which is built in a former powerplant, has more than 50,000 pieces in its collection. You can also get excellent city views from its viewing platform.

• Temporary Exhibition: £13–£22

NATIONAL GALLERY

The National Gallery has one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world. The museum’s 2000 works date from the mid-13th century to 1900 — with the main focus on European paintings with works from masters like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Botticelli, and more.

SAATCHI GALLERY

This private collection of businessman/advertising giant Charles Saatchi. He opened his gallery in 1985 to show his extensive collection of contemporary art and it has grown to be one of the largest private collections in the world.

The collection features both up-and-coming and established contemporary artists so there is always something interesting/cutting-edge/bizarre to check out.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Are you into all aspects of nature? This is the place to visit. The star attraction is the giant whale skeleton and dinosaur gallery but there a plenty of other things to check out. The Natural History Museum is a favorite of children and school groups but it’s still fun for adults.

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM

The world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design — featuring ceramics, glass, textiles, costumes, silver, ironwork, jewelry, furniture, medieval objects, sculpture, and more from all across the globe.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

The Imperial War Museum covers war and other conflicts from WWI to the present day but its greatest emphasis is on WWII. The ground floor has tanks, trucks, planes, guns, and a range of other military equipment to explore.

There are also exhibits on the Holocaust, spies, and more.

Photographers’ Gallery

This is the first public gallery in the UK dedicated solely to photography. They put on a series of different exhibitions from international and British photographers.

• Tickets are £5 but it’s free after 5 pm (it closes at 6 pm) if you want to pop in.  Visit Website

Tate Britain

The Tate Britain features British artworks spanning from 1500 to the present day. They offer free tours nearly every hour. Be sure to check out  Late at Tate Britain  on the first Friday of every month — featuring half-price admission to exhibitions, live music, and performance art.

• Admission is free except for special exhibits.  Visit Website

Take In London’s Street Art

London has one of the best street art scenes in Europe and it’s absolutely free to check out. You’ll come across street art in most parts of the city but there are a few neighborhoods that attract the best artists.

Check out Google Arts And Culture: London Street Art and Discover Walks: London Street Art Blog Post to plan your own walk but Discover Walks also offers a guided street art walking tour that runs about £17/person.

Attend Service in London’s Most Famous Churches For Free

Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral are two of London’s most famous churches but you have to pay to tour them — unless you’re attending service. Both churches offer multiple services daily.

Chill Out In London’s Best Parks

Pack a picnic or grab a takeaway kebab (or even a few beers) and head to one of London’s many excellent parks. Luckily, London has a ton of parks to choose from (it is one of the greenest cities in the world) so you’re never very far away from some fresh air.

Covering over 350 acres, Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in greater London and it is the largest park in central London. It has plenty of walking/bike trails, a nice late for swimming/boating, and tons of green lawn for a picnic — you can even rent lawn chairs for about £2. It’s also famous for its Speakers’ Corner.

KENSINGTON GARDENS

Kensington Gardens was once the private gardens of Kensington Palace but now it’s open to the public. It’s always full of people enjoying its green space and its large pond has lots of benches to sit on. Kensington Gardens is essentially connected to Hyde Park so it’s easy to explore both locations at the same time.

• See on Google Maps

REGENT’S PARK

Regent’s Park has the largest grass area for sports in Central London and offers a wide variety of activities, an Open Air Theatre, and Queen Mary’s Rose Garden. It’s also home to Regents Park Zoo, Regent’s University & The London Mosque.

To the north of the Regent’s Park you’ll find Primrose Hill — which offers nice city views.

HAMPSTEAD HEATH

Hampstead Heath is a large, 790 acres park to the north of London that’s one of the highest parts of the city so it’s a great place for city views (at Parliament Hill Viewpoint).

Unlike most parks in London, Hampstead Heath is more wild and unmanicured. There are plenty of walking paths, green lawns, and ponds for swimming. You might even seem some deer wandering around.

ST. JAMES’S PARK

This relatively small 57-acre park in central London is located between Buckingham Palace and the House of Parliament so you’ll probably come across it as you explore these two must-visit sights. It’s a very beautiful park with a great pond, plenty of shady trees, and ample paths to stroll.

GREENWICH PARK

This large 183 acres park was once a royal hunting ground and now offers up excellent views of the city. It’s also home to the Royal Observatory, Maritime Museum, Meridian Line, large lawns, and flower gardens.

HOLLAND PARK

Holland Park is another nice park in central London but it’s most known for its Koto Japanese Gardens.

Enjoy City Views of London For Free

It’s hard to beat a Beautiful view of a city as beautiful as London so here are a few places to soak it all in for free.

Located in the “walkie talkie” skyscraper, the Sky Garden is the highest public garden in London and it offers 360-degree views of the city’s skyline. It’s free to visit and you can have dinner and drinks there as well (which aren’t cheap).

Tate Modern Viewing Level

The Tate Modern Museum (also free) has an excellent 360-degree observation level that sits 200-feet above London which overlooks River Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the rest of the city’s iconic skyline.

Primrose Hill

Just north of Regent’s Park, you’ll find Primrose Hill. Make the climb to the top to be rewarded with panoramic views over Regent’s Park and the city. Walk up  Regent’s Park Road  on your way there and stop by one of the delis for a picnic lunch.

Note: London has a few notable skyscrapers and most of them have an expensive observation deck. However, they also have bars that serve up expensive drinks, but the view is free and you get to linger for a bit.

Walk Along The Thames River and Its Bridges

The River Thames has a beautiful walking path so it makes an excellent place to go for a stroll. Additionally, many of London’s most famous buildings are situated along the river so that makes for a loverly walk.

When it comes to bridges that span the river, the most iconic bridge is Tower Bridge but Westminster Bridge (in front of Big Ben and the houses of Parliament) and Millennium Bridge (connecting St. Pauls and the Tate Modern) are two other popular attractions as well.

WALK ALONG REGENT’S CANAL

Regents’ Canal is an 8.6-mile canal that runs east to west through northern London (from Little Venice and ends in Docklands). As you walk the canal you’ll come across boats and cafes and cafes on boats and plenty of people enjoying the fresh air.

Do Some Budget-Friendly Shopping

In addition to having just about every chain store and a number of high-end shops, London is also famous for its markets which have vendors selling everything from vintage fashion and trinkets to handmade goods and artisan crafts.

The main markets are:

• Camden Market
• Portobello Road
• Old Spitalfields

London also has a thriving thrift store scene where you might be able to score some second-hand clothing at a decent price (it also has plenty of high-end second-hand stores for more designer apparel).

Recommended thrift stores:

• Beyond Retro
• East End Thrift Store
• Reign Vintage

See A Play or Musical For Cheap

London has a thriving theater scene, and while tickets are typically expensive, there are a few ways to score some cheap tickets.

• Rush Tickets: These are last-minute tickets that haven’t sold and are heavily discounted. They’re on sale the morning of the show at the theater or by calling.
• TodayTix : These tickets go on sale a few days or a few weeks before the show.
• TKTS : This booth sells tickets a few hours before the showtime.

Eating On A Budget in London

It’s still possible to find fairly affordable restaurants in London but you have to know where to look. I’ve teamed up with a few local London folks to bring you some of their favorite places to eat without spending a lot of money. Want more suggestions — check out London Cheap Eats .

Note: I try to focus on value over rock bottom prices because I still want quality food when I’m eating on a budget.

Note: I also focused on restaurants that are fairly centrally located since that’s where most visitors will spend the bulk of their time.

General Budget Dining Tips

International Cuisine Is A Great Value

Chinese, Vietnamese, Turkish, Indian, Thai, and other similar international fare is some of your best bang for your buck when it comes to eating out. I’ve listed many of these restaurants further below in this section.

Pack A Supermarket Picnic

The cheapest way to eat is to shop at one of London’s many supermarkets. The best budget-friendly grocery stores are Tesco , Sainsbury’s , and Coop. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale then check out Marks & Spencers and Waitrose .

Takeaway Is Cheaper

Takeaway meals are taxed at a lower rate so they’re always cheaper than dining in.

Supermarkets Sell Cheap Salads and Sandwiches

Just about every supermarket will sell pre-made sandwiches and salads that are reasonably affordable. You can also stock up on cheap drinks, fruit, and snacks while you’re there. Most supermarkets will have “meal deals” that consists of a sandwich, bottle of water, and some chips for around £5.

Skip The Soda

Thanks to high taxes on sugary drinks, soda ends up being super expensive.

Don’t Overtip

In many cases, the service fee is already included in the bill so there is no need to tip extra. If your bill doesn’t mention a service fee then 10% is fine.

Eat Your Way Through Borough Market

Borough Market is a wholesale and retail food market hall in Southwark, London, England. In fact, it’s one of the largest and oldest food markets in London (there has been some form of a market on this site since the 12th century). There are also a number of food stalls selling prepared food or you can pick up fresh produce and baked goods.

• See List Of All The Trader and Food Sellers

Visit The Food Stalls At Camden Market

Camden Market has become one of the must-visit spots in London thanks to its 1000 shops and stalls selling clothing, music, art, and food.

It has around 100 food stalls and restaurants serving up just about everything. I’ll admit that you’re probably paying a bit of a premium here but it’s a fun atmosphere and experience.

• See List Of All Dining Options

Visit KERB, The Hip Street Food Market

KERB is a multi-location street market located throughout London. The offerings at KERB tend to be a bit more innovative than other markets so you can find lots of interesting offerings here.

• Visit Their Website

Eat At Street Feasts

Street Feasts is another street food company that runs multiple street food markets in London.

Chow Down on Fish and Chips

London has a ton of spots to get fish and chips but a majority of them are either overpriced or just not very good. This places listed here have all been pre-vetted by our locals for being a good value for the money.

Fishcotheque

This traditional hole-in-the-wall joint is tucked under a bridge and serves up generous portions for a reasonable price. They’re a local favorite so it can get busy during lunch and dinner.

• Order of Fish and Chips: £13

The Golden Hind Restaurant Marylebone

Another no-frills and much-loved mainstay with large portions (and long lines).

• Order of Fish and Chips: £13-£16

Poppie’s Fish And Chips

Poppie’s is one of London’s most famous and popular chippy joints so you can’t really go wrong here. It’s a little more expensive but its quality is top-notch.

• Order of Fish and Chips: £14-£18
• See Locations on Google Maps

The Laughing Halibut

An old-school joint that’s always busy and popular with both locals and tourists. Prices are very reasonable for the super central area.

• Order of Fish and Chips: £11-£13
• See Location on Google

Opened in 1982, this bustling award-winning shop serves up some of the best traditional fish and chips in London. Dine-in or takeaway.

• Order of Fish and Chips: £9.50-£12

Golden Union Fish Bar

Another super popular joint right in the middle of London. Expect to wait in line for about 20-30 minutes at this no-frills spot during the busy time but it’s worth the wait.

• Order of Fish and Chips: £10

Gigs Fish & Chips

Opened in 1958, Gigs obviously knows what they’re doing if they’ve survived this long in a city that seems to have a chippy everywhere you look. 

• Order of Fish and Chips: £8 (takeaway) – £14.50 (dine-in)

Masters Superfish

No-frills traditional joint with fresh and tasty fish and chips.

Start Your Day With An English Breakfast

What’s the best way to fuel up for a full day of sightseeing? A full English breakfast — which is traditionally a plate full of bacon, sausages, eggs, black pudding, baked beans, tomatoes and mushrooms, toast that’s served with coffee or tea.

Well, it might put you in a food coma as well but this greasy fry-up won’t leave you hungry. These days a full English breakfast can range from low-frills to gourmet but we’re going to focus on a few local favorite spots.

Regency Cafe

Cheap, no-frills, delicious, and always busy (get there early to avoid a long wait). This authentic spot has been around since 1946 and is a local favorite.

• Full English Breakfast: Starts at £6.00

A cool art-deco workers’ cafe that’s been serving up English breakfasts to hungry folks since 1900. Another super authentic local favorite.

• Full English Breakfast: Starts at £8.40

Another local favorite with large portions at an affordable price.

• Full English Breakfast: Starts at £5.50-£6

Terry’s Cafe

Old-school, family-run cafe. Quality food for a good price. A local favorite since 1982.

• Full English Breakfast: Starts at £8.50-£12

Devour London’s Indian Cuisine Scene

Outside of India, London is the best place to get excellent Indian food that spans multiple regions of India. London is also home to many high-end Indian restaurants but we’re going to focus on more budget-friendly options.

Expect long lines and excellent Bombay-style comfort food at this popular restaurant. The prices are fair, the atmosphere is buzzing, and the quality of food and drinks is excellent. Many people say this is their favorite Indian restaurant in London.

• Main Dishes: £9-£13

Opened in 1972, this no-frills Punjabi restaurant is famous for their spicy dishes. It’s a popular spot so expect a wait.

• Main Dishes: £7-£11

A popular spot for family-style Sri Lankan authentic cuisine. They’re also known for their cocktail menu.

Kricket SOHO

This lovely and hip Mumbai-style joint serves up modern tapas-style dishes and excellent cocktails. The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable.

• Main Dishes: £7-£12

Raavi Kebab

A favorite for Pakistani-style Punjabi food. No-frills but very authentic.

Gujarati Rasoi

This popular stall in Borough Market serves up classic Indian dishes to go.

• Main Dishes: £7

Govinda’s Pure Vegetarian Restaurant

Govinda’s, which is linked to the Radha Krishna Temple, serves vegetarian and vegan Indian dishes and desserts at very affordable prices.

• Main Dishes: £7-£14

Cafe Tiffin

This small Indian restaurant is another spot that has solid Indian dishes at a good price. It’s also BYOB so that’s another way to save a little cash.

• Main Dishes: £8-£11

Grab Some Pizza

Pizza is always a good idea when you’re a hungry traveler looking to save a little cash. Here are some of London’s top pizza joints and many serve by the slice if you’re looking for something on the go.

Solid Italian-style pizza for a great value. 

• Prices: £4.50-£7.50

Pizza Pilgrims

Another great option for excellent pizza at a great price. 

• Prices: £6-£11

Franco Manca

Franco Manca has 50 locations in Italy and the UK and they serve up great sourdough Neapolitan pizza for a good price. 

• Prices: £5-£10

Homeslice Pizza

Homeslice a multi-location pizza joint that’s most well-known for its giant 20″ pizzas and large single slices.

• Prices: £4 (slice) & £20 (full pizza)

Pizza Union

Great authentic thin and crispy pizzas. 

• Prices: £5-£8

More Budget-Friendly Restaurants in London

I received so many excellent recommendations for cheap places to eat in London that I had a hard time categorizing them… so I decided to place them all in this section.

That’s why here you’ll find everything from British and French to Italian and Thai.

Goddards at Greenwich (British)

This traditional pie mash and liquor restaurant has been around since 1890 and they serve up handmade pie & mash daily at a fair price. They have some nice traditional British desserts as well.

• Main Dishes: £4.50-£9

MotherMash (British)

This bustling cafe whips up tasty pies, sausages, and mash for a fair price. A good place to try some British comfort-food staples.

• Main Dishes: £10

Padella (Italian/Pasta)

One of the most popular budget-friendly pasta spots in London. The pasta is all handmade in front of you and the quality is great for the price. Their takeaway pasta dishes range from around £5-£8.

• Main Dishes: £5-£8

Flat Iron (Steakhouse)

This popular casual chain serves up a nice flat iron steak and a salad for £12 (sides are extra).

• Main Dishes: £12

Super tasty NYC-style buttermilk-fried chicken sandwiches.

• Main Dishes: £6-£11

Chik’n

Another fried-chicken sandwich joint.

• Main Dishes: £6-£9

Hiba (Lebanese and Palestinian)

This family-run (the grandma is the head chef) Lebanese and Palestinian restaurant serves up excellent food for a fair price. Super friendly and welcoming. Lunch falafel/wrap deals start around £6.50.

• Main Dishes: £6.50-£9

Lahore Kebab House (Pakistani)

Super popular Pakistani restaurant that’s famous for its kebabs and other grilled meats.

• Main Dishes: £9-£11

Sông Quê Café (Vietnamese/Pho)

Excellent Vietnamese place to get authentic beef pho at a great price. Super popular so expect a line.

• Main Dishes: £7.50-£10

Cafe East (Vietnamese)

Another super popular Vietnamese restaurant with excellent food and great prices.

• Main Dishes: £9-£10

Bone Daddies (Japanese/Ramen)

This multi-location joint serves up excellent ramen in an ultra-hip atmosphere and has solid cocktails.

• Main Dishes: £10-£13

Shoryu (Japanese/Ramen)

Another super popular multi-location Japanese joint serving handmade ramen in pork broth, plus sake and Japanese whiskies.

• Main Dishes: £10-£14

Koya Bar (Japanese)

Compact Japanese spot famous for their Udon noodles.

Bibimbap Soho (Korean)

A great little Korean restaurant with tasty food (bibimbap & bento boxes, etc.) and good service.

Jin’s Kitchen (Korean)

This tiny budget-friendly takeaway snack bar serves up Korean fast food.

Franco Manco (Pizza)

This multi-location restaurant serves excellent wood-fired sourdough pizza at a great price.

• Main Dishes: £5.50-£8

Le Mercury (French)

It’s not often you can find budget-friendly French food but that’s what you’ll find at Le Mercury. This neighborhood institution is always bustling thanks to its quality meals so you might want to book ahead.

• Main Dishes: £12-£14

La Porchetta Pollo Bar (Italian)

A longtime unpretentious and cozy Italian restaurant with great pizza and pasta.

• Main Dishes: £8-£13

Polop (Italian)

Excellent Venetian-style Italian cafe with small plates, good wines, and reasonable prices. Always busy for a reason.

• Main Dishes: £7-£13

GReat Grill House (Greek)

Simple Greek spot with great gyros and other grilled meats.

• Main Dishes: £5.50-£11

Fez Mangal (Turkish)

Tiny Turkish cafe with an open grill and excellent lamb & chicken kebabs.

• Main Dishes: £5.50-£10

Comptoir Libanais (Lebanese)

Lovely vibe, lovely food, and lovely refreshments.

Patogh (Iranian/Persian)

Unfussy Iranian joint with grilled meat and fish.

What The Pitta (Vegan)

Super popular thanks to their excellent vegan kebabs — some say they’re better than non-vegan kebabs.

• Main Dishes: £8-£12

Mildreds (Vegan)

Very popular vegetarian restaurant with an emphasis on organic, seasonal produce.

• Main Dishes: £8-£14

Have A Pint In An Old Historic Pub

London is home to thousands of pubs and a handful of them date back to 1600-1700s. You can certainly find “cheaper” places to get a beer but the awesome atmosphere is worth the minimal extra cost. Furthermore, most of these pubs will serve up classic British “pub grub” if you want a filling meal.

Here are some of the best historic London pubs:

• The Black Friar  (est. 1875)
• Cittie of Yorke  (est. 1920 but the buildings on the site have been pubs since 1430)
• The Cross Keys  (est. 1840s  — highly recommended)
• The French House  (est. 1891)
• The George  (est. 1600s)
• The Grapes  (est. 1583)
• The Grenadier  (est. 1818 — highly recommended)
• Hoop & Grapes  (One of the few timber buildings to escape the Great Fire of London in 1666)
• Lamb & Flag  (est. 1620s and favorite of Charles Dickens — highly recommended)
• The Mayflower  (est. 1600s — highly recommended)
• The Nag’s Head  (est. 1800s)
• The Old Bell  (est. 1600s)
• The Prospect of Whitby  (est. 1520s)
• The Seven Stars  (est. 1602)
• The Spaniards Inn  (est. 1500s)
• The Tipperary  (est. 1667)
• The Viaduct  (est. 1865)
• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (est. 1667 but a pub has been there since 1538 — highly recommended)
• Ye Olde Mitre (est. 1546 — highly recommended)

Cheap Accommodation

London can be a killer when it comes to hotels, hostels, and rental apartments.

The Best Hostels in London

London has more than 100 hostels — which makes it one of the best hostel cities in the world.  Visit  Hostelworld  to see them all.

Well-rated hostels generally cost between £25-£50/night for the cheapest bed option but you might be able to find a few that are around £20/night. Ultra-budget travelers can find something closer to £15 but don’t expect much quality. Prices do tend to be a bit more expensive on Friday and Saturday night for the weekend travel crowd.

Here are a few of the best hostel options:

• Wombats City Hostel London
• Astor Hyde Park
• Astor Queensway
• Barmy Badger Backpackers
• MEININGER London Hyde Park
• Generator London

Want to learn more? Read our guide to the  Best Hostels in London and check out my Hostel Packing List .

Airbnb & Airbnb Alternatives

London has a healthy stock of short term rental apartments which will offer more space at a similar/cheaper price than you’ll find in a hotel. In addition, an apartment can be a great option for large families or for groups traveling together.

The main rental is Airbnb so I suggest starting there.

You can expect to pay €150-€250/night for a modest studio or one-bedroom apartment in the center of London. Obviously, the prices go up if you want something nicer or with more space but you can save quite a bit if you don’t mind staying outside of central London.

Check Airbnb to get an idea of current prices as they also fluctuate based on the time of year you’re traveling. I’ve also written a guide to Airbnb alternatives if you’re looking for different options.

Explore London On A Santander Cycle

London is a bike-friendly city so you’ll find plenty of protected bike lanes. And thanks to the Santander Cycle bike share system , for £2 you can get unlimited journeys up to 30 minutes, within a 24 hour period and there are stations all over the city.

Save Money Going To/From The Airports

Traveling between London’s multiple airports and the city center can be expensive. Here are a few of the different options for each airport.

• You can take the London Underground between the airport and the city for around £6. The ride takes around an hour. The Heathrow Express only takes 15 minutes but it’s more expensive at £22 — however, you can often pre-book well in advance and get a ticket as low as £6.
• There is a National Express bus that costs £6 and takes anywhere from 40-90 minutes depending on traffic.
• A taxi will set you back around £80 and will take around 45-60 minutes.
• The National Rail offers a train from Gatwick into central London which takes between 30-45 minutes and tickets run between £10-£20.
• The Gatwick Express costs £20 and the trip takes 30 minutes.
• The National Express bus costs £8 but can take nearly two hours because of traffic.
• The Stansted Express costs £17 takes around 45 minutes.
• There are a handful of different bus services ( Airport Bus Express and EasyBus ) that all take around 60-90 minutes and cost £6-£10.
• National Rail has train service that costs £15 and it takes around 45 minutes.
• There is bus service that costs £5-£10 and takes around 90 minutes.

General Budget Travel Tips

Here are a few more budget-travel related articles I’ve written that will help you save money while visiting London.

Get Strategic With Your Sightseeing

A little planning goes a long way when you visit London. Here are a few simple things you can do to save yourself a lot of time, money, and frustration:

• Segment Sightseeing By Location: London is a large city so group your sightseeing by location so you don’t waste time visiting attractions that are spread out.
• Overextending Yourself: London has so much to see but you can’t see it all. Unfortunately, many people try to see too much and end up getting burnt out. In my opinion, it’s better to spend more time seeing less so you can actually absorb the experience… and you spend less as well.
• Have An Idea Where To Eat: One of the quickest ways to bust your budget is by eating and we all tend to eat anywhere once we’re hungry. So jot down a few places to eat before you head out for the day.
• Research Hours: Don’t forget to check the hours of the attractions you want to visit since most places are closed at least one day a week.

Skip The Tube For Short Walking Distances

Since riding the London Underground is fairly expensive, it’s best to walk if the distances are reasonable. In general, if you’re going less than three stops it’s often faster to walk anyways (the Tube map makes distances between stations appear much further apart than they actually are).

Plus, walking lets you actually see the city.

Avoid/Limit Credit Card and Debit Card Fees

Credit card fees and ATM withdrawal fees from your bank can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars before you know it. Check out my guide on Using Money In Europe: ATMs, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Exchange Rates

Pick Your Travel Season

If you’re on a budget, you’ll be able to save a good amount on your accommodation and airfare if you visit during the offseason. That said, London is a popular year-round destination and the weather is mild, so price drops aren’t as large as you’d find in other cities.

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance helps you avoid many of those unexpected and costly things that can arise while traveling. For budget travelers, I prefer World Nomads since they’re affordable and easy to work with.

Reclaim The Value Added Tax (VAT)

Most goods in the UK include a tax (VAT) of around 20% but non-citizens aren’t required to pay this tax. It’s kind of a pain to get the money back but if you make a few large purchases you could get a decent amount back.

To get your money back you’ll have to visit the office at the airport. The process can take a few hours since a lot of people do it and the office isn’t staffed with enough employees to process claims quickly.

General Ways To Save on Food and Drink

I’ve already covered many of the best budget restaurants in London in this article but here is a general guide about How to Eat and Drink on a Budget While Traveling in Europe

Save On Traveling England By Train

Is London just one city you’ll be visiting in England? Check out my England Train Guide for ways to save money while using the UK train system.

Packing Advice and Packing Lists

What you should you pack when you visiting London (and beyond)? I got you covered.

• Backpacking Europe Packing List
• Travel Europe Packing List for Women
• Europe Packing List  (for any travel style)
• Hostel Packing List
• Ultralight Travel Packing List
• Winter Packing List for Europe
• Best Travel Backpacks  
• Best Travel Backpacks for Women
• Best Carry-On Backpacks
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Budget London (How to visit London on a budget)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: August 5, 2023

In this article, discover our top tips to help you make the most of your time exploring the best of London on a budget.

If you are planning a visit to London you will probably already be aware of just how expensive it can be! London is not a cheap city but it doesn’t mean it can’t be explored and enjoyed even if you are on a budget.

I have lived and worked in London and also visited as a tourist many times over the years. This post is a culmination of all the tips and tricks I have learnt in order to save money and explore London on a budget.

Whether you are planning for one day in London on a budget or two, three or four days (or longer) it is possibl e to keep to a budget.

Work out how much you have to spend per day (after accommodation costs), which London attractions you really want to see (as you will find out there are many free museums and galleries ), the best options for getting around , what and where you plan to eat ( markets /restaurants/takeaway/sandwiches)

I have tackled each of those areas below to help you make the most of your trip when on a budget.

I recommend also reading my step by step guide to planning your trip to London which is designed to remove the stress and overwhelm and ensure you make the most of your visit.

UKTP Podcast Episode #57

Where to stay – budget accommodation options in london, using public transport, uber thames clipper boats, museums & galleries, the sky garden, changing of the guard at buckingham palace, markets & food halls, chain restaurants, afternoon tea, budgeting for your london trip, london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks), budget london – travel tips and tricks.

Episode #57 : Insider tips for exploring the UK on a budget

When visiting London this is the one area I would highly recommend that you push your budget to the maximum you can afford. I have stayed in numerous hotels in London over the years and one thing I have learnt is that you generally get what you pay for.

Stay as close to central London as you can – within Zones 1 and 2 on the Tube map. London is tiring and if you have booked a hotel that is further out not only will you be spending more time on public transport but you will also (possibly) regret it at the end of a long day of sightseeing.

Read up about the different areas and choose one that suits your needs and your budget – you can find out more in my London accommodation guide which highlights the various sights and attractions in each area as well as recommended accommodation choices to suit all budgets.

We find renting an apartment a great budget saving option as you can cook your own meals, prepare a packed lunch and keep the fridge stocked with drinks. (We are big tea drinkers so access to fresh milk for a cuppa is important!)

There are a number of chain hotels in London which also offer good budget accommodation.

Getting around London on a budget

Walking is a great way to see London and it’s free! (Make sure you pack comfortable walking shoes)

The centre of London is fairly compact so you can see a lot of the major sights by planning your itinerary around sights and attractions that are close together and walking between them.

If you prefer to take a guided walking tour rather than doing it independently there a number of free walking tours available (a tip is generally the norm after the tour) some of which are aimed at the backpacker market so do a little research if you decide to take a free tour (I plan to try out a number of these tours when I am next in London so watch out for that post)

Otherwise, I recommend walking tours through Take Walks (not necessarily a budget option but highly recommended) or Get Your Guide . There are lots of themed walking tours in operation to suit every budget.

The best way to save money on public transport in London is to purchase an Oyster Card .

The card is a credit card-sized payment method for public transport in London and provides access to London’s Underground (the Tube), bus network, trams, Docklands Light Railway, London Overground trains and most National Rail services at a reduced rate.

The card also entitles you to a 10% discount on most Thames Clipper river bus services and a 25% discount on the Emirates Air Line.

You can top up your Oyster Card at any Tube Station as well as in a number of shops and information centres in London.

I recommend purchasing a visitor Oyster Card before you arrive so you don’t have the hassle of arriving at the airport after a long flight and having to buy one then.

To save money on the Tube, DLR, London Overground services and National Rail services avoid travelling at peak times (Monday to Friday 06.30 – 09.30 & 16.00 – 19.00) At these times peak fares apply.

Buses and trams charge a flat fee of £1.50 regardless of the time of day you travel.

Good to know – Bus tours are a popular way to see the city but if you are on a budget I recommend catching the number 11 bus from Liverpool Street Station.

The route takes you through the City of London and past St Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.

Read more in my complete guide to getting around London by public transport.

Another option ( in my opinion for those who enjoy life on the edge!) is to cycle around London.

So-called ‘Boris Bikes’ the Santander Cycles can be hired for £2 for 24 hours (if you use the bike for less than 30 minutes there is no additional charge but after that time you pay £2 every 30 minutes – this is on top of the £2 for the 24 hour access)

You can read more about the Santander Bike scheme here.

Good to know – look out for the maps giving your location and directions to sights and attractions (including the walking distance)

Taking a river cruise along the Thames is popular with visitors to London but it’s not exactly a budget-friendly option.

To save money I recommend jumping on a Thames Clipper River Boat service! Use your Oyster Card for a 10% discount.

My favourite route is from the London Eye (Waterloo) pier to Greenwich Pier. (There is so much to see and do in Greenwich so don’t miss it off your London bucket list )

London sightseeing on a budget

There is so much to do and see in London it can be difficult to know where to start when planning an itinerary.

The good news if you are on a budget is that there are lots of free things to do in London. This includes some of arguably the best museums and art galleries in the world – all for free!

Many (though not all) of London’s museums and art galleries are free including the British Museum, Natural History Museum, National Gallery, Imperial War Museum, Science Museum Victoria and Albert Museum, the Tate Modern and Tate Britain.

If you aren’t sure which of the museums to include in your itinerary why not take a virtual tour to get a flavour of what they each offer?

Most museums open around 10 am and close at 5/6 pm. Late night opening hours are in operation for a number of the museums (Friday night is a popular option) but check with the relevant museum before making plans.

If the museum you want to visit is not free (The Churchill War Rooms for example) check if entry is included in the London Pass. This can be a cost-effective way to see those attractions, museums and sights that have an entry fee.

The London Pass also includes fast track entry to many places which I think is always worth it! While we Brits are great at queuing it doesn’t mean we like to waste precious holiday time practising our skills!

A free bus tour is another perk of the London Pass – definitely worth weighing up the benefits if you have a lot you want to see in London.

You can find out more about what is included in the London Pass on my London Bucket List post or look at pricing options here plus I have an entire article dedicated to reviewing the London Pass!

London has some beautiful parks spread throughout the city. Great places for a leisurely stroll, a picnic or to take a break from the hectic nature of London.

Of course the parks are free too which makes them a perfect destination if you are visiting London on a budget.

Kensington Gardens is a favourite for fans of the late Princess Diana. Here you can find the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground and fountain as well as the bronze statue of Peter Pan.

Other parks I recommend visiting in central London include St James’s Park in Westminster, Hyde Park and Green Park.

For great views over London head to Primrose Hill on the north side of Regent’s Park.

Taking in a show while in London is an absolute must for theatre lovers. I have seen a few including Wicked and The Lion King in London’s West End and highly recommend booking a show!

However, the tickets can be pretty expensive. I do recommend booking tickets in advance online if you have a particular show you really want to see or are bothered about your seating options.

Otherwise, head to the TKTS booth in Leicester Square where you can purchase half-price and discounted theatre tickets.

The Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden and is located at 20 Fenchurch Street in the so-called “Walkie Talkie” building.

Access to the garden is free of charge (yay!) but you must book tickets. Tickets are released up to 3 weeks before and are only valid on the date and time stated.

We booked tickets in December 2019 for our visit in January 2020 and once I had the tickets confirmed I planned our entire itinerary for that around the Sky Garden.

Expect a queue and to go through security but once you are on the 38th floor (after a rapid ride in the lift) you have the freedom to explore the Sky Garden and enjoy the views of London.

Hopefully, you will get better weather than the day we were there but do book and go – it is free after all!

Another free (and very British) tradition to experience in London is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

The ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays every month except June and July when it is daily. The changing of the guard occurs at Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace and Wellington Barracks so you have 3 opportunities to observe this centuries-old tradition.

Food and drink on a budget

Food and drink costs can really mount on holiday and I know we are always looking at ways to save money in this area.

Booking a hotel with breakfast included or an apartment where you can make your own meals is one way to save.

If you are out and about in London these are the tips I have picked up over the years to reduce meal costs.

London has some great street food and many of the markets offer a variety of options to suit everyone’s tastes.

One of the great things about London is the sheer variety of food on offer with cuisines options from around the globe.

Head to Borough Market the oldest and probably the best foodie market in London. There are restaurants, cafes and pubs as well as market stalls to peruse – a real foodies heaven!

Located in Southwark (nearest Tube stations are London Bridge, Borough and Southwark) the market is open Monday – Thursday 10 am – 5 pm (limited market on a Monday and Tuesday though) Friday 10 am – 6 pm and Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm. Go early it’s a popular place!

Many of the great British supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencers and the upmarket Waitrose have smaller shops in London.

These ‘Express’ or ‘Food Only’ versions of their stores offer “Meal Deals” These generally consist of a sandwich, drink and packet of crisps from a fairly large selection.

Boots (a large health and beauty retailer) also offers their version too.

We are big fans of Marks & Spencer food and love putting a picnic together to take with us on a day out on the train or popping in for a “Meal Deal” for our lunch.

Another great option for sandwiches is Pret a Manger. Offering a wide variety of baguettes, wraps, salads, soups as well as sandwiches they are a popular choice.

There are some excellent chain restaurants in London that are budget-friendly.

We love Nandos (Chicken) but Wagamama (Japanese), Flat Iron (steak), Pho (Vietnamese) Yo Sushi!, Masala Zone (Indian), Giraffe (World), Pizza Express are all worth checking out if you are on a budget.

Having an afternoon tea is another bucket list experience I am often asked about. And wow does London have some absolutely fabulous afternoon teas!

There are also themed teas available (often based on theatre productions or films based in London ) which are pretty spectacular!

Unfortunately, most of them come with a hefty price tag too! If you want an afternoon tea for less than £20 – £30 a head it is best to forget the Ritz, Fortnum & Mason or The Shard.

Try The Wolseley in St James’s which serves one of London’s best budget afternoon teas or the Bluebird in Chelsea for their delicious version of the traditional afternoon tea.

Hopefully, these budget tips make visiting London on the cheap a slightly more achievable target for you! Even if you are not on a tight budget it is always good to know how to save money when you visit London.

If you are looking for more ideas to plan your visit to London or (further afield in the United Kingdom) my travel planning guides are a great place to start.

• Best London hotels for families (luxury, mid-range & budget options)
• Best apartments & hotels in Westminster and St James’s London
• The 9 Regions of England (An essential guide for itinerary planning)
• London Travel Guide – links to everything you need to know to plan your trip
• Looking for accommodation? Read our guide to where to stay in London
• First time visitors? Read our top tips for visiting London for the first time
• How to get around London? Read our guide to using public transport in London and our guide to London’s manin trains stations.
• What to see and do – Complete London bucket list with guide to all the top sights and attractions & Guide to the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
• How to purchase tickets for London attractions – Guide to purchasing tickets for the lost popular London attractions & Best London bus tours reviewed
• Boat trips and cruises – Comparison guide to the best boat trips and cruises on the Thames
• Visiting on a budget? Read out budget guide to London with tips to save money when visiting
• Free things to do in London – Discover 32 free things to see and do in London
• Best day trips? Read our guide to the best day trips by train and ou r guide to the best tours from London
• Love castles? Our guide to the most popular castles to visit from London
• Beatles fan? Read our guide to the Beatles in London
• Visiting in winter? 21 Festive things to do in London in December

—> Click here for all the practical information and resources you need to help you plan your UK vacation

Cheap London Travel- Reduce The Cost Of Travel

At first glance, cheap London travel almost seems impossible. With a single tube journey paper ticket costing £4.90- the cost seems out of reach. BUT there are lots of ways that you can reduce the cost of travelling in London, whether you are a regular commuter or you are visiting the city.

First thing’s first- never buy the aforementioned paper ticket! That £4.90 tube journey will cost just £2.40 for a zone 1 single journey using an Oyster card or contactless payment.

Not only will using an Oyster card or contactless payment card mean that your journey is cheaper, but it will also make your journey quicker as you’ll avoid the lengthy queues at the ticket machines.

Page Contents

Cheap London Travel

Not even born and raised Londoners will know the best kept secrets about cheap London travel. The pricing system is pretty complex, so you have to do some digging to find out how to save money on travel in London, but the rewards are worth it! Luckily, this post lays out most of them for you…

Is it cheaper to use an Oyster card or contactless?

So we’ve established that you’ll want to use an Oyster card or contactless payment rather than a paper ticket. But is there a cost difference between Oyster and contactless?

Oyster Card Benefits

All told, an Oyster card can be cheaper than contactless payment as you are able to add a railcard to your Oyster card which saves you a third on off-peak travel. But if you don’t have a railcard? The prices are the same.

To add your railcard to your Oyster card, all you need to do is go to an underground station and ask the clerk to add it onto your Oyster for you- it only takes a minute or two.

If you’re a student living in London, you are likely to be eligible for the 18+ Student Oyster which offers some great discounts. With this card you can get 30% off the price of adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets. Check if you are eligible for the card on the TFL Website .

Contactless Benefits

If you use contactless payment for your journey (whether that’s a payment card or Apple Pay), you do benefit from Monday-Sunday capping, which you don’t get with an Oyster card.

The cap for journeys made Mon-Sun in zones 1-2 is £34.10 with a contactless card – whereas seven daily caps on an Oyster card come to £47.60.

You might also enjoy: What Is The Average Cost Of Living In London?

Where can I get an Oyster card?

If you’re visiting London, you can get an Oyster card at any tube station with a ticket office. An Oyster card will cost you £5, which acts as a deposit. You can get the £5 refunded to you when you return the Oyster card after your visit.

Do kids travel for free on the tube?

Kids under the age of 11 can travel for free on the bus, tram, DLR, overground and tube when accompanied by an adult. How’s that for some cheap London travel?

For kids aged 11-15, apply for a Zip Oyster card which will allow free travel on buses and trams, and a children’s rate on other services.

If you are visiting London with children who don’t have an 11-15 Zip Oyster photocard, they can get discounted travel for up to 14 days with the Young Visitor discount. This can be applied to any standard Oyster card and offers a 50% discount on adult fares.

For children aged 16-17, there is another Zip Oyster available which again offers free travel on buses and trams, and a 50% discount on adult fares.

How much does commuting in London cost?

The average London commuter spends around £122 a month on travelling to work. And if you commute into London for work? The average cost is around £305 a month.

This accounts for a huge portion for many Londoners’ monthly wage, so if there is a way to reduce the cost of travel in London, it’s well worth doing.

You might also enjoy: How To Live On A Budget In London

Cheapest way to commute in London

The cheapest way to commute in London is of course on foot, but that isn’t always possible. If you’re working in central London it’s unlikely that you are going to find an affordable flat nearby.

However, it’s worth considering moving closer to work if it means that your commuting costs might go down. Check out my guide on how to find an affordable apartment in London , which goes into more detail about how moving closer to work can sometimes pay off.

Take the bus

The next cheapest way to commute is probably going to be by bike, followed closely by the bus. Bus fares in London are generally cheaper than the tube, and also benefit from the Hopper Fare . The Hopper Fare means that any second bus or tram journey made within one hour of the start of your first journey will be free, if you’re using an Oyster card or contactless payment.

Buy a season ticket

If there’s no way round it, and you have to commute by train or tube, you will make large savings if you buy an annual season ticket.

The problem with a season ticket, is that the upfront cost is large- often thousands of pounds. However, there are a couple of ways around this cost.

Check if your employer offers an interest-free season ticket loan. This works on the basis that your employer will pay for the upfront cost of your season ticket, and then deduct the repayments from your monthly salary in 10 or 12 instalments.

This means that you get the cost saving benefit of a season ticket, but you pay for it monthly instead.

You might also enjoy: The Cheapest Place To Park In Central London

How can I make my commute cheaper?

Travel off-peak.

If you’re able to work flexible hours, you could save money on your commute by avoiding travel during peak times. Off-peak travel could cost up to 50% less than peak travel.

Peak time is between 6.30am and 9.30am or between 4pm and 7pm. However it is important to note that these peak times can vary slightly depending on the mode of travel and route you take. Compare prices using the TFL Fare Finder .

Remember, if you travel off-peak and use a railcard, you could save a further 30% off your journey. This would considerably reduce the cost of your commute.

Avoid zone 1

If you are able to avoid zone 1 when commuting, this could make your journey cheaper. There are a number of pink Oyster card readers, and when you tap this with your card, it will recognise that you have not gone through zone 1 to get to your destination.

For a list of stations with pink Oyster card readers, head to the TFL website .

Get organised

If you want to buy a season ticket, make sure that you buy it before the prices go up for the year ahead. Usually rail prices increase yearly in early January, so make sure that you get organised and buy your season ticket BEFORE the prices increase.

Reassess your route

Use apps like Citymapper to check if there is a different way to commute to the office. Perhaps you could take a couple of buses instead of the tube? Or maybe you could spend more time walking and combine this with a train journey?

For lots of people there will be several different modes of transport that you’ll be able to take to get into work- work out which one is the cheapest, and go from there.

Travelling in London is only going to get more expensive as the prices go up each year, but these alternative ideas are likely to help reduce your commuting costs and save you some money.

Here are some key things to remember, whether you’re a visitor or a commuter looking for cheap London travel:

• Never buy a paper ticket
• Add your rail card to your Oyster card (if you have one)
• Avoid travelling to zone 1 by tube
• Switch the tube for the bus to make a saving

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Find train tickets to London

Good to know, top tips for finding london train tickets.

• Looking for cheap train tickets to London? 25% of our users found round-trip tickets to London for the following prices or less: From London £32, from Cambridge £34, from Bournemouth £35
• London's most searched train station on KAYAK is London Victoria. It is located 1 mile from the city centre.
• You will generally catch the best train deals if you travel to London at midday.

FAQs when traveling to London by train

What is the most popular train station in london.

London Victoria and London St Pancras are the most searched stations in London by KAYAK users.

Which train companies travel to London?

AccesRail and Eurostar are popular train companies operating in London.

How long is the train journey to London from the closest popular cities?

Southampton to London - 1h 42m Brussels to London - 2h 01m Nottingham to London - 1h 46m Bournemouth to London - 1h 59m Bristol to London - 1h 36m Cardiff to London - 1h 50m Birmingham to London - 2h 03m

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28+ Cheap Things to Do in London (Under $15)

L ondon may have a reputation for being an expensive city to visit, but in fact, there are plenty of cheap things to do in London, as well as a multitude of things to do in London for free.

George Orwell once famously wrote that “one of the worst things about London (is) the fact that it costs money even to sit down,” but that is simply not the case anymore, as there are so many cheap things to do in London. Keep reading below for all our best recommendations on free and cheap things to do in London while traveling on a budget!

This post was written by guest contributor Sarah from Slow Travel. Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links, meaning that I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep the content on my website free for you to enjoy!

Free Museums

When asked about the free and cheap things to do in London, most people will mention the free museums, which are definitely a highlight of the city — free or not!

These museums range from major tourist attractions, such as the British Museum and the Science Museum, to the countless smaller museums, which are also free but less well-known.

1. The British Museum

The British Museum is the most popular of the big museums in London, with millions of visitors flocking to see the Rosetta Stone, the Egyptian mummies, the controversial Parthenon marbles, and thousands of other artifacts from across the world.

Although the British Museum can get really crowded during the day, visiting on a late-night Friday opening means that it is much easier to get up close to some of these incredible objects and makes the whole experience a far more enjoyable one.

2. The Science Museum

The Science Museum takes you through innovations from across the centuries with five floors of space exploration, a James Watt engine, a Herschel telescope, early computers, and whole displays dedicated to science and technology.

Many exhibits have interactive features, making them ideal for those visiting London with children or families.

3. Smaller Museums

However, it’s in the lesser-known free museums in London where visitors can find some real surprises. Visitors can hold a real bar of gold at the excellent Bank of England Museum , watch a light show in an underground Roman Temple at the London Mithraeu , or explore the golden Inner Temple of Freemasons in the Museum of Freemasonry — all for free.

Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archeology is also a wonderful place to explore, filled with thousands of ancient Egyptian artifacts cobbled together on dusty shelves, and the British Library has rooms filled with some of the oldest and greatest works in British literature, making it one of the best literary spots in London !

Free Art Galleries

Exploring the numerous art galleries in London is one of the best things to do in London for cheap (or for free!) — whether you’re an art lover or not.

4. The National Gallery

London has some of the finest art galleries in the world, of which The National Gallery is the crown jewel! Home to works by Van Gogh, Monet, Turner, Da Vinci, Botticelli, Rembrandt, Titian, and more, The National Gallery is a fabulous place to spend hours just sitting, contemplating, and deciding which works are your favorites!

5. National Portrait Gallery

Right behind The National Gallery is the newly opened National Portrait Gallery , where there are galleries filled with famous British faces such as Queen Elizabeth I, Shakespeare, the Bronte Sisters, Mary Seacole, and Churchill.

6. Tate Modern

If modern art is a preference, then the enormous Tate Modern on the banks of the River Thames is perfect. Although there is a charge for some of the smaller, changing exhibitions, there is free access to most of the museum, which is home to some truly surreal and thought-provoking art, as well as a viewing gallery that has wonderful views over the capital.

7. Tate Britain

Tate Britain is another large, free art gallery, but has a combination of traditional and modern art, making it ideal for those who like a bit of both genres. Rosetti, Millais, Turner, and Spencer combine with some outlandish sculptures and designs in a neo-Classic listed building.

Royal Heritage Sites

No visit to London is complete without seeing some of the royal heritage that dominates the city!

8. Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Although visiting one of the palaces is not cheap, you can still watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace for free.

There is no need to join one of the many tours — it is just a case of getting to the railings in good time and staking a claim to a space from which to watch it. Mounted royal guards can also be seen at Horseguards Parade, just down the road from Downing Street, and are happy to be included in photos so long as you don’t touch their horses.

9. Traitor’s Gate

Traitor’s Gate at the Tower of London is another one of the best things to do in London for cheap. This is where many Tudor royals saw their last glimpse of the outside world before being transported into the Tower of London by boat to await their executions.

Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I, Lady Jane Grey, and more all made their final journey through this dramatic-looking, ancient portcullis.

9. Ceremony of the Keys

It’s also possible to get into the Tower of London for about $6 by booking to see the Ceremony of the Keys — one of the best cheap things to do in London!

This ancient ritual has been performed every night for the past 600 years, and visitors can watch as the King’s Guards lock down the Tower in full Tudor regalia, complete with a rendition of the Last Post. Tickets must be bought in advance from the Royal Collection Trust .

Cathedrals, Churches & Cemeteries

London is home to some extraordinary cathedrals, abbeys, and churches — many of which you can visit for free (or for cheap!).

10. St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey

Although some cathedrals, including St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey , charge visitors quite a lot of money to explore inside their hallowed walls — there is no charge to attend one of their services.

Evensong is a particularly good service as it is at the end of the day and lasts for less than an hour. Although most of the buildings are closed for sightseeing and photography is not allowed during this time, it is still a great chance to see inside these magnificent buildings for free!

11. Smaller Churches

London has about 2,000 smaller churches and religious buildings, and they are all open for free. Many have small museums in their crypts, and it is possible to spend hours at a time in some of the best ones.

St. Bride’s Church on Fleet Street and All Hallows by the Tower are well worth an extended visit and are some of the best churches to visit in London for free.

12. The Magnificent Seven Cemeteries

The cemeteries of London are a fantastic place to spend time, particularly those known as “ The Magnificent Seven ” — Abney Park Cemetery, Brompton Cemetery, Highgate Cemetery, Kensal Green Cemetery, Nunhead Cemetery, Tower Hamlets Cemetery and West Norwood Cemetery.

Highgate Cemetery is perhaps the most famous of them all, where graves and vegetation jostle for supremacy in this truly unique overgrown space. Although it costs just over $12 to visit, visiting this cemetery is one of the best cheap things to do in London, as it’s easy to spend a whole day wandering amongst the graves, spotting famous names, which include Karl Marx, George Michael, Douglas Adams, Malcolm McLaren, and many more.

The catacombs on Egyptian Avenue in Highgate Cemetery are amazing pieces of architecture and, once visited, will never be forgotten. Other cemeteries and graveyards across the city are free to visit and have some equally famous burials and fascinating sights to see.

Spectacular City Views

London is a sprawling city that extends as far as the eye can see. Naturally, many visitors want to see the incredible views from above! People pay about $38 to visit the top of the Shard for those views — but there are other places to get similar sights.

13. Sky Garden

Sky Garden — London’s highest public garden — is one of the best places to enjoy incredible views of the city for much cheaper than the Shard. Although the “garden” part of its name is something of a misnomer, this building has some fantastic views over the city for free — just be sure to book tickets in advance!

14. More Free Views

Just outside the Greenwich Observatory, there are some wonderful open views over the skyscrapers of the business district in Canary Wharf. The benches on Parliament Hill — part of Hampstead Heath — also provide the perfect place to enjoy the views from the comfort of a more rural setting.

Sunset River Cruises

River cruises are much touted by tour companies keen to sell a trip down the River Thames at great expense. They often include food and drinks and even sunset views to entice people in. It is possible, however, to book your own cruise down the River Thames at a fraction of the cost. 

16. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is a fabulous (and cheap!) way to travel up and down the Thames River for cheap. You can book a sunset cruise for only £10 (or just about $12) with comfortable seating, a snack bar that serves food and drinks, and all the amenities you need.

Getting on one of these boats — much the way you would any form of public transport, like the tube — and sailing from west to east provides a luxurious boat ride. Plus, if you time it right, the setting sun will fall between the bastions of Tower Bridge as you approach, which is a truly spectacular sight. Try an evening trip from Greenwich to Tower Millennium for the best views!

Beautiful Parks & Green Spaces

Known as one of the greenest capital cities in the world — London has countless parks and gardens that are completely free to visit.

17. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is perhaps the largest and most famous of the public parks in London. In addition to the assorted monuments, flower gardens, and sports courts in the park, visitors can hire a small rowing boat to ride out onto Serpentine Lake for minimal cost.

There are also free art galleries and exhibition spaces in the middle of Hyde Park, some large playgrounds (including one for seniors!), and — most entertaining of all — Speaker’s Corner. There is a centuries-old London tradition of people being able to speak on any subject matter in Speaker’s Corner. This tradition dates back to when the park was next to Tyburn, an area where thousands of people were hanged for all manner of crimes.

18. More Free Parks

Other parks in London to visit for free include Richmond Park , Hampstead Heath , Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill , and a host of others. They all have free activities and events happening throughout the year — all of which can be found on their websites.

Bustling Markets

London is home to many famous markets which span the city and sell a huge range of goods. There is no need to spend any money or join an organized trip — exploring these markets on your own time will cost nothing (unless temptation strikes!).

19. Borough Market

Borough Market , which dates back to the 12th century, is located underneath railway lines in a huge Victorian structure of glass and wrought iron.

Borough Market is the oldest food market in London and now sells food from around the world, with sumptuous displays of fresh and exotic fruits, cheeses, breads, meats, and countless food stalls serving street food from across the globe.

20. Portobello Road Market

Portobello Road Market , located in Notting Hill, is the place to go for collectibles, vintage knick-knacks, jewelry, and ornaments — as well as to explore the famous streets and mews that are featured in this part of the city.

21. Greenwich Market

Greenwich Market is the place to go for art, antiques, and vintage goods. Since it’s an indoor market, it is also ideal to explore on one of London’s (not unusual) rainy days.

22. Convent Garden Market

Covent Garden Market is popular with all visitors. Though it was once famous for its fruit and vegetables, the market now also includes clothes, gifts, and hand-crafted goods and usually has street entertainers to keep the crowds amused (entirely for free!).

Colorful Street Art & Graffiti

Street art is another aspect of London that attracts many visitors, with its colorful designs lighting up dark and neglected corners.

23. Banksy Tunnel

Underneath Waterloo train station is the Banksy Tunnel. Banksy Tunnel was named in 2008 after Banksy held a graffiti festival in this once dingy tunnel where buses had been stored.

Since then, it has become a mecca for some of the best graffiti artists around and is now the only place in London where they are allowed to work without a permit. The entire tunnel, including the ceilings, is covered in street art, with the designs changing daily and sometimes in front of your eyes.

24. Brick Lane

Brick Lane is another great place for some serious street art. Although it is not technically permitted, that hasn’t seemed to stop the graffiti artists, and the designs cover the already quirky street. The overall effect is an overwhelming mishmash of bright colors, skillful art, and unique shops and businesses.

Leisurely Walking

Walking is an underrated activity in London, which is crisscrossed with countless walking routes, including the Thames Path, Jubilee Walkway, Jubilee Greenway, and London Loop. The routes, which are marked with symbols on the pavements, cover the whole of London’s landscapes, including riverside, urban, and rural areas.

25. Southbank

Southbank — alongside the Thames River — is the perfect place for a stroll on a warm day. It’s easy to see why so many people love strolling in Southbank, with the beautiful views over the city, food stalls, a famous second-hand book market, and musicians and street entertainers who attract large crowds with their family-friendly fun.

26. Chinatown

Chinatown is another place for a fascinating walk. Chinatown is beautifully decorated with Chinese lanterns and is located right in the heart of the theatre district. This area is filled with an endless stream of people — and it is the perfect spot for some people watching. 

27. Guided Walking Tours

Free Tours by Foot is an awesome company that does free walking tours in London. Westminster, the Royals, Jack the Ripper, Harry Potter, and World War II are just a few of the subjects they’ll cover during the tour. These guided tours can last a couple of hours or nearly a whole day, and there is no cost — making them one of the best cheap things to do in London!

28. Self-Guided Walking Tours

However, the best way to explore London is to “follow your feet” and see where they take you! Spend some time exploring the hidden alleyways, small parks, and quiet residential roads. London’s city center is very safe, and a walk through it can be very rewarding, with cool sights and buildings surprising you around each corner.

FAQs: Cheap Things to Do in London on a Budget

What are some free things to do in london.

Some of the best free things to do in London include watching the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, walking around Hyde Park, free walking tours, and visiting popular museums and art galleries, including the British Museum, the Science Museum, The National Gallery, and Tate Modern.

What is famous and cheap in London?

Some of the best famous attractions to visit in London for cheap include Hyde Park, Borough Market, Highgate Cemetery, the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

How can I save money on London attractions?

In addition to making your way through this list of free and cheap things to do in London, look into bundling attractions with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass .

With the Go City All-Inclusive London Pass , you will pay a one-time fee (£89–199) for a pass to visit as many attractions as you can during a selected timeframe (2–10 days). Attractions include the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kensington Palace, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour, and 90+ more.

By bundling, you can see more and spend less — in fact, you can save up to 50% on top attractions, tours, and activities. Go City is a great tip for traveling to London for cheap if you still want to see the major attractions and sites.

Experience the Best of London on a Budget with These Cheap Things to Do in London

This is just a small selection of all the free and cheap things to do in London! 

As you can see, it’s perfectly possible to have a fun-filled stay in London while only paying for your flight, accommodations, and food. If you know where to look — there are tons of cheap things to do in London that make traveling on a budget a breeze!

Save the Best Cheap Things to Do in London for Later

Planning a trip to Europe? If so, check out some of these other fabulous destination guides for inspiration:

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• Detailed One-Day Itinerary for Copenhagen

• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

Getting Around

To the uninitiated, getting around in London can seem daunting. What’s the difference between the train and the Overground? How do I know which bus stop to wait at? What on earth is was the Emirates Air Line? All reasonable questions. This guide aims to equip you with all the knowledge you need to confidently and efficiently navigate the city.

The basics of getting around in London

Oyster cards & contactless.

Just arrived or moved to London? Welcome. To get around town you can either use an Oyster card which you can pick up from any station and most newsagents will sell them too. You have to pay a £5 deposit which you can get back along with any remaining credit .

If you’re going to be returning to the city or staying for a while, then it’s worth registering your card online so you can keep your card topped up easily at any time.

Alternatively, you can use a contactless payment with a bank card or mobile payment instead – just tap your card on the reader at the gate. London transport accepts contactless mobile payment from Apple Pay, Google Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay, bPay, and Samsung Pay. If you’re visiting from abroad you may be charged overseas transaction fees, if so, getting an Oyster card makes more sense.

For people moving to or commuting to London, your employer may run a discounted travel card scheme to allow you to get a season ticket which is deducted from your wages each month, which also means using an Oyster card rather than contactless.

Daily fare caps

Whether you use an Oyster or contactless, there are daily pay as you go fare caps at play, which limit the amount you pay no matter how many journeys you take on a given day.

For example: a zones 1-2 fare cap is set at £ 7.70 (from 1st March 2022), meaning you can take as many bus, Tube and Overground journeys within zones 1 and 2 in any given day and you will not be charged more than £ 7.70 .

Daily caps are calculated from 4:30 am until 4:29 am the next day. Unless you’re on a real late one, you can often get home from a night out for free if you’ve already maxed out your Oyster. Weekly Caps are calculated from Monday to Sunday.

Table of Daily and Weekly TFL Fare Caps

Prices below valid from 1st March 2022.

But what are these zones you speak of? The London transport map is divided into different zones, which roughly equate to how central a location is. For example, Oxford Circus in the middle of town is located in zone 1, while Richmond is 9 miles away from Waterloo and falls under zone 4.

Ticket fares are based on how many zones you travel through. So, travel within zone 3 will be cheaper than travelling from zone 3 into zone 1. Some stations, such as Stratford zones 2/3, sit on the border of two different zones. This means your journey will be charged at the cheaper rate depending on your direction of travel. If you travel into the city, your journey will be classed as starting in zone 2. If you travel further out of town, your journey will be classed as starting in zone 3. Each station and bus stop will tell you which zone you’re in, and they’re also clearly marked out on transport maps.

Buses Are The Cheapest Public Transport In London

Zones do not apply to bus fares, meaning you can travel anywhere in London for the same fare of £1.65 Additionally, the Hopper fare allows you to bus hop for one hour with no additional charges. Yes, that’s right you can make unlimited bus journeys within one hour of touching in with your Oyster or contactless. As long as you scan the same card on each journey you will not be charged again within an hour. Daily caps on buses are £4.95, and if you have the time, travelling by bus is easily one of the best and cheapest ways to see some of London’s landmarks .

Planning your journey

Even if you’ve travelled around London on a daily basis for a good few years, you’ll probably need to use an app to help plan your journeys. Apps can alert you to service updates, signal issues or changes to bus routes. TfL is great for basic journeys , live updates, station facilities and ticket types.

But CityMapper is your best bet for speed and efficiency. It has a sophisticated algorithm that takes into account how often different trains or buses depart, distance between stops and time of day to provide you with a selection of different route options. And it even lets you know which carriage of the Tube to get on for a swift exit. It also shows you how much your journey will cost you, so you can work out a cheaper alternative if you plan ahead.

Failing that, Google Maps can be useful, especially if you’re walking. You can also download the map to your phone when you have wifi to avoid using your data (or if you’re here without a UK SIM )

The Tube (the London Underground network)

The London Underground network serves 5 million passengers each day, covering 270 different stations. It’s the oldest underground transport system in the world, and has been transporting people around the capital since 1863. Fortunately it’s had a few improvements since then. Most people call it the tube, and the majority of the central stops are underground. But as you get further away from the middle of town the network leaves its subterranean roots. In fact, 55% of the network is actually located above ground.

The Tube is a fast, efficient way to travel. Trains leave most platforms between two and 5 minutes (this is fairly standard, but they can be further apart, especially on Sundays), and take around two minutes to arrive at the next station, depending on the line you’re on.

The different lines each have a name and a distinct colour to help you trace your journey. Make sure you know whether your destination is northbound or southbound, or eastbound or westbound, as that will help you get to the correct platform and watch out for lines like the district and northern lines which have two different branches, although the branch name should be on the front of the train carriage as well on the platform screen and train announcements.

You can travel on most lines from 5 am until 1 am the next day. While at the weekend you can catch a reduced Night Tube service on a number of lines throughout the night. The downside is the Tube can get hot and sweaty during busy periods and especially in the summer (although some upgraded lines now have air con). If you can help it, try to avoid the morning rush between 7:30-10 am and the afternoon rush between 4.30-7 pm. If you’re travelling around central London, it can often be easier and more enjoyable to walk between destinations, rather than taking the Underground and changing lines.

London buses

London buses are brilliant at connecting the dots between train lines and other parts of the city. They are mostly double-deckers, meaning you can get a great view of the city streets as you travel. However, they are generally slower than the Tube and are susceptible to traffic.

Certain journeys can take two-to-three times as long during rush hour. When planning your bus journey, pay special attention to the route number and specific bus stop name and code. For example, if you needed to get the 45 bus heading north from Brixton, you’d need to look out for Route 45, Brixton Stop N.

There are 673 routes, 19,000 stops and 8,500 buses in London, meaning it’s easy to get confused if you’re not careful. If you get the right bus number, but wrong bus stop, you could end up travelling in the wrong direction.

Many bus routes also run 24 hours a day, so you can easily get home once the underground and trains have stopped running.

Travelling out of London

London’s major train lines connect the capital to the suburbs, the coast and even several European cities , So whether you’re looking for an easy day trip , a weekend hike or a city break, there are plenty of high speed trains to get you there. Flying in from abroad? Check out our guide to the cheapest ways into the city centre from London’s six airports .

London Overground

The Overground is a great way to travel, and mostly covers zone 2 and beyond. You can travel east to west or north to south easily without having to go through central London or taking suburban railways – great for getting to places like Kew Gardens .

It’s a bit less frequent than the tube, but you get views of the city, air-conditioning and wider trains. On busy days, these little luxuries really mean a lot. Look out for the orange symbol, some stations like Highbury & Islington have both Overground and Underground stations in the same place, so it makes for a fast and easy transfer.

The Elizabeth Line

It may have been delayed several times, but the much anticipated new line opened in May 2022. Or at least, the first phase of it opened. It’s on the tube map and runs partly underground, but isn’t technically part of the London Underground. Confused? Here’s the quick explanation: originally called Crossrail, the whole line will eventually cover 73 miles connecting the suburbs with the city centre and Heathrow Airport. Eventually it will run all the way from Shenfield in Essex and Abbey Wood in South East London to Reading, Berkshire and Heathrow to the west of London. At the moment, the western tunnels aren’t connected to the central ones, but are expected to be in Autumn 2022.

Contactless and pay-as-you-go Oyster payments can be made on most of the central parts of the Elizabeth Line, and the fares are the same too. The line has slashed the travel time across several journeys (For example Liverpool Street to Woolwich is now halved to 15 minutes) and the new stations are much more spacious and accessible than a lot of underground stations too.

Passengers should eventually be able to travel the full length of the line from May 23, but in the meantime, if you get the chance to use it to travel through the central parts of the line, it should be a more pleasant experience than getting the tube.

Other Train Networks in and around London

Thames Clipper (ferry boats)

The Thames Clipper ferry network is an exhilarating way to travel. Connecting Putney in the west to Woolwich in the east, the boat zips along the River Thames, taking in some of London’s top landmarks along the way. You can use contactless and oyster on the Thames Clipper, but the river is divided into different zones from the underground and the prices are different too.

River services operate in three zones: west, central and east, and a single central zone journey is £8.70.

The Former Emirates Air Line (cable car)

The Emirates Air Line was the name of the cable car that takes passengers on ‘flights’ across the Thames from “Emirates” Greenwich Peninsula on the south of the river to “Emirates” Royal Docks on the north. It’s quite a niche mode of transport, only serving two stops, but it’s great fun nonetheless.

As of June 2022, the branding contract with Emirates has ended, so at the moment we’re not sure what the future of this cable car line holds!

Bikes in London

Cycling is often as fast (or sometimes faster) than getting the tube, and is a great way to see more of London and really get your bearings. There are dedicated bike routes all over the city, which will show up on CityMapper but are probably best accessed via Google Maps.

There are few places to hire bikes on the go around London, the biggest scheme is Santander Cycle which has over 800 docking stations across London (mostly in zones 1 and 2, and a limited number in outer London). You can just turn up and rent a bike for £2 a day (plus an additional £2 for each hour after that) and you can just drop it off at another docking station one you’re done.

One nice bonus is that journeys under 30 minutes are free. This means you can cycle for 29 minutes and dock the bike at a station, then get another bike out and do the same throughout the day to avoid additional charges.

If you find yourself doing a lot of cycling and want to get a bike of your own, see our article on where to buy a bike in London .

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Feel rich living within your means

London on a Budget: 12 Tips for Cheap Travel

By Eden Ashley To cover the cost of my website and the time I spend writing these posts, sometimes I link to affiliate products. If you choose to buy through these links, thank you! It makes it possible for me to keep doing this. Disclosure Page

Is London expensive to visit? It’s no secret that London is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. However it is still possible to visit on a budget .

My sister and I traveled to London while we were students and found there were plenty of ways to eat good food, stay in a central location, and check out the city’s top attractions without breaking the bank.

Today I’m sharing the dos’ and donts when it comes to visiting London on a budget, including:

• What are the best neighborhoods to stay in London on a budget
• The best cheap hotels in London
• The best way to get around London on a budget
• The best cheap eats in London
• The cheapest way to see London attractions
• Free things to do in London
• General tips and tricks to help you plan your London itinerary

Related Posts:

• 5-Day London Itinerary For First-Time Visitors
• 27 things to know before visiting London for the first time
• The best tips for visiting the Tower of London

Table of Contents

Where to stay in London on a budget?

When visiting London for the first time, I recommend staying in one of the following neighborhoods.

This will provide a great base to see all of city’s main attractions, especially for a family trip to London.

• Covent Garden (central London location perfect for first-timers)
• Soho (great for nightlife, arts & culture)
• South Kensington (best for families, museum lovers and history buffs)
• Mayfair (best for luxury and romance)
• Camden (best for those on a budget)
• South Bank (across from the River Thames and great for tourists)

If you’re on a tight budget, below are some top-rated budget hotels in London:

• Point A Hotel London – Shoreditch
• Point A Hotel London Kings Cross – St Pancras
• The Corner London City – Close to the Tower of London
• Ridgemount Hotel – Close to Covent Garden and University College London
• Park Grand Paddington Court – Close to Paddington Station

If you have more room in your budget, below are the best mid-range hotels in London:

• Great Northern Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel – Near Kings Cross / St Pancras station
• The Barbican Rooms – Close to the city center
• Club Quarters Hotel St. Paul’s – Close to St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Locke at Broken Wharf – Close to Milennium Bridge and Tate Modern
• Cove – Cannon Street, The City – Close to St. Paul’s Cathedral

One of my favorite ways to save money on accommodations is to check for deals on sites like Booking.com .

How much should I budget for a trip to London?

If you’re visiting London on a budget, let’s take a look at how much it costs to visit London for the average traveler.

Hotels – For a couple, the average hotel in London costs £181 ($202 USD). For one person, the average hotel or hostel will cost £91.

Food and Meals – Most travelers spend around  £29 ($32 USD) on meals for one day. You can save money by buying pre-made meals from local grocery stores or making food in your hotel room (if possible).

Attractions – While most museums in London are free, the entrance fee for most of its popular attractions is between £20-£30. The best way to save money on paid attractions is to buy the London Pass .

Below are some more helpful do’s and don’ts when visiting London on a budget!

1. Get an Oyster Card

An Oyster Card is smart card (the size of a credit card) that you add money to, so you can pay as you go to travel on the London’s public transit.

Riding the tube without an Oyster Card can get expensive. It can cost TWICE the price for someone traveling without an Oyster Card when taking the exact same journey.

An Oyster card allows travelers to ride for cheaper than those buying individual tickets . It’s 50% cheaper thank buying single tickets.

If you want to get around London on a budget, then you’ll want to consider getting an Oyster Card, Visitor Oyster Card , or contactless payment cards.

Many tourist don’t realize this and make the mistake of not getting an Oyster Card.

You can pick up an Oyster Card at the airport or any tube station when arriving in London. This is a great option if you plan on using the metro a lot.

Consider getting the London Pass + Oyster Card Bundle

If you’re planning to check out the popular attractions in London, consider getting the London Pass .

This is a digital sightseeing card that gives you access to 80+ attractions in the city.

The London Pass includes a 1-day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and you can also add a Visitor Oyster Card to your pass at checkout.

The Visitor Oyster Card is pre-loaded with enough credit to match the duration of your pass. This gives you access to the London Underground, buses, Overground, and the DLR at any time, any day of the week.

2. Save on attractions with the London Pass

Visiting London for the first time is exciting! London is a big city and there’s lots of fun things to do and see.

But it can be challenging to plan an itinerary and determine which attractions to spend your money on, especially when you want to visit London on a budget.

The best way to save money on London attractions:

Getting the most bang for your buck is my #1 priority when planning a vacation and the London Pass was rated the #1 London tourism pass by TripAdvisor .

HURRY! Save up to 10% off the London Pass . Offer ends June 6th. You have 2 years to activate the pass.

They’re also recommended by Expedia and The London Pass currently has a TrustScore rating of 4.4/5 on Trust Pilot , which makes it one of the highest rated sightseeing passes.

Over 3 million travelers have used the pass and it’s the only all-inclusive pass rated 4+ on Google.

With the London Pass, you can save time, money, and enjoy stress-free sightseeing. But don’t just take my word for it. Check out these reviews.

PRO TIP:  Buy the pass online to save extra money off the retail price. To buy the London Pass, click here to go to the official website.

How much money can you save with the London Pass? Just by using the 3-Day London Pass, you can save over 55% than if you had purchased tickets to each individual attraction.

What’s included in the London Pass ?

✓ Pick from over 90 London attractions ✓ Valid for up to 10 days ✓ Save over 55% when you visit 3 attractions per day compared to purchasing individual tickets ✓ Mobile pass option

The London Pass is a pre-paid sightseeing card which gives you FREE fast-track entry to over 90+ attractions, museums, and tours in the city.

Below are some of my favorite attractions included in the London Pass:

Classic London Attractions:

• Tower of London (£29.90 value)
• Westminster Abbey (£25.00 value)
• St Paul’s Cathedral (£21.00 value)

Unique things to do in London:

• London Bridge Experience (£28.95 value)
• Uber Boat by Thames Clippers 1-day River Roamer (£21.00 value)
• London Zoo (£38.00 value)

Popular things to do in London:

• Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour (£34.00 value)
• The view from the Shard (£37.00 value)
• Kensington Palace (£20.00 value)

The London Pass also includes an optional Oyster travelcard to cover all your transportation needs.

Once you’ve bought the London Pass, you can visit as many attractions as you want. The more sights you visit, the more money you save!

Is the London Pass worth it? Check out my honest review of the London Pass here.

How to get your London Pass:

Step 1: Choose which pass duration you want to buy (1, 2, 3, 6, or 10 day). You can click here to purchase your London Pass from their official website.

Why you should consider buying the pass online:

• When you buy the pass online, you can take advantage of online discounts .
• They offer a 365-day money-back guarantee , so you can get a full refund just in case your plans change.
• You can activate your pass anytime within two years from the date of purchase.

STEP 2: Download your mobile pass instantly using the London Pass app.

If you prefer a physical pass, simply print your pass and guidebook at home. Links and easy-to-follow instructions for both options will be in your confirmation email.

Step 3: You now have FREE access to any of the 90+ top London attractions included for the duration of your pass.

How to activate the pass : It will activate once you visit your first attraction and can then be used on consecutive calendar days for the number of days purchased. 

You’ll also receive a free guidebook , which is included with your purchase. Use this book to help you easily plan your itinerary.

Which pass should you get for your trip?

1 day in London? Consider getting the 1-Day London Pass .

If you ride the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, visit Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and St Paul’s Cathedral, you’ll save nearly £30 vs. paying the regular admission price.

2 days in London? Consider getting the 1-Day or 2-Day London Pass . You can spend the first day visiting your “must-see” paid attractions, then visit London’s free attractions on the second day.

3 days in London? Consider getting the 2-Day or 3-Day London Pass . You can spend the first two days visiting your “must-see” paid attractions, then visit London’s free attractions on the third day.

4 days in London? Consider getting the 3-Day or 4-Day London Pass . You can spend the first three days visiting your “must-see” paid attractions, then visit London’s free attractions on the fourth day.

5 days in London? Consider getting the 4-Day or 5-Day London Pass . You can spend the first four days visiting your “must-see” paid attractions, then visit London’s free attractions on the fifth day.

I used the 3-Day London Pass pass for my 5-day London itinerary. This allowed me to visit more attractions than I would have otherwise!

6+ days in London? Consider getting the 6-Day , 7-Day , or 10-Day London Pass . You can spend the first several days visiting your “must-see” paid attractions, then visit London’s free attractions on the last couple of days.

3. Book all your attractions in advance

If you have your heart set on visiting a certain attraction, seeing a particular show, or eating at a specific restaurant, you should book in advance .

Booking in advance is usually cheaper and saves you the hassle of having to wait in long line-ups when you’re in London. Just skip the line and head straight to the attraction.

If you’re using the London Pass , this already gives you an advantage since you can skip the line at most attractions.

Some tours and attractions require advance reservations , which you can do through their site after buying your pass.

Pre-booking attractions, such as The View from the Shard is essential . If you’re using the London Pass, you can find details about how to book your time slot on their website.

If you’re not using the London Pass and prefer to buy individual tickets, I like using GetYourGuide . They offer free cancellation so you can receive a full refund if you’re travel plans change.

Below are some of the popular attractions and tours that you may want to consider booking in advance.

The view from the Shard

Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter

Buckingham Palace: The State Rooms

The London Eye

Tower of London

Westminster Abbey

St Paul’s Cathedral

London Bridge Experience and Tombs

London Dungeon

4. Save time by visiting attractions that are close together

To make the most of your London vacation, try to plan your daily itinerary by visiting attractions that are close together.

This will save you A LOT of time and stress of trying to go across town to the next attraction. I recommend planning to visit 2-3 attractions per day that are close to eachother.

For my trip, we just focused on one main neighborhood per day . This helped us maximize our sightseeing time. Below are some suggestions to get inspired.

Things to do near Westminster :

Wesminster Abbey

10 Downing Street

Buckingham Palace

Things to do near Kensington :

The Natural History Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum

The Science Museum

Things to do near Hyde Park :

Kensington Palace

Prince Albert Memorial

Princess Diana Memorial

Things to do near Trafalgar Square :

The National Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery

Piccadilly Circus

Leicester Square

Covent Garden

Things to do near the Thames River:

London Bridge

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Tate Modern

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Tower Bridge

5. Book your accommodations i n the city center

When visiting London on a budget, I know that it’s tempting to save money by booking accommodations outside of the city center.

But this is a common tourist mistake! Commuting into the city every day can get very expensive. Plus, it wastes precious sight-seeing time.

This is the ONE area that I would highly recommend pushing your budget to the maximum you can afford.

London is a big city with lots to see and do, which makes it worth your while to pay a little more to stay in the city.

Because hotels can be pricey in London, I recommend looking for affordable accommodations on Booking.com . This is my go-to site for finding cheap hotels rates.

Best hotels on a budget in London:

• Locke at Broken Wharf – Near Millennium Bridge
• New Road Hotel – In East London close to Whitechapel Station
• Twenty Nevern Square Hotel – Near Earls Court & Kensington
• Novotel London Paddington
• The Hoxton, Shoreditch – Affordable luxury hotel in London
• Generator London – One of the best hostels in London
• Belgrave Hotel – In the heart of London close to Pimlico Station

When you stay in a central location, you’ll be able to walk or take a short bus ride to all the main attractions.

For London Pass holders , you can take the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour or use the optional Oystercard to get around the city.

PRO TIP : Get a quality London guide book

Yes, I still use guide books. I find them incredibly helpful when planning my travel itinerary.

They often include neighborhood maps, sample itineraries, self-guided walking tours, and budget-friendly dining suggestions which come in handy. My favorite London guide books are from Lonely Planet , Rick Steves , and Fodor’s .

6. Don’t ride the tube for every trip

Yes, using an Oyster card is a smart way to save money when riding the tube. However, the tube isn’t the only way to get around London.

Even though the city is large, it’s easy to get to most central attractions on foot. London is a very walkable city , just make sure to wear comfortable shoes!

If walking is not convenient for you, consider riding one of London’s buses , which are much cheaper than taking the tube.

Best ways to get around London:

The city is very walkable and it’s easy to get around to most of the major attractions on foot.

You can so ride London’s public transit or take the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour . Both options are included in the London Pass .

If you’re looking for a unique way to see London, consider taking the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers 1-day River Roamer . This is also included in London Pass .

If you need to take a taxi, use Uber. Black cabs are iconic in London, but they can be very expensive and Uber is usually cheaper.

You can also hire a Santander Cycles in London from £1.65 for 30 minutes.

If you do have some room in your budget, below are some popular walking tours to check out in London:

• Jack the Ripper Guided Walking Tour
• Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour
• London: Ghastly Ghosts 2-Hour Walking Tour

7. Enjoy the cheap eats at local supermarkets

It’s no secret dining out in London can be expensive. This is why I love grabbing food at local supermarkets. This is one of the best places to eat in London on a budget.

Local supermarkets, such as Tesco , Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencers, and Waitrose offer a variety of pre-made food, such as sandwiches or salads, which are perfect for a quick lunch or snack on-the-go.

Have a picnic in the park or enjoy your meal in the comfort of your hotel.

PRO TIP : Get the Taste Card

Consider getting the Taste Card to save money on food. With either 2 for 1 meals or 50% off , you can save at thousands of restaurants in London.

General tips for dining on a budget and finding cheap eats in London :

Look for international cuisine – Indian, Thai, Chinese, and Turkish all offer great value at a good price when dining out.

Eat your main meal at lunch time – I noticed that lots of restaurants in London offer lunch specials during the week. This is usually cheaper than eating in the evening.

Check out local food markets – Some popular spots to get street food include Portobello Road Market , Borough Market , the Real Food Market , Southbank Center Food Market , and Camden Market.

Try a tradtional English breakfast – This meals is quite filling and is usually more affordable than lunch and dinner menu prices.

Don’t order soda pop – The UK has introduced a sugar tax which makes Coca-Cola even more expensive.

Get take-away food – Takeaway food is taxed less than eat-in food. If the weather is nice, grab your meal to-go and have a picnic in the park. Pret a Manger is also a great option for sandwiches, soups, salads, and wrap.

Do your research in advance – The last thing anyone wants to do is pay for an expensive meal at a restaurant that has bad service and food. I like using review Google to find the top-rated restaurants in my price range.

Choose one meal per day as a sit-down meal – Sit-down restaurants tend to be more expensive than take-away or street food. Try to limit this to once per day.

For example, you can grab a quick breakfast at a cafe, enjoy a sit-down meal at a restaurant for lunch, and grab an inexpensive meal for dinner. Or you can have an inexpensive lunch and splurge on a nice dinner.

8. Know how much to tip in London

Before visiting any new country, it’s always a good idea to do some research on tip etiquette.

While tipping is appreciated, it’s not always appropriate in London. Here are some basic guidelines to keep in mind:

Tipping in London restaurants:

When eating out, it’s customary to leave 10-15% of the bill.

Sometimes restaurants add on a service charge (usually 12.5%), so I recommend double checking your bill to prevent tipping twice. Tipping is not customary for fast food, take-away or self-service.

Tipping in bars:

Tipping is not common in bars or pubs. If you experience good service, you can round up your total to the nearest pound.

Tipping in taxi drivers:

While it is polite to tip 10-15% of the taxi fare, most people round up to the nearest pound.

Tipping in London hotels:

Many London hotel restaurants include a service charge, usually 10-12%. If a service charge is not included on your restaurant bill, it’s customary to leave a 10-15% tip.

For cleaning staff and hotel porters, leaving a tip is at your own discretion, but always appreciated.

9. Check out London’s free attractions

While London is known to be expensive, most of the city’s museums and art galleries are free. This can help cut down on vacation costs when you’re visiting London on a budget.

For my 5-day trip to London , my sister and I spent the first couple of days exploring all the free museums.

Then for the remaining 3 days, we used the London Pass to save money on the city’s popular attractions, such as the Tower of London and Churchill War Rooms.

Using the London Pass is the most cost effective way to see those attractions.

Free things to do in London:

National Gallery

National Portrait Gallery

British Museum

Natural History Museum

Victoria & Albert Museum

Science Museum

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

London’s city parks – Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park, Hampstead Heath, St James’s Park, Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill, and Victoria Park.

Sky Garden – This is London’s highest public garden that offers 360-degree views of the city’s iconic skyline. It’s located at 20 Fenchurch Street, also known as the The Walkie Talkie. It’s free to visit, but you must book tickets in advance.

Do you only want to visit a few paid London attractions?

Consider purchasing the GO City London Explorer Pass . You can to visit 3, 5, or 7 top attractions and tours as you go.

Save over 40% off London’s top attractions . You can read my full review here .

Another fun thing to do in London is to take a free walking tour. These are usually led by local university students and they work on tips . So technically, they’re not “free”, but they are affordable.

I also recommend exploring one of London’s many parks. There are tons to choose from and this can be a great way to enjoy a picnic or take a break from sightseeing and relax.

Read Next: 8 spots to find the best view of London

10. Don’t try to see everything in London

There’s so much to see and do in London, it’s impossible to do everything in one trip. While it’s tempting to jump from one expensive attraction to the next, you’ll end up losing money by not making the most of your experience.

Plan ahead and devote enough time for your essential attractions . This can help you get better value and gain a deeper appreciation for these attractions.

If you’re looking to save the most money when sightseeing, I recommend to using the London Pass or the GO City London Explorer Pass .

It’s silly to pay full-price at London’s popular attractions when you can save money with these tourism passes. This can be a great way to visit London on a budget without sacrificing fun.

How many days do you need in London?

While you can see most of the main sights in London in two to three days, for first-time visitors, I recommend spending at least 4-5 days in London.

My sister and I spent 5 days in London and still found that this was enough time to see most of the main attractions, but we could have easily spend a week in the city.

This is why I recommend planning your London itinerary in advance. This can help you decide on your must-see attractions and if you’re interested in taking any daytrips from London, such as the Warner Bros. Studio Tour of The Making of Harry Potter .

Below are some more day trip ideas from London you may want to consider:

• Bath, Winsdor Castle, and Stonehendge
• Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds
• Downton Abbey locations

11. Ride the Airport Express train

There are a few ways to travel from the airport into London. The quickest option is to take the airport express train.

This can help maximize your vacation time. If you want to visit London on a budget, remember that it’s cheaper to buy a return ticket than paying for two separate trips.

Both Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport offer an express train into London, however I prefer to fly into Gatwick for a couple of reasons:

• It’s less busy than Heathrow airport
• It’s usually cheaper to fly into Gatwick

You can purchase your Heathrow Express or Gatwick Express train tickets at the airport when you arrive. Make sure to purchase a return ticket at the same time because this saves you money.

PRO TIP: If you’re purchasing a roundtrip Gatwick Express ticket, you may qualify for Days Out Guide 2FOR1 offers . This can help you save money at London’s popular attractions.

Prep for your trip to London:

12. Save money on London’s theater and musical tickets

One of the most popular things to do in London is to see a West End show and live theatre.

The best way to save money on theatre tickets to book tickets online in advance. This ensures that you’re getting the best seat.

If you’re looking for last-minute tickets in London, then visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square. Here you can find half-price and discounted theatre tickets on the day of the show.

You can also try buying stanby tickets directly from the theatre box office. Have a back-up show in mind because you may not get your first choice.

London on a Budget FAQs

How can i enjoy london on a budget.

• Use an Oyster Card to ride London’s public transportation instead of paying cash.
• Use the London Pass if you’re planning to visit the city’s top attractions.
• Check out London’s supermarkets and local food markets for cheap eats.
• Check out London’s free museums and attractions.
• Find cheap hotel deals on Booking.com .

Is London expensive for travel?

London is not a cheap place to visit. But with the right planning, you can definitely visit London on a budget. Look for cheap accommodations, cook your own meals, visit free attractions, and walk or bike to get around the city.

How much money do you need per day in London?

The average daily cost (per person) is £145 ($203 USD). This is based on what past travellers have spent when visiting London.

Meals cost an average of £29 ($40 USD) per person, per day.

Transportation costs an average of £20 ($29 USD) per day. However, you can save money on transportation if planning to use the London Pass + Oyster Card. For example, the 3-day London Pass Oyster Card is £30, which is around £10 per day. for transportation.

The average hotel price per couple in London is £182 ($254 USD) per night.

How much money do you need per day in London? Plan to spend an average of £115 per day in London. A one-week trip to London for ONE person is around £1,017 . For two people, the cost is around £2,034 .

How can I eat cheap in London?

London restaurants can be expensive, but there are a few ways to eat cheap on your trip.

• Eat food from around the world . London has many ethnic restaurants that offer affordable meals, such as Indian, Chinese, Korean, and so on.
• Try street food . There are many food stalls and markets in London that sell affordable meals.
• Grab food from the supermarket . You can buy sandwiches and pre-made meals from the local supermarket for cheap.
• Make breakfast your biggest meal of the day . A traditional English breakfast is filling and cheap compared to lunch and dinner prices.
• Make lunch your main meal of the day . If you’re not a big breakfast person, consider checking out the lunch special offered at local restaurants. This is usually cheaper than their dinner menu.

When is the cheapest time to visit London?

The cheapest time to visit London is during the off-season. This is in the fall (November to mid-December) and winter (January to March).

The fall is my favorite time to visit London because you can enjoy the mild weather and holiday festivities before the Christmas rush.

What are the cheapest things to do in London?

Below are some of the best free (or cheap) things to do in London:

• Walk the glass floor at Tower Bridge
• Check out the Churchill War Rooms
• Visit the National Gallery
• Learn about history at the British Museum
• Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A Museum)
• Marvel at St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Be a kid again at the Natural History Museum
• Explore the Borough Market
• Have a picnic in Hyde Park
• Shop a Covent Garden

Is 2 nights in London enough?

While you won’t be able to see everything London has to offer, 2 nights is still worth a trip to London. You’ll be able to see a few of the city’s main attractions and landmarks. Just enough to make you want to come back for a longer visit.

How long is a good trip to London?

Aim to spend at least 4-5 days in London. This should give you enough time to get a good idea of what London is like, explore the different neighborhoods, see the main attractions, and not feel rushed.

What should I know before traveling to London?

• They drive on the left, so make sure to look right before crossing the street.
• British pints of beer are larger than in the USA. In the UK, a pint is 20 fluid ounces and in the USA it’s 16 fluid ounces.
• In a restaurant, the bill usually comes with a service charge. If not, then you can choose to tip 10% if service was good. Tipping is less common in London.
• Use an Oyster Card when riding London’s public transportation. This is cheaper than paying for single tickets.
• If you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing, consider getting the London Pass . This will save you up to 70% off the city’s most popular attractions vs. paying for individual entry tickets.
• If you’re only visiting a few attractions, consider getting the London Explorer Pass . This will save you money and allow you to skip the lines so you can maxmize your time.
• The UK uses £££. 100 pence = 1 £. The smallest paper note is 5 pounds. There are also £2 and £1 coins.
• Black cabs in London are iconic, but I recommend taking an Uber instead. They accept credit card payment and are usually cheaper than taking a cab.

What should I avoid in London?

Avoid eating at restaurants in Leicester Square. They are expensive and catered to tourists. Check out SoHo instead.

Oxford Street is great for shopping, but it’s one of the most crowded areas in London. For a more relaxing shopping experience, consider going to Carnaby Street or Brick Lane.

City of London on holiday weekends. It tends to be extremely busy.

Avoid traveling on the Tube during rush hour when it’s the busiest time.

Avoid walking at night alone. London is safe, but walking in an unfamiliar city alone at night is usually not a good idea.

Is New York or London more expensive?

If you’re trying to figure out if you should travel to New York or London, a vacation to New York City is more expensive.

According to BudgetYourTrip , the average daily cost per person, per day in London is $189 USD. In New York City, the average daily cost per person, per day is $238 USD.

While the cost of food is similiar in both cities, accommodation, transportation, entertainment, and alcohol is much cheaper in London than in New York City.

About Eden Ashley

Eden has an MBA and a degree in Psychology. As a new mom (and homeowner), she knows the importance of having a budget that works. She's helped thousands of women get good with money using the same strategies she used to save $100,000 by age 25. Click here to learn how to create a better budget!

Reader Interactions

March 12, 2023 at 10:59 pm

London is a city with relatively high tourist spending in Europe. Thank you for your list. I believe it will save a lot of money for my trip to London in May.

May 26, 2017 at 10:25 am

May I just correct you on not tipping in bars and pubs in the UK. It is only not common practise if you are having one drink. If you buy a large round for a few people at once, it is customary to say “take one for yourself”. Or if you are staying at the same bar for a while and having many drinks. It is a good idea to tip the bar staff for your first drink, as you will get served faster the next time you return to the bar.

May 11, 2017 at 2:26 am

Hi, thank you for your tips on London’s visit on a budget. I have been to London and back. Great help there. I think like you said if we have access to a kitchen we can saved more on food and once in a while eat out…

August 1, 2016 at 7:29 pm

After traveling to London several times I would agree your suggestions are spot on. I especially love the 2for1 deals and have used those to save quite a bit of money over the years. And the Oyster Card is a must, if not for being more affordable but it’s also so easy to use.

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18 Best London Airbnbs, From Quirky East London Penthouses to Sleek Soho Flats

By Condé Nast Traveller and Sarah James

Getting under the skin of London —finding the coolest neighborhoods and best restaurants in London —can be tricky. But living like a local, in one of the capital’s finest Airbnbs, or alternatively a OneFineStay or home via another tasteful rental company, is a brilliant place to start. We've scoured through the most beautiful London properties listed to bring you this edit: the smartest homestays in brilliant locations, starting with a few we've stayed in ourselves.

We've vetted these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor. A version of this article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

Read our complete London travel guide here .

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Fulham Lodge

Bed & bath:  5 bedrooms, 5 baths Top amenities:  Indoor pool, sauna, fireplace Neighborhood: Fulham

Who knew that a derelict old keeper’s lodge on the outskirts of a cemetery could be transformed into such a phenomenal piece of modern architecture, spread over three floors and fit with a 43-foot-long swimming pool ? Owner Justin Maxwell Stuart had foresight. He took on the hefty project of renovating the 19th-century neo-gothic lodge, and after four years of tiresome but impressive works, the place has been converted into a staggeringly attractive space—from abandoned house amid overgrown weeds to a smart and sophisticated London playden—this is the ultimate destination for a quirky break in the city.

Walking into the five-bedroom property, I was struck first by the design and how every corner of space has been thoughtfully and thoroughly utilized. The open-plan living area on the ground floor is bright, slick, and fun, playing with a blue-and-white color palette in the walls and furnishings to create a non-clichéd nautical theme, which continues to run throughout the house, from the unique fish figurines to the cushions dotted about. The contemporary kitchen becomes the central hub and provides the perfect dinner party setting, with Great Gatsby –style bar stools and a grand dining table that seats 10. The large bifold doors open out to a beautifully manicured garden and the two surrounding living areas provide both a room to read the paper with your morning coffee, and a spot to snuggle up in the evenings.

The best feature of the house though has got to be the spiraling stone staircase that takes you down to the outrageous basement, where there's a spa -like swimming pool and sauna, chill-out entertainment room with its own elaborate bar , and an extensive wine cellar to have a peak at (this is strictly locked to guests but a salivating sight). Spend the days floating in a zen paradise and end them knocking back a few G&Ts. Stumble back upstairs to the master bedroom at the very top of the house for a peaceful retreat away from it all—wade your way through the thousands of cushions to hit the fluffy, plumped-up pillows on the king bed—or hole up downstairs in one of the four other bedrooms. Enjoy a bubble bath in one of the humongous tubs, blast your favorite tunes from the sound system which has speakers paired up in most rooms, and dim the lights to create whatever atmosphere you are after.

The renovation of this lodge was extensive and there is now so much to it (did I mention the moat in the garden?). The fusion of old and new protects the historical charm of the house—it is still a classical gothic structure in the grounds of a cemetery—but open the door and you’ll be transfixed by the modern creativity and design. It is truly a thrilling place to stay. — Cordelia Aspinall

Cockspur Street

Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 2 baths Top amenities:  Elevator, washing machine Neighborhood: Trafalgar Square

Who on earth lives on Trafalgar Square? The chap on the column, of course. And lots of pigeons. But this is grand-scale Monopoly-board London, a land of giants, of embassies, members’ clubs, and museums . Does anyone actually live here? Well, turns out they do. This OneFineStay apartment sits five floors up opposite Canada House, just off the Square in what used to be Norway House, and provides a snug vantage point to dip in and out of central London as you like. Pick up provisions from Fortnum & Mason; take a morning stroll past Buckingham Palace and around St James’s Park to spot the pelicans; or be first in line to see the Monets at the National Gallery .

The apartment has two spacious bedrooms, cooled by ceiling fans and set off a Georgian-blue-and-white hallway that feels like it belongs to a larger house, with two bathrooms on the other side, lined with swirling marble. At the far end is a small but well-equipped kitchen, and a clubby sitting room with beams from the original building and lined with reclaimed wooden panels. It’s a little like sitting inside a walnut, or a Jeeves and Wooster–era bachelor pad, with a vintage Harrow XI cricket bat in one corner, a deer-antler lamp in another, and a herringbone-print sofa and pneumatic armchairs to sprawl decadently in before mixing an afternoon Old Fashioned on the Calligaris teak dining table. A few clues to the owners, perhaps, in the Japanese flower art on the bedroom walls, and eclectic bookshelves that take in ceramics, Sarah Perry, British folk traditions, and Norwegian geography. Easy enough to dawdle here for a day but just outside the windows is all the thrill—even for staycationing Londoners like myself—of the city beat. Weekend mornings here can be quieter than some backwater suburbs; the clop of horses heading to Hyde Park , the Post Office Tower greeting us with ‘Good Morning London’ on its digital display.

We downloaded a Treasure Trail map for our son and followed clues around Trafalgar Square, through back streets to unnoticed plaques and footnotes of history—the pub of two halves by Charing Cross, the map of the Trafalgar Way by Canada House. There’s some hidden history in this building too—above the door stands a statue of St Olav, sword in hand; during the war, with Norway occupied, Norway House hosted the government in exile, with King Haakon VII among the frequent visitors. Had he visited during our stay we might have taken him—via the OneFineStay concierge team—for pavement-side drinks at the Sofitel St James round the corner, or the bar at Da Henrietta in Covent Garden. In a part of the city that can feel imposing and impersonal at times, this is a little pocket of character and warmth. — Rick Jordan

A smart, super-central maisonette

Neighborhood: Marylebone

Minutes away from Mayfair, Bond Street, and Regent’s Park and on the corner of villagey Marylebone High Street, this two-story 18th-century townhouse could hardly be more central—although we couldn’t possibly tell while inside its quiet sanctuary. Filled with moody, muted art and vintage furniture pieces, the subway-tiled kitchen and bathroom are simple but cool and retro, while the spacious bedrooms are tucked snugly downstairs on the lower-ground floor, and the grand, high-ceilinged living-dining area is centered around an unforgettable, eye-catching marble fireplace. There’s even a tree right outside the imposing front door that manages to blossom in the heart of winter. It's one of hundreds of London homes that you can stay in via OneFineStay, and a booking here also includes a welcome and tour from a concierge, a hamper filled with goodies such as special batch coffee, English sparkling wine, tea, and shortbread, and, if you want them, more tailored experiences such as cooking classes or a nanny service. — Becky Lucas

A black and white townhouse

Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths Top amenities:  Park view, Grown Alchemist bath products, room-darkening shade Neighborhood: Hackney

When a home has won nods from the Modern House, you know you’ve found a design gem. A cool restoration has turned this Hackney terrace into a sharp modernist retreat, minutes from Columbia Road flower market. Inside, you’ll find pieces from host Jo’s art collection, vintage and designer furniture pieces from all the cult names, plenty of plants, and a cozy wood burner to sit fireside on chilly evenings.

Emily Pennington

Charlie Hobbs

Kaitlin Menza

CNT Editors

A stylish Victorian apartment

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Private backyard, BBQ Neighborhood: Elephant and Castle

This chic Elephant & Castle apartment is smack bang in the center of Zone 1, so you can check off all the sights—Big Ben, Borough Market , Tate Modern, and a string of other museums—within 20 minutes on foot. A soothing palette of neutrals and tasteful modern furniture choices make a soothing sanctuary to return to at the end of the day.

An arty hideaway with views of The Shard

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1.5 baths Top amenities:  Room-darkening shades, Bluetooth sound system Neighborhood: Southwark

London is full of high rise apartments with glittering skyline views, but this may be the most novel around. Situated just a hop from buzzy Borough Market and the Tate Modern , the hosts have created a playful, childlike space with huge windows looking directly out to The Shard . An open chest of drawers turns into a staircase leading to a tiny room, the oven has a children’s nursery aesthetic, and if you pull back the hand-stitched curtain hiding the secret door to the bathroom, you can take a shower under the moonlight. Traditional and holistic spa treatments are bookable, and there’s an array of the city’s best restaurants, delis, and bakeries just minutes from your door.

Spacious designer townhouse with a patio

Bed & bath:  4 bedrooms, 4 baths Top amenities:  Airbnb Luxe, fireplace, small patio Neighborhood: Chelsea

A classic, pastel -painted townhouse near Chelsea’s Sloane Square is the setting for this serene rental, one of the best Airbnbs in London. Interiors are more muted than the candy-colored façade might suggest—monochromatic armchairs, a glossy, oatmeal-hued kitchen, four creamy bedrooms. There’s room for six around the formal dining table, which makes this a brilliant option for those hosting during their time in the capital, and a compact but cute patio for those rare sunshiny days.

A ground-floor apartment with outdoor space

Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 1 bath Top amenities:  Backyard, washer/dryer Neighborhood: Chelsea

Anyone who lives in London knows the rarity of having your very own outdoor space. This ground-floor flat in Chelsea opens onto a south-facing patio that acts as an all-day sun trap. Inside, host Marc has made use of lots of geometric stripes to make the space feel roomier than it is—on the open fireplace’s chimney breast in the living room, in one of the two bedrooms, and the sweet breakfast room.

A stylish, art-filled apartment

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Washer/dryer, fully-equipped kitchen, Sonos sound system Neighborhood: Holland Park

The pretty first-floor balcony at this West London flat overlooks the peaceful streets around leafy Holland Park, a corner of the capital that’s close to Kensington Gardens and Notting Hill. The flat’s double-height ceilings give the feeling of bags of space and the paneled living room is packed with art.

A quirky Georgian townhouse

Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 1 bath Top amenities:  Filled bookcase, fireplace, Pack ’n Play crib Neighborhood: Angel

This Georgian property sits in a row of classic North London terraces. The deep colors used on the ground floor—a soothing, gray-green living room and bold navy kitchen—are balanced out by the light-filled bedrooms upstairs. The house is just steps from Islington Green and Camden Passage, and a short walk from Hoxton, on the edge of East London.

A traditional Victorian flat

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Lavazza coffee machine, luggage dropoff allowed Neighborhood: Knightsbridge

This is the London Airbnb for culture lovers—set just a few minutes' walk from some of London’s finest museums, including the V&A and the Natural History Museum . Floral fabrics wouldn’t look out of place in a grand country pile, and there are quirky touches—tall lamps, hand-blown glass vases, a gallery wall in the living room—dotted around the snug space. Of note, it is on the fourth floor of the building and there is not an elevator.

A light-filled flat

Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 2 baths Top amenities:  Freestanding bath, dedicated workspace, record player Neighborhood: Notting Hill

The open-plan kitchen is the heart of this Notting Hill split-level flat. There’s an open fireplace for cozy nights in, and exposed brick walls add texture to the clean white-washed rooms. The loveliest of the two bedrooms has a roll-top bath and there’s a petite study overlooking the surrounding rooftops. The roof terrace might be this Airbnb’s biggest draw: It overlooks the buzzy neighborhood below.

Charming Chelsea flat

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Private patio garden, dedicated workspace with a printer, window bench Neighborhood: World’s End Estate

You'll never want to leave this Scandinavian -inspired home in the heart of Chelsea. The one-bedroom flat feels surprisingly spacious, in part because of its rare indoor-outdoor floor plan, featuring floor-to-ceiling accordion glass doors that open both the living room and kitchen onto the petite, ivy-covered patio. Perks of this London Airbnb include room-darkening curtains and a fireplace in the living room. The Thames River is a two-minute walk in one direction, and the shops and bistros of King's Road are also right around the corner.

Pastel row house in Chelsea

Bed & bath:  2 bedroom, 3 baths Top amenities:  Private patio, washing machine with laundry detergent tablets provided, hospitality pack with kitchen staples and English delicacies Neighborhood: Chelsea

This quirky two-bedroom apartment belongs in our most colorful Airbnbs gallery, too, with its pastel pink Smeg fridge, pink-walled sunroom (shown above), and patterned wallpapers. Situated in a quiet neighborhood, there's a small balcony off both bedrooms and a garden out back to get some fresh air without leaving your home base, though South Kensington museums like the Victoria and Albert and Science museums are nearby, too. You'll have all the essentials and then some inside: The host, Robert, leaves a hospitality pack filled with bread, milk, eggs, butter, biscuits, and chocolates for guests, and the kitchen is stocked with basics like coffee, tea, sugar, oil and vinegar, and salt and pepper. To note, the second bedroom, with its two twin beds, also houses a sink and shower in the room, so guests may end up wanting to share the one larger bathroom.

Stylish studio apartment in City of London

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Gym and lounge access, king-size bed, Wi-Fi Neighborhood: Blackfriars

For those looking to spend a few days away from home, this one-bedroom Airbnb (located inside an aparthotel ) checks all the boxes: contactless check-in, space to cook your own meals, “blazing-fast Wi-Fi” per one reviewer, and a dedicated work space, plus a spacious lounge area downstairs. The room is just big enough for one, or a couple, with a king-size bed and clean, amenities-filled bathroom. Outside, there are places to sit along the River Thames, and in the hotel lobby, a café that previous guests recommend for gelato or coffee.

Art-filled flat in Central London

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Sonos sound system, balcony, coffee maker Neighborhood: Earl’s Court

This sophisticated Airbnb boasts high ceilings and is filled with natural light, statement art, and impressive decor. Both the living space and the lofted bedroom (complete with a king bed) feature Sonos sound systems. The apartment's balcony overlooks a beautiful garden square and features a café table where you can enjoy a coffee while watching the morning bustle below. Holland Park is just steps away.

Bright home near Granary Square

Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 1 bath Top amenities:  Private garden, grill, public pool across the street Neighborhood: Barnsbury Estate

Among our top-rated vacation rentals: This charming two-bed rental unit near Granary Square. If you want your own private ivy-lined patio in London , you've got it here, with a backyard grill to boot. And the apartment is just a few blocks from Camden Lock—an area around Regent's Canal that's great for morning strolls. Inside, the home has two bedrooms, each with king-size beds, and is minimally designed.

A Victorian townhouse

Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 3 baths Top amenities:  Room-darkening shades, children's gear available (high chair, crib, dinnerware, toys), washer/dryer Neighborhood: Islington

Rounding out our edit of the best Airbnbs in London, this vast pad sits on the upper cusp of Islington , on a quiet cobblestone street lined with grand Victorian buildings. Interiors are cozy and colorful—a mustard-velvet armchair is offset by calming sage walls in the living room, and there is bang-on-trend Seventies geometric wallpaper in the hallways. The sweet sun-trap terrace is a brilliant spot for a pre-supper drink before you head out to one of the neighborhood’s best restaurants—we recommend pasta spot Trullo.

Recommended

Europe Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

From beautiful Paris to smoke-filled coffeeshops in Amsterdam, Oktoberfest to La Tomatina, Europe is a massive, diverse continent with an unlimited assortment of things to see and do. You won’t have any problem filling your time, whether you’re backpacking Europe for a few months on a budget or just spending a few weeks there on a well-earned vacation.

The continent boasts wonderful beaches, historical architecture, amazing wine, and tons of world-class festivals. Every country is incredibly different from the next too, providing limitless variety in what you do during your trip.

I first backpacked Europe in 2006 and was hooked immediately. I’ve been visiting every year since, have run tours around the continent, and even wrote a book on traveling in Europe . It’s a destination I love and never get tired of exploring.

This guide will give you an overview of Europe and the tips and tricks you need to start planning your trip. I’ve also written extensive travel guides to each country on the continent (linked below in this post) so you can get more in-depth information for your specific itinerary too!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Europe

Click Here for Country Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in europe.

1. Tour the Greek Islands

These islands are the mecca of summer beach fun and each is unique in its own great way. There’s Ios (beach party central with archeological ruins and awesome boat tours); Kos (ancient ruins and nature); Crete (Bronze Age ruins of Knossos, hiking, beaches, and wine), Santorini (iconic blue water, white buildings, and local wineries); Mykonos , (the upscale party island with beautiful beaches, villages, and sunsets), Naxos (best island in the Cyclades). Plus, Milos, Corfu, Lemnos, Zakynthos, and so many more! With hundreds of islands in the country, you can always find what you are looking for!

2. Ride the rails

Europe is famous for its international rail system. Rail passes like the Eurail Pass have been around forever and still make it very easy to get from country to country on a relatively small budget (and with lots of flexibility). Europe has some of the fastest trains in the world that travel up to an incredible 217 mph (350 kph). The whole continent is connected by trains and there’s a growing push for even more connections and long-distance, high-speed trains in order to reduce flying and help combat climate change. There’s nothing more quintessential than riding the trains in Europe and I encourage you to take as many trains as possible. It’s one of the best ways to see the continent.

3. Get lost in Paris

The “City of Lights” is everything people say it is. I fell in love with it the first time I stepped foot in Paris . The city is just magical. You have a ton of museums, cafes, jazz clubs, famous art, and beautiful architecture. I love just strolling around the streets of the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter) or Montmartre neighborhood as it makes for a breathtaking day. Another one of my favorite things to do here is just sit in the Jardin des Champs-Élysées park and picnic like the Parisians. For something a bit different, check out the famous Catacombs and Paris Sewer Museum. With so much to offer in the way of culture, history, and gastronomy, it would take years to see everything here but you can still get a good feel of the city in a few days.

4. Go city hopping

There are so many amazing cities in Europe that we’d need a top 100 to list them all. Here are some of my personal favorites and must-see cities: London is rich in history, culture, and the famous Big Ben clock; Edinburgh is a vibrant medieval city with cozy pubs and a famous castle with a huge New Year’s Eve Party; Amsterdam has cozy coffee shops and canopied tree-covered canals; Berlin has a wild party scene, street art, and the Berlin Wall; Barcelona has tapas, beach, and unique Gaudi architecture; coastal Lisbon has colorful tiles, old tramcars, cobblestone streets and plenty of fresh seafood; Prague has a beautiful intact Old Town, incredible architecture and eclectic bars; Tallinn Estonia has beautiful medieval buildings with colorful roofs. Florence  is a mecca for Italian Renaissance architecture, art history, and gelato; Stockholm mixes medieval architecture and modern art and design. Crisscross the continent, take in the culture, and enjoy all the historic cities!

5. Hit the Alps

Whether you go skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, the Alps hold some of the most breathtaking views in all the world. You don’t even need to be an expert hiker because there are mountain trails for all levels and crystal-clear Alpine lakes. Check out the spectacular Eibsee trail loop in Bavaria at the foot of Die Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain, for the clearest, multi-colored, sparkling lake you’ve ever seen. Or the Männlichen Kleine Scheidegg Panorama trail in Switzerland’s stunning green and snow-capped Alps. Or visit Italy’s Dolomites in South Tyrol for the scenic Seceda trail. The Alps have trails for every fitness level and in every season.

Other Things to See and Do in Europe

1. tour amsterdam.

I love Amsterdam so much that I lived here for a short period of time in 2006. Here cobblestone and brick streets weave around lovely canals as people ride their bikes to and fro. My favorite things to enjoy here are Amsterdam’s vibrant art and music scene and there are also a ton of interesting museums here like the Anne Frank House, FOAM, the history museum, and the hemp museum. Be sure you get out of the center into Jordaan and Oost with their wonderful outdoor cafes and fewer tourists. Also, a visit to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without a canal cruise to visit the many islands and there are many to choose from that include snacks and drinks, sunset cruises, live guided tours, and more.

2. Hang out in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that goes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It truly could give NYC a run for the “city that never sleeps” title. Be prepared for late-night dinners and parties until dawn. Besides a great food and nightlife scene, there is a wonderful beach, tons of Gaudi architecture (including the fairytale-like Parc Güell, as well as the iconic Sagrada Familia , which has been under construction for over 100 years!), incredible food tours, one of the best history museums in the country, and lots of outdoor spaces. What I love about Barcelona is that when you’re ready to chill, you can wander around Parc de la Ciutadella and marvel at the majestic fountains, plant life, and buildings created from an ornate military fortress.

3. Visit Berlin

Hip and trendy Berlin is an energetic destination. It is one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities, with a vibrant music and art scene and a growing foodie movement. Be sure to spend some time learning about the city’s darker history via the many excellent museums, memorials, and landmarks. The East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall that’s now painted with murals, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe are two especially powerful reminders of Germany’s past. For all periods of German history, don’t miss the Deutsches Historisches Museum (German Historical Museum) – it’s one of the best history museums in the world. Once you’ve had your fill of history, relax in Berlin’s many green spaces, from Tempelhof Field, the site of a former airfield and popular local hangout spot, to Tiergarten, a tree-covered former hunting ground for 17th-century aristocrats.

4. Drink beer at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a must for anyone going to Germany at the end of September. While not a budget option since beers now cost 15 € a maß, I love the energy and friendly camaraderie this event inspires. For two weeks, millions of people from all over the world gather for lots of beer, excitement, music, and wild fun. Watching thousands of people sing together, raising quart-sized beer mugs for endless toasts, and enjoying the general party atmosphere makes you feel good about the world. (Or maybe that’s just the beer?) Just be sure to book your accommodation well in advance and be prepared to pay top prices for them. If you don’t have an outfit, don’t worry, there are plenty of shops even at the main train station where you can buy a Bavarian dirndl dress and men’s lederhosen.

5. Experience London

Get a taste of English culture in diverse London . The museums here are some of the best in the world (most are free) and include the Tate, the British Museum, the City Museum, the National Gallery, the Historical Museum. There’s no shortage of iconic sights here as well, with Big Ben, the House of Parliament, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and of course, Buckingham Palace. I love London’s diversity because of the countless international eateries with great food and wonderful pub culture, perfect for after a long day seeing the sights. Head to Brick Lane on the weekends for some amazing food and craft markets. I prefer Paris to London, but there is something sophisticated and fun about London. Just watch those pints — London is not a cheap destination!

6. Get outdoors in Scandinavia

My favorite region in Europe is Scandinavia. The quality of life here is high, the people are beautiful and friendly, and the cities are clean and historic. Cycling the cities, taking canal tours, hiking the vast forested areas, archipelago hopping, enjoying fika (a Swedish coffee break), and warming up in saunas are just a few of the popular activities that await you here. True, this area of Europe is not cheap, but there are plenty of ways to reduce your expenses. Don’t let the high prices scare you away. Highlights for me include Copenhagen , Stockholm , Gotland, Norway’s fjords, and Lapland in Finland .

7. Get enchanted in Prague

Prague has an amazing history and is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities I’ve ever seen. Highlights include the 9th-century Prague Castle, the magnificent Charles Bridge (built in the 14th century and one of the oldest standing bridges in the world), the 10th-century old square with its iconic astronomical clock, and the winding Jewish Quarter. Even if you only have a few days there don’t miss the free walking tour which is one of my favorites in Europe and the best way to learn about the Old Town and the tragic history of the city that went from thriving Bohemian capital of art, music, and literature to part of the Iron Curtain after WWII. Some of my favorite gems here include the fantastic black light theater shows in 4D and the one-of-a-kind medieval dinner show in an old tavern complete with musicians and jugglers not to mention hearty food and drinks. During the weekends it heaves with people enjoying the bars, cheap beer, and delicious food so try to visit during the week (and in the spring or fall) to beat the crowds.

8. Relax on the French Riviera

Here, you can pretend to live the high life for a little bit. Have fun in the sun, relax on the beach, swim in azure blue water, hobnob with the rich and famous, and sail on (or gaze at) gigantic yachts. As for cities, Nice is nice with its palm-tree-lined promenade, old town, and many art museums. If you want to go see how the rich and famous live, spend an afternoon checking out Cannes to soak up some glamorous vibes on La Croisette where they hold the famous Cannes Film Festival. The kingdom of Monaco with its tiny streets, beautiful buildings, and world-famous casino is just a skip away too.

9. Enjoy the great outdoors in Interlaken

Located in the beautiful mountains of Switzerland, Interlaken is a gorgeous place to unwind with fantastic hiking, delicious hot chocolate, and plenty of outdoor sports. The area is full of natural attractions to explore, including the St. Beatus Caves (complete with a legendary dragon), the cascading 500-meter-high (1,640 feet) Giessbach Waterfalls, the Jungfraujoch mountain railway (which leads to the highest train station on the continent), and a plethora of lakes (hence the town’s name). It’s a good alternative to all the cities and museums. Interlaken is also a popular party destination for backpackers and other young travelers. By far, my favorite scenic and visually stunning trail was the Oberberghorn panoramic hike, where you can wander the green mountain ridge ogling the amazing views and the turquoise-blue Brienzersee.

10. Experience history in Rome

In this thriving historical city, you can’t walk two feet without stumbling over a ruin, making Rome a history buff’s dream. Its tiny streets are perfect for wandering as you explore the Colosseum, see the Forum and Palatine Hill, visit the Pantheon, spend time in Vatican City, admire the Spanish Steps, and toss coins into the famous Trevi Fountain. The skip-the-line tickets can definitely be worth it so you don’t waste time waiting outside attractions. Rome also has amazing food (it’s Italy, after all) and nightlife. Visit the Trastevere area for a taste of “local” Rome and chill bars. It’s my favorite area in the city because you feel like you’re in a small village in the middle of a big city.

11. Hike around the Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is my favorite part of Italy. These five beautiful cliffside towns are perched near warm waters and beautiful olive and grape groves. There are wondrous and strenuous hikes in these hills; for a real challenge, take trail #8. Or just walk the coastline for something less difficult. Many activities here revolve around the coastline: kayaking, swimming, having a beach picnic or visiting the Technical Naval Museum. If you happen to be here in December or January, don’t miss the Nativity Manarola, the world’s biggest lighted nativity scene.

12. Tour Krakow

Krakow looks like it stepped out of a medieval postcard. It’s a hip, trendy, and youthful city that’s the center of education in Poland, meaning there are a lot of university students here. Most travelers come to party here (the vodka is cheap) but try to enjoy the city’s history and food besides just the bars. Walk the Royal Road through the Old Town to the 13th-century Wawel Castle, tour Schindler’s Factory (where Schindler saved over 1,200 Jews during World War II), and visit the sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. You can also take a fascinating day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Wieliczka Salt Mine, a 13th-century mine with cavernous chambers, statues, chapels, chandeliers, and cathedrals all carved out of salt.

13. Visit the ruin bars in Budapest

The coolest nightlife in all of Europe is found in Budapest . Built in abandoned buildings, ruin bars feature funky art installations, repurposed furniture, and quirky decor. They are amazing, fun, and great places to meet locals, as people of all ages flock here. Open since 2001, Szimpla Kert is the original ruin bar and one of my favorites, along with Instant-Fogas Complex, which takes up an entire building and is actually many different bars in one. Don’t skip the ruin bars — they’re one of the most unique things about the city!

14. Explore Cornwall

The best part of England is outside London, yet unfortunately, not a lot of travelers leave London. Head west to the area of Cornwall for cheaper prices, welcoming locals, natural beauty, great hiking, rolling hills, plenty of medieval castles, and picturesque small towns. If you like biking, the Camel Trail from Bodmin to Padstow is worth the trip and you even pass by a local vineyard. It’s an easy way to spend a day (and it’s pretty flat so it’s not too hard to do.) Plus, I had the best fish and chips in Cornwall! Overall, it’s what you think of as “traditional England.”

15. Walk the Camino

El Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James) is an ancient pilgrimage route that stretches from France all the way across northern Spain. It is a 500 mile (800 km) trail that winds through incredible terrain, ending in Santiago de Compostela at the cathedral where St. James is supposedly buried. As a pilgrim, you get a “pilgrim’s passport” which allows you to stay in affordable pilgrim-only hostels, making this a surprisingly budget-friendly adventure. While it usually takes over a month to complete, you can just walk a section if you don’t have the time. To receive a “Compostela” (certificate of completion), you just need to walk the last 62 miles (100 km), which generally takes 4-5 days.

16. Throw tomatoes during La Tomatina

By far my favorite festival, the largest food fight in the world happens during the last Wednesday of August in Bunol, Spain. What started in 1945 as a local brawl has turned into a massive event drawing tens of thousands of people from all over the world. For about an hour, everyone throws tomatoes at each other, leaving streets ankle-deep in tomato juice. Afterward, everyone walks down to the river, cleans off, and then heads to the town square for sangria and music.

17. Find Dracula in Romania

Not a lot of people visit Romania but this underrated country in Eastern Europe has undiscovered yet picturesque medieval towns like Brasov (home to “Dracula’s castle”), Sighisoara, and Sibiu; gorgeous beaches on the Black Sea; and incredible hiking in the Fagaras Mountains — all at dirt-cheap prices. Other major sights include frescoed Byzantine monasteries, the steepled wooden churches of Transylvania, the hip university town Cluj-Napoca, the post-communist capital of Bucharest, and the Danube Delta, a huge nature reserve.

18. Drink whisky in Islay

Whisky has a long history on Islay , an island off Scotland’s west coast. It’s been made there since the 16th-century — first in backyards and then, starting in the 19th-century, in large distilleries. Over the years, whisky from the island came to be considered a specialty and was used to flavor a lot of other blends on the mainland. There are currently nine working distilleries on the island, all located along the island’s shores, with Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Lagavulin being the most famous. Most distilleries here make single-malt Scotch, meaning that only one type of grain (barley) is used. My visit here was amazing and, even if you don’t like whisky, there are tons of good hikes and walks throughout this magnificent island.

19. Explore Iceland

Iceland is a magical country with majestic waterfalls, hidden hot springs around every corner, and sweeping vistas unlike anywhere else in the world. After my first visit, the country quickly became one of my favorite countries. With whale watching in the summer, the northern lights in the winter, and geothermal baths for soaking in year-round, there really is no bad time to visit! While Iceland’s main draw is the epic natural landscapes, it’s worth spending a couple of days in Reykjavik with its café culture, artsy feel, and brightly colored wooden row houses.

20. Sail the Croatian coast

With calm winds, short distances, a coastline littered with over 1,000 islands, and countless historical sites, Croatia is one of the world’s best sailing destinations. If you can, go during the shoulder season when you can find some great deals. Plan to stay at least a couple of days on one of the islands, with the most popular being Brac, Hvar, Krk, Cres, and Lošinj. However, don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known islands such as Silba, Vis, and Lastovo. If you want to splash out and spend a week partying on a yacht, check out The Yacht Week, which hosts week-long parties, complete with DJs, from May-September. You can book a full boat to share with friends or just a cabin if you’re traveling solo. Prices start at 5,250 HRK per person and go up to 9,300 HRK.

21. Explore the Balkans

While the Balkans have become more popular with backpackers in recent years, it’s still largely overlooked by most budget travelers, despite being an extremely budget-friendly region. The Balkan peninsula is home to great (and again, overlooked) wine, beautiful medieval towns like Kotor and Mostar, stunning mountainous landscapes, beautiful pebble beaches, coffee culture, fresh, hearty yet inexpensive food, and museums covering the area’s history, including the most recent turbulent events of the early 1990s. I especially loved my time in Albania . Don’t miss the beautiful beaches in Ksamil, nicknamed the “Maldives of Europe’ as well as the mountain village of Gjirokastër, which was occupied by Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The Balkans have so much to offer for every budget and every country has its unique cultural flavor.

22. Take a wine tour in the Loire Valley

Located in central France, the picturesque Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and stretches 280 kilometers (174 miles) along the Loire River. One of the major wine-producing regions of France, the area is home to some of the best wines in the world, with over 1,000 vineyards open to the public. Even those who don’t drink wine will enjoy the beautiful small towns, great food, and the region’s over 300 impressive chateaux. I loved the medieval Chenonceau Castle and Chateau Villandry and the small villages like Saint-Florent-le-Vieil. Spring and Autumn are my favorite times to visit because you can go biking and do outdoor activities when it’s not too hot and there are fewer people. It’s an area not to be missed.

23. See Fado in Portugal

Fado is an important musical tradition in Portugal , originating in Lisbon and stretching back some 200 years. The word “fado” likely stems from the Latin word for fate, and it’s very haunting, poetic, and emotional music. Most of the songs follow themes of loss and mourning, and the music was popular with the working class (especially sailors). Performances normally take place in restaurants during dinner. In Lisbon, head to Clube de Fado, Tasca do Chico, Parreirinha de Alfama, or Senhor Vinho.

24. Tour green Slovenia

Slovenia is one of Europe’s least-visited destinations, which is mind-blowing to me because it’s an amazing place to visit. Slovenia offers all the beauty of Western Europe but at a fraction of the cost and with a fraction of the crowds. Perfect for outdoor adventure lovers, Slovenia offers rugged mountains, untouched landscapes, fantastic ski resorts, plentiful wine, sprawling cave systems, incredible food, and postcard-perfect lakes, such as the famous Lake Bled with its castle on an island. I loved Piran, Slovenia’s often overlooked coastal Venetian-style harbor town that was actually founded 3000 years ago. Stroll around its beautiful windy cobble-stoned streets, beautiful plazas, and take advantage of the many affordable restaurants right on the water. Make sure to also spend a few days in the country’s capital, Ljubljana, known as one of the continent’s greenest and most livable cities. Take a river cruise to see the city and enjoy the friendliness of the locals.

  For more information on specific countries in Europe, check out the guides below:

• Albania Travel Guide
• Austria Travel Guide
• Belgium Travel Guide
• Belarus Travel Guide
• Bosnia & Herzegovina Travel Guide
• Bulgaria Travel Guide
• Czechia Travel Guide
• Croatia Travel Guide
• Denmark Travel Guide
• England Travel Guide
• Estonia Travel Guide
• Finland Travel Guide
• France Travel Guide
• Germany Travel Guide
• Greece Travel Guide
• Hungary Travel Guide
• Iceland Travel Guide
• Ireland Travel Guide
• Italy Travel Guide
• Latvia Travel Guide
• Lithuania Travel Guide
• Malta Travel Guide
• Moldova Travel Guide
• Montenegro Travel Guide
• Netherlands Travel Guide
• Norway Travel Guide
• Portugal Travel Guide
• Poland Travel Guide
• Romania Travel Guide
• Scotland Travel Guide
• Slovakia Travel Guide
• Slovenia Travel Guide
• Spain Travel Guide
• Sweden Travel Guide
• Switzerland Travel Guide
• Ukraine Travel Guide

Europe Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation prices vary greatly by region. In Western Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 25-45 EUR per night, depending on the room’s size and the popularity of the hostel. I stayed in a 6-bed dorm in Berlin for 20 EUR, while the same one would have cost me around 45 EUR in Paris. A room in Paris costs on the higher end and a room in cheaper Athens costs on the lower end.

In Eastern Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 10-15 EUR per night depending on the size of the dorm room and the popularity of the hostel. The further east you go, the cheaper it gets. Expect to pay around 30-60 EUR per night for a private room that sleeps two.

In Scandinavia, hostel dorm beds cost around 25-45 EUR, while private rooms are 65-80 EUR. Budget hotels start around 85 EUR.

Most accommodations offer free linens, free Wi-Fi, and a lot offer free breakfast, but it’s important to check specific websites for exact amenities.

Campsites cost between 10-15 EUR per night for a basic plot for two without electricity.

Food – Food traditions in Europe run deep, stretching back centuries to become integral parts of each country’s culture. From baguettes in France to tapas in Spain, from hearty Eastern European stews and goulash to the fresh vegetables and olive oils of the Mediterranean, European cuisine varies as much as the countries themselves. Food prices differ greatly across the continent, so check individual country guides for specifics.

But no matter where you are, even in the more expensive countries, finding places to eat within your budget is easier than you might think. Throughout Western Europe, you can find small shops, street food stalls, or food trucks where you can get sandwiches, gyros, kebabs, slices of pizza, or sausages for between 3-7 EUR. These shops are most often found in train stations, bus stations, and main pedestrian areas, and offer cheap food alternatives that can have you eating on 12-17 EUR per day. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 7-10 EUR for a combo meal.

Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Vietnamese eateries abound in Germany, while Indian food is incredible and everywhere in the United Kingdom. Meals at these restaurants usually cost between 8-12 EUR.

Restaurant meals in casual, traditional eateries generally cost around 13-25 EUR for a main dish and drink. Food is much cheaper in the east than in the west, and in the west, northern regions like Scandinavia and the UK are more expensive than southern countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

In Eastern Europe, even if you are eating out for all your meals, you can still get by on a food budget of as little as 15 EUR per day.

For drinks, a pint of beer is 2-5 EUR, a glass of wine is 2-7 EUR, a cappuccino is 2-5 EUR, and cocktails range from 6-14 EUR.

If you eat out, do so at lunch and get the prix-fixe menu (two-course or three-course set menu). Restaurants offer this set menu during lunch, and with prices between 10-20 EUR, it’s a way better deal than the regular dinner menu. You can also get affordable lunches at outdoor markets. So many European cities have huge fresh food markets throughout town.

You can cook your own food for around 45-65 EUR per week. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, bread, and some meat. You can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Profi, Lidl, Aldi, and Penny Market.

If you want to save big money on meals, head to one of the markets, pick up some cheese, wine, bread, meats, or anything else, and go to the park for a picnic. (Or grab a sandwich for later!) You’ll find the locals doing the same thing, and it’s one of the cheaper ways to get a true taste of local food.

Backpacking Europe Suggested Budgets

Prices for travel in Europe vary greatly depending on how far north, east, south, or west you travel. If you stick to the budget accommodations, food, and tours listed here and use all my tips on saving money, you need about 65-110 EUR per day in Western Europe, 40-50 EUR in Eastern Europe, and about 85-130 EUR in Scandinavia.

Those numbers reflect a traveler who stays in hostels, cooks some meals and eats out cheaply, enjoys a few drinks, and sticks to free and cheap activities like hiking, walking tours, and enjoying nature. This is your typical backpacker budget. You aren’t going to have a fancy time, but you aren’t going to want for anything either.

However, by getting tourist cards and rail passes, avoiding flights, occasionally Couchsurfing or camping, cooking all your meals, and not drinking, you can travel a lot cheaper. On this budget, you could do Western Europe on 35-45 EUR per day, Eastern Europe on 20-25 EUR, and Scandinavia on 50-65 EUR. That would require you to take a train or a bus or hitchhike everywhere, skip most museums, and limit how often you go out.

Generally, the suggested daily budget for Europe is 80-120 EUR. You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Europe Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Individual country guides have more specific information on how to save money in them but here are some general tips on cutting your costs while you explore Europe:

• Picnic – This continent has a lot of little shops where you can buy pre-made sandwiches or ingredients to make your own. Many supermarkets have delis as well where you can get food to go. Buy some food, eat outside, and watch the city and its people go by. It’s a much more enjoyable and cheaper way to eat.
• Eat local and cheap – Not into picnicking? Eat at local sandwich shops, pizza parlors, Maoz, Wok to Walks, and outdoor street vendors. Avoiding restaurants and eating at a lot of the local “grab n’ go” places gives you a taste of the local cuisine at a much cheaper price. If you’re really on a budget, use your creative cooking skills to prepare meals at the hostel as well.
• Stay with a local – Hostels can add up really quickly. If you don’t have any friends with whom you can stay, consider using Couchsurfing , which connects you with locals who let you stay with them for free. Plus, they tend to also have meetups to meet other locals and travelers. It’s a great way to save on accommodation and meet a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Camp in a garden – A very good camping service specific to Europe is Campspace , which allows you to pitch a tent in someone’s backyard for free or for a small fee (around 10-20 EUR). All of the garden owners have profiles that tell you what services and facilities they offer. Also, many countries allow wild camping (like Sweden), which can save you a fortune if you have a tent.
• Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the continent for cheap. I personally feel it’s best for day travel as sitting up for an overnight bus isn’t really ideal for sleeping. It isn’t glamorous, but with tickets starting at 5 EUR, you really can’t complain!
• Get a Rail Pass – Eurail Passes have saved me hundreds of dollars. If you are traveling far distances and through many countries, they are a great deal.
• Take the free city tours – One of the great things about Europe is that you can find free walking tours in all the major cities. They can be a great way to see the city attractions, take in some history, and learn your bearings without spending any money. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Plan accordingly – Plan your trip around Europe so you avoid doubling back. Transportation is a big expense so proper planning can save you a lot of money (and time). Go in a straight line or a loop. Booking your accommodation ahead helps you save as well since cheap, good places unsurprisingly get reserved first. One thing I’ve learned is that waiting until the last minute means you get stuck with expensive places or cheap places no one wants.
• Fly cheap – If you know where you are going and a train won’t do, try to book flights early. You can often get round trip fares for as little as 5 EUR from many of the European discount airlines like Ryanair or Wizz. Many capital cities have smaller airports farther from the city with ‘inconvenient’ times but cheaper fares. Keep in mind you might need to factor in an early morning Uber or taxi if the busses aren’t running and you have an early flight!
• Drink less – Those 5 EUR beers add up. Hit happy hours or pick and choose when you party. Hostel bars are a good place to get cheap drinks or buy your alcohol at the supermarket. Plus, in Europe, it’s legal to drink outside in parks, plazas, by the lakes or rivers. You’ll find you can save a lot of money by not going to bars and clubs. Partying your way across the continent will destroy your bank balance in no time.
• Get a city tourist card – Many local tourism offices sell a tourism card for all their attractions, tours, and restaurants. This card gives you free entry and substantial discounts on all the attractions and tours in a city, free local public transportation (a huge plus), and discounts at a few restaurants and shopping malls. They save a ton of money. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, get one of these cards.
• Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities (or countries) by paying a small fee. It’s like Airbnb but for rides. I used this service in Switzerland and, not only did I save a lot of money, but I got to meet interesting people and learn about local culture and life. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe, though sometimes rides cancel at the last minute (which is why you need to be flexible). Check their ratings first and try to use rides where the person has done many trips.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water is safe to drink in most of Europe, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Get a HostelPass – HostelPass is a discount membership for hostels in Europe. Members get 10-20% off select hostels around Europe, as well as perks like free breakfast or free drinks. There are discounts on tours and activities too. It’s a great way to save money if you’re bouncing around Europe as they have hostels in 18 countries around the continent.

Where to Stay in Europe

Europe has a ton of budget accommodation options. The individual country and city guides have tons of recommendations but here’s a short list of some of my favorite budget hostels and hotels around Europe:

• The Flying Pig (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
• Hotel 54 (Barcelona, Spain)
• Generator Hostel (Copenhagen, Denmark)
• Harcourt Hotel (Dublin, Ireland)
• Castle Rock (Edinburgh, Scotland)
• Ios Palm Pansion (Ios, Greece)
• Greg and Tom’s Party Hostel (Krakow, Poland)
• Largo da Sé Guest House (Lisbon, Portugal)
• Sophie’s Hostel (Prague, Czech Republic)
• The Yellow (Rome, Italy)
• City Backpackers (Stockholm, Sweden)

How to Get Around Europe

Public transportation – Transportation around most European cities is by tram, subway, or bus. Prices are typically around 2 EUR for a one-way ticket in Western Europe and closer to 1 EUR in Eastern Europe. Most large cities also have day passes available that offer unlimited public transportation. These passes are usually 5-12 EUR per day.

In large cities with international airports, there is usually a bus or train available that ferries travelers from the downtown core to the airport. Expect to pay around 5-15 EUR to get to/from the airport.

Bus – Buses are not quite as comfortable as Europe’s trains, although certain lines do have great amenities (like roomy seats and Wi-Fi). While buses are not the most efficient way to travel around the continent, they’re certainly dependable, reliable, and cheap. You can find last-minute rides for as little as 5 EUR. A route from Berlin to Munich is about 25 EUR, while Paris to Bordeaux can be as low as 10 EUR. Longer routes, like Amsterdam to Copenhagen, start at around 47 EUR.

Each country has its own national bus service, but some lines also take you long distances internationally. Megabus and Flixbus (which now owns Eurolines) are the most popular companies.

Train – Train travel is a great way to see Europe. Intercity train prices vary wildly from country to country, depending on whether you take the slow train or a high-speed train and how far in advance you book. For example, a high-speed train from Berlin to Munich costs around 38-60 EUR, Bordeaux to Paris is about 50-85 EUR, and Madrid to Barcelona ranges from 45-85 EUR. Non-high-speed trains and other intercity lines are a lot cheaper, generally costing about 40-50% of the price of high-speed trains. Eastern Europe inter-country trains usually cost between 45-100 EUR when the ticket is booked last minute. Short train rides of 2-3 hours within countries cost about 27 EUR.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

You may also want to consider getting a Eurail Pass , which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period. These passes are continent-wide, country-specific, or regional. It can potentially save you hundreds of dollars.

Ridesharing/Car sharing – If your schedule is flexible, use a ridesharing service and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe. BlaBlaCar is the most popular.

If you’d rather rent a car yourself and find passengers to share a ride with, use Discover Cars to find the best car rental prices.

Flying – Budget airlines are so prolific that competition helps keep fares low. You can often find tickets where the fare is just 5 EUR round-trip! Companies like EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz, and Vueling offer mind-blowingly cheap flights throughout Europe. Book at least a month early to scoop up great deals.

Make sure that the airport they fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. It costs about 25-39 EUR for one checked bag. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Europe is very safe, but it’s not for everyone. Hitching is quite common around the continent and I’ve met a number of travelers who have done it (I, myself, traveled this way in Bulgaria and Iceland). Some countries are very supportive (Romania, Iceland, Germany) while others may be a bit more time-consuming (Italy, Spain). HitchWiki is the best website for hitchhiking info.

Here are my suggested articles for how to get around Europe:

• 7 Cheap Ways to Travel Across Europe
• Are Eurail Passes a Giant Scam or Do They Save You Money?
• The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap Flights

When to Go to Europe

There’s no wrong time to visit Europe. Peak season is summer, when Europe gets crowded and August is the time most European families are at the beach so everything becomes more crowded and expensive. But the overall atmosphere and weather are great during this time, so it’s still worth visiting during peak season (just book your accommodation in advance — especially in August). Keep in mind it’s much hotter in summer so if you like AC, be sure to check that your hostel or hotel has it before you book. You can expect the most crowds in Western Europe. For this reason, I feel summer is a great time to visit the Balkans and the Baltics because many people head to the beaches in Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, and Greece.

Shoulder season is spring and fall (April-May and September-October). It’s still warm during this time but there aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper. This is my favorite time to visit hotspot places like Spain, Croatia and Greece, where it’s still hot enough to swim in the sea but you have way more room on the beach. It’s also a good time to go hiking in the Alps in Germany, northern Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland because it’s cooler during the day so you’re much less sweaty on the mountain without shade. The weather is good, the crowds are smaller, and the prices lower.

Winter is from November to February but in much of Central Europe, it’s wet and cold until March or April. It gets cold, even as far south as it gets (like Greece). On the other hand, the Christmas season has Christmas markets and festivals galore! Even if it’s cold, this is a cultural tradition you can’t miss and why I love Europe in December. There is hot mulled wine, sweets, and plenty of hot snacks, which vary by country. One of my favorites is Prague because the Old Town Square is lit up with a gigantic tree with aromas of crispy cinnamon pastries and mulled wine. Berlin takes their Christmas markets very seriously, so there are around 80 different markets with special themes.

Winter is fantastic in Europe for skiing and snowboarding but it doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan carefully. While Switzerland and France are probably the most famous, they are also expensive, but there are plenty of budget winter options.

How to Stay Safe in Europe

Europe is very safe for backpacking and solo traveling, even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crimes against tourists are very rare. In fact, some of the safest countries in the world are in Europe. (I wrote a whole article about how Europe is safe to visit right now .)

That said, there are scams and petty crimes you should watch out for, especially around popular tourist landmarks. The most important thing to be aware of is pickpockets in crowds and on public transportation. Zip your bags and don’t put your mobile phone in a jacket pocket where someone could quickly take it. This should be obvious but don’t flash your money to let everyone know you have a huge wad of cash.

When choosing a hostel, look for ones with lockers. It’s always a good idea to carry around a padlock or combination lock. Most hostels are safe and travelers respect each other and I’ve rarely seen things happen to people’s valuables. Nevertheless, I always think that prevention is better.

As anywhere, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). When at the bar, always keep an eye on your drink. Avoid walking home alone at night if you’re intoxicated.

For female travelers in particular, it’s always a good idea to have a bit of extra money on you just in case you need to take an Uber or taxi back by yourself so you don’t take unnecessary risks to save money. If you’re using apps to date people while traveling, please use common sense and meet in public places. Since I’m not a female traveler, please check out the numerous female bloggers who have first hand knowledge of this.

If you’re worried about scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Be aware that the UK drives on the left and that most rental cars in Europe will have manual transmissions unless you request otherwise.

When hiking, always bring water, sunscreen, and bandaids or foot plasters. There is nothing worse than being halfway up the mountain with a blister and nothing you can do about it!

Likewise, when at the coast, don’t forget not only to wear sunscreen! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people get burnt to a crisp the first day. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Europe Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go. Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!

Europe Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Europe travel and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in London

10 Scotland Road Trip Tips You Need to Know Before You Go

The Perfect 7-Day Croatia Itinerary

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

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You can save on your London-Seattle plane ticket and get the cheapest flight if you avoid peak season, book in advance and are flexible about dates and times for both your outbound and return flight.

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To find out which day is the cheapest to fly, just start a search in our cheap flight finder . Tell us where you are flying from, where you want to go and what dates you're thinking of. We'll show you the cheapest flights not only for the date you searched but on surrounding days as well , for both the outbound and return flight, so you can find the best deal. And be sure to look carefully at the different flight options we offer every day: certain times may save you even more on the price of your ticket.

When are the best flight deals to London-Seattle?

You can get the cheapest flights by travelling outside peak season . Although it depends on the destination, in general Christmas, Easter and school holidays are peak season. Besides, if you're thinking about a weekend getaway, the earlier you book your flight, the better the price.

What day of the week is best for getting a cheap plane ticket to London-Seattle?

You can find cheap flights any day of the week. The key to finding the best deals is to book early and be flexible. Usually, the earlier you book your plane tickets, the cheaper they will be. Besides, if you have some wiggle room as regards dates and times of flights, you'll be able to choose the cheapest price.

How far in advance should I book a flight to London-Seattle to get the best deal?

The earlier you book your flights, the better the prices. Prices depend on the remaining seats on the flight and whether the cheapest fares (Economy) are still available or are selling out. So booking in advance is essential to get cheap flights .

Which fare guarantees me the best deal for my flight to London-Seattle? 

Iberia offers different fares to guarantee the best deal for your travel needs. The Basic fare guarantees you the cheapest flight.

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General documents

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Any questions? Check our FAQs on travel documents : we'll explain the documents you need to fly with Iberia as well as specific immigration and customs requirements.

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Philadelphia Phillies

Want to see the phillies play in london this weekend there's still time, aaa says.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The league-leading Philadelphia Phillies just wrapped up a three-game sweep over the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday and improved to 44-19 overall as they head overseas for the MLB's London Series.

READ MORE: Phillies London series: Watch parties, drink specials and bars opening early this weekend

If you're still looking to travel across the pond, there's still time.

AAA says travel advisors are getting calls for last-minute getaways in London to attend the games against the New York Mets this weekend.

Experts say last-minute travelers can expect to pay between $800 to $1,000 to fly, and hotels are currently available for $100-$300 per night, plus tax and fees.

The games will be held on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are still available on MLB.com or AAA.com.

What to know about the world tour

Both games will take place at London Stadium within Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London, UK.

This is the third time in the past five years the MLB has brought America's pastime to London Stadium.

The Chicago Cubs took on the St. Louis Cardinals in 2023 and the inaugural series featured the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in 2019.

Traveling to London Stadium?

There will be no general parking at the stadium. It is recommend that all ticket holders use public transportation. However, there will be limited parking for Blue (disability) Badge holders. Blue Badge parking passes can be purchased through London Stadium's website .

For more questions on what you can bring inside, click here.

What time are the games?

Saturday's game will be held at 1:10 p.m. EST (6:10 p.m. London time) and Sunday's game will start at 10:10 a.m. EST (3 p.m. London time).

What's the forecast in London?

There will be some sun and clouds in the forecast, with a high of 63 degrees on Saturday. It will be mostly sunny on Sunday morning, with a high of 55 degrees.

Trainer's room

Phillies SS Trea Turner will travel with the team to London as he recovers from a strained left hamstring. Turner had started all 30 games this season and was hitting .343 with two homers, 10 doubles, nine RBIs and 10 stolen bases.

Manager Rob Thomson said Turner was "pretty close" to returning near his mid-June target date.

OF Brandon Marsh will not travel to London as he recovers from a mildly strained right hamstring.

Starting pitchers

Ranger Suárez is on track to start Saturday against the Mets after he took a comebacker on his pitching hand in his last start.

Taijuan Walker is expected to start Sunday's game.

Related Topics

• PHILADELPHIA
• PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
• U.S. & WORLD

Phillies London series: Watch parties, specials and bars opening early

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