London on a Budget: The Ultimate Guide for Frugal Travelers

London. One of the most exciting and diverse cities in the world. But if you haven’t heard already we’ll let you in on the worst kept secret in travel. It’s expensive! However, with some clever planning and creativity, believe us when we say you can enjoy London on a budget! Regardless of what’s in your wallet.

In this guide, we delve into how to enjoy London on a budget with tips on affordable food, transport and attractions.

Changing of the Guard ceremony in London with horses and people — London can be enjoyed with any budget, if you find the activities that really make sense to you.

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Things to do in London on a budget

One of the things that make London outstanding is that a vast amount of world famous cultural attractions are free. The policy was introduced in 1997 by the UK government, with the aim of making culture accessible to everyone. It was extended to include all national museums and galleries in London in 2001. Put simply, the cultural experience you want to have is really up to you, and not your budget !

Best Museums in London

For some of the best museums in London our picks are: The British Museum, The National Gallery, The Tate Modern and The Victoria and Albert Museum but there are countless more!

People walking inside The British Museum with architecture and blue sky — The British Museum is one of the best in London. You have access to the history of the whole planet within its halls for free. Photo credit: Nicolas Lysandrou

Best Parks in London

On another note, did you know that nearly 18% of London is green? London has almost 3,000 parks overall. And the good news for us is that the most beautiful and pristine are in the inner city. These are great options for a leisurely stroll, an impromptu picnic, or a fun place to spend time if you’re looking for outdoor London activities for families.

The best option is to visit one of the many Royal parks. Choose from Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St James’s Park or Hampstead Heath. All are great options for a relaxing day outdoors.

A calm lake reflects orange autumn trees and the spires of the Royal Albert Hall in London on a clear day. — Keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds at St. James Park in London. Photo credit: Szymon Shields

Landmark Sightseeing

For sightseeing, while some landmarks have entrance fees, you can still appreciate their grandeur from the outside. Take a stroll and admire the iconic Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace and Houses of Parliament without spending a penny. Or, on Thames South Bank, walk along the river to see iconic landmarks like the London Eye and Big Ben.

Live Entertainment

There are plenty of places around London where you can see free live entertainment and music. Aside from checking out the local bar scene, Covent Garden and Leicester Square are fantastic spots to to see talented street performers. You can also explore the vibrant atmosphere of Camden Market, where you can enjoy live music and unique shopping experiences. Or visit cultural venues like the Southbank Centre or the National Theatre.

Tower Bridge on the River Thames on a sunny day — Tower Bridge and a stroll around the area is a great plan if you’re visiting London on a budget.

Food and drinks in London on a budget

London has a huge variety of cuisines to suit every taste and budget. You can find cheap and delicious food from all over the world. Especially in areas like Chinatown, or street markets like Brick Lane, Brixton, and Camden.

Some hidden gems are:

Pizza from Pizza Union – a chain of fast and casual pizza places that offer thin and crispy pizzas at reasonable prices.
Falafel from Hibox – a Lebanese street food stall on Goodge Street that serves fresh and flavourful falafel wraps at affordable prices.
G Kelly is a traditional English pie and mash shop located in Bow serving homemade pies since 1939. Grab a whole meal here that’ll leave you and your wallet happy.

Best Food Markets

You can also save money by visiting food markets, where you can sample different dishes from various vendors and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

A narrow canal in London features houseboats, brick buildings, lively oyster bars, pedestrians, and a large cylindrical gas holder structure. — Broadway Market is a popular street market located in the Hackney area of East London, and a great spot to grab some oysters. Photo credit: Samuel Regan-Asante

Some of the best include:

Borough Market: One of the oldest and largest food markets in London. Find everything from artisan cheese and bread to exotic fruits and spices.
Maltby Street Market: A weekend market under the railway arches in Bermondsey. Feast on street food from around the world, such as paella, burgers, dumplings, and doughnuts.
Broadway Market: A weekend market in Hackney. Browse stalls selling organic produce, baked goods, coffee, vintage clothing, and more.
Camden Market: One of the oldest antique markets in London. This sprawling market in Camden Town offers hundreds of shops and stalls selling food, fashion, art, antiques, and souvenirs.
Brixton Village: A vibrant market in Brixton. Find a diverse range of cuisines, such as Jamaican jerk chicken, Ethiopian injera, Thai curry, and Italian pizza.

A lot of people eating outside on a boardwalk with tables and umbrellas, at the open air Camden Market during a rainy day — There are, of course, always options to find a nice meal in London. Photo credit: Javier Martinez

Transportation in London on a budget

Just traveling around the city can often be the first challenge to navigating London on a budget. But if you plan ahead it doesn’t need to be. Given its vast size London is actually a very walkable city which can be your first step to saving your money.

Check a map and you will begin to see that many of its attractions are within reasonable walking distance of each other. A good idea is to pick a location that has a few must sees close by and burn off some calories by walking. Alternatively, rent a bicycle for a budget-friendly and eco-friendly way to explore the city.

When it comes to using public transport however the Oyster Card is your best friend. It offers discounted fares and maximum price caps for daily use. It can be used on the London Underground, buses, trams, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Overground, and some National Rail services. Consider getting a Visitor Oyster Card, which comes with added perks and discounts.

Pro Tip: You can also use your contactless card and enjoy the same daily price caps as an Oyster.

A bright red and blue London Underground sign marks an entrance on a brick building under a clear blue sky in central London. — Keep an eye out for the London Underground signs. Photo credit:

As we’ve seen, London can be enjoyed without burning a hole in your pocket. With affordable street food, budget-friendly transportation options, and exploring the city’s free attractions, you can make the most of your visit to London on a budget while keeping your wallet happy.

A group gathers to eat oysters at Richard Hawards in London — Traveling on a budget means being frugal, not missing out on fun.

FAQ´s – London on a Budget

How much should I budget per day in London?

A realistic daily budget for London can range from £60 to £120, depending on your style of travel. Budget travellers who use public transport wisely, enjoy street food or markets, and take advantage of free attractions can stay closer to £60 to £80. If you include a sit-down meal or a paid attraction, expect to spend around £100 to £120 per day.

How much does transport typically cost in London?

With an Oyster or contactless card, most Tube journeys in central London fall between £2.80–£3.60. Thanks to London’s daily fare cap, you wont pay more than a set amount per day, depending ont he zones you visit. For example the cap is currently £8.90 per day for unlimited travel within Zones 1–2. Buses are even cheaper at £1.75 per ride, with a handy one-hour “hopper fare” allowing unlimited bus transfers within 60 minutes.

Is it worth pre-booking attractions to save money?

Absolutely! Pre-booking major attractions can save both money and time. Many big names like the Tower of London, London Eye, and Churchill War Rooms offer discounted advance tickets. Booking ahead also guarantees your time slot, which is essential during peak seasons. For free museums, no booking is required, but some special exhibitions may need advance reservations.

London at dusk, with Tower Bridge lit up and city lights glowing along the Thames as the sky fades from orange to blue. — London, a metropolis of places to discover. Photo credit: Wallpaper access.

If you do wind up having the urge to splurge and are looking for an enriching way to explore London’s rich culinary history, consider joining us on our Ultimate London Food Tour: Borough Market & Southwark. Our guides offer insider tips that’ll make you feel like a true Londoner, ensuring you make the most of your visit. So, go ahead, seize the opportunity to discover the magic of London and enhance your experience with this fantastic tour!