London is apparently the most visited city in Europe – so I’m really lucky that it’s on my doorstep! It’s not a cheap place to go to but there are a few ways to explore London on a budget. Surprisingly many of the iconic sites and places are actually free.
As a Londoner I’ve experienced the capital from both the eyes of a commuter and as a tourist. Under the surface of grey, smog and rush hour crowds, there is far more to this city than meets the eye.
Here are are my top tips to help make the most of your trip to London on a budget.
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| 20 minutes from my bed, I love this view |
Where to stay
London is huge and it can be tiring getting around. Therefore I recommend you stay as close as you can afford to, this way you won’t regret it at the end of a long day of sightseeing. Areas in Zone 2 such as Camden, Clapham, West Hampstead, Islington, Hackney and Fulham are more affordable. Alternaitvely renting a room inside or outside of the city is a great budget saving option.
Where to eat
Consider cooking your own meals/preparing a packed lunch which can really help with keeping the cost down.
Markets and street food vendors are a great place to grab something to eat. Restaurants can be pricey but there are a few pubs which will suit a lower budget, such as Wetherspoons.
Getting around
Wandering the streets of London on foot is free. One of the best walks is along the Southbank of the Thames from the London Eye to Tower Bridge: pass by the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, HMS Belfast and the Shard; finishing with the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Check out my Southwark post for more things to do in this area.
Tours
There are a number of companies running ‘free’ walking tours around London, although some involve large groups. An independent company like Free London Walking Tours is a better option, with smaller groups.
Although the tours are free, the guides are not paid, so they are working for tips. This means you can pay what you feel it’s worth or what you can afford. Note that paid tours will charge from £20 for the equivalent, so do consider this when determining how much loose change you have.
For paid tours I would recommend Fun London Tours – they offer a few different tours at reasonable prices and the guides are very knowledgeable.
Key London sights
Key sights such as the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, are all free to see. It only starts to get expensive when you want to go inside. An iconic view costs nothing.
Still want to head inside the historic landmarks? Then maybe take advantage of a London Pass and save a bit, or just focus on a couple and keep any eye out for the discounts of budget options. I’ve listed a few here:
- The Changing of the Guard is free, with a daily ceremony from May to July and every other day the rest of the year (subject to the unreliable British weather). Tip: Get there early and aim for the areas along the roadside for the best views ie when the guards are on the move rather than in front of the palace.
- Houses of Parliament – note that tours are free for UK residents when arranged through your local MP although the waiting list can be long. So, if you’re a resident… What are you waiting for! Virtual tours are available for free.
- Westminster Abbey – free to wheelchair users and their carers.
- London Eye – book online in advance at a discounted price.
- Tower Bridge.
- St Paul’s Cathedral.
- Buckingham Palace – open only in the months of August and September with re-admission for a year.
- Tate Modern – FREE except for special exhibitions.
Free tours
There are a number of companies running free walking tours around London, although the more established ones can involve large groups. An independent company that started up this year, Free London Walking Tours, has just a few guides but their tours are absolutely brilliant.
It’s worth noting that although it’s free, the guides are not paid, so they work for tips. This means you can tip what you think it’s worth or what you can afford. The paid tours will charge anything from £25 for the equivalent so do consider that when determining how much loose change you have.
Explore the parks and gardens
There are numerous parks and gardens throughout the capital. You’r can explore, just hang out, or have a picnic and relax/rest. Regents Park and Hyde Park are popular spots, and often have seasonal activities such as rowing on the Lake in the summer and a fair in the winter.
A walk through St James’ Park is a good opportunity to view parts of the royal palaces as well as the best place to watch the Trooping the Colour, on the Horse Guards Parade for free, (other than of course on the television.) It’s a good idea to get there early if you’re planning for the latter.
Check out my post here for more details on how to get tickets in the ballot (but these are not free).
Museums and galleries
Quite a few of the museums and art galleries in London are free. And there seems to be a museum for everyone, even me! Need a bit of help deciding, here are a few of them:
- Science Museum – world renowned for its historic collections, awe-inspiring galleries and inspirational exhibitions;
- Natural History Museum – Dinosaurs! Need I say more?;
- Victoria & Albert Museum – World’s leading museum of art and design;
- Museum of London – currently closed, new museum will open in 2026
- Imperial War Museum – Recently reopened after a multi-million pound renovation;
- John Soane’s – Sir John Soane’s incredible personal collection of curiosities is displayed in his own amazing house at Lincoln’s Inn Fields;
- Huntarian Museum;
- Tate Modern;
- Tate Britain;
- National Gallery;
- National Portrait Gallery;
- Wellcome Collection – a free visitor destination for the incurably curious.
More London on a budget
A few other suggestions to experience London on a budget:
- Theatre – an afternoon matinee or dinner and a show can be a special treat. Try getting your hands on discounted tickets online beforehand or by stopping by at one of the booths around Theatreland.
- Skating – every Friday night, without exception, the Friday Night Skate takes over certain roads through London. It’s a great social event and a chance to get some exercise, that is, assuming you are a fan of skating.
- Film locations – there are so many places in London that you may not have visited but will have seen on the big screen. Some of my favourites are Bridget Jones and Harry Potter locations, but there are more action packed movie locations including James Bond. Check out this site for some of them.
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| Visiting Bridget Jones |
What else?
I could write so much more on the things to do in London, so here are a few other posts:
- Exploring Greenwich
- Hampton Court Palace
- Where to get your Harry Potter fix in London
- Usual things to do in London with an unusual twist
- Oyster cards
Finally I’ve rounded up a few other resources that might help when planning a visit to London:
