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.
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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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London On The Cheap: The Ultimate Budget Travel Guide
Yeah sure, we’ve all heard it. London’s one of the most expensive cities in the world.
But what if it doesn’t have to be? What if there is a way to see London that won’t crimple your finances? What if I’ve got all the tips and tricks to make your visit to England’s capital so cheap you’ll be wondering why you’ve been spending your hard-earned pennies on over-priced hotels and restaurants for all of these years?
I’ve lived in London as a broke student, as an unemployed professional and as a newly self-employed writer, and I can confidently say that I’ve unlocked a fair few secrets to penny-pinching in the capital. From f inding cheap accommodation in London to hunting down budget eats in every suburb, I’ve cracked it.
So, with my wealth of experience, I’m here to tell you how to do London on the cheap, without compromising on that quintessential city break experience.
Visiting London for the First Time
Visiting London for the first time may seem daunting, and it’s true if you’re not careful, London can cost you an arm and a leg. In certain suburbs, particularly in the west end, you’ll be surrounded by high-end restaurants and luxury shopping brands. But the beauty of London is in its versatility. Head just a few streets across and you’ll be surrounded by a totally different calibre of shops, restaurants and hotels.
So my advice to you as a newbie, along with the advice in this post, is to look around, take you time, do some research and you’ll definitely uncover a few tips that will let you see London on the cheap.
Finding Cheap Accommodation in London
Accommodation in London is where you’re probably going to need to compromise. Unfortunately, high prices are just the way it goes in such a popular city like this one. But there are three easy solutions to finding cheap accommodation in London, and that’s hostels, Airbnbs and relying on the kindness of strangers, or soon-to-be-buddies, as I like to call them.
If you’re a little sceptical of the second choice then I’ll talk you through hostels in London first.
There are hundreds, and by hundreds, I mean about 280 hostels strewn across London that are willing to offer you a bed for between £15 and £30 a night. Cheap accommodation in London used to be limited to certain suburbs, and although there are some suburbs where you’ll get more for your money, you’ll still be able to find a hostel in most areas of London.
As a rule of thumb, the further you’re willing to stay from the centre of the capital, the cheaper it gets. For a happy medium, Camden is smack bang in the middle of everything, and big hostels like Hostel One Camden get great reviews. If you’re keen to stay in the king of all hostels in the city and don’t mind paying within the highest bracket for a dorm room then I’d really recommend staying at Wombats.
And then there’s Airbnb – a great option for budget travellers who prefer a bit more personal space. If you have a good search on the platform, you’ll find private rooms in homes for the same price as a nice hostel (£30ish) – but you’ll still need to share communal facilities with whoever’s home you’re staying in.
And, if you’re willing to just push the budget out just a little bit more to between £50 to £60 a night, you might even find an entire flat or studio in the outer suburbs. Get in quick though, these listings don’t hang around for long.
CouchSurfing
CouchSurfing is by no way for everybody, but as someone who was originally sceptical, I’d recommend giving it a go. For those who are unfamiliar, CouchSurfing is a platform that connects travellers across the world, by advertising free rooms to stay in and meet and greets in a certain city. It’s a great money saver, and you’ll probably end up meeting some lovely local folk who can give you heaps of tips on how to enjoy the city like a local!
Eating on a Budget in London
Markets, street food, markets and Soho.
That’s pretty much everything you need to know about eating on a budget in London.
You’ll never be too far from a market in the capital, whether it’s a permanent feature or a one-off pop-up. If you’re not too keen on the idea of cooking during your trip and eating out is definitely on the cards then check out some of my top recommendations for markets in the capital.
- Camden Market, Camden. Possibly the king of street eats in London is the market in Camden. It’s recently had a huge facelift and the food stalls are looking much smarter than they used to. You can pretty much eat from every corner of the world here. Think Peruvian corn fritters, Italian risotto and Burmese mutton curry. Better still, most of them won’t cost you more than a tenner and it’s open pretty much all of the time.
- Borough Market, Borough. Borough Market is a sort of hybrid between food stalls and farm producers who have all come together for the same thing – to celebrate local produce. Whether you’re looking for a quick sandwich, an afternoon cake and coffee or a more substantial meal – you’ll find it here. Just make sure to hunt around as some stalls put a premium price on their food due to the location. Open every day except Sunday!
- Southbank Centre Food Market. Southbank Centre Food is great because it’s in a central location for most, but it’s not so great because it’s only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday. It’s mainly local street eats here, with food ranging from £5 to £10 and dishes from all over the world! Whatever you do, don’t miss the duck confit burger for less than a fiver.
Restaurants
If you’re after more of a restaurant experience, then Soho is always my go-to spot for a sit-down meal. These hole-in-the-wall eateries not only serve up some of the best food in the city, but also make eating on a budget in London easy. Stick to the area around Greek Street and you’ll be in safe hands. A few of my personal favourites have to be:
- Hoppers for insanely tasty Sri Lankan curries and of course, hoppers.
- Kiln for authentic and unusual Thai dishes.
- Koya Bar for a hearty bowl of udon noodles.
If you’re after a little more of an upmarket experience, but don’t want to pay full price there are two great tips for this: pre and post-theatre menus and lunch-time menus at Michelin starred restaurants. Thank me later!
A Guide To Cheap Transport In London
I’m sure you know that London’s a pretty big place, and if you’re spending a couple of days in the capital, then you’re probably going to be hopping across different suburbs quite a lot. There’s no quick fix to keeping transport costs low in London, but there are a few different tips and tricks to consider.
Anyway, here’s our top-five guide to cheap transport in London. The Big Smoke has the double bragging rights of being one of the world leaders for sustainability in transport , whilst also having legitimate, well-organised cheap options to get about.
- Walk . Lots of London’s main attractions are closer than you might think. For example, if you’re visiting Camden Market, you’ll easily be able to walk to Primrose Hill, Regents Park and even London Zoo without having to jump on a bus. I’d really recommend downloading the CityMapper App, which sets out all of your options in front of you and how much they’ll cost.
- Go contactless. Use an Oyster card or contactless debit card to tap in and out on buses and the tube. A single fare on a contactless payment only costs £2.40 whereas a one-off ticket purchase can be upwards of £4.50. Contactless cards also automatically stop charging at the daily and weekly limits.
- Use the bus. Buses are a lot cheaper than the tube, costing just £1.50 on average for a journey and £4.50 for the whole day. Plus you’ll get to see all the sights along the way. Check out bus route 88 for the ultimate sightseeing tour.
- Travel off-peak. Zone 1, which is where the main attractions are, is cheaper to travel in during off-peak times. These are any times that fall outside of 6.30am to 9.30 am or 4 pm to 7pm Monday to Friday.
- Try a bike. Most cities have public bikes nowadays, where you can pay to hire them from one point and drop them off at another. In London, these are known as Santander Cycles and cost just £2 for 24 hours, plus a small deposit that you’ll get back when you return the bike in one piece!
Psssst. Bonus tip: Add value to your London experience with any of these brilliant offline apps. No wi-fi, no problem!
Best Offline Apps for All Areas of Life: The Ultimate Guide
Best Free Museums in London
Heading to a free museum in London was one of my go-to things when I was feeling, well a little broke. I discovered some real gems, as well as revisited lots of favourites during my many years in the city. Here are my picks of some of the best free museums in London.
- British Museum. This one is worth visiting for the architecture alone, with a beautiful domed interior that you’ve almost definitely seen on Instagram somewhere. Untrue to its name, the British Museum provides more of an overview of human history starting from the tombs of Egypt.
- Museum of London. If you’re stuck wondering exactly how London became the cosmopolitan city it is today, then head to this place where extensive exhibits depict the city’s natural history from Roman settlement to present day.
- Natural History Museum. Sat in the middle of bustling South Kensington, this is probably one of the busiest free museums in London. It’s famous for a huge dinosaur skeleton that once sat proudly in the main hall. This has since been replaced by an equally cool blue whale skeleton, and there’s loads of other ways to discover the natural world here too.
- Science Museum. Also in South Kensington, it’s worth combining a visit here with your visit to the Natural History Museum. Slightly different from its neighbouring museum, this place offers up an insight into a myriad of scientific and technological advances that have changed the way the world works.
- National Portrait Gallery. This museum’s claim to fame is having the largest collection of portraits in the world, and all under one handy room in Trafalgar Square.
- Tate Modern. The Tate Modern is definitely one of the best free museums in London, especially if you manage to catch it when there’s an installation in place in the turbine hall. It’s dedicated to modern art from around the world, so expect to see some interesting and quirky pieces!
- Victoria and Albert Museum. Ahh, the V&A! This place is undeniably amazing with a beautiful courtyard space surrounded by halls and galleries of objects from the world of art and design. The main area of the museum is free, but there are always a few other exhibitions working checking out that ask for a small entry fee.
- Wellcome Collection. This was right next to my university near Euston Station, so I used to pop in all of the time. Exhibitions are based on science, medicine and the human body and there’s always some kind of cool interactive exhibition to see (for a small fee). This place also has a really lovely cafe and a great selection of books in the gift shop.
10 Amazing Free Things to do in London During the Day
I reckon you could spend a whole weekend in London without spending a penny on activities. Here are just 10 amazing free things to do in London during the da y, but I assure you that there are many, many more!
- Check Out the Best Free Museums in London. Honestly, there’s loads of them peppered all across the capital. Start with the ones I’ve recommended above and then branch out to a few smaller places like the Serpentine Gallery or London Dockland Museum.
- Join a Free Walking Tour. If you need to find your feet in the city, a free walking tour is the best way to do it! Join a tour and be led by a knowledgeable local who will let you in on the history of the city and give you some insider tips for exploring.
- See the Iconic City Sights . Places like the London Eye, Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament are some of the things that make London, well… London! And, they’re all free to admire from the outside, which is good enough to get a quick snap.
- Picnic in a City Park. From Hyde Park to Regents Park, Richmond Park to Hampstead Heath, London is known for its fantastic green spaces. Some are home to formal gardens, others to a herd of deer, but all of them are great places to chill out for an hour and enjoy some lunch.
- Admire the Views from Primrose Hill. It’s no secret that Primrose Hill offers up some of the best cityscapes of London. I’d highly recommend heading there for sunset – there may be crowds but the views are stunning.
- Visit London’s Very Own Little Venice. This series of skinny canals and tiny waterways in North London are a great place to grab a bite to eat from one of London’s best independent eateries or just go for a pleasant stroll.
- Seek out Platform 9 ¾ in Kings Cross. Potterhead or no Potterhead, a visit to this iconic spot in London has to be on the cards! You won’t struggle to find the platform in Kings Cross Station, just follow the crowd!
- Take a Snap of Neals Yard. Tucked away in a colourful part of Covent Garden is the lovely Neal’s Yard. Here, you can grab a bite to eat, check out the products at Neal’s Yard skincare or just take a photo of the brightly ablaze walls.
- Attend a Free Concert at the Royal Opera House. Every so often, artists from the Royal Opera House come together to perform a free 45-minute concert for the general public. You don’t need tickets, just turn up and hope there’s a space!
- Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. This unique ceremony takes place when the Queen’s Guard must hand over his responsibilities to the new guard. This usually happens at about 11am each day but times can vary!
10 Fabulous Free Things to do in London at Night
Sure, there are loads of bars and expensive nightclubs to pay entry to, but what if I told you there are loads of free things going on in London at night too? Well, there are! Take a read of my top free things to do in London at night,
- Go to a Free Comedy Show. Comedy clubs have popped up all across London, and some of the more famous venues offer free entry to comedy shows seven days a week! I used to go to the Camden Comedy Club pretty regularly and it was always a good laugh.
- Attend a Free Gig. During the week, the Hootananny Brixton is known to offer up free reggae, ska and folk gigs. You don’t need to book in advance, just turn up and enjoy the good vibes.
- See the Bridges Lit Up. Walking around London at night will give you a whole new perspective on the city. Its famous bridges that straddle the Thames are the best place to watch as the sun sets and the city lights come alive.
- Go Late Night Shopping. Oxford Street is known for its great shopping, but sometimes the crowds can just get too much. At night, this popular street gets a little quieter but the shops stay open until 8 or 9pm, making it perfect for the slightly more laid back shoppers among us.
- Take Advantage of Museum Lates. Once or twice a month, some of London’s biggest museums open up their doors for a little longer. Some put on special events for its nightly clientele and most are free!
- Watch the Billboards at Piccadilly Circus. Piccadilly Circus is known for its huge billboards that turn the area into a digital theme park. Seeing them in the day is cool, but during the night, the billboards seem a little more amazing.
- Head To The Sky Garden. Sitting right at the top of the walkie-talkie building, the Sky Garden offers some of the best views of the capital! Entrance is free, but you’ll need to buy a ticket a week before you want to go to secure your place!
- Enjoy the Street Performers on Southbank. Musicians, magicians, dance groups… you name it, Southbank has it! Wander along this riverside parade and enjoy an evening of free entertainment.
- Go Star Gazing at Hampstead Observatory. Between 8 to 10 pm, Hampstead Observatory opens its telescopes to the public for free! Check out what’s hiding in the night sky above the capital.
- Check Out the Ceremony of Keys. Believe it or not, this is a 700-year-old tradition where the Tower of London, which holds the Crown Jewels is locked up for the day. It usually takes place between 9.50 pm and 10 pm.
Cheap Day Trips from London For Those Who Want To Branch Out Of The Capital
To balance things out a little, you might want to leave the big smoke behind for a day in exchange for some of that great British countryside and quaint villages. Cheap day trips from London are actually in much more plentiful supply than you might think and here are the best of the best of them.
- Stratford Upon Avon. The birthplace of Shakespeare is just a two-hour train ride away from central London, in a historic village (cobblestones and all!), known as Stratford Upon Avon.
- Windsor Castle. Just 30-minutes away, Windsor Castle is one of the easiest cheap day trips from London . The castle itself is 1,000 years old and super impressive, but don’t forget to check out the other sights in Windsor like Eton College and Dorney Court.
- A classic British seaside town, and only an hour’s train ride from London Bridge station. A day here can only be spent checking out the pier, playing a few arcade games and, of course, snacking on fish and chips.
- A classic English university town where the cobbled roads are full of cyclists and the river full of rowers. The easiest way to get there is to book a national express bus in advance!
- So this isn’t super cheap, but If you book in advance on the Eurostar from London to Paris, you can actually find tickets for £50, and sometimes less! The train takes about two hours and drops you right in the centre of the city, perfect for a day of adventuring a la francais.
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London on a Budget Guide
This post provides 30 tips for those visiting London on a budget, including free museums, inexpensive food, discount theatre tickets, as well as budget itineraries.
- Save on Tours and Attractions
- Budget Itineraries
- Hotels and Accommodations
- Free Things to Do
- Eating on a Budget
- Discount Shopping
- Discount Theatre Tickets
DISCOUNTS ON SIGHTSEEING TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS
Sightseeing Tours
Just start with us. All of the tours offered by Free Tours by Foot are pay-what-you-wish and are a great way to visit London on a budget.
We also offer several self-guided walking tours and self-guided bus tours . We are now offering GPS-enabled audio tours .
Be sure to read our post, " Which London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus is Best ", which includes links to get discounts on bus tours.
DISCOUNTS ON POPULAR LONDON ATTRACTIONS
If you are planning on visiting many popular London attractions, such as Westminster Abbey , the Tower of London , and St. Paul's Cathedral , then you might do well to consider a tourist discount pass .
A London tourist attraction discount pass can save you big bucks, depending on the sites you want to visit.
Once you’ve got a rough guide to the attractions you’re going to explore, take a look at their websites to check if your entry could be covered with one of their cards.
The potential savings are 50% off of retail prices.
Take a look at our post on the London Pass and Other Sightseeing and Attraction passes for more information.
Check out our post on 2 for 1 deals to get the low down on this special programme!
Don't pay for a view from the Shard when there is the free Sky Garden as well as great restaurants with a view and bars with a view .
BUDGET LONDON ITINERARIES
We've also put together several sample itineraries that are very friendly to your bank account. Each one gives several days' worth of ideas. Also, check out our monthly things to do posts, which all list free and budget activities for their respective months.
- 1-3 days London itinerary - general idea that mixes sightseeing, museums, theatre, etc.
- 5 day London museum itinerary - chock full of free and low-cost museums.
- London under £100 per day - great ideas to stay under the century mark each day.
- Free Things to Do at Night - some itinerary ideas for evenings in London that are free or close to free.
- London off the Beaten Track - not wholly budget travel ideas, but some good options.
Things to include in any itinerary:
- Monument to the Great Fire - a great observation deck for £4/adults and £1.50/child.
SAVE ON HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Some of the most expensive hotels in the world are located here in London. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t affordable ones, too!
Generally, the closer you are to the centre of town, the more expensive the room. So keep an eye on the map when choosing your accommodation.
Hotels aren’t the only option though – London has a wide variety of low-cost, safe, and central hostels to choose from including St. Christophers , Generator Hostels , and YHA .
- Top 30 Cheap London Hotels - a list compiled by TripAdvisor's rating system.
- Here is a list are our favorite budget hotels in the city.
- 24 Hotels under $100 (£65) - a list compiled by Eurocheapo.
- University Halls - an inexpensive way to stay in Central London (especially during summer months)
Other ways to save on accommodation include:
- Using a voucher – Just as above, keeping an eye on voucher sites can often net you a big discount for your hotel stay!
- Calling the hotel directly – If you can find a great deal on travel websites like Expedia, LastMinute or Priceline, it is always worth calling the hotel to let them know. Most will be more than happy to match the offer you found online…all you have to do is ask!
- Checking out Roomorama and Airbnb – Rooms and flats offered by Londoners themselves, you can sometimes nab yourself a place to stay for as cheap as £25 a night!
FREE MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS
London is known for its free museums and galleries, and there are so many more free things to do .
It’s possible to get your culture fix without having to pay a single penny, too! No matter what your interests are, there’s a free museum ready for your visit.
For guides on where to go, check out some of our recommendations:
Free museums in London:
- Tate Modern and other free London Museums
- Medical Museums (including FREE ones!)
- Military Museums (FREE ones here, too!)
Free attractions and activities in London:
- Free Things to Do in London
- Visit Abbey Road and the Beatles Crosswalk
- Best Free Things to Do in London with Children
- London's Wonderful Parks
- Walk Regents Canal from Little Venice to Camden Town
- Visit Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral for Free
- Visit the Tower of London
- Monument to the Great Fire of London
- Free View of London from the "Walkie Talkie"
- Visit Leicester Square
- Free Art Galleries in London
- Free Concerts at St. Martin's in the Fields
EATING IN LONDON ON A BUDGET
London has a lot of great eateries that are both delicious and budget-friendly.
It's easy to find high-quality cuisine from all around the world, but be sure to try a few classic British dishes before leaving London. You might be interested in a London Tastecard , which offers up to 50% dinners and fine locations.
Why not take an almost free London food tour ?
Here are some of our favorite restaurants, pubs, and food articles:
- Street Food App - street food is delicious, inventive, and inexpensive. This app is for street food lovers.
- Best Pie in London
- London's Best Riverside Pubs
- Visiting Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
- London's Best Historic Pubs
- Afternoon Tea in London
DISCOUNT SHOPPING IN LONDON
London is renowned for its trendy shops, but oftentimes the most popular brands and the least budget-friendly.
To see a range of what London has to offer, check out our post on the best shopping in the city .
Though not cheap, Harrods, the most famous department store in the UK, is also worth a visit, if only for window shopping.
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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
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Vacations in London
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Cheap London package deals
Most popular london flight and hotel deals, all inclusive vacation packages to london, last minute vacation packages to london, search by stars, search by review score, search by board, search by price, search by freebies, when to book a vacation in london, tips for finding london package deals.
- There are loads of types of vacations in London and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $585; Family vacation $508; Romantic vacation $683; Luxury vacation $648; Budget vacation $360.
Why should you book a vacation package to London?
A time and money saving vacation package is the smartest way to enjoy London. It's generally more expensive to reserve rooms and book flights separately, so doing so simultaneously means better rates. Plus, you won't waste time matching room availability to flight times when you opt for London vacation deals.
When should you book a vacation package to London?
You'll normally find the cheapest London packages between November and January when average temperatures range from 39.2 to 48.2F. Beat the crowds and save money by choosing May and catch events like the Chelsea Flower Show or the Museums at Night festival. Although it's peak season, good London travel deals can still be found from June until September. Plan your trip to coincide with top sporting events like Wimbledon or music festivals like BST Hyde Park.
Where should you stay in London during your vacation?
For any vacation type in london:.
Located in fashionable Clerkenwell, The Rookery is a smart choice for vacations in London. This chic but friendly hotel is under one hour from Heathrow by London Underground and well connected by train and bus to other main airports.
Try London Wembley International Hotel if you're looking for versatile London package deals. Ideally placed for music and sporting events at London's famous Wembley Stadium and Wembley Arena, the hotel is also easily reached by taxi, bus or train from the main airports.
For family vacations in London:
The Premier Inn London Hampstead is just 2 minutes from Hampstead Heath, 10 minutes by tube from the West End and Oxford Circus, and easy to reach from all London airports. Take the tube to Hampstead from Heathrow or the overland train service to Paddington Station before completing your journey by taxi.
Little Bullocks Farm in Stansted, Essex enjoys a quiet rural setting and offers excellent four star service. Plus, it's just 6 minutes by taxi from Stansted Airport and easy to reach from central London via Liverpool Street Station.
For romantic vacations in London:
With its prime location on Piccadilly and opulent rooms and suites, the Ritz London is a great choice for couples searching for romantic London travel packages. Take a taxi from the airport to arrive in style or board trains at all four main airports.
Although it's located in the heart of London's vibrant West End, the Sanderson is a calm and tranquil base for couples. Noted for its luxurious decor and excellent services, the hotel is easy to reach from any London airport by rail or taxi.
For luxury vacations in London:
The Sheraton Grand is one of London's most elegant hotels. Located in upmarket Mayfair, the famous art deco building occupies a prime spot on Park Lane. Upon arrival at the airport you can take a taxi directly to the hotel or hop a train to central London.
Opt for trendy Chelsea and the stylish Sloane Square Hotel for a memorable London getaway. It's just a short walk from the famous Saatchi Gallery and is easy to reach by taxi or train from any of London's airports. Sloane Square station is nearby for those traveling via the underground from Heathrow Airport.
For budget vacations in London:
The Astor Museum Hostel is a friendly hostel right next to the British Museum. Just a few minutes walk from Oxford Street, the hotel can be reached by underground from Heathrow or by rail or bus from other London airports.
Looking for inexpensive London package deals? Try Villa Verde Gatwick, a friendly and comfortable hotel just a few minutes by taxi or shuttle bus from Gatwick Airport.
Where to stay in London
London vacation information, other popular package vacation destinations.
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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site
Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer
How I Had a 10-Day London Vacation for $700
It’s one of the most expensive destinations in the world.
How do you visit London on a budget?
I came to the city on a 10-day trip for a travel conference and I thought it was the perfect place to test out my budget travel theories to see if you could visit London the cheap. Few people make plans to travel to London thinking they are going to be able to visit cheap.
But what if you could?
After all, there are few impossible budget travel destinations the world.
A city as big and diverse as London must have plenty of ways to lower your costs?
So, without further ado, here’s how my experiment went!
Table of Contents
How Did I Do London on a Budget?
How much did i spend in london, how i saved on my flight to london, how i saved on my accommodation in london, how i saved money visiting attractions in london, how i saved money on food in london, how i saved money on transportation in london, how much would this trip regularly cost.
I used my American Airlines frequent flier miles to pay for my flight. A round-trip ticket from Boston to London cost me 60,000 miles, plus a service charge of $165.10 in taxes and fees.
The miles I used were “anytime miles,” but American Airlines also offers “OffPeak Miles” (off-season really), and you can actually fly to London for as little as 40,000 miles round-trip.
How do I get so many miles? I’m a frequent flier, so I can generate a lot of miles per year. I normally fly about 40,000–50,000 miles per year, which, compared to most travel writers, is pretty low. But I’ve written extensively on how to get miles for free . I sign up for bonus credit cards, sign up for deals, use preferred merchants, and sign up for every contest that gives extra miles. All told, I’ve accumulated over 400,000 frequent flier miles with American Airlines alone through these methods.
While I’ve written many blog posts on how to get points and miles , here’s a quick summary of the best methods:
- Sign up for a branded airline credit card: Whether you love Delta or fly United and the Star Alliance, all US carriers have a branded travel credit card that gives you 40,000–50,000 points when you sign up and make one purchase. That’s a free economy ticket right there. The quickest and best way to gain a lot of free miles is to get one of these travel credit cards .
- Watch out for special promotions: I sign up for all airline mailing lists. I always watch out for special two-for-one mile deals. Or when they have special card offers to earn extra miles. American Airlines just gave me 1,000 miles for watching a demo on their new shopping toolbar. I once got 5,000 miles for joining Netflix. Often you get miles for filling out surveys too or even by tweeting the brands! Utilizing promotions over the course of a few months can yield big results.
- Sign up for a non-airline credit card: Sign up for a non-airline credit card, and you can get 75,000 sign-up points. Afterward, you can transfer your sign-up bonus points to the airline you use and redeem them for flights.
Think about that for a second.
I had a 10-day vacation in London for $700 USD that included airfare. When was the last time you went to Europe for that little money? When was the last time any big international trip cost that kind of money?
Before I explain how I did it, I want to take a second to explain some of the ground rules I laid out for myself. I didn’t want to backpack London. My goal was to show the budget travelers of the world — the two-week holiday-makers — that you can do London on the cheap without being a backpacker. That saving money isn’t all dorm rooms, Couchsurfing, and eating pasta.
So, visiting London as a budget traveler, I made three rules:
1. I wouldn’t stay in hostels . I wanted to stay in nice accommodation to prove that even a hotel stay can be cheap.
2. I had to eat a few nice meals . When you go on holiday, you want to eat nice food, so I agreed that I would have at least two really nice meals in London.
3. I couldn’t say “no” because it was expensive . Many backpackers skip sightseeing because of the cost, but I wanted to do all the normal sightseeing activities regular tourists do. You don’t go on a short vacation to not sightsee right?
With these ground rules in place, I set off to visit London as a budget traveler:
Since my points didn’t get credited in time, I used more American Airlines miles for this. I used 68,000 points plus $25 USD for five nights of accommodation in a four-star hotel. I stayed in a hotel near Hyde Park, a very well-to-do neighborhood in London.
Now, while you can use airline miles for vacations and hotels, you never get as good of a deal when you use them for flights. Five nights using hotel points would have cost me just 50,000 points. The point here, though, is that by signing up for a branded hotel card, you can use those points to get free hotel stays for your next vacation. Or you can use the bonuses from an airline. Either way, getting free hotel rooms isn’t that hard.
London is great for sightseeing because so much is free here. It makes sightseeing on a budget really easy. The best museums — the British Library, British Museum, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, and Museum of London (just to name a few) — are all free. Hyde Park? Free. Kensington Gardens? Free. It’s easy to fill a few days with sightseeing in London without ever spending a penny.
But sadly, not everything is free. For attractions that weren’t free, I used the London Pass . This tourist card cost me 54 GBP ($86 USD) for two days of sightseeing. It covers over 32 destinations and offers free public transportation. You can get a pass for up to six days (87 GBP). There are hundreds upon hundreds of dollars in savings with this pass. However, I didn’t have much time nor the desire to see all 32 spots. I was able to see:
- Westminster Abbey
- Tower of London
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Ben Franklin House
- Britain at War Museum
- Shakespeare’s Globe Museum
- London Tombs
Without this pass, the same attractions would have cost me 104.55 GBP. I saved 50% by using the London Pass, and I didn’t even use it for everything it offers. This is why in so many of my posts about various cities, I stress getting a city pass if you plan to do a lot of museums and tours. You can save a lot of money by doing so. It’s one of the best budget travel tips out there and is all too often overlooked.
Note: As of 2021, the London Pass is 100 GBP ($140 USD) for the two-day pass. Still a bargain if you plan to see a lot!
I didn’t want to be the typical backpacker and eat kebabs and pasta for every meal. But at the same time, I know locals don’t eat out 100% of the time, either, and a great way to save money is to cook, which is part of the reason I got a place with a kitchen for my last four nights. I wanted to mix eating out with cooking a few meals.
During my 10 days in London, I spent 103.80 GBP ($165 USD) on food, which broke down the following ways:
I spent 9.11 GBP on groceries, including bread, sandwich meat, vegetables, and pasta. This was enough for three dinners and three lunches. (Seriously.)
I spent 2.20 GBP on water bottles, which I refilled over the course of my trip.
My hotels and serviced apartment provided breakfast, though I did go out for McDonald’s one morning. (I just love those hash browns.)
The rest was spent on dining out.
I got pizza one day, went out for good Thai food for one dinner, had great Indian one night, ate typical fish and chips the next, had a few Starbucks green teas, and ate tons of kebabs. They’re everywhere in London. According to my friends, you’re a true Londoner if you’re dining on kebabs, especially if it’s after a night out.
As I said, I didn’t want to skimp on meals. I ate how and when I wanted to. I did look for deals, though, as any good budget traveler knows that good food doesn’t have to be expensive. In London, I found the best way to eat out on a budget was to look for lunch specials. Most restaurants I came across had lunch specials, and many pizza places offered a “buy one, get one free” deal on takeaway.
Another great way to save money is to get the Taste Card . This diner’s club card offers 50% discounts on thousands of restaurants as well as two-for-one specials. It can really pay off, especially on those nice meals you’ll want to have. You can only live on fish and chips for so long.
My London Pass covered public transportation for the two days it was valid. And since cabs in London are notoriously expensive even by London standards, I refrained from taking them.
For transportation to Heathrow airport, I took the Heathrow express to get into the city (18.50 GBP) and the London Underground to get out (5 GBP). Around the city, I loaded my oyster card (metro card) for unlimited use within Zones 1–3 for seven days at a cost of 32.20 GBP.
A return flight to London from Boston right now is currently running around $500 USD.
Currently, the average price of a decently-rated three-star hotel in central London is around $120 USD per night. For my nine-night trip, that adds up to around $1,080 USD.
Had I refrained from cooking, I probably would have added about another $150 USD on dining out, knowing my eating habits.
If you add that up and add a little for transportation around the city, I would have spent almost $1,800 USD on this trip.
By using points and miles and spending wisely, I spent 10 days in London for less than half of that, saving myself over $1,000 USD!
Think about that.
I visited London on a budget for 60% off the cost of a normal vacation, and I didn’t skimp on anything.
I just traveled smart, used reward systems, and employed everyday frugality to my advantage. I stayed in nice places, dined out well, and saw all the attractions I wanted. I didn’t sacrifice comfort.
Cheap travel doesn’t mean bad travel.
I wanted to take a vacation to London that my parents or friends — people who wouldn’t be caught dead sleeping in 15-bed dorms to save money — could take. I wanted to travel cheaply without sacrificing comfort.
And I did just that.
Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. By investing just a little extra time into planning my trip, I was able to have a wonderful trip for around the cost of the going rate for a flight to London.
You don’t need to spend thousands traveling. A vacation doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg, and the next time you’re inclined to think so, just remember that yes, it is possible to travel cheap , and anyone can do it.
Book Your Trip to London: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight to London by using Skyscanner or Momondo . They are my two favorite search engines. Start with Momondo.
Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the best inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and budget hotels. Some of my favorite places to stay in London are:
- St. Christopher’s Inn
- Astor Hyde Park Hostel
For more suggested places to stay, check out this longer list of hostels . And if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of London !
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I never ever go on a trip without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. You should too.
Need Some Gear? Check out our resource page for the best companies to use!
Want a Guide? London has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks . They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company!
If you want a bike tour, use Fat Tire Tours . They have the best and most affordable bike tours in the city.
Want More Travel Information on London? Be sure to visit our robust London destination guide on London for even more planning tips!
Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.
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13 Tips for Travelling Cheap in London (2024)
It’s no secret that London has one of the most expensive public transport systems in the world with tourists paying around £21 a day on local transportation . So, we’ve created this useful collection of top tips to help you find the cheapest way to travel in London, letting you keep your money for the fun stuff.
How to travel cheap in London
1. get an oyster card.
As you move around London you will spot locals tapping something against a yellow card reader at the underground turnstiles, on buses, trams, and even on the Thames Clipper Uber boat. This is an Oyster card, and it is an incredible 50% cheaper than buying single tickets or a paper travelcard. Check the Transport for London website to get an Oystercard .
There’s also a special visitors Oyster card available. You can order an Oyster card online before your trip or pick one up from any TfL Visitor Centre , Oyster ticket shop, or mainline rail station. Just put as much credit on your card as you feel you’ll need, and you can use it on public transport throughout the city. It’s important to remember to tap the card at both the beginning and end of journeys to ensure you pay the right fare, but if you forget, don’t worry. You may be eligible for an Oyster refund.
Image courtesy: Insidecroydon.com
2. Go contactless
Our second insider tip is to ditch the cash and go contactless. Unlike Oyster cards, your contactless debit, credit or pre-paid card won’t run out of credit unexpectedly. This is a good choice if you are unfamiliar with London and aren’t sure how much to pre-load your Oyster card with. Using contactless payments means you can take advantage of the same pay-as-you-go-capping system that Oyster cards use, ensuring you only pay the lowest possible amount.
3. Know where you’re travelling to
Being spontaneous is fun, but not more fun than saving money, right? To work out the cheapest possible route, plan your trips in advance and use the Citymapper app or the TFL Journey Planner to know where you’re going.
London is divided into nine zones, which spread out from its historic heart covering areas such as the West End and Waterloo. The further you travel, the more expensive your fare becomes.
Transport for London (TfL) fare caps
The table below was accurate from March 1st 2022. Please keep in mind this applies to the tube, DLR, TfL Rail, the London Overground, and selected National Rail journeys, not buses.
4. Avoid travelling during peak hours
For those wondering how to travel cheaply in London, an easy answer is to never travel during peak hours. The morning peak time runs between 6.30 am, and 9.30 am, and the afternoon peak time is between 4 pm and 7 pm. Did you know that travel during peak time is often twice as expensive as off-peak?
5. Take the bus for long distances
Those big red buses are synonymous with London. They are also of the few things that are cheaper in the Big Smoke than anywhere else in the country, with a single fare costing less than a Starbucks latte at just £1.65, and this is the case no matter how long or short your ride.
You can make further savings if you take our advice and use either an Oyster Card or pay contactless, as a day’s unlimited travel costs £4.95. With buses running over Tower Bridge and other scenic routes, it’s a great way to combine transport with sightseeing.
6. Take advantage of the Hopper fare
While an all-day ticket is far from hard on the wallet, the Hopper Fare is another penny-pinching option for frugal travellers. This deal lets you make unlimited bus and tram journeys for just the price of one single, so long as it is within one hour of first tapping in. All you have to do is make sure you use the same card each time.
7. Rent a bike when it’s sunny
Take advantage of the Santander bikes located around the city. There’s no need to book. Head to the nearest docking station, sign in on the terminal and ride away. You’ll find the CityMapper comes in handy here, allowing you to locate the nearest docking station. Bikes only cost £2 for every 30 minutes of use, and you can return them to any docking station with space. With plenty of new cycle roads and car-free areas popping up throughout the city, cycling in London has never been easier.
Image courtesy: Intelligenttransport.com
8. Walk wherever possible
With so many public transport options available, it’s easy to forget the simplest and cheapest way to travel in London, walking! For practical examples, here are some of the most popular routes in London which are cheaper and easier on foot.
• Instead of taking the tube, walk from Covent Garden to Leicester Square. It will only take you 4 minutes.
• Going from Trafalgar Square to the Thames? Don’t take the Bakerloo line, they’re only a 5-minute walk apart.
• In London for a shopping spree? Walk between Knightsbridge to Sloane Square in about 10 minutes.
If you’re worried about getting lost or arriving late, there is no need to panic. Use TfL’s Legible London map for walking routes and estimated travel times.
Cheap airport transfers in London
9. avoid express trains.
Express trains headed straight for London’s airports may be speedy, but they certainly aren’t easy on the wallet. Frugal travellers would be wise to avoid these options. London offers a range of buses, coaches, and underground journeys for cheap airport transfers.
10. Take the Piccadilly line to go to Heathrow airport
Allow yourself a little more time, 46 minutes to be precise, and save yourself money by hopping on the Piccadilly line. It will cost you just £3.10 when you use your Oyster or contactless card. Compare that to a whopping £22 for an off-peak ride on the Heathrow Express!
11. Consider your options
There are 6 airports in London (Stansted, Southend, Luton, Heathrow, Gatwick and City) and there’s a range of affordable train services to get to them. One cheap option is to hop on a bus or a coach at Victoria station. Direct buses to all airports are available except for Southend.
It’s cheaper to use your Oyster card than to buy a paper ticket, but be careful, you can’t use it to go to Luton, Southend or Stansted airports as they’re outside of the London travel zones.
If there’s a group of you, you might be surprised to find that sharing a taxi is cheap and convenient. With average airport transfer fares between £17-£40, a taxi can still work out a lot cheaper than the express train. Last but not least, the tube and Docklands Light Railway provide routes to City and Heathrow airports that cost under £5 with an Oyster card, that’s less than the price of a fancy London sandwich!
Cheap airport transfers London
Cheapest ways to travel outside of London
12. get a 16-25 railcard.
If you’re between 16-25 years of age, you’re in luck because you can get your hands on a 16-25 railcard . This offers a third from the price of train tickets. It costs just £30 for a years’ pass, so you’ll make your money back in just a few journeys.
Image courtesy: Mylondon.news
13. Book your tickets 12 weeks in advance
Train tickets are cheapest when booked twelve weeks in advance . The early bird really does catch the worm here, with advanced bookings leading to potential savings of 80%.
So now you know how to travel cheap in London, with all the insider secrets for getting around like a local, you’ll need to source some cheap, cheerful accommodation. Hostels are always a great shout, allowing you to socialise with like-minded travellers from around the world and friendly staff who can point you in the direction of the city’s hidden gems.
Book a room at Clink261 Budget Hostel in London for a memorable stay. We offer free walking tours and a 24-hour reception team, so somebody will be on hand to help you whenever you arrive.
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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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Pick from 231 London Cheap Hotels and compare room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.
2-star hotels in london.
Bedford Corner Hotel
LSE Bankside House - Campus Accommodation
LSE Rosebery Hall - Campus Accommodation
ibis London Barking
Generator London
Abercorn House - Hostel
Chester Hotel
Kensal Green Backpackers 1
London Continental Hotel
How can I get cheap hotels in London?
Best tips to find a cheap hotel in london.
- If you're looking to travel to London on a budget , you'll be happy to know that you can find hotels for as low as $14. Of course, that price is affected by amenities, star rating, and even the time of year you visit. At most, hotel prices can be as high as $168. Staying a short amount of time in London is an effective way to reduce hotel costs.
- When you cut your vacation down to just a few days, you don't have to worry as much about hotel prices since you don't have that many nights to stay. For budget hotels in London, 3 to 4 days should be all the nights you need. That's generally enough to enjoy the city's top attractions, though there's certainly enough to do to warrant a week-long trip.
- When booking cheap hotel rooms in London, it's typically best to book about 3 weeks in advance. Book further in advance than that and you could be paying too much for your room, as hotels will often overestimate future demand. However, if you wait too long, you might find that the hotel has been completely booked.
- When you utilize search filters on Expedia, you'll be able to narrow down your results in a flash. These search filters cover a wide variety of factors you may be interested in when it comes to finding a cheap hotel in London, including amenities such as Free Breakfast, 2-star rating , or proximity to local attractions. You can even set filters for price limits to ensure that all the displayed results are within your budget.
London Cheap Hotels information
Frequently asked questions, recent reviews of london hotels expedia verified reviews.
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St Giles Hotel - London
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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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Mint Notion
Feel rich living within your means
London on a Budget: 12 Tips for Cheap Travel
By Eden Ashley MintNotion.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this site, we will earn a commission at no added cost to you. This helps keep the content on this website free for everyone to enjoy. 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
- The London Pass review: Is it worth it?
- The best tips for visiting the Tower of London
- 10 reasons why winter is the best time to visit 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 .
FLASH SALE! Save up to 10% off the London Pass . Offer ends April 4th. 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.
FLASH SALE! Save up to 10% off the London Pass . Offer ends March 10th. You have 2 years to activate the pass.
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.
Trending Post : Halal Fine Dining In London
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London on a Budget: What to do in London with £10?
When you visit London on a budget, £10 can make a big difference. Especially when it’s roughly what you want to spend per day, you need to know exactly how to travel cheap in London. Having lived there for about a year and a half before moving out to sunny Rome, I was always on the lookout for free things to do in London. The pace is fast and often, stressful when you live there. When you’re a tourist too, and the average cost of a trip to London for a week can jump up if you don’t know where to look for enjoyable, calm, and free or cheap things to do in London.
What to do in London on a budget?
I’m going to be helping you out on a few London budget restaurants and try to lower the overall cost of your stay, especially if what you’re wondering is: “How much does a trip to London cost?” and “How to travel cheap in London?”.
Follow the tips I’ve written down for you in this London on a budget blog. How can I visit London in one day? That’s definitely not very enjoyable, as the city is already fast-paced and you might waste lots of energy. I don’t recommend it. If you’re trying to work out a London budget 2021, book a few days during which you can really discover the city’s personality. That way, you can really enjoy all the depth of the activities you can do – even on a trip to London on a budget.
Low Budget London: Go to the museum
What is the best month to go to London? According to how many free museums in London there are, any month is good. When you’re on a low budget London trip, it can be tricky to try and figure out what to do during the day.
When I first started wondering “How can I see London on a budget?”, I had to take into consideration that once you’re out of one of the best London budget hotels, you’re outside all day. You can’t really be coming back to the hostel three times a day to have a pee or a bite.
Planning a trip to London on a budget means being strategical. I’m not only talking about London budget restaurants and cheap bites. I’m talking about the fact that you will have to drink and have a pee stop several times during the day. Even a coffee from McDonald’s adds up if you’re spending on three or four coffees a day.
What will alighten your London travel budget is a visit to the best free London museums. There are so many, and some of the most interesting are located in posh, very nice areas like South Kensington. Pay a visit to the Natural History Museum, the V&A (my favorite because of the fashion section!), and the Science Museum. Even if you don’t want to include museums for your budget trip to London, I promise you’ll learn a lot of new fun facts.
London Budget Restaurants: Have an afternoon tea
When you visit London on a budget, you still want to make the most of every day. And this also means afternoon tea. Now, how can I see London on a budget? You need to be strategic when choosing your London budget restaurants and hotels.
Who said you have to have a full afternoon tea? I have found that a great snack in the middle of a shopping day I should not be having is from Patisserie Valerie. Even on a London travel budget, you can get your plentiful with two scones, clotted cream and a cup of tea.
If you want to splurge on a full afternoon tea, you’ll have to be even smarter when planning a trip to London on a budget. That means you might have to cut down on a restaurant one evening, or do a bit less shopping. Still, you can get a cool afternoon tea on a budget trip to London for as little as £15 even in some fancy restaurants.
Where? Patisserie Valerie, 15-17 Great Cumberland Pl, London W1H 7AS
Get a new outfit at a London charity shop
Getting cool new gear from a charity shop is one of my favorite almost free things to do in London. The average cost of a trip to London for a week can get expensive pretty fast. How much does a trip to London cost? It can average several hundreds to thousands of pounds if you’re not paying attention to tips on how to travel cheap in London.
When I was a bit broke, I’ve found addresses of charities that all belong on a London on a budget blog. In some charity shops, you can definitely get a new outfit for ten pounds, sometimes even less. Charity shops are your new London budget 2021 BFF. They pay attention to the clothes’ details when they receive donations, which means that you can get brandname clothes for much cheaper, in excellent condition.
That leaves you some money for London budget restaurants and tips about how to travel to London on a budget. Traid, Oxfam, and Fara are three of my favorite charity shops, but you can also find cool things from Cancer Research and the Salvation Army.
Low Budget London: Get lost in a London market
When I visit London on a budget, one of my favorite things to do is take a long stroll in the London markets. There are many more markets than you could ever dream of in London: Columbia Road Flower Market, Borough Market and its local produce, Brixton Market and its African and Jamaican products, Portobello Road and its antiques, fashion and succulent street food in London.
Read: Top 3 Cheap Asian Restaurants in Chinatown London
Most of the famous London markets are open during the week as well as the weekend. However, if you really want to feel the hustle and bustle of the city, I would consider going there on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Plus, you can get a breakfast to give you some strength while you’re making your way through the crowd!
Get a book and a coffee
Even if you’re on a London travel budget, you can still plan an awesome moment there. With a tenner, you can absolutely visit London on a budget. I would recommend getting a book from a charity shop like Oxfam where you can always get a good, thick novel for under £3.
Then, I’d suggest heading to one of the best London budget restaurants and coffeeshops, like a Caffè Nero, a Starbucks, or a small independent coffeeshop. Since it’s now fall, to visit London on a budget is even easier. The prices on the spot in London budget hotels are much cheaper, as are the flights.
What is the best month to go to London on a budget? I’d say that right now is a pretty cool choice, with the weather just barely starting to cool down. And if you want to avoid buying a new book, you can always visit one of London’s libraries to spend a chill afternoon there.
Budget Restaurants London: Get a pizza and a donut
Among the almost free things to do in London on a budget, you can basically get a full meal for less than £10. Sure, it won’t be the veggie-based full meal – unless you head to the suburbs of London for affordable restaurants.
But if you want to get a great Neapolitan pizza in London, I’d suggest getting a margherita pizza from Franco Manca to go – that’s one of the best London budget restaurants available all across town. Then, I’d go to one of the ultra-delicious Crosstown Doughnuts shops and get a huge peanut butter & jam donut. All this for under a tenner, yes, that’s right. Is that not a cool London on a budget blog? I knew you’d like it.
Thinking food ahead is one of the best ways to figure out how to travel cheap in London. There are so many delicious food options here that the average cost of a trip to London for a week can shoot up pretty quickly if you’re a foodie like me.
Find incredible street art in London
What is the best month to go to London to see street art? I’d say the spring months and the very end of the summer are the best London travel budget options for that. London is full of amazing street art. Some areas are filled with stickers and drawings and paintings and poems, like Brick Lane, Camden Town, or Shoreditch.
How can I see London on a budget? Focus on arts. They’re always really cheap to observe, from the free museums in London to open air street art.
When you visit London on a budget, think of your accommodation carefully. London budget hotels will help you plan a trip without the pain of a high rent. However, what you don’t pay in accommodation, you might have to pay in transportation if you select a hotel that’s too far from the main attractions in London.
Planning a trip to London on a budget includes thinking of accommodation that’s kind of close to all the best things to do in London. If you choose the trendy East London or the edgy Camden Town, you’ll be able to enjoy incredible street art all around.
Low Budget London: Pay a visit to Poundland stores
If you’re living in London on a budget, there’s no way you haven’t heard of Poundland stores. If you’re looking for how to travel cheap in London, you’ll love this chain where you can basically get anything for £1. That means chocolate, notebooks, socks, books, makeup, toiletries, kitchenware, deodorant, and so many more necessities!
I had to include Poundland in this London on a budget blog. The average cost of a trip to London for a week can really reach the top of the graph. For all the little items you’ll need during your stay at a London budget hostel, I’d strongly suggest passing by a Poundland.
I’ve bought much more makeup than I thought I would love from Poundland. Not only do their have an incredible makeup brand called Makeup Gallery that makes the creamiest lipsticks and coolest nail polishes, but they also sell outlets of Barry M, Maybelline, Models Own, and Rimmel makeup.
That’s one of the best almost free things to do in London, and I’ve bought more than one stationery item from Poundland. Sometimes, it’s just lovely to live in London on a budget.
Get a donut from Bread Ahead Bakery (or two)
When you visit London on a budget, you still kind of want to eat out. After all, London is very much renowned for its diversity of cheap restaurants and high-end cuisines. When I used to work at the Shard as a receptionist, it would be a great joy to go down all 32 floors to get a fabulous donut.
Luckily, Borough Market is just across the street and with it, the fabulous Bread Ahead Bakery London. That is simply the best donut dough you’ll ever come across. The Bread Ahead bakery is also a bakers’ school, and you can sometimes peek through the windows and spot the students making fresh recipes.
Bread Ahead Bakery also has a stand inside Borough Market, where you can get bread, olive and cheese sticks and the most incredible cinnamon buns ever. My recommendation? Order the sinner cinnamon bun, with some cream on top of it.
That is definitely one of the best bakeries in London, and just writing about it makes me want to book a ticket and eat one of these donuts while taking a walk on London Bridge.
Watch a movie at Genesis Cinema
To answer ‘What is the best month to go to London?’, I would say: every month is perfect to visit London on a budget. Especially when some cinemas and theaters offer budget activities in London.
Genesis Cinema, in on Mile End Road in East London, is one of those London travel budget BFFs. A ticket costs well under a tenner most days of the week, and there’s a cute coffeeshop that you’ll love when you’re planning a trip to London on a budget.
How can I see London on a budget? Start by choosing your accommodation well before planning cheap activities in London. Having lived in both Mile End and Bethnal Green in East London, I’ve found that not much was happening there. As such, the best London budget hotels and some of the best London budget restaurants are there. If you need food from a halal restaurant in London, that’s also a cool area to visit.
When you’re trying to plan a London travel budget, look for places like Genesis Cinema. It’s not always easy to plan an evening out in London without leaving an arm and a leg at the till. Cheap movies and theater tickets in London can make all the difference on a rainy evening.
What to do in London with £10?
See? To visit London on a budget can be a very enjoyable thing. Taking a long walk around St Paul’s Cathedral and walking upon the Millenium Bridge to end up at the fabulous Tate Modern museum is one of my absolute favorite things to do with a low budget London.
10 pounds can be enough, although I do recommend packing up a bit more if you really want to enjoy all the cool eateries and activities that London has to offer. It doesn’t matter if you need to splurge once in a while if it means you’ll bring back incredible memories from your trip to London on a budget!
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Everything you need to know before you go to London in 2024
Mar 10, 2024 • 7 min read
Make the most of your trip to London with these expert tips © FilippoBacci / Getty Images
Even though I was born and raised in London, I’ve been caught out without a brolly (umbrella) in the rain countless times. I’ve felt the scorn of others when not noticing there’s a queue, and I’ve made the costly error of driving into the city. But as a local, I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to; I hope my experience and top tips help inspire a smooth and memorable trip to the UK capital.
1. Know your Tube etiquette
One easy way to annoy commuters is to not follow these very easy rules when traveling around on London’s Underground. Get your ticket, bank card or smart phone ready before you reach the ticket barriers so you don’t create a queue. Stand on the right when using escalators so passengers wanting to walk can pass. Let passengers off the train first (stand to either the right or left of the doors) before you board. Offer your seat to someone who may need it more, such as a pregnant person, an elderly person, someone who is disabled and so on. And definitely don't try to strike up conversations with the locals (if you want to blend in).
2. Skip the car
London ’s roads are small, its traffic is chaotic, and there’s hardly anywhere to park. Plus, you’ll be charged for driving your car in to the center of London – the congestion charge is £15 a day, while the separate ULEZ charge starts from £12.50 and only certain energy efficient or electric cars are exempt. The best way to get around is on public transport (although check on the TFL website or app for information on industrial action and weekend engineering works). Use the Tube, hop on a bus, or rent a bike or e-bike if in the center of the city; cycle maps, highlighting designated paths for bikes, can be downloaded online.
3. Bring layers (and a raincoat)
London’s weather is changeable – temperatures have been known to rise and fall by 20°C in a matter of days. Showers can happen any time of year so pack a brolly (umbrella) or raincoat in your day bag and wear layers that you can easily take off. In summer, always carry a bottle of water on the Tube (the deep tunnels were built before air-conditioning). And while the climate may be mercurial, don’t let bad weather put you off going about your day – simply switch to more indoor-based activities, there are hundreds of them to choose from.
4. Opt for comfort over fashion when it comes to shoes
Most people cover a lot of ground when exploring London, plus different terrains: grass in the many green spaces, long Tube escalators, slippery pavements and even cobblestones. Museums require leg work, as do bridges, boats and parks. Heels are pretty pointless in London, unless you are getting a door-to-door cab to a venue.
5. Make reservations for top restaurants
While there are plenty of terrific places to eat that welcome walk-ins (although be prepared to queue for the best joints), many of the best restaurants are booked up weeks in advance, especially new ones or those run by celebrity chefs. More restaurants have adopted booking policies and deposits since the pandemic, so if you’re looking for a unique dining experience, you will need to book ahead.
6. Do as the Londoners do and go to a supper club
Embed yourself in London life with a dinner party with locals; a supper club is a superb way to try home-cooked local food from London’s diverse community. These are locally run endeavors, taking place in people’s homes or taking over whole restaurants – try The Bridge Club serving British eats made with French cooking techniques in South London, Dinner Ladies putting on immersive food experiences, or Indian street food run out of local chef Dhruv Mittal’s flat.
7. Know how to order at a pub
There are unspoken rules when visiting a pub. One person – not a whole group – should go to the bar. Stand anywhere and wait your turn. If someone was waiting before you, it’s polite to signal for the bar staff to serve them first if they come over to you. When you go back to your table with the drinks, you just bought "a round". Now everyone at the table owes you a drink throughout the evening, each person has a turn at buying a round. Last orders are when the bell rings, and from this moment you have 20 minutes to finish your drink.
8. Go to a football game
Football rivalries run high in the city, with 17 football clubs, including seven Premier League teams and four Women’s Super League Teams. Giant temples to "The Beautiful Game" sit around London and are great places to feel the collective energy of the city, as locals congregate (come rain or shine) to watch their heroes on the field. You'll need to book tickets far in advance for Premier League Games, but women’s and lower league men’s games are usually easier to come by – and arguably far more fun to watch. Visit local team websites to book.
9. Be polite and embrace the art of queueing
Londoners (and British people alike) are big on manners, and not having any will get you into trouble. Say "please" and "thank you", and apologize if you bump into someone. Don’t stare at people on the Tube, and hold a door open for people behind you when you walk through one. Let people pass, and be sure to help people in need (people with buggies at the top of stairs, older people crossing the road etc). If there is a queue to the attraction you want to visit or a stall you want to buy from, join it – you’ll might not get into a confrontation if you skip the line, but you will be judged.
10. Make a plan, but don't go overboard
London is massive, so getting from one side to the other takes a couple of hours in a car (and that's if there is light traffic). Riding the Tube is quicker, but journey times can still be long if attractions are on either side of the city. Minimize travel times by exploring by neighborhood – do a day in Central London, another day in West London and so on. Plan on spending at least a few hours in the big museums and galleries, as there is so much to see. Take many breaks, grab lunch at a cafe or pub and pause to take in the views. It’s easy to get carried away with the energetic pace of London, but sights are more enjoyable if you adopt a more leisurely approach.
11. Don’t leave your stuff lying around
Don’t leave your bags unattended at public venues like stations, buses, theaters or museums, as this is likely to cause alarm and your bag may be removed – or stolen. Only take with you what you are able to carry for several hours. Luggage storage is generally rare in London, but hotels will likely store bags once you check out. Avoid carrying mobile phones in back pockets or where they can be easily swiped from your hand in the street. Never leave your phone or purse on a cafe table, opportunistic thieves will distract you and it will be gone before you realise what's happening.
12. It's an election year in London
The incumbent mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, will face an election race in May 2024 (he's been in the top job since 2016). This might not be particularly noteworthy for travelers, but it does mean there's greater incentive to make sure London is working well. Policing, housing and public transport are high on the agenda for all the candidates. Services have been expanded to support the rising number of "rough sleepers" in the city, with the visible issue of homelessness a concern for locals and visitors alike. Tube strikes, which brought the city to a standstill in 2023, have been averted but industrial action on national rail services in and out of the city continue. The city goes to the polls on Thursday 2 May, 2024.
This article was first published September 2023 and updated March 2024
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London travel hacks: Cheaper ways of travelling around London
3 December 2020
In this article one of our Communications and Project Advisers, Ayesha, shares her favourite travel hacks to help you to get around London for cheaper!
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and London life
We understand that some of you may be studying remotely to begin with due to the coronavirus situation and therefore unable to arrive on campus and in London in January.
We hope that even if you can’t join us immediately, that these articles get you excited for when you are able to join us here in London and give you a flavour of the amazing things to come.
London is one of the most exciting cities in the world! There is always somewhere to go and something to do. However all that travelling can often get expensive and tiresome, so here are some travel hacks to help you get around. Don't forget that due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, currently, you must wear a face mask and to try to maintain social distancing measures when using public transport. Guidelines may be subject to change so check our coronavirus FAQ's regularly
Read our coronavirus FAQs to find out more on the latest developments.
Oyster card
The cheapest way to travel is with an Oyster card. An Oyster card allows you to travel between all parts of London on the Underground, Trams (DLR), Overground, some river boats, Emirates Air Line, and the iconic red London buses. As a student you may be eligible to apply for an 18+ Oyster which will give you 30% off on weekly, monthly, and annual travel cards!
Find out more about Oyster cards here.
Hours of travel
Planning your day in advance can also help you to save money. The Underground has two different prices for peak and off peak hours. Try to avoid travelling on the tube between 06:30 to 09:29 and from 16:00 to 18:59 for the cheapest fares.
Hopper fare
Although the tube is convenient, London buses and trams may actually be a cheaper alternative with the introduction of the ‘Hopper fare’. This fare means that passengers can take a £1.50 bus/tram journey and then change onto another bus/tram for free within an hour of starting their journey. Planning your bus/tram journeys prior to travelling can help you save money. Also trams and buses offer a more scenic mode of travelling.
Walk and cycle
You could also walk/cycle the tube map. This may seem a little ambitious at first, however once you get to know London, you will realise that tube stations are actually positioned quite close together. Santander bikes are also dotted around London and can be hired for free for up to 30 minutes. If you want to borrow a bike for the whole day, it will only cost £2!
16-25 railcard
If you’re planning to use National Rail services to get around London or you fancy venturing out to the rest of the UK, a 16-25 Railcard is what you’ll need! This card allows you to get 30% off rail tickets. Also booking tickets 12 weeks in advance can help you get some of the biggest savings. Also, if you don't have a student oyster card - you can go to a manned ticket office and link up your rail card to your regular Oyster card and enjoy 30% off-peak fares!
Skip the express
Most London airports (Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted) have express trains that promise to get you into central London quickly. Although they provide a fast service, the tickets are often expensive, with a Heathrow Express ticket costing upto £37 to get you into central. A cheaper option is to take the Underground that will get you straight into the centre of town for less than £5.
Ayesha Khan, SSW Communications and Projects Adviser and UCL alumna
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Getting around London
Planning to travel in London? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, let this guide help you make the most of your London experience. Travel from the airport to a hotel using Uber and discover popular routes and destinations. Depending on your city, you can even use the app to get around with public transport, bikes or scooters, and more.
Plus, check out Uber rates for riders and drivers and learn how to use Uber to get paid to drive or deliver in London.
Reserve car service in London with Uber
Arrange your car service needs in advance with Uber in London. Request a ride anytime up to 90 days ahead, whether you need transportation to London City Airport, you have plans to visit your favorite restaurant, or you’re going somewhere else.
Ride Sharing in London
Getting around London without a car is easy with Uber. Find places to visit in the area, then request a ride on any day and at any time of the week. You can request a ride in real-time or request a ride in advance so your ride is ready when you are. Whether you’re traveling in a group or alone, you can use the app to find a ride option for your needs.
Open the Uber app and enter your destination to begin exploring London.
London-area airport car service
When your travel in London takes you to an airport from a neighborhood, or elsewhere, open the app and request a ride at any time of day. Tap below on the name of a nearby airport to learn how to use Uber to get car service to arrivals and departures. On the linked airport page, you’ll find out where to meet your driver for pickup, how much the trip will cost, and more.
London City Airport (LCY)
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Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when getting around London. With Uber, you can trade flagging down cabs for requesting rides on demand, no matter the time of day. Request a ride from an airport to a hotel, head to a restaurant, or visit another place. The choice is yours. Open the app and enter a destination to get started.
Public transport in London
Getting around with public transport is an affordable way to travel. Depending on the area, you can view nearby bus or subway routes with Uber Transit to help plan your travels. Open the app to see if Uber Transit is available in your neighborhood or visit popular places in London by ridesharing with Uber.
Bike rentals in London
Biking is an eco-friendly way to get around the heart of a city. In select cities, you can find and ride electric bikes with Uber. Open the app to see if bikes are available in London. If bikes are available in London, remember to wear a helmet and follow traffic laws while riding.
Uber does not tolerate the use of alcohol or drugs by drivers using the Uber app. If you believe your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please have the driver end the trip immediately.
Commercial vehicles may be subject to additional state government taxes, which would be over and above the toll.
Please note: some trips to and from the airport can also incur a surcharge to cover the minimum cost of parking at airport car parks. If dynamic pricing is in effect, the quoted fare will take the current rates into account.
From 25 January 2016, all trips starting and ending at London airports will be calculated at standard rates (time + distance) instead of a flat rate. A Clean Air Fee of £0.03 per mile will also be charged, including on minimum fare trips. Learn more about Uber’s Clean Air Plan in London. .
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Money latest: The age when the average Briton pays off their mortgage revealed
The average Briton is 61 when they pay off their mortgage - a drop of two years. Meanwhile, Spotify is raising prices again. Read about this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog, and leave a comment in the form below.
Thursday 11 April 2024 22:26, UK
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- Spotify to hike subscription price by up to £24 a year
- Minimum income for family visa rises by £10,000
- Italy mourns 'end of Italian waiters in London' as visa rule brought in
- Wendy's creating 400 jobs as part of UK expansion
- The age when the average Briton pays off their mortgage
- 'WTF is going on with the price of olive oil?'
- Could I build a home gym for less than my gym membership?
- Basically... Tax codes
- Cheap Eats : Great British Menu legend shares ultimate toastie recipe
Ask a question or make a comment
Fake flights and caravans are the two most common items being sold by fraudsters in relation to travel, Lloyds Bank's research has found.
As Britons head online to book deals for the upcoming bank holidays and summer, they have been urged to "remain vigilant", with the average holiday scam victim being conned out of £765.
Amid rising flight costs post-COVID, people have been flocking to social media and other lesser-known websites to secure cheaper deals.
A food delivery company claims to have created an "unshakeable bag" to avoid spillage in transit.
Bolt, which owns the Bolt Food delivery platform, said its design is based on gyroscope technology and will keep food stable "during the most abrupt movements".
In a post to its website, the firm said it would make the design available to its competitors as it is "too powerful to be owned by any one company".
"We believe everyone should enjoy a perfect meal, regardless of which app they order it from," it said.
Assaulting a shopworker is to be made a separate criminal offence after a government U-turn following pressure from campaigners.
The government previously said "more legislative change" was not needed to tackle the "intolerable violence and abuse" faced by shopworkers, arguing it did not think it was "required or will be most effective".
But Rishi Sunak is now set to announce his government will be amending the Criminal Justice Bill to bring in the new offence.
The drugmaker was on its knees when Sir Pascal Soriot took over in 2012.
But under his leadership it now does just about everything the UK wants from a business - creating high value-added jobs and developing products that improve people's lives.
The FTSE 100's performance has lagged that of many of its peers, both in the United States and Europe, more or less since the Brexit vote in 2016.
That poor performance has reflected the poor valuation of many UK-listed companies - resulting in numerous foreign takeovers of UK businesses in recent months and years.
It has also led to a scarcity in the number of companies floating on the London Stock Exchange, most notably the Cambridge-based chip designer ARM Holdings , which last year opted to list in the US instead.
The situation has alarmed the government, which has announced a number of reforms aimed at raising the UK's attractiveness .
An imminent shareholder vote on Sir Pascal's pay makes a particularly interesting test case because few would dispute that he has been the most outstanding FTSE 100 chief executive of his generation.
This rise could take his potential earnings to £18.5m this year - which critics say is excessive.
Read my full piece here ...
England's average house price has risen by £103,000 over the last decade, while the average annual wage has risen by £7,734.
But some areas have seen homeownership affordability decline more than others...
The London borough of Barking and Dagenham has seen the most significant fall, according to moving platform Getamover.
The platform found the area has seen house prices more than double to £380,000 in the last 10 years - but wages have only risen by £2,182.
Hillingdon in West London took the second spot, with the average property shooting up by £230,000 to £495,000, while the average income increased by just £143.
While London remains the most unaffordable region, the East Midlands has also seen a notable fall.
Oadby and Wigston in Leicestershire ranked fifth in the table, with the average house price increasing by £129,000 and the median annual income growing by £2,644.
Gedling ranks sixth among the areas of England where the affordability of buying a home has declined most.
The Nottinghamshire region has seen house prices soar by 84.8% to £231,000, while the average income has risen by just 13.11% to £33,454.
You can see how other areas fared in the table below...
Rishi Sunak's post-Brexit rules for foreign workers are getting tough press in Italy this week - with claims they could mark the end of Italian waiters in London.
April saw the minimum salary requirement for a skilled worker visa increase from £26,200 to £38,700 - a near 50% rise as the government tries to reduce immigration.
Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica published an article on its site headlined "Italians in London, the long goodbye" after the new rule was brought in this month.
There were an estimated 342,000 Italians living in the UK in 2021, according to the latest Office for National Statistics census data.
La Repubblica said the new rule change would lead to the "end of the story" of Italy's "ancient roots" in the capital, which was founded by the Romans in 43 AD.
Separately, Italian journalist Antonio Polito wrote in the Corriere della Sera newspaper that the new salary for skilled workers was "an amount that no young novice can realistically earn".
"Thus London gives up one of its great assets, the fact of being an offshore and cosmopolitan city," he said.
Mr Sunak's post-Brexit rule change has worried hospitality bosses who are still struggling to get to grips with a post-COVID reality and rising costs.
Conor Sheridan, founder of Nory and Mad Egg restaurant chain, previously told the Money blog that roughly 14% of his 15,000 UK employee base were on working visas that could be affected.
Trade body UKHospitality also said the changes would "further shrink the talent pool that the entire economy will be recruiting from".
As the migration law came in, Home Secretary James Cleverly said it was "time to turn off the taps and end the flow of cheap workers from abroad".
"We are refocusing our immigration system to prioritise the brightest and best who have the skills our economy needs, while reducing overall numbers," he said.
Several of the UK's biggest supermarkets closed their gender pay gap in the last year - while Morrisons saw the biggest rise, figures show.
Ocado and Lidl reduced their gap by the largest amounts in 2023-24 compared to the previous year, while Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Co-op, Iceland and Waitrose owner John Lewis also saw a reduction.
The data comes from the government's gender pay gap service and states the difference in hourly rates of pay.
In contrast to other big-name brands, Morrisons saw its mean pay gap widen to 12.5% from 7.6%. M&S also saw a slight increase from 12.5% to 12.6%.
The mean figure gives the best overall view of the gender pay gap but includes extreme values which could skew the average.
Of the 11 biggest UK supermarkets, Co-op has the largest pay gap with 13.2%, followed by M&S and Morrisons.
An M&S spokesperson said: "We're committed to driving equal opportunities and making M&S a great place to work for women. Encouragingly our median pay gap has decreased, and women now make up more than 50% of our UK store management population, but we know there is more to do.
"We're making progress with the launch of new initiatives, talent programmes, and policies, including our flexible working offer – Worklife, a Job Share Finder, and our industry-leading family leave offer."
A spokesperson for Co-op said: "We are committed to treating our colleague member owners fairly, and this includes driving equitable outcomes for female colleagues. We've seen a significant reduction in our gender pay gap since we started to report data in 2017, and this year's data shows further progress towards closing it.
"It's important to reiterate that we don't pay people differently based on their gender at Co-op. The gender pay gap is caused by us having fewer females in leadership role, where salaries are higher.
"Our focus on improving representation remains, as we know this is one of the key drivers causing the gender pay gap. Today, 40% of our leadership population are female - this is not enough, which is why we’ve launched a series of development programmes and have a coaching and mentoring offer to support women with career progression.
"We know there’s still much to do in this space and will hold ourselves to account and continue to strive for gender equality."
Morrisons has also been contacted for comment.
Every Thursday we look at a different savings option, explain the pros and cons, and reveal the best deals on the market (see table below for that). This week we're talking about the best notice accounts. Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes says this...
As with the rest of the savings market, the top notice account rates have started to fall. However, there are stalwarts like the Investec 90-day notice account that are holding steady and as a result offering savers an opportunity to earn a little more, while not having to tie up their cash for too long.
A relatively unused aspect of the savings market, notice accounts offer a bit of a halfway house, with the best rates available generally paying more than the top easy access rates, but will more flexibility of access than a fixed term bond.
Just as it sounds, these savings accounts require you to give notice in order to access your money without a penalty. The usual notice period ranges from 30 to 120 days, although there are some accounts on the market that require six months or even a year's notice.
By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter
Another record month for Heathrow. Last month was the busiest ever March for the UK's biggest airport, the second record-breaking month in a row.
It was also the busiest Easter weekend as Good Friday became the busiest ever direct departure day, when 118,000 people began their journey at the airport.
It shows, despite cost of living pressures, lots of Britons were going on holiday.
More good news for Heathrow came earlier this week as planned strike action by 600 border force officers was called off to allow for negotiations in its dispute over working patterns.
Oil prices are still high, hanging around $90. A barrel of Brent crude oil, the benchmark for oil prices, costs $90.66. The last time prices were this high was in the wake of the 7 October attacks and fears of conflict spreading throughout the Middle East.
On the currency front, £1 buys $1.2538 and €1.1678.
How old is the average Briton when they buy their first home, or finish paying their mortgage, or retire?
These are some of the questions answered in a "Journeying Through Life" data dump from the Office for National Statistics.
Here are some of the key takeaways...
Home ownership - including the one life event that's happening earlier
People are buying homes later in life, perhaps unsurprisingly given how house prices have risen in the last decade or so.
In 2022, more than half of people owned their own home (either with a mortgage or outright) by the age of 36.
That's a significant increase on 2004's figures - which showed the average age for home ownership was 32.
This graph shows what proportion of people own homes at what age.
It isn't all doom and gloom on the homes front, however, with the age at which people own their home outright (ie mortgage paid off) dropping from 63 (in 2004) to 61 in 2020.
This is pretty much the only life event happening earlier, however.
Retiring later
Again, this probably won't come as a huge surprise, but people are retiring later.
The age where more than half of people were retired increased from 64 in 2011 to 66 in 2021.
There has been a bigger increase in average retirement age for women (from 61 years in 2011, to 66 years in 2021) than for men (from 65 in 2011 to 66 in 2021).
The ONS says this is because the state pension age for women was increased from 60 to 66 during this time to match men.
Gender pay gap shrinking but still present
The latest data shows that men are still, on the whole, being paid more than women - although the gender pay gap is shown to be shrinking.
For all employees, the gender pay gap was 14% in 2023 - compared with 20% in 2013.
Despite the gap shrinking, this graph shows that men's hourly wages are higher than women's at nearly all ages.
The grey shaded area represents the pay gap.
Another part of the data shows that males start work a touch earlier than women - with half of males in full-time employment by the age of 23 (compared with females at 24) in 2021.
That data could be explained by the fact that more women attend university - some 319,000 females compared with 285,000 males in 2022.
Moving out, marrying and having children
The age at which young people move out of their family homes is increasing, too.
In 2011, half of people were not living with their parents at the age of 21 - compared with 24 in 2022.
More men live with their parents than women, with 61% of adults living at home in 2021 were male.
When it comes to having children, the average age at which women have their first baby has risen to 29.
That's up from an average of just 23 in 1970.
And finally, marriage.
The median age at first marriage has been steadily increasing since the 1960s.
For opposite sex couples married in 2020, the median age was 32 years for men and 30 years for women. For those entering into same-sex marriage, the median age was older, at 36 years for men and 32 years for women.
As well as getting married older, fewer people are getting married. In 2019, marriage rates had fallen to their lowest on record. For men, there were 18.6 marriages per 1,000 never-married men; for women, there were 17.2 marriages per 1,000 never-married women.
Spotify has announced it is hiking its subscription prices by up to £24 a year.
It is the second time in less than a year that the music streaming giant has increased its prices.
Here's how the prices will change...
Individual: £11.99 a month (up from £10.99 a month)
Duo: £16.99 a month (up from £14.99 a month)
Family: £19.99 a month (up from £17.99 a month)
When will the change kick in?
The subscription price will change from May and if you are an existing customer Spotify will email you and give you one-month's notice of the change.
If you are on a free trial you will pay the old price for one month once your trial ends.
A Spotify spokesperson told Sky News: "So that we can keep innovating and delivering value to fans, the music industry, and creators on our platform, we occasionally update our prices.
"We've begun communicating with existing subscribers in the UK to explain what this means for their account."
American burger chain Wendy's will be recruiting for over 400 job roles as part of its expansion across the UK.
The chain returned to the UK in 2021 after a 20-year break and has since opened just over 30 sites, including drive-throughs in Colchester, Peterborough, Derby and Brampton Hut.
But the chain, which was founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1969, plans to open a further nine sites this year in Liverpool, Middlesbrough, and a second location in Sheffield.
New locations will include Liverpool, Middlesbrough and a second site in Sheffield.
Wendy's franchisee GH Burgers will open a first restaurant in Wood Green, London, this year.
There will also be restaurants in Southend-on-Sea, Colchester, Cambridge and Newcastle.
Michael Clarke, UK managing director for the Wendy's Company, told The Caterer : "We've seen great momentum in building Wendy's fandom in the UK, and the love and excitement for this iconic brand grows stronger with each new restaurant opening."
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Cheap Eats in London. ... Brooke Horrobin is a London, UK-based freelance travel writer who originates from Ontario, Canada. She has a passion for travel, so much so that she decided to move her life to the UK in 2020 to take on new adventures. Brooke loves giving recommendations, and her time in London has inspired her to share her favorite ...
Stick to off-peak travel. Journeys outside of Zone 1 in London are cheaper during off-peak travel times. Save money by avoiding travel during the morning and evening rush hours. Peak prices are in effect from 6.30am to 9.30am and 4pm to 7pm Monday to Friday. Travel during off-peak Fridays between 8 April and 31 May to benefit from off-peak ...
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.
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. 01 of 08.
There's a wealth of free and discounted attractions, cheap London travel options and budget accommodation to choose from. 101 free things to do. Money-saving tips. Cheap things to do. The London Pass. Budget hotels ...
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.
Contactless cards also automatically stop charging at the daily and weekly limits. Use the bus. Buses are a lot cheaper than the tube, costing just £1.50 on average for a journey and £4.50 for the whole day. Plus you'll get to see all the sights along the way. Check out bus route 88 for the ultimate sightseeing tour.
Discounts. Private Tours. Contact. Updated: January 14, 2024. By Margaret. This post provides 30 tips for those visiting London on a budget, including free museums, inexpensive food, discount theatre tickets, as well as budget itineraries. Save on Tours and Attractions. Budget Itineraries. Hotels and Accommodations.
1. Get a Visitor Oyster card. Oyster cards, Visitor Oyster cards and contactless payment cards offer the cheapest ways to travel in London. Using a Visitor Oyster Card* is more than 50% cheaper than buying one-day paper Travelcards or single tickets with cash (order one before you arrive to start saving immediately!).. Insider tip: Visitor Oyster Card holders qualify for a range of food, drink ...
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.
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 ...
London Bridge - Tower Bridge, Tower of London and St Paul's. South Bank - Tate Modern, Globe Theatre and Borough Market. 2. Use an 'Oyster Card' Instead of Cash. The London Underground (metro) system is a great way to get around the city and travel between attractions.
Tips for finding London package deals. There are loads of types of vacations in London and the cost will depend on what type of trip you're taking and for how long you'd like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $585; Family vacation $508; Romantic vacation $683; Luxury vacation $648; Budget ...
A round-trip ticket from Boston to London cost me 60,000 miles, plus a service charge of $165.10 in taxes and fees. The miles I used were "anytime miles," but American Airlines also offers "OffPeak Miles" (off-season really), and you can actually fly to London for as little as 40,000 miles round-trip.
For Heathrow, the 15min+ Heathrow Express is £22 on the day (off-peak), yet opt for a slower train and it's just £10.20. Cheapest of all, take a long ride on the Piccadilly tube line (46 minutes to Piccadilly Circus) and you pay just £3.10 with an Oyster or contactless card.
How to travel cheap in London. 1. Get an Oyster card. As you move around London you will spot locals tapping something against a yellow card reader at the underground turnstiles, on buses, trams, and even on the Thames Clipper Uber boat. This is an Oyster card, and it is an incredible 50% cheaper than buying single tickets or a paper travelcard.
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.
Bedford Corner Hotel. 11-13 Bayley Street, Bedford Square, London, England. $169. $203 total. includes taxes & fees. Apr 14 - Apr 15. 8.8/10 Excellent! (241 reviews)
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.
Full-Day Cotswolds Small-Group Tour. (2300) London on a budget for first timers. There's lots of free things to do in London. Avoid making these common tourist mistakes to save money.
Budget Restaurants London: Get a pizza and a donut. Photo: Crosstown Doughnut. Among the almost free things to do in London on a budget, you can basically get a full meal for less than £10. Sure, it won't be the veggie-based full meal - unless you head to the suburbs of London for affordable restaurants.
1. Know your Tube etiquette. One easy way to annoy commuters is to not follow these very easy rules when traveling around on London's Underground. Get your ticket, bank card or smart phone ready before you reach the ticket barriers so you don't create a queue. Stand on the right when using escalators so passengers wanting to walk can pass.
An Oyster card allows you to travel between all parts of London on the Underground, Trams (DLR), Overground, some river boats, Emirates Air Line, and the iconic red London buses. As a student you may be eligible to apply for an 18+ Oyster which will give you 30% off on weekly, monthly, and annual travel cards! Find out more about Oyster cards here.
Getting around with public transport is an affordable way to travel. Depending on the area, you can view nearby bus or subway routes with Uber Transit to help plan your travels. Open the app to see if Uber Transit is available in your neighborhood or visit popular places in London by ridesharing with Uber.
Hillingdon in West London took the second spot, with the average property shooting up by £230,000 to £495,000, while the average income increased by just £143.