London is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, but it is also one where you can see and do the most without spending anything. With a little planning you can visit well even on a tight budget. Here are the most useful tips.
The great free attractions
- The national museums: the British Museum, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Imperial War Museum and Greenwich's National Maritime Museum. All free for the permanent collections.
- Ceremonies: the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards.
- Church services: attending Evensong at St Paul's or Westminster Abbey lets you see them without paying for a sightseeing ticket.
- Views: the Sky Garden with booking, the tenth floor of Tate Modern, Primrose Hill, Parliament Hill and Greenwich Park.
- Parks and markets: Hyde Park, Regent's Park, Richmond Park, Borough Market, Portobello Road, Camden and Columbia Road.
- Walks: the South Bank, the Regent's Canal, the City at weekends, Notting Hill and its colourful houses.
- Parliament: sittings of the Commons and the Lords are open free to the public.
Saving on transport
Always use contactless or Oyster, never paper tickets, and always the same card, to benefit from daily and weekly caps. Buses are cheaper than the Tube, and with the Hopper fare you can change buses within an hour for the price of one journey: sit upstairs for a budget sightseeing tour. Walk as much as possible: many central stations are a few minutes apart. From the airports, choose the Underground or regional trains instead of express services.
Saving on accommodation
Modern hostels offer dorm beds and often private rooms at prices far below hotels. In summer university residences rent single rooms in central locations. At weekends business hotels in Canary Wharf and the City cut prices. Staying in zone 2, near a good Tube line, saves money without wasting time (see where to stay).
Saving on food
- Supermarket meal deals: sandwich, drink and snack at a fixed price, the office worker's lunch.
- Markets and street-food halls, with dishes from around the world for £8-12.
- Set lunch menus at many restaurants, including good ones.
- Pubs, for a hearty meal and an authentic atmosphere.
- Tap water is drinkable and can be requested free of charge in restaurants.
Shows and paid attractions
For theatre, the TKTS booth in Leicester Square and day-seat lotteries let you see great shows at reduced prices; at the Globe standing tickets cost very little. For paid attractions, buying online and in advance almost always saves money; if you plan to visit many, consider a combined pass, but do the maths carefully. Some national rail operators offer "two for one" deals on attractions for those travelling by train.
How much you spend per day
On a careful budget, sleeping in a hostel, eating at markets, using public transport and favouring free museums, you can manage London on about £70-90 a day per person; with a mid-range hotel, a few paid attractions and restaurant dinners it easily rises to £200 or more. See also the free museums, transport, the UK cost of living and the London guide.