How to Travel London on a Budget
London conjures up many images like world-class museums, galleries, historical marvels, exclusive pubs, restaurants and top-class clothing brands. Visiting the glitzy city of London on your wish list? With little planning and smart budget calculations, you can squeeze the most of your trip expenses in this pricey city.
Consider using some of the money saving formulas to enjoy an affordable visit in London. And you know what the interesting bit is? The inexpensive tour options in the city are way more fascinating than high-priced alternatives!
Check out some of the cool and cheap tours you could do in River Thames and Houses of Parliament.
Here is the list of free and discounted travel, accommodation and shopping options that will not burn a hole in your pocket. Related Article: 11 Awesome Things to do in England, UK
Table of Contents
1. Getting around Free London Attractions
There are many in beautiful attractions and landmarks the city which you can visit without paying a single penny. Isn’t that amazing? Get an Oyster Card travel, which helps you to save 50% in public transport system. Using the pass, you can get heavy discounts on range of other things like drinks and food.
You can pay visit to top art galleries and museums like Tate Modern, Tate Britain, National Gallery and British Museum, and outdoor spaces such as Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath absolutely free. Another mesmerising thing to watch for free is the “Changing of the Guard” at Buckingham Palace. So you can do really amazing things for Free!
Check out some of the cool and cheap tours you could do in Tate Modern, Tate Britain, National Gallery, British Museum, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace.
2. Markets to bargain
There are many places to shop in the city where you can get some unique shopping experience at affordable rates. market, Farmers market, street markets and Camden lock market are some of the places where you can bargain a lot and haggle for high saving. Be it fresh produces to art and antiques, designer clothes to vintage, get to shop everything at discounted rates.
Stores like Primark and vintage emporiums can offer you cheap fashionable clothes and retro products.
Related Article: Looking for affordable accommodation? Check out our Ultimate List of Best Hostels in London.
3. Budget Accommodation
For affordable accommodation option look no further and book from budget hotel chains and serviced apartments in the nearby neighbourhoods. Stay at Old Street, Shoreditch, Hoxton, Islington and Canary Wharf where you can get good serviced apartments at affordable rates and enjoy all the luxuries of the hotel. And you can camp in London as well. You can also check the list of cheap hotels in London here.
Check out some of the cool and cheap tours you could do in Old Street and Canary Wharf.
4. Free travel for Kids in London
Did you know the fact the young kids under the age of five can travel for free if they are travelling with adults who are paying all the fare. They do not need oyster card to travel. Another option would be to travel at discounted rates using zip oyster card which is an Oyster photo card for young person. To get this card, you need to apply for it in advance.
5. Look for an Online Fix – Free Wi-fi Spots
In London, there are lot many locations where you can get free Wi-Fi access including most cafes like Costa, Starbucks and Pret a Manger. You can also get free Wi-Fi at five library locations. Though you can get it for free only for half hour but you can make most of it.
You can use Skype to stay in touch with your friends and family rather than talking to them on phone.
6. Look for Best Eating-out places
If you are looking for affordable restaurants and want to enjoy some good food, there are many good restaurants in the city offering excellent food, a true value for money. You can fill your stomach with scrumptious food without emptying your wallet. Some of the best ones include Masala zone, Mestizo Mexican restaurant, Spaghetti House – Sicilian Avenue and Clockjack Oven, to name a few.
7. Enjoy Happy Hours
If are all geared up to have fun in exotic pubs, make sure you visit the place in happy hours. You can surely grab a good deal on drinks and food this time. Another option would be to get along to one many student club nights in London. For this entry, you can check the tickets online and get all information about the student club to save money.
With so much to do for free in this expensive city, you will surely enjoy an amazing day out, discovering the great city of London.
I always looking at your page and trying to get an information to get a visa going to London or in Czech republic, I am a student here in philippines and hopefully you can help me to give a advice on how to get a visa while I’m here staying in Philippines going to London maybe? Also dreaming that its easy to get visa.
this blog is very useful, thanks for sharing your experience, especially on how to book a cheaper flight i’m from the Philippines and we are planning to visit London.
Extremely helpful for those who’d like to see London but have a budget. I love that kids can travel for free.
Yes, Louisa! Visitors should realise that it’s possible to travel London on a Budget.
Travelling in London could be expensive, that’s the fact, but with the suggestions like these, the expense can be reduced. a lot more. I’ve visited London some years ago, and definitely will want to visit the city again.
Hello Rose! You got the point! With this list on how to travel London on a Budget, travelers can save a lot and even and enjoy more the city.
Definetly top on my list when Ill visit Europe and I know its going to be expensive but thanks for sharing this budget tip. Will surely take note of it!
Our pleasure, Cai! Hope you can use this guide on how to Travel London on a Budget soon.
London is my dream city! I wish I will be given the chance to go there!
Go for it, Franco! Feel free to use this post on Travel London on a Budget soon whenever you needed.
Oh nice tips. I think now that Britian has left the EU we will be getting an instant 10% discount due to currency exchange rates, I think the Wifi tip is a great way to meet people too.
Jameela
Haha. Jam and Team, that’s a useful tip to help one to travel London on a Budget
As someone who’s lived in London for 6 years, I definitely agree with all of the tips you’ve pointed out. Free wi-fi is the best 🙂
Thank you, Lubka! Anything to add on how to travel London on a Budget?
Excellent points, reminded me of my time in London a few years ago. This should be a great time to visit London too 🙂
xx, Kusum
Time for a visit, Kusum and use all these tips on how to travel London on a Budget.
How cool!!!! I’ve always wanted to visit London, but had to postpone my trip due to not having enough money. Thanks for sharing such useful post, pinned it!
Thank you, Eugenia! Now, you have some points on how to travel London on a Budget.
London is the top city on my bucket list! I’d love to visit there someday. Thanks for sharing these tips. Have pinned your post for my future reference!
Looking forward to you trip, Ana! Just travel London on a Budget! 😉
What I love about London is the endless possibilities there are that don’t cost a penny. There is street art, free museums and of course castles and towers.
Indeed, Ana! You are a perfect source to add some tips on how to travel London on a Budget.
There are actually tons of great things to do in London for free, it’s the accomodation that tends to be the biggest expense so your tips on using things like serviced apartments instead of hotels are spot on, especially in those areas you mentioned. Finally the hipsters have come in handy!
Exactly, Michael. Nothing more reliable than a local who speaks on how to travel London on a Budget.
These are great tips! I love exploring London and no matter how many times Ive been I always find something new to explore.
When do you plan to come back, Carrie? Keep in mind on how to travel London on a Budget. 😉
This is great information. I’ve always wanted to go to London, but have been told it’s one of the most expensive cities to visit.
Then you can get some tips on how to travel London on a Budget here, Karla! Hope you can visit it soon.
This is awesome advice. I’d definitely try to do some free stuff. I have to remember happy hours too.
Thank you, Liz! That is definitely a point to note on how to travel London on a Budget.
Love these insider tips! I have yet to visit London myself, but I’ll make sure to go back to this post when I do. Cheers!
You should go soon, Aleah! Might as well use these tips on how to travel London on a Budget.
Great tips! London is at the top of my “must visit” list since I have wanted to go there for years! I will be saving this post for when I do go!
Thank you, Courtney! Looking forward to your visit and maybe you can add more points on how to travel London on a Budget.
You can def experience London on a budget, it just requires some careful planning. In fact, it definitely leads to some amazing spontaneous opportunities to explore the city. Great tips!
Certainly, Jennifer! 🙂 Feel free to share these tips on how to travel London on a Budget for more awesome trips to this city. 🙂
I didn’t think it was possible to travel to the uk on a budget but i was totally wrong! thanks for sharing
Hi Janella! It’s definitely possible to travel London on a Budget.
If only I could find a way to get my family there for cheap! We have 5 children and the plane ticket prices can be outrageous! I love the idea of browsing street markets, those are my favorite… really get to know a city interacting with the people!
That would be quite challenging, Sheena, but sure you can find ways on how to travel London on a Budget.
oh i love this post!! I am from Canada and it is just so expensive to go to Europe i love all these ideas!
Time to explore Europe, Emma! Traveling London on a Budget can be a good start.
Everybody going to London should read this post! It’s insanely expensive there! That being said, it’s probably my fave city on Earth!
I absolutely love London. There’s so much diversity and so many amazing things to see and do! Your post captures that so well!
great tips and super helpful , I’ll save them for my visit
Great information! I am all about saving money.
Love,
Ivelisse | CarnationDreams.com
London is one of my future destinations, I love this post a lot of great tips and super helpful. I need all the information I can find before going, thanks!
Thanks for all these tips! I think this is very important for a lot of people! Greetings!
I live in info. And feel so lucky to do do. So mNy amazing things on my doorstep. Great post and ideas!
I have never been to London before, but plan on doing with in the next few years, so thanks for this, will be needing it
Oh yeah. Everybody (ok, I guess most people?) need a budget friendly travel guide! Nice. Your picture of that budget hotel is not too bad at all.
A nice guide here. London seems to be a cool place. This is good.
We are going to London and Spain in March, looking forward to using your tips.
Visiting Primark in London is on my top agenda. My friends have got some wonderful stuff from there at jaw-dropping prices. I will be visiting London next year for the second time and your post is definitely coming handy for me. Thanks!
Saving money in London is good. These suggestions are welcome!
Thanks Charles! =)