Visit London on a Budget: Tips, Tricks & Affordable Things to Do

You often hear that London is an insanely expensive city, which can discourage many budget-conscious travelers. But with a little planning and a few clever tricks, it's totally possible to enjoy the British capital without breaking the bank.

I’ve been there—back when I was a broke college student (basically the same thing). I still wanted to visit several times. Hostels (some pretty terrible), overnight buses, cheap eats… not all great memories, but those trips helped me experience the city in depth and created some unforgettable moments.

In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to explore London without blowing your budget: transportation, lodging, sightseeing, food—you name it! Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with family or friends, you'll find plenty of practical advice here to make the most of your stay—even on a tight budget.

Is London Really That Expensive?

People often say London is super pricey—and that’s true in some ways, but not across the board. So before writing off a budget trip to London, it’s worth understanding where that reputation comes from.

🔴 What’s Expensive in London

• Accommodation: Rent is sky-high, even for tiny or poorly maintained spaces. London regularly ranks among the most expensive cities in the world for housing. What does that mean for tourists? Hotel rooms are costly—even basic 2 or 3-star ones. Rooms tend to be tiny, and space is heavily monetized. You’ll find hotels offering windowless rooms or single rooms the size of a closet.
• Transportation: The London Underground is about twice as expensive as the Paris Metro, for instance.
• Popular tourist attractions: Places like the London Eye, The Shard, or Madame Tussauds can set you back $38–50 / £30–40 per person.
• Restaurants and nightlife in touristy areas: A pint of beer in trendy neighborhoods can easily cost $9–10 / £7–8.

🟢 What’s Affordable (or Even Free!) in London

I’ll be sharing tons of budget-friendly activity ideas shortly, but here are a few things to keep in mind…

• Many incredible museums are completely free to enter.
• There are beautiful parks and green spaces throughout the city.
• Wander through unique neighborhoods full of character and history.
• Hop on scenic public bus routes for great views—way cheaper than a tourist bus. Or take the Thames Clippers (river buses) for an affordable cruise down the Thames.
• London also has tons of free or cheap events all year round—live performances, concerts, guided tours, stunning viewpoints, and more.

And yes, there are plenty of ways to eat on a budget—we’ll cover that later in the post!

In short, you’ll mainly want to save money on your two biggest expenses: lodging and transportation. For everything else, you’ll find no shortage of affordable activities—and even enough to fill several trips!

Travel Requirements for Entering the UK

Since the UK left the European Union, travelers from the EU (and some other countries) now face a few extra steps—even for a quick weekend in London.

In addition to a passport (now mandatory to enter the UK, so make sure you apply for one if you don’t already have it), there’s a new travel requirement you’ll need to budget for: the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). It’s similar to the ESTA used for travel to the US.

• It costs £16 per person (about $20 / €19), which can add up fast, especially for families.
• The ETA is mandatory for many citizens starting April 2025 and applies to children and babies too.
• You can apply easily online or through the UK ETA mobile app—it only takes a few minutes.
• The ETA is valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first)—handy if you’re planning to return to London or anywhere else in the UK soon.

How to Travel to London on a Budget

Bus, plane, or train—there are several affordable ways to get to London. Depending on where you live, it’s worth taking the time to compare prices! Also, don’t forget to check departure and arrival times: if your outbound trip is in the evening, you’ll need to pay for an extra night of accommodation—and you’ll lose out on a day of sightseeing because you'll arrive late.

Sometimes it’s better to spend a little more on transportation with better schedules—you’ll often get more value out of your trip that way.

Taking the Bus: A Super Cheap Option (If You’re Not Too Far)

• Average price: $22–66 / £18–52 round-trip
• Travel time: 9–10h (from Paris), 12–17h from other cities in continental Europe

Taking the bus is often the cheapest way to get to London, but it’s only a good option if you’re coming from relatively close—like parts of northern France, Belgium, or the Netherlands. If you're farther away, the long travel time and potential lack of comfort make it a lot less appealing.

  Several budget companies operate international routes to London:

• FlixBus – Offers ultra-low fares from cities across Europe, including Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Cologne, and more.
• BlaBlaCar Bus – Runs routes from cities in France, Belgium, and beyond, often with great early-bird deals.

[conseils]Tips to save money on bus travel:

• Book early: the cheapest tickets sell out quickly.
• Consider overnight journeys to save on accommodation costs and maximize sightseeing time.
• Use a fare comparison site like Omio to check routes and prices across all major bus companies.

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Cheap Flights to London

• Average price: from $55 / £44 round-trip (varies by city, airline, and season)
• Travel time: 1h30–3h00 depending on your departure city in Europe, plus 2h at the airport + time for getting from the airport to central London

Flying can be a smart—and often the cheapest—option if you live near a city served by a budget airline. Many European cities offer low-cost flights to London, and flight times are short enough that it's often faster and more convenient than buses or trains.

Popular airlines include:

• Ryanair – Serves cities like Madrid, Milan, Marseille, Porto, Bucharest, and more.
• EasyJet – Operates from locations such as Berlin, Geneva, Nice, Lisbon, and Lyon.
• Vueling, Wizz Air, Transavia, Norwegian – Also offer seasonal or year-round flights to London from various European hubs.

Routes vary depending on the season and current demand, so it's worth comparing options early.

[conseils]Tips to get the cheapest flight possible:

• Set a price alert on Skyscanner to get notified when fares drop.
• Don’t overlook traditional airlines—they can sometimes be cheaper than low-cost ones once you add baggage fees.
• Travel midweek if possible—flights are usually cheaper than on weekends.
• Pack light: traveling with just a carry-on can help you avoid extra fees.
• Plan your transfer to central London in advance if flying into airports like Stansted or Luton—the savings can disappear quickly if you book last-minute.

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Taking the Train (Eurostar): Fast and Comfortable (If You’re Close)

• Average price: $96–175 / £76–139 round-trip
• Travel time: 2h15 (from Paris), about 1h30 from Lille

The Eurostar train is one of the most comfortable and efficient ways to reach London—especially if you’re coming from cities directly connected by high-speed rail. It arrives right in the heart of London at St. Pancras Station, with no airport transfers and generous luggage allowances.

However, Eurostar only departs from a few cities in continental Europe, including Paris, Lille, Brussels, and Amsterdam. If you’re not based in one of these, you’ll likely need an additional train or car ride to reach the station—adding both time and cost. Also, prices tend to rise quickly as departure dates approach.

Still, if you're based near a departure city and you book early, Eurostar can be a fantastic deal.

[conseils]Tips to get the best price:

• Subscribe to the Eurostar newsletter—they often run flash sales with one-way tickets from Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam to London for as low as $48 / £38.
• Book early: tickets tend to get more expensive as the departure date approaches.
• Travel midweek: Tuesdays to Thursdays are usually the cheapest days to travel.

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Summary: What’s the Best Cheap Way to Get to London?

Where to Stay in London on a Budget

Budget Hostels in London

London has plenty of budget hostels offering dorms (and sometimes private rooms) at affordable prices. Compare prices carefully though—sometimes they’re as pricey as a basic hotel or Airbnb. You can Wombat's City Hostel London – Just 600 meters (0.37 miles) from Aldgate East and Tower Hill stations, and 700 meters (0.43 miles) from Tower Bridge.

💰 Average price: from $28–55 / £22–44 per night
🏨 Best for: Solo travelers, young adults, backpacking groups

Airbnb: Budget-Friendly Private Rooms

If hostels aren’t your thing, renting a private room in someone’s home on Airbnb can be a great alternative. It’s often cheaper than a hotel and gives you access to a kitchen—perfect for saving money on meals. If you’re traveling as a pair, sharing a room can be just as cheap (or cheaper) than staying in a hostel.

[conseils]Tips for finding a budget Airbnb:

• Choose a private room in someone’s home instead of a full apartment—it’s much more affordable.
• Pick a place close to a Tube station and do a quick journey planner search from that station to "Westminster". It'll give you a solid idea of how far you are from Big Ben—great for checking location.
• Read guest reviews carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises—choose hosts with good ratings and a solid history.

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💰 Average price: $55–88 / £44–70 per night for a private room
👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: Couples, travelers looking for more comfort

Budget Hotels in London

If you prefer a budget hotel, it’s important to be strategic to get the best value. Since the Covid pandemic, prices have increased significantly—and like in any major city, hotel rates in London vary a lot depending on the season, current deals, and demand. So be ready to do a little digging.

You can King’s Cross (near St Pancras Station) and Victoria—both are easy to access. For example, here are a few well-located, affordable hotels in London:

• The Tavistock Hotel – Under 15 minutes' walk to St Pancras and 5 minutes from Russell Square Tube station.
• Howard Winchester – Just 3 minutes from St Pancras.

Personally, after 2–3 hostel experiences, I found hotels to be a better fit—quieter and more private.

Chains like Travelodge, Premier Inn, and Best Western can also offer great weekday deals. Of course, you won’t get the charm of a local B&B, but hey—budget travel is all about setting priorities! Nox Hotels are another brand that sometimes offers excellent last-minute rates for budget travelers:

You can also stay a bit further out to save—just make sure you choose a direct route to avoid wasting time on long commutes. For example, check out the Dukes Head Inn in Richmond upon Thames (about 35 minutes from Westminster via the District Line), or The Gateway Hotel in Wandsworth (about 35 minutes to Covent Garden).

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• Compare prices on multiple sites (Booking, Hotels.com, the hotel’s official website…)
• If breakfast isn’t included, don’t pay extra for it—budget hotel breakfasts are often low-quality and overpriced. You’ll get a better, more authentic English breakfast at a local café for less!
• If you only use your hotel to sleep, look for windowless rooms—they’re usually cheaper.

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💰 Average price: $88–145 / £70–115 per night
🔑 Best for: Travelers looking for more comfort and independence

Couchsurfing and Student Housing: Budget Options Worth Considering

If you’re outgoing and enjoy meeting people, you could try couchsurfing: this platform allows you to stay for free with locals who host travelers. It’s customary to bring a small gift to thank your host—and in return, you get local tips and a more authentic experience. Personally, it’s not my favorite option, but lots of people love this immersive travel style.

Be sure to plan ahead, check reviews carefully, and personalize your message when contacting a potential host.

Another lesser-known but smart option: some universities rent out student dorms at budget rates during summer. Check out places like International Students House, International Hall, or the London School of Economics accommodations.

Getting Around London on a Budget

Getting around the city can be a big part of your overall costs. Here are some helpful tips to keep things under control.

The Oyster Card: Save on Transportation

First, I highly recommend getting an Oyster Card to pay for all your trips around London. It’s a rechargeable travel card that automatically calculates the lowest fare based on the time of day and number of journeys. You can use it on the Tube (day and night), buses, trams, Thames Clippers (river buses), the DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth Line, and even for airport transfers from Heathrow (Piccadilly Line), Gatwick (Thameslink or Southern), and London City Airport (DLR).

The Oyster system applies off-peak pricing when applicable and caps your daily spending—meaning all rides after you hit the limit are free for the rest of the day.

There are two types of Oyster Cards, both costing £7 (≈ $9 / €8.20) and reusable for future trips. Here’s the difference:

• Standard Oyster Card: refundable if needed, including unused balances under £10 (≈ $13 / €11.70). You can buy it once you’re in London.
• Visitor Oyster Card: no refunds for the card or unused balance. It comes preloaded with a set amount and offers small discounts on attractions like river cruises and some restaurants. Must be ordered online before your trip.

Personally, I think the standard Oyster Card is the best option in most cases.

To estimate how much to load onto your card, check which zones you’ll be traveling in. Most tourists stay within zones 1–2 (which share the same pricing). If your hotel is further out, you might need access to additional zones. Then check the fare caps for the zones you’ll be using. For example, if you only travel in zones 1–2, the 2025 daily cap is £8.90 (≈ $11.20 / €10.30). So for a 3-day trip, expect to spend about £26.70 (≈ $33.60 / €30.90).

For even more convenience, you can also use contactless payment with your bank card or phone—it follows the same fare cap system. Just make sure your bank doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees (many traditional banks still do!).

The London Underground: Essential but Expensive

The London Underground (Tube) is the fastest way to get around—but it can be pricey. The city and surrounding areas are divided into 6 fare zones. The further from the center you go, the higher the zone number—and the more you’ll pay. If your hotel is in Zone 6 and you're sightseeing in Zone 1, transport costs will add up.

[conseils]How to spend less on the Tube

• Use an Oyster Card
• If you pay with contactless, check your bank's foreign transaction fees
• Travel during off-peak hours (weekdays after 9:30am, before 4pm, or after 7pm) if you're outside Zones 1–2. Off-peak fares are lower. Within Zones 1–2, pricing stays the same all day.
• Never buy paper tickets—they’re outrageously expensive. A single Zone 1 ride costs £7 as of this writing!

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Buses: An Affordable and Scenic Option

London buses have it all! They're the city’s cheapest form of public transportation—and they come with the charm of classic red double-deckers. They’re wheelchair accessible and run an extensive network across the capital, day and night.

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Why are London buses so cheap?

• They use the "Hopper fare": just £1.75 (≈ $2.20 / €2.05) for unlimited journeys within one hour, with a daily cap of £5.25 (≈ $6.60 / €6.15).
• They accept Oyster Cards and all related discounts (free travel for kids under 11, 50% off for ages 11–15).

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Another great perk: many bus routes take you past iconic London landmarks—so you can see the city’s highlights without paying for an expensive tourist bus! I’ve even put together a guide to the best bus routes in London for a budget-friendly sightseeing experience.

Honestly, it’s my favorite option if you’re traveling on a tight budget!

Cycling: Cheap and Eco-Friendly!

If you enjoy the outdoors, biking around London is another great low-cost option! Like in many large cities, London has a bike-sharing system called Santander Cycles. I’ve written a full guide here, but the key takeaway is: there are over 800 docking stations across London, so bikes are easy to find.

How much does it cost?

• Single ride: £1.65 (≈ $2.10 / €1.95) for up to 30 minutes, then £1.65 per additional 30 minutes. E-bikes cost £3.30 (≈ $4.15 / €3.85) per 30 minutes.
• Multiple rides: There’s a £3 day pass (≈ $3.80 / €3.50) that gives you unlimited 30-minute rides. Add £1 (≈ $1.25 / €1.15) for e-bikes.

[conseils]
Be sure to plan your route with an app like Citymapper. And remember—traffic drives on the left!
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Thames Clippers: Budget-Friendly River Cruises

Like many major cities with a river, London offers sightseeing cruises—some with dinner, lunch, or even afternoon tea on board. But those experiences can be pricey. If you want to enjoy the Thames on a budget, take the Thames Clippers (also known as Uber Boats by Thames Clippers).

They’re basically river buses—regular boats used by both locals and tourists who want to skip traffic and the Tube.

📌 Why it’s worth it:

• Scenic views of Big Ben, the London Eye, The Shard, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London
• The chance to ride all the way to Greenwich—home to beautiful parks, great views of Canary Wharf, and the free National Maritime Museum
• Less crowded than the Underground during rush hour
• You can pay using your Oyster Card and get 30% off the regular ticket price

💰 Prices vary based on distance: between £6 and £18 (≈ $7.60–22.70 / €7–21) for a one-way trip.
For example, going from Westminster to Greenwich costs around £11 (≈ $13.85 / €12.85). Westminster to Tower Bridge is about £10 (≈ $12.60 / €11.70).

How to Eat Cheaply in London

If you’re heading to London on a tight budget, you might consider bringing food from home. It’s a good way to save money—just keep in mind that London can be quite chilly. After walking around all day, it’s nice to sit down in a cozy café or grab a warm meal at a fast-food spot to recharge.

To eat cheap, you can buy ready-made meals from supermarkets. British stores offer a wide variety—including fresh fruit packs and healthy options. Sandwiches and wraps are especially popular as lunch staples in the UK—often paired with a small bag of crisps (including the classic salt and vinegar flavor!).

There are also many fast food options—not just Burger King, but tons of local places offering burgers, burritos, hot dogs, and more. Check out Dishoom (affordable Indian food) or Franco Manca for great sourdough pizzas. Don’t miss street food stalls in places like Berwick Street Market for budget-friendly takeaway.

In the morning, you’ll find traditional English breakfasts at great prices:

• Under £7 (≈ $8.80 / €8.20) at Café Oz
• Around £13 (≈ $16.40 / €15.20) at The Breakfast Club
• £13–15 (≈ $16.40–19 / €15.20–17.50) for a full brunch at Cappadocia Café & Bistro near St Pancras

Eggs, bacon, beans, mushrooms—plus more traditional options—will keep you full so you can skip or go light on lunch ;)

12 Cheap (or Free) Things to Do in London

1. National Museums

London has world-class museums—and many of them offer completely free permanent exhibits. A few examples:

• British Museum – Art and antiquities from around the world (Egyptian mummies, Rosetta Stone, etc.)
• National Gallery – European paintings (Van Gogh, Monet, Turner, and more)
• Tate Modern – Modern and contemporary art (Warhol, Rothko…)
• Tate Britain – British art from the 16th century to today (Turner, Hockney…)
• Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) – Decorative arts, fashion, design, furniture
• Science Museum – Interactive and fun—great for families
• Natural History Museum – Dinosaurs, minerals, wildlife… very visual and popular
• National Portrait Gallery – Portraits of iconic British figures
• London Museum – Tells the story of London from prehistoric times to now. Currently visit the "Museum of London Docklands" while a new main site opens in Smithfield in 2026.
• Imperial War Museum – Armed conflict and modern military history
• Royal Air Force Museum – Aviation and RAF history
• National Maritime Museum (Greenwich) – British naval history
• Queen’s House (Greenwich) – An art gallery housed in a historic mansion
• Bank of England Museum – The history of money and the UK’s central bank

Other great free spots include the Saatchi Gallery, the Wallace Collection, the Whitechapel Gallery, the Serpentine Galleries, and the Guildhall Art Gallery (home to Roman amphitheater ruins)!

2. Parks and Green Spaces

London is full of lush green spaces. You can get up close to squirrels in Hyde Park, enjoy a picnic beneath centuries-old trees in Kensington Gardens, or relax by the lake in St James’s Park with views of Buckingham Palace.

Love wide-open spaces? Don’t miss Richmond Park, where deer roam freely, or Greenwich Park, offering stunning panoramic views of Canary Wharf’s skyline. Every park has its own vibe—from wild nature to classic English gardens and dramatic city views.

3. Explore London’s Most Iconic Neighborhoods

If you’re visiting London on a budget, take the time to simply wander the streets. It’s a totally free way to soak up the city’s atmosphere. Each neighborhood has its own personality, history, and curiosities. You’ll go from postcard-perfect charm to gritty underground vibes in just a few Tube stops.

Depending on your interests and how long you’re staying, you could check out:

• The colorful and elegant façades of Notting Hill, made famous by the movie
• The romantic canals of Maida Vale, nicknamed “Little Venice”
• Covent Garden with its street performers and market vibes
• Camden Town for food stalls, shops, and crowd-watching
• Shoreditch for epic street art and vintage shopping
• The Thames riverside for incredible views of the London Eye, Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London
• London’s covered markets like Leadenhall Market (a Harry Potter filming location), Borough Market for foodies, or Old Spitalfields Market for trendy shopping.

4. Watch the Changing of the Guard

A true London classic—and it doesn’t cost a penny! The Changing of the Guard is a traditional ceremony where the "New Guard" marches in with music to replace the "Old Guard" at Buckingham Palace.

The ceremony usually starts at 10:45 AM (weather permitting), but it doesn’t happen daily—typically on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Make sure to check the official schedule on the Household Division website to confirm it’s happening during your visit.

Where to stand?
Most people gather right in front of the palace gates—but it’s the most crowded spot. For a better view:

• Try the Victoria Memorial (the big white statue in front of the palace) for a more open view
• Along The Mall, where you can watch the guards marching
• Near St James’s Palace for a more relaxed experience

When to arrive?
Aim to get there 30–45 minutes early, or even an hour in high season (summer, holidays, weekends). Crowds build up fast!

It’s also a great opportunity to explore the nearby royal sights: Green Park, St James’s Park, The Mall, Clarence House—all within walking distance.

5. Take in the View from a Free Skyscraper

You’ve probably heard of The Shard—it’s a striking, needle-like skyscraper with a pricey observation deck. But don’t worry, London has free alternatives for enjoying epic city views on a budget.

The most popular option is the Sky Garden, located at 20 Fenchurch Street. At the top, you’ll find a spacious glass atrium with indoor gardens and a terrace offering 360° views over the Thames, the Tower of London, The Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral—even the London Eye in the distance!

It’s free, but you need to book a ticket online in advance (3 weeks ahead, and they go fast!).

There’s also a café, bar, and restaurants if you’d like to enjoy a drink or brunch with a view.

Another great option: Horizon 22 (at 22 Bishopsgate), slightly higher than Sky Garden (58th floor vs. 43rd) with similar views. Free tickets must be reserved 30 days in advance.

6. Browse Harrods, Liberty, and Hamleys

Even on a tight budget, it’s worth wandering through London’s most iconic department stores.

Harrods, located in upscale Knightsbridge, is especially magical during the holidays. Built during the Victorian era and revamped with marble and bronze by the Al-Fayed family, it combines rococo, Art Nouveau skylights, and even an Egyptian-themed escalator.

For a more bohemian feel, visit Liberty London in Soho. It’s housed in a stunning timber-framed building and full of British charm—from homeware and stationery to fashion and gifts. (I used to think it only sold Liberty-print fabric—turns out it’s much more than that!)

Also worth a stop: Hamleys on Regent Street—one of the largest toy stores in the world! A perfect excuse to relive your childhood or take a walk around nearby Piccadilly Circus.

7. Save on Entertainment

If you’re hoping to see a show, head to Leicester Square where you can get discounted tickets at the TKTS booth—sometimes up to 50% off!

Some theaters also offer budget tickets to preview performances (rehearsals with costumes and full sets, just before opening night) or for seats with restricted views.

The National Theatre has great deals—including £10 Friday Rush every Friday at 1pm, with cheap tickets for the following week’s shows.

You can also catch amazing student productions at top drama schools like RADA or the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama—tickets are just £10–16 (≈ $12.60–20 / €11.70–18.70)!

And of course, just grab a drink at a local pub—it’s a beloved British tradition. For a truly historic one, try Ye Olde Mitre.

Also look out for street performances around Covent Garden and Southbank, plus free gigs in places like Shoreditch pubs and Union Chapel.

8. Discover Historic Cemeteries

It’s not for everyone, but London is home to several historic cemeteries that are worth visiting—similar to Paris’s Père Lachaise. Some are part of the “Magnificent Seven,” a group of large 19th-century cemeteries built outside central London.

The most famous is Highgate Cemetery, where Karl Marx is buried. The East side is ticketed, but the West is occasionally free during special events. It’s a magical, overgrown spot that feels frozen in time.

Other impressive cemeteries include Abney Park, Tower Hamlets, Nunhead, and Kensal Green—great if you’ve already seen the big tourist sites and want a different perspective on the city.

9. Spot Film & TV Locations

London is a film lover’s dream—countless movies and series have been shot here. Popular locations include:

• Harry Potter: Leadenhall Market (Diagon Alley), Millennium Bridge
• Notting Hill: Portobello Road, The Coronet Theatre
• Bridget Jones: Borough Market, The Globe Tavern
• Paddington: Paddington Station
• James Bond: MI6 HQ at Vauxhall, Tower of London
• The Crown: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, Lancaster House

Pick your favorite theme or neighborhood and explore London through a cinematic lens!

10. Hunt for Unique Statues and Street Art

London is full of fun and quirky statues—keep your eyes open!

• "Scenes in the Square": statues of icons like Harry Potter, Wonder Woman, Batman, Paddington, Mr. Bean, Mary Poppins, and more around Leicester Square
• Charlie Chaplin statue also in Leicester Square
• Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens
• Paddington Bear at Paddington Station
• Famous figures: Columbus (Belgrave Sq), De Gaulle (Carlton Gardens), Washington (Trafalgar Sq), Churchill (Parliament Sq), Princess Diana (Kensington Palace)
• Shoreditch is packed with amazing street art

A fun way to explore the city—just stay curious and keep looking up.

11. Join “Free” Walking Tours

Several local tour companies in London offer "free" walking tours. Why the quotes? Because it’s a “pay what you want” system: the guide collects donations at the end, and you give what feels fair.

Try SANDEMANs Tours, Strawberry Tours, or GuruWalk. Topics include:

• London’s most famous landmarks
• Jack the Ripper walking tour in the East End
• Historic London: St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London
• Neighborhood walks: the City, Soho, Camden, Mayfair
• Shoreditch street art
• British Museum highlights
• Harry Potter and Sherlock Holmes-themed tours
• Historical tours: Great Fire of London, WWII London

Even without spending much, you can have unforgettable experiences in London.

I totally understand that, for many travelers, spending several hundred euros/dollars on transport and lodging is already a big commitment. It’s not easy to do London for less—unless you combine multiple budget hacks like free stays, packed food, or carpooling.

But I hope this guide showed you that London isn’t just for big spenders. With a bit of creativity, planning, and curiosity, you can have a memorable trip without draining your wallet. This city is magical—you can marvel at a Victorian façade, a Thames sunset, a surprise piece of street art, or an impromptu concert… all for free.

London is generous to wanderers, culture lovers, park-goers, and art fans. So don’t be intimidated by its pricey reputation—many of its best treasures are absolutely free. Sometimes, all it takes is a double-decker bus, a sandwich by the river, and a comfy pair of shoes to make a perfect day.