Budget-Friendly London

Exploring budget-friendly London doesn’t mean missing out. In fact, some of the city’s best experiences won’t cost you a penny. Whether you’re a student with a backpack, a solo adventurer on a shoestring, or just trying to keep costs down while seeing the sights, London has plenty of affordable gems. From world-class museums with free entry to local food markets and quirky walking tours, this city can surprise you with how much fun you can have without draining your wallet.

This guide is here to help you get the best of London without breaking the bank. We’ve rounded up a mix of totally free attractions, cheap eats, budget-friendly nightlife, local tips, and ways to get around that won’t cost the earth. The city is yours to explore, and we’re here to make sure it’s affordable, unforgettable, and just a little bit cheeky.

Free Must-Sees

The British Museum

A true London classic, and it’s completely free. Explore ancient Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone, Greek sculptures, and artefacts from across the globe. The museum is massive, so you might want to plan your route in advance.
Location: Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00–17:00, Friday until 20:30
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Enlightenment Gallery – it’s often quieter and beautifully lit.

Tate Modern

Set inside a converted power station along the Thames, Tate Modern is home to contemporary works from the likes of Warhol, Hockney, and Kusama. The main collections are free to browse, and the building itself is a marvel.
Location: Bankside
Admission: Free (special exhibitions cost extra)
Opening Hours: Sunday–Thursday 10:00–18:00, Friday–Saturday until 22:00
Insider Tip: Head to the Blavatnik Building’s free viewing level for panoramic views of London.

Sky Garden

This tropical garden in the sky gives you sweeping views of London’s skyline — for free! It’s a gorgeous space with indoor plants, glass walls, and a few cafés.
Location: 20 Fenchurch Street
Admission: Free, but you must book a timed slot online
Opening Hours: Weekdays 10:00–18:00, Weekends 11:00–21:00
Insider Tip: Book about two weeks in advance as slots fill up fast.

Cheap Eats

Dishoom Breakfast (Before 11:45 AM)

This Bombay-style café chain serves an early morning bacon naan roll that’s the stuff of legend. The prices are reasonable and the ambience is unbeatable.
Location: Multiple, but try King’s Cross or Covent Garden
Budget: ££
Opening Hours: Breakfast from 8:00, weekends from 9:00
Insider Tip: Order a chai to go with your naan roll — free refills!

Brick Lane Beigel Bake

Open 24/7, this East End institution sells hot salt beef bagels and smoked salmon rolls that hit the spot. Prices are from another decade — cash only!
Location: Brick Lane, Shoreditch
Budget: £
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Insider Tip: Grab two and eat one later. It’s that good.

Mildreds

A longtime favourite on the London veggie scene, Mildreds serves up hearty, internationally inspired vegetarian and vegan dishes at wallet-friendly prices. From Sri Lankan curries to plant-based burgers, the menu is full of colour and flavour, and perfect for sharing. The relaxed vibe and stylish interiors make it feel like a treat without the price tag.
Location: Multiple – Soho, Camden, Covent Garden, and King’s Cross
Budget: ££
Opening Hours: Daily from 12:00–22:30 (may vary slightly by location)
Insider Tip: Go for the weekday lunch special, it’s cheaper and comes with smaller portions ideal for sampling more dishes.

Entertainment on a Budget

Shakespeare’s Globe – Standing Tickets

Catch a world-class play for £5 if you’re happy to stand in the yard like a groundling. It’s authentic, close-up, and atmospheric.
Location: Bankside
Admission: £5 (standing), seated from £25
Opening Hours: Show times vary
Insider Tip: Bring a raincoat — it’s open-air and London weather is… well, London weather.

Royal Opera House Live Screenings in the Piazza

During summer, the Royal Opera House streams performances live in Covent Garden’s piazza for free. Bring a blanket and settle in under the stars.
Location: Covent Garden
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Summer evenings
Insider Tip: Arrive early to claim a good spot.

Cheap Transport Hacks

Get an Oyster Card or Contactless

London’s public transport is cheaper with an Oyster card or contactless payment — no need for paper tickets. Daily price caps save you even more.
Where: Available at any tube station
Insider Tip: If you’re staying 3+ days, look into a Visitor Oyster for discounts at attractions.

Use the Bus Instead of the Tube

Buses are not only cheaper than the tube — they offer brilliant sightseeing. A single fare is £1.75, and it’s the same price no matter how far you go.
Insider Tip: Hop on the No.11 for a budget tour of central London — you’ll pass Big Ben, St. Paul’s, and more.

Take Advantage of the Santander Cycles

Hire a bike for just £1.65 for up to 30 minutes of riding. Docks are all over the city and it’s a great way to explore on a sunny day.
Insider Tip: Plan a route through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens for a lovely green escape.

🎒 Tips for Backpackers

Stay in university halls during summer holidays – They often rent out rooms for cheap.
Use Meetup.com or Couchsurfing events – Great for finding free activities and friendly locals.
Supermarket meal deals (Tesco, Boots, M&S) – £3.50 lunch sorted.
Bring a reusable water bottle – Public fountains are everywhere and water in London is safe.
Free walking tours – Sandeman’s or Strawberry Tours offer excellent tip-based walks.

London Travels