How to save money while travelling in London?
- Use Public Transportation: Opt for an Oyster Card or contactless payment for the Tube and buses, as they offer capped daily fares and are cheaper than single tickets. Avoid black cabs and consider walking for short distances.
- Dine Smart: Eat at local markets (e.g., Borough Market, Camden Market) or grab food from supermarkets like Tesco or Sainsbury’s instead of dining in expensive restaurants. Look for meal deals or street food for affordable options.
- Explore Free Attractions: Take advantage of London’s many free museums (e.g., British Museum, National Gallery) and landmarks (e.g., Hyde Park, Tate Modern). Walking tours and self-guided routes are also budget-friendly ways to explore.
- Book in Advance: Save on popular attractions like the London Eye or Tower of London by booking tickets online in advance, as many sites offer discounts for early bookings.
- Stay Outside Central London: Consider accommodations in areas like Greenwich, Camden, or Stratford, which are well-connected by public transport and often cheaper than staying in the city center.
How to save money in London as a tourist
London is a fantastic city to explore and we would highly recommend you visit! But for all the fun and culture London has to offer, the price tag can often be fairly hefty. But with a few savvy tips, it’s possible to save money whilst enjoying all the city has to offer.
Here are a few tips for saving money in London as a tourist.
The very first major tip is to use public transport. The London Underground (also referred to as the Tube) and London’s bus services are incredible and far cheaper than taxis or Ubers, especially if you purchase an Oyster Card or contactless payment card for discounted fares. The services are easy to use, safe and very reliable.
Walking and using the city bikes are another great way to travel across the city if you want to save money and soak in all the city has to offer. There are open-top tour buses, and famous walking routes such as The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk, which is a hoot with tourists as you get to walk through several of London’s famous parks.
Like any city, there are plenty of attractions to visit whilst you’re here and it’s worth booking the popular tourist sites in advance – this could be attractions such as the London Eye or the Tower of London, and many offer discounts when you purchase online. Look for deals and bundle packages to save even more money.
“You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy all that London has to offer. With a bit of savvy, you can find great deals on travel, accommodation, and attractions. Plan ahead, compare prices, and be flexible – you’ll be amazed at how much you can save.”
Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com
London is full of free attractions such as museums, parks and markets. Some of the most popular ones include the British Museum, the National Gallery and the Camden Market.
Restaurants in London can be expensive but there are ways to save money on food. Look for lunch specials, visit street food markets, or cook your own meals if you’re staying in an Airbnb.
London has great discount shops such as Primark and TK Maxx where you can find affordable clothing and souvenirs.
Budget to visit London
The amount of money you will need to budget for a holiday to London will depend on the individual, your preferences and your needs. But there are a few general tips that can help you plan your budget.
Accommodation in London can vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose and the location. So if you’re on a tight budget you can consider staying at a hostel or look for Airbnb rentals over staying at a hotel. There are also plenty of budget hotels in the city that are cheap but basic and in a great location. Consider checking out Travel Lodge or a Premier Inn.
London has a great underground network and bus services which are a cheap way to travel and incredibly safe and reliable. You can save more money by purchasing an Oyster Card, which offers discounted fares for pubic transportation (it can be used on the Tube as well as buses).
There’s a wide range of restaurants and food options to suit all budgets and if you’re on a tight budget you can opt for affordable street food or fast-food chains. If you’re staying in an Airbnb you can buy groceries and cook for yourself. There are plenty of budget supermarkets in the UK including Aldi and Lidl.
There are also a variety of miscellaneous expenses to consider such as spending money, travel insurance, souvenirs and visa fees to budget for when planning a trip to London.
In general, aim to budget at least £50-£100 a day for a comfortable trip to London. Take into account that there may be days when you’re heading to some of the most popular attractions, where food in the local area will be much higher. Plan ahead and consider packing food for those days. Take full advantage of the beauty spots on offer in the city that aren’t heavily populated by tourists.
By following these tips you can enjoy everything London has to offer without breaking the bank. With a little planning and budgeting, you can have a great trip while saving money.
London FAQs
What is the cheapest way to travel around London?
For most people travelling around London, the cheapest way to get around is by using an Oyster or contactless payment card. An Oyster card is a smart card you can use instead of paper tickets, available on buses, Tubes, trams, rail, DLR and some river services.
Family trip to London on a budget
A family trip to London on a budget can include visiting free attractions, taking river cruises, and staying in areas with child-friendly attractions. You can also save money by visiting during the quietest months and avoiding school holidays.
How much money is enough for a trip to London?
A one month trip to London on average costs around $7,947 (£6,510) for one person and $15,894 (£13,020) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
