London may be one of the world's most expensive cities, but with insider knowledge, you can experience its royal palaces, world-class museums, and diverse food scene without overspending. Here's how to enjoy London for under £70/day.
Affordable Accommodation in London
Hostels in Zone 2 from £20/night with breakfast
Traditional pubs with rooms from £60/night
London's accommodation costs vary dramatically by location. These areas offer the best value:
Top Budget Areas:
-
Camden/King's Cross
Vibrant area with hostels from £22 and great transport links (Zone 2).
-
Greenwich
Historic riverside district with budget hotels from £65 (15 mins to central London).
-
Borough/Elephant & Castle
Central location with cheaper eats and budget chains like Travelodge from £70.
Pro Tip:
Book directly with smaller hotels for last-minute deals. Many reduce prices 1-2 weeks before arrival.
Eating Well for Less in London
Borough Market offers £5-£8 street food lunches
London's diverse food scene includes many affordable options if you know where to look:
Budget Dining Strategies
Meal Deals
£3-£5 sandwiches + snacks at Pret, Tesco, or Sainsbury's (look for "Meal Deal" signs).
Wetherspoon Pubs
Chain pubs with £6-£9 meals and £2-£3 pints (try The Moon Under Water).
Street Food Markets
£5-£8 meals at Camden Market, Southbank Centre Food Market, or Boxpark.
Budget vs. Splurge: Dining Near Westminster
| Budget Option | Price | Splurge Alternative | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supermarket picnic in St James's Park | £5-£8 | Afternoon tea at The Ritz | £60+ |
| Wetherspoon pub breakfast | £5 | Breakfast at The Wolseley | £20+ |
| Borough Market street food | £7 | Restaurant meal in Mayfair | £30+ |
Free & Low-Cost Activities
London offers world-class attractions that cost little to visit:
Map of London showing tourists attraction
Free Museums
Free (donation suggested)
World-class collections at British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, and V&A.
Daily 10am-5:30pm (some until 8:45pm Fri)
Royal Parks
Free
Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and Greenwich Park offer free concerts and events.
Open 5am-midnight
Free Skyline Views
Free
Sky Garden (book ahead), Primrose Hill, and Tate Modern viewing platform.
Varies by location
More Free Activities:
- Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (free viewing)
- Street performers at Covent Garden
- City of London walking tours (tip-based)
- BBC shows with free audience tickets
- Thames riverside walk from Tower Bridge to Westminster
Getting Around London Cheaply
Transportation Money-Savers:
- Off-peak travel (after 9:30am weekdays) saves 20-30%
- Group Day Travelcard (Zones 1-6) for £16.50 (3+ people)
- River Thames clippers (Uber Boat) included with Travelcard
- National Rail 2-for-1 deals with train tickets
Local Budget Secrets
£5 Theater Tickets
Day seats at TKTS booth in Leicester Square or TodayTix app lottery.
Supermarket Meal Deals
£3-£5 for sandwich + snack + drink at Tesco, Sainsbury's or Boots.
Student Discounts
UNiDAYS and StudentBeans apps offer 10-25% off attractions, food, and transport.
Free Attractions with View
Sky Garden (book 3 weeks ahead), Tate Modern viewing level, and Primrose Hill.
London Budget Calculator
Estimate your daily expenses in London:
Final Thoughts
London proves that with smart planning, you can experience royal history, world-class culture, and diverse cuisine without a royal budget. By focusing on free museums, affordable eats, and transport hacks, you'll discover why this global capital remains accessible to all.
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About the Author
James Wilson, our UK Travel Specialist, has lived in London for 15 years and specializes in helping travelers experience the city's best without overspending.
Maggie Aroyo
July 5, 2023The Oyster card daily cap saved me so much! Visited 3 museums and took 5 tube rides for just £8.10.