Traveling to Europe can feel expensive, but believe it or not, exploring London on a budget is absolutely possible with smart planning. Here, we’re sharing a 3-day budget travel guide to London packed with free attractions, affordable experiences, and money-saving tips so you can enjoy the city without breaking your bank.
Before you go: Plan a budget-friendly travel to London
- Find the best time to travel
Make the most of your budget in London. Credits to Marcin Nowak on Unsplash
In London, the season you choose can affect your overall budget. It’s an extremely popular spot during the summer season (June to August) due to school holidays and festivals, so these months tend to be pricier and busier. Meanwhile, winter months (November to February) are typically quieter and cheaper with fewer people at the majority of tourist spots in London.
If you want a balance of nicer weather and better prices, aim for March to April when the weather begins to get warmer, or September to October right before the weather gets chillier.
- Compare airline prices
Are your passports ready? Credits to Spencer Davis on Unsplash
As soon as you get that visa (at least 3 months prior to your trip), start comparing airline prices for your intended dates of travel! Another thing you can do is to compare the airfare prices of the different airlines within England. For instance, there may be cheaper flights flying to Gatwick Airport as opposed to Heathrow Airport, so if you’re on a tight budget, this is worth checking!
Klook Tip: If you can, compare airline prices even before getting your visa to target the travel dates with lower prices.
- Opt for budget-friendly accommodations in London
There’s a view no matter where you decide to stay. Credits to Andrei Ianovskii on Unsplash
If you’re looking for the best places to stay in London on a budget, we highly recommend looking for accommodations outside the city. Opt for locations such as Shoreditch, Paddington, King’s Cross, and Camden Town, all of which are around 20 to 30 minutes to the city center via the Tube!
Hostels are also a popular choice for tourists as they offer more affordable prices per night than hotels. Most have shared rooms, which are great opportunities to easily meet fellow travelers, but there are also hostels with private rooms if that’s what you prefer.
Another option would be to rent out a room or an apartment in London. But do note that it’s way cheaper to rent out a private room as opposed to a whole apartment, so that’s definitely something to consider for your budget-friendly London trip.
And now that you’ve got your flight and accommodation sorted out, you can start looking into the places you wanna visit. Here’s a 3-day itinerary packed with iconic sights, and how you can visit them all while staying within your budget in London!
Day 1: London’s iconic sights & free museums
Tower Bridge
The Tower Bridge is known for its Neo-Gothic architecture. Credits to Charles Postiaux on Unsplash
Contrary to popular belief, the Tower Bridge is actually not the London Bridge, but it does in fact go down, somehow! Just down the road from the Shard, you’ll be able to walk through one of London’s most iconic attractions. If you’re sticking to a budget, you can simply skip the paid exhibition and enjoy the exterior views for free.
Free London museums
What better way to immerse yourself in London than learning about its history? Credits to Nicolas Lysandrou on Unsplash
For your first day, you should know that one of the most affordable things to do in London is to explore its museums. The city’s got some of the best museums in the world, such as the Tate Modern, British Museum, National Gallery, and Tate Britain, to name a few!
Klook Tip: If you’re ready for a quick bite after, Borough Market is a great nearby stop for budget-friendly food options.
London Eye & hop-on hop-off bus
The London Eye is one of the most visited paid attractions in the UK! Credits to John Cameron on Unsplash
The London Eye is a classic London experience, offering panoramic skyline views during its 30-minute ride. Pair it with a hop-on hop-off bus to cover more landmarks in less time, since you can ride the route or hop off at key stops and explore at your own pace. And if you’d rather see the city after dark, you can swap this for a London Evening Sightseeing Tour to catch the landmarks beautifully lit up.
But do note that these aren’t exactly free, but they’re worth considering if you want to fit more iconic sights into one day. To keep it budget-friendly, book them through Klook deals instead of purchasing tickets separately.
Day 2: UNESCO sites in London
Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath Day Tour
Learn all about the wonders of Stonehenge and more! Credits to Sung Shin on Unsplash
There are so many great places to see in England, so take the opportunity to travel beyond London and explore! Most budget-friendly tours like the Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath Day Tour includes a visit to the Roman Baths, Stonehenge, which is a prehistoric UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a tour of Windsor Castle.
Day 3: Harry Potter day trip
Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour
Yup, that’s the Weasley House!
Harry Potter fan or not, this experience will surely be a magical one! Just an hour away from London, you’ll be able to live out your Wizarding World dreams at the Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour!
Apart from the original props, costumes, and sets featured in the studio, you can also take part in exciting activities and interactive displays such as flying a broomstick in a green screen experience!
Klook Tip: While this is a paid attraction, it’s best to book ahead your tickets through Klook to secure your slots early and avoid the stress (and higher prices) of last-minute bookings.
If you have more time: Explore more budget-friendly attractions in London!
Here are some more must-visit places in London if you have extra time and days to explore the city.
Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace Gardens
Another must-try thing to do in London for free: watch the Changing of the Guards ceremony! Credits to Sung Shin on Unsplash
With the British Royal Family residing in the city, visiting some of the Royal residences is almost like a rite of passage when in London! Can’t say you’ve been to London without a picture by the crowded gates of Buckingham Palace, right?
Explore the King's and Queen's State Apartments in Kensington Palace
Afterwards, make your way down to the Kensington Palace Gardens and watch the day go by at this public park located just next to the residence of Will and Kate. Who knows? You might just catch a glimpse of one of the members of the Royal Family!
Covent Garden
It’s the perfect place for people-watching. Credits to Tania Mousinho on Unsplash
Walking around Covent Garden is a treat in itself! Watch the street performances at the Piazza and observe the local life, take endless photos for the Gram at Neal’s Yard, or simply just scan through the selection at the market!
Notting Hill and Portobello Road
Everywhere you turn is a photo opportunity. Credits to Norali Nayla on Unsplash
You can’t miss a visit to one of London’s swankiest neighborhoods, which is none other than Notting Hill. Located on the west side of town, this district’s colorful homes and lively markets lure in both tourists and locals alike.
This activity is technically free, since taking photos by strangers’ homes and scanning bookshops won’t cost anything anyway. But if you find yourself in London on a weekend, make sure to drop by Portobello Road for some food, music, and vintage shopping!
Dining in London: Affordable food spots in the city
London is filled with amazing food, so you don’t necessarily have to cash out for a good, hearty meal! There are various food trucks and markets scattered all throughout the city, so you definitely won’t run out of delicious options!
Pubs
Good food + good drinks = a great night out. Credits to william87 on Adobe Stock
You won’t be able to walk a block in London without passing by at least two pubs, so this means that there’s quite a large selection you can choose from! Pub food tends to be quite cheap, so if you’ve spotted at least three pubs in your area, you’re pretty much set for your entire trip!
3. Camden Town
Explore Michelin-worthy flavors at the most affordable prices! Credits to Javier Martinez on Unsplash
You can also check out other restaurants and markets in Camden for more food options! Camden Town is known for its more affordable range of food, so you’re bound to find Michelin-worthy dishes here that are easy on your wallet! Some recommendations are Turtle Bay Camden, The Cheese Bar, or Temple of Seitan.
SoHo
You can actually find London’s Chinatown in Soho! Credits to Dorin Seremet on Unsplash
London’s SoHo area is home to a plethora of mouthwatering dishes perfect for any budget. If you fancy some Chinese food, Bao and Bun House comes highly recommended by locals! No matter what you’re craving, there are a variety of choices at mouthwatering prices, from local dishes to international cuisine.
Markets (best if you prefer to cook!)
If you have a kitchen or a kitchenette, then one cost-efficient thing you can do is to cook your own food! Organic produce in London markets and groceries happens to be pretty inexpensive, so use this to your advantage.
Spot the nearest Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, or Whole Foods from your accommodation and stock up on a week’s worth of food. You can also make a trip to Camden Market or Borough Market and check out their food selection.
Getting around London: Budget-friendly transport choices
Getting around London doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right transport choices, you can easily explore the city’s top attractions while keeping your daily travel costs under control.
London Underground (The Tube)
It’s a quintessential London experience to ride the tube! Credits to Tomas Anton Escobar on Unsplash
The Tube, as it’s locally called, is the most commonly used mode of transportation in London and the cheapest option too. Since every section of London is connected through the tube, you’ll have no problem getting around and checking off your London bucket list!
And for a deeper dive on how to ride the Tube, you can check out our London Underground guide. It breaks down the 11 lines (with their colors), highlights key stations near top attractions, and shares practical tips so you don’t end up getting lost underground!
Double-Decker Bus
You have to ride the iconic double decker bus at least once. Credits to Anna Claire Schellenberg on Unsplash
You’ll be glad to know that you can also ride the iconic red double-decker bus with an Oyster Card to get from Point A to Point B! So if you’ve already topped up your card all you need to do is figure out what route you’re taking and hop on the bus!
Santander Cycles
Feel like a main character in a British film as you bike around London! Credits to Taylor Floyd Mews on Unsplash
Renting out a Santander Cycle is a great way to see London and really travel at your own pace. Although it’s the cheapest alternative on the list, you will need to return the bike at one of the docking stations near you. Thankfully, there are over 750 docking stations in London, so there’s a big chance there’s one nearby your accommodation! But if not, you may still need to get a bus to head home.
Rental Cars
Remember: they drive on the left side here! Credits to Anna Claire Schellenberg on Unsplash
If you’re going to be hopping from one attraction to another, then you might prefer to drive yourself around. You can research cheap car rentals in London, so you can explore at your own convenience without worrying about tube or bus fares.
To stay connected while navigating routes and bookings, consider getting a UK eSIM in advance so you can access maps and travel info anytime without relying on public WiFi.
Make the most of London without overspending
London may have a reputation for being expensive, but with the right planning, it’s completely possible to explore its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, vibrant neighborhoods, and diverse food scene without stretching your budget. By balancing free attractions with a few well-chosen paid highlights, you can experience the best of the city in just three days while keeping your spending under control.
If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions, consider booking a Klook Pass London to bundle top experiences at better value. You can even include experiences like a River Thames cruise when bundling attractions with this pass. It’s a convenient way to save on must-see sights while keeping your itinerary organized and fuss-free!
FAQs
1. How much should I budget for a trip to London?
For a budget trip, you can expect to spend around £60–£120 per day per person, depending on your accommodation style. This estimate includes budget lodging, public transport, affordable meals, and mostly free attractions. If you add premium experiences like the London Eye or day tours, you’ll need to budget extra.
2. What is the cheapest month to travel to London?
The cheapest months to visit London are typically January and February, right after the holiday season. Flights and hotel prices are generally lower during this winter period, though the weather is colder and daylight hours are shorter.
3. How to travel cheaply in London?
Use an Oyster Card or contactless payment to benefit from daily fare caps on public transport. Stick to buses and the Tube instead of taxis, walk between nearby attractions, and take advantage of London’s many free museums and parks.
4. Is it possible to visit London on a budget?
Yes, there are cheap ways to travel in London, like visiting free museums and always opting for cost-saving transport choices. And if you still want to squeeze in a paid attraction, Greenwich is a great half-day area with plenty of low-cost things to do. Plus, you can even take a scenic Thames River Sightseeing Cruise and visit the Royal Observatory Greenwich as an optional paid add-on.
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
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