How To Do London on the cheap

You can absolutely enjoy London without draining your wallet—it's all about knowing where to look and how to plan. Here's a curated guide to doing London on the cheap:

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🏛️ Free & Cheap Attractions

London is packed with world-class sights that cost little to nothing:

- Museums & Galleries: The British Museum, Tate Modern, Natural History Museum, and National Gallery are all free.

- Parks & Gardens: Stroll through Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, or Richmond Park for nature and wildlife.

- Sky Garden: A tropical rooftop garden with panoramic views—free but requires advance booking.

- Changing of the Guard: A classic British spectacle outside Buckingham Palace, totally free.

- Street Art in Shoreditch: Explore vibrant murals and graffiti in East London.

Check out this video guide with 50 free things to do in London.

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🚇 Getting Around Affordably

- Use an Oyster Card or contactless payment for the cheapest fares on public transport.

- Avoid taxis—the Tube and buses are efficient and budget-friendly.

- Walk! Many iconic sights are within walking distance of each other.

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🛏️ Budget-Friendly Stays

- Stay outside Zone 1: Areas like Hackney, Clapham, and Islington offer cheaper accommodation with easy access to central London.

- Hostels & Budget Hotels: Look for deals on platforms like Hostelworld or Booking.com.

- Consider Airbnb: Especially for longer stays or if you want kitchen access to save on food.

More tips from a local are in this budget travel guide.

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🍽️ Cheap Eats

- Food Markets: Borough Market, Camden Market, and Brick Lane offer delicious street food at great prices.

- Chinatown: Affordable and authentic meals.

- Pub Grub: Many pubs offer hearty meals for under £10.

- Supermarket Meal Deals: Grab a sandwich, snack, and drink for around £3–£4.

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🎭 Entertainment on a Budget

- Shakespeare’s Globe: £5 standing tickets for live theatre.

- Genesis Cinema: Cult film screenings for £3.50.

- Free Comedy Nights: Check out Angel Comedy or The Bill Murray pub.

- Late Museum Nights: British Museum and others offer free evening entry.

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🕰️ Best Time to Visit

- Avoid peak seasons like summer and Christmas.

- Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds, with cheaper flights and accommodation.

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Want to plan a 3-day itinerary under $400? This video guide walks you through it.

Would you like help building a personalized itinerary based on your interests and budget?