Here’s how to save money when visiting London, with verified information to ensure your trip is budget-friendly and enjoyable.
1. Use an Oyster Card or Contactless Payment
Oyster cards and contactless payments (like debit/credit cards or mobile payments) offer the best rates for public transport. A daily cap limits how much you spend, making it cost-effective if you’re taking multiple trips. For example, the cap for Zones 1-2 is £8.10 per day, meaning any travel beyond that on the same day is free. Single paper tickets, on the other hand, can cost nearly double. Buying an Oyster card involves a £7 deposit, which you can get back when you return the card. [Transport for London (TfL)](https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/find-fares) has more details.
2. Travel Outside Zone 1
London is divided into travel zones, with Zone 1 covering the city center and being the most expensive. If your destinations are in outer zones, plan your routes to avoid Zone 1. For example, you can use London Overground services that circle around central London, or take buses, which cost the same across all zones. This method is particularly useful for longer stays, saving you both time and money.
3. Take Advantage of Free Attractions
London offers a plethora of free museums and galleries. The British Museum, home to the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies, the Tate Modern with its extensive modern art collection, and the Natural History Museum with its famous dinosaur skeletons are all free. Even smaller gems like the Museum of London and the National Portrait Gallery won’t cost you anything. These institutions are publicly funded, ensuring free access to cultural treasures.
4. Use the Santander Cycles
Santander Cycles (often called “Boris Bikes”) are a cheap and convenient way to explore London. The scheme allows you to rent bikes from docking stations across the city. For £1.65, you get access for 24 hours, and as long as each ride is under 30 minutes, there are no extra charges. This is ideal for short commutes or sightseeing, as docking stations are located near many tourist spots.
5. Visit the Sky Garden
Located at the top of the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building (20 Fenchurch Street), the Sky Garden offers panoramic views of London, including iconic sights like The Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the River Thames. Unlike The Shard’s viewing platform, which costs around £32, the Sky Garden is free to visit. However, you must book a time slot in advance as it is very popular. Visit the [Sky Garden website](https://skygarden.london) to secure your booking.
6. Eat at Markets
London’s markets are fantastic for both shopping and dining. Borough Market, located near London Bridge, offers a variety of high-quality street food, from gourmet burgers to vegan delights, often at lower prices than restaurants. Camden Market is known for its eclectic food stalls, serving everything from traditional British dishes to international cuisine. These markets offer an authentic taste of London’s diverse food scene, usually at a fraction of the cost of dining in a restaurant.
7. Shop at Supermarkets
Eating out in London can be pricey, but supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, and Lidl offer affordable meal options. Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local stores, found throughout the city, have ready-to-eat meals, sandwiches, and snacks. If you’re staying somewhere with kitchen facilities, consider buying groceries to prepare your own meals. Lidl and Aldi, known for their low prices, are excellent options for budget-friendly shopping.
8. Use Free Wi-Fi
Avoid international data charges by using the abundant free Wi-Fi hotspots around London. Chains like Pret A Manger, McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Costa Coffee all offer free Wi-Fi. Public areas such as Trafalgar Square, The Southbank Centre, and the Royal Festival Hall also provide free Wi-Fi access. Libraries are another option, with free internet access available in many of them across the city.
9. Free Coffee at Waitrose
Waitrose supermarkets offer free coffee or tea to customers with a MyWaitrose card, which you can sign up for free. While this offer has been scaled back in some locations, it’s still available in many stores, making it a handy way to save on drinks if you’re near a Waitrose. Just pick up a card, scan it at the coffee machine, and choose from a selection of beverages.
10. Budget Accommodation
Accommodation in London can be expensive, but there are budget-friendly options. Youth Hostels, like those run by YHA, are a good choice, offering dorm beds or private rooms at reasonable prices. The YHA Thameside in Rotherhithe, for instance, provides affordable lodging with easy access to central London. Other options include budget hotels and Airbnb, particularly in areas slightly outside central London where prices drop significantly.
11. Cycle the Thames with Uber Boat
Instead of expensive tourist river cruises, take the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. This public transportation service runs along the River Thames, from Woolwich in the east to Putney in the west. You can use an Oyster card or contactless payment, with fares starting from £4.60. It’s a scenic and affordable way to see London’s riverside attractions, such as the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the Tower of London.
12. Take Advantage of Free Events
London is home to a wealth of free events year-round. From outdoor movie screenings in the summer to Christmas markets in winter, there’s always something happening. Major annual events include the New Year’s Day Parade, Notting Hill Carnival, and the Thames Festival. Additionally, sites like Time Out London regularly update lists of free things to do, ensuring you never miss out.
13. Get the London Pass
If you’re planning on visiting multiple attractions that require an entry fee, the London Pass can offer significant savings. It provides entry to over 80 attractions, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and The View from The Shard. You can choose from 1, 2, 3, 6, or 10-day passes, which could save you money if you pack your itinerary with these sights. Plus, it often includes skip-the-line entry, saving you time as well.
14. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
London tap water is safe to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle to fill up as you explore. Many restaurants, cafes, and even public water fountains around the city are happy to refill your bottle for free. This not only saves you money but also reduces plastic waste.
15. Use Department Store Toilets
Public toilets in London can be scarce and often charge for entry. Instead, use toilets in large department stores like Harrods, Selfridges, or Marks & Spencer, where facilities are generally clean and free. Many train stations also have toilets, though some may charge a small fee.
16. Explore London’s Parks
London’s parks are among the most beautiful in the world and offer a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle. Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Hampstead Heath are great for picnics, walks, or simply relaxing. The parks are free to enter, and many host free events, like concerts and outdoor theatre during the summer months.
17. Catch a Free Performance
Covent Garden, the Southbank, and Leicester Square are hotspots for street performers, offering entertainment at no cost. From musicians and magicians to acrobats, these performances can be just as enjoyable as paid events. If you’re looking for something more structured, many of London’s churches and cathedrals, including St. Martin-in-the-Fields, offer free or donation-based concerts.
18. Visit Libraries
London’s libraries, such as the British Library and the Barbican Library, are not only quiet places to rest but also house fascinating exhibitions and archives. Many libraries have free Wi-Fi and host free events, including author talks, workshops, and exhibitions.
19. Use Public Buses for Sightseeing
London’s iconic red buses are a great way to see the city. Route 11, for example, passes many famous landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. For just £1.75 (the standard bus fare), you can enjoy a scenic tour of central London. Just remember to tap in with your Oyster card or contactless payment when you board.
20. Free Walking Tours
Several companies offer free walking tours of London, covering everything from the history of the city to specific themes like Harry Potter or Jack the Ripper. These tours are often tip-based, so you only pay what you feel the experience is worth. Popular providers include Sandemans and Free Tours by Foot, and they’re a great way to learn about London’s rich history and culture without spending a lot of money.
