London remains one of the most popular cities worldwide, but many people seem to think it is rather pricey. Still, you can learn about the history and other attractions of the city at relatively low expenses if you have the right plans. This guide will provide some helpful advice on how to travel cheap in London – including options for transport, places to stay, things to eat and things to see and do.
⇒ Affordable Transportation in London: How to Travel Cheap in London
♦ Public Transport:
London’s public transport network is extensive and using an Oyster Card will enable you to cut down your expenses tremendously. The Oyster Card offers cheaper fares on buses, trams, the Tube, and trains, making it an essential tool for budget travellers. For a shorter stay, tourists can purchase a Visitor Oyster Card as it is not only cheaper in terms of travelling but also has discounts on some tourist attractions, eating places, and stores.
Looking to save on flights? Learn how to upgrade your experience with our tips on How to Get Business Class Tickets for Cheap.
♦ Walking and Cycling:
Some of the most popular sight seeing things in London are located in areas where one can easily move from one place to another on foot especially in areas such as Westminster, South bank and Covent Garden. Obviously, walking does not only save your money but also helps to get to know the city in a slower and less stressful manner.
For longer distances that are within the city, then the use of bicycles that are provided by the company called Santander Cycles that are commonly referred to as the “Boris Bikes” are suitable, cheap and environmentally friendly means of transport. With £2, you are able to get a bicycle for 24 hours while the first half an hour of any ride is free.
♦ Buses Over Tubes:
Transportation in London is fast especially via the London Underground, commonly referred to as the Tube, but it is not cheap. Indeed, London’s buses are cheaper, with a fare of £1.75 per journey. You can also use the bus to tour the city seeing such bus stops such as the 9 and 15 which goes round the city centre seeing most of the tourist attractions.
⇒ Budget Accommodation Options in London
♦ Hostels:
London has many hostels that provide cheap and affordable accommodation in the heart of the city. Anytime you are looking for a Hostel such as YHA London Central or Clink 78, you will find nicely cleaned up and fairly safe environments. Most of the hostels have private rooms, so even those who do not like to share rooms will have a place to stay. Hostelworld can help you find the best deals.
♦ Budget Hotels:
How to Travel Cheap in London? For those people who like staying in Hotels Premier Inn and Travelodge are popular chains budget hotels in the city. Pre-booking is even a better idea when it comes to getting cheap and affordable accommodation. Websites like Booking.com can help you compare prices and find the best deals.
♦ University Accommodation:
Most of the universities in London provide space for rent to travellers during their holidays in universities. These rooms are normally found at the heart of the city and are way cheaper than a hotel. These rooms are often centrally located and much cheaper than hotels. Universities like UCL and LSE offer such options.
⇒ Eating on a Budget in London
♦ Street Food Markets:
Street food in London is delicious and cheap, which will enable people to taste delicious foods of different types. Places like Borough Market, Camden Market, and Portobello Road Market are excellent places to sample a variety of foods without spending too much. From burgers to international food, they have it all available for much less than you’d pay in a restaurant.
♦ Supermarket Meals:
Supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury and Marks & Spencer sell ready-to-eat meals, sandwiches and snacks. For under £5, you can get a meal deal that includes a sandwich, drink, and snack. This is a good technique in cutting costs when one wants to have a meal in one of the many parks in London.
♦ Affordable Restaurants:
There are food chains such as Pret A Manger, Franco Manca, Leon which provide good quality food at affordable prices. For instance, Franco Manca offers mouth-watering sourdough pizzas for as low as £5. So, no worries about lunch.
⇒ Exploring London’s Attractions for Less
♦ Free Museums and Galleries:
Some of the world’s most fabulous museums and galleries are situated in London, to most of them entrance is open for free. For cultural attractions you should not fail to visit the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. They contain marvellous collections of art and exhibitions and are a wonderful cultural visit with no charge.
♦ Parks and Outdoor Spaces:
The parks in London are ideal for those individuals who are willing to go out for a picnic but do not have enough cash to spend. Take a walk in Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, or Greenwich Park. They include beautiful gardens, green and pedestrian areas, jogging trails, fountains, and even free entertainment, especially during the summer season.
♦ Budget-Friendly Viewpoints:
There is no way better to enjoy the view of the London than in the Sky Garden—there is no ticket price, only you need to book it online. Another super choice – the top of Tate Modern, where you can look at the views of the city’s sky-line. You can also climb The Monument for only a few pounds to get a stunning view at the top.
♦ Cheap Theatre Tickets:
London’s West End is well known for its theatre productions although the ticket prices can be high. If you’re more on a budget, don’t worry there is a TKTS booth in Leicester Square offering tickets below price for that day’s shows. It is also possible to search for availability of stand-by tickets or goes directly to the theatre box offices.
⇒ Entertainment and Events in London on a Budget
♦ Free Events and Festivals:
London has open festival, parades and concerts frequently in year. An example is The Mayor’s Thames Festival, Notting Hill Carnival. Check local community calendars to get a sense of events happening during the visit.
♦ Affordable Entertainment:
When it comes to live performances such as music and comedy, it is advisable that one should go to small venues within the city. Such shows are typically way less expensive than large-scale productions and provide audiences with more up-close-and-personal watch.
⇒ Smart Shopping in London
♦ Markets and Bargain Stores:
London is one of the shopping destinations that any fashion-conscious person would love to be, and the best part is, it does not have to cost a fortune. There are culture shops such as Camden Market, or Brick Lane Market for people interested in clothes and accessories of a vintage style. To find affordable high street fashion there are shops such as Primark located on Oxford Street high street.
♦ Thrift Shops and Charity Stores:
London offers countless thrifty stores and charity shops that sell second-hand clothes, books, and homewares at affordable prices. Some of these shops are located nationwide but extremely good ones are located in places such as Notting Hill as well as Camden.
⇒ Money-Saving Tips for Traveling Cheap in London
♦ Book Online in Advance:
From hotels to tourist destinations, to theatre tickets, it is cheaper to make a booking in advance from the comfort of the house. Most places make their prices cheaper for advance bookings and you can sometimes come across promotional codes when searching on the internet.
♦ Travel During Off-Peak Times:
Depending on the time of the year, visiting London could be cheaper when traveling during winter but not close to Christmas. Traveling during mid week is also cheaper and not as busy as compared to the weekends.
♦ Free Walking Tours:
Free walking tours are provided by so many companies in London, they make you travel around the city most recognized zones accompanied with an informed guide. Even though these tours are supposed to be free, there is always an expectation to pay a tip to the guide at the end. This is one of the effective methods of discovering the rich past of London and gaining knowledge of this great city without paying too much
Final Thoughts
Yes, it is very easy to travel cheap in London if one follows some important guidelines as discussed here. It is possible to enjoy a great holiday in London without paying more than planned by being wise when choosing the accommodation, eating places and methods of transport to use. Regardless whether you are visiting free museums, having a picnic at the park, or shopping at the local markets, it is indeed possible to have a wonderful time without spending much money.
For more ways to travel on a budget, don’t miss our guide on Budget Travel Tips for Adventurers, where we share tips applicable to any destination.
Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the cheapest way to get around in London?
By far the most cost-effective means of transportation in London especially in central London is by using bus by having an Oyster Card. A single bus fare is £1.75, and you can take unlimited bus journeys within an hour for the same price.
What is the cheapest option to travel in London?
The best mode of transportation that is cheaper in London is by using the public bus that accepts Oyster card and contactless payment, the second most affordable means is by walking and the third being Santander Cycles.
How can I reduce my travel costs in London?
You can cut the travel expenses in London by using the Oyster Card, travelling only during the off-peak hours, by taking the bus rather the Tube and by taking the free walking tours.
How to travel to London on a budget?
Save money by booking flights and accommodations in advance, use subway or the bus with an Oyster travel card, and visit plenty of sites that do not charge an entrance fee such as museums, parks, and markets.