26 cheap things to do in London – ideas for under £25

How we chose the best cheap things to do in London

Our selection is based on a mix of:

• Our experts’ tips on their favourite affordable things to do in the city.
• Money-saving must-dos that everyone is talking about.
• A mix of cheap things to do covering attractions, tours, entertainment and foodie hotspots covering all interests and ages.

Things to do under £10

Old Operating Theatre – Best for medicinal marvels

Ever wondered how operations were carried out in the old days? Or what weird and wonderful concoctions were used to treat diseases? The fascinating Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garret are housed within a church’s attic, where herbs and plants were once dried in a “herb garret”. Learn about medicinal plants and techniques, examine gruesome surgical instruments and marvel at the reconstructed operating theatre – one of London’s most unique spaces.

We love spotting unique items, especially implements and tools used during surgery – this includes a physician's walking stick with tooth marks, as it was placed in a patient's mouth to bite on during surgery, to avoid biting the tongue and to absorb the pain. Make sure to also browse the shop of quirky gifts, including fun books on science, gory food items such as guts and garlic chutney and apothecary oils.

It’s a small space, so we suggest avoiding visits during school holiday; Sundays and weekdays are usually the quietest times.

Best for: Those curious about the history of medicine
Good to know: The museum is up 52 steep steps, floors are uneven, and there is no dedicated lift; for any access needs, please contact the venue in advance, and they can arrange for the use of a small lift.

The Monument – Best for views

Built as a monument to the devastating Great Fire of London in 1666, London’s oldest ticketed attraction is a great low-cost way to see the sights. Climb The Monument’s 311 steps up to the top, then walk clockwise around the viewing platform for sweeping views of the city skyline, spotting landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard and Tower Bridge.

It’s 202ft (61m) high, which is an ode to where the fire started in Pudding Lane, 202ft (61m) away. But given Monument’s height, be prepared for wind and hold on to your hats!

Best for: Photographers and view seekers
Good to know: The narrow circular staircase with 311 steep steps gives us a fair workout, so this might not be the attraction for those without a general level of fitness; however, there are stopping points along the way with small alcoves under the windows for visitors to catch their breath. Due to the nature of the attraction, it is not suitable for those with accessibility needs.

The William Morris Society: Kelmscott House – Best for design

Follow in the footsteps of one of history’s greatest designers as you wonder at wallpaper and explore the life and work of William Morris in his former home, Kelmscott House, perched on Hammersmith’s pretty riverside.

We love learning more about the iconic designs by William and his daughter, May, which are as popular as ever. Did you know the Strawberry Thief illustration was inspired by Morris seeing thrushes stealing his strawberries in the garden of the house? Don’t miss the original Bird design – made specifically for the house’s 40-foot-long drawing room as a woven textile – and make sure to head to the lower-ground floor to see the actual printing press used for Morris’s exquisite books.

But our favourite item must be the doodles in one of Morris’s notebooks, penned during a serious meeting of Socialists – proving that design was never far from his mind.

Best for: Arts and crafts aficionados
Good to know: The ground and upper floors are accessible; however, the lower-ground floor is down some steps, and there is no lift. Please contact the venue in advance to discuss any access needs.

London Canal Museum – Best for lesser-known London history

Explore the history of the Regent’s Canal, the transportation of goods in the Victorian era and life on the canal in the London Canal Museum, which is packed full of interesting displays.

We love hearing audio recordings of interviews with people living on the boats in the early 20th century, giving a real sense of life on the canal. Upstairs, the display on the history of the canal locks, and how they work, is particularly fascinating. There are also hands-on exhibits to test your knowledge and skills, including tying knots and exploring inside a narrowboat.

Housed in a former ice warehouse, the museum includes a rare ice well – where imported ice from Norway by Carlo Gatti was stored as part of Carlo Gatti’s business. The ice was then distributed by barge across London to fishmongers, butchers and other retailers, but also used for Gatti’s famous ice creams! Keep an eye out for the one date each year when the ice well is opened to the public (usually a Sunday in July or August).

Best for: History buffs and boating enthusiasts
Good to know: Before visiting, download the museum’s audio walking tour to your phone from its website. The 45-minute self-guided tour starts at Camden Town Tube station and follows the Regent’s Canal, ending at the museum. We loved following the route and learning about the canal’s history along the way, including locks, a hidden river and coal chutes.

Royal Opera House standing tickets – Best for affordable entertainment

Opera and ballet needn’t break the bank – yes, the prime seats at the Royal Opera House will set you back a fair amount, but if you’re prepared to stand, you could be seeing some of the world’s best stars and productions for a fraction of the cost. Standing tickets start at £5 for opera concerts, £7 for mixed ballets, £9 for full ballets and £10 for full opera performances.

The key is to book early – find out when the tickets come on sale, sign up for alerts, and jump in to book straight away. While standing may not be for everyone, it’s a fantastic way to save money, and there is usually at least one interval where you can put your feet up. We also recommend placing any bags or coats in the cloakroom, so you don’t have to put them at your feet during the performance.

Best for: Classical music, dance and opera fans
Good to know: The Opera House also puts on free, 45-minute lunchtime performances on select Fridays in Paul Hamlyn Hall – get there at least an hour ahead to pick up a token to secure your spot.

London Cable Car – Best for sightseeing

Travel across the Thames and take in sweeping views of London from the city’s only cable car. This low-cost experience lets you trace the river's course as it winds through the city. Spot landmarks such as The O2 Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf from up high or test your nerve with the glass-floor cabin.

We suggest taking the London Cable Car at dusk, when you’ll see a unique angle of the sunset over London. Try to avoid busier commuting times (8am-10am and 4pm-7pm), when it can be busier, and you may have to share a cabin; in quieter times, you’ll usually have it to yourself.

Best for: First-time visitors
Good to know: Before or after your cable car journey, follow the free art trail from Greenwich Peninsula. Find sculptural works by the likes of Damian Hirst, as well as emerging artists, dotted along the 1.6-mile (2.5km) route, which runs between Greenwich Peninsula and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Shakespeare’s Globe Groundling tickets – Best for low-cost theatre

A must for your bucket list, become a “Groundling” for a show at the faithful reconstruction of Shakespeare’s original playhouse. You’ll find plays throughout the year at Shakespeare's Globe, culminating in a summer season showcasing some of the Bard’s best-loved dramas.

Groundling tickets can be had for as little as £5, and these allow you to stand in the iconic Yard of the theatre, just like Elizabethan times. Not only is it a cheap alternative to seated tickets, but it’s also a wonderful way to get up close to the action and soak up an authentic Globe experience among other theatregoers.

Get there early (around 90 minutes before the start time) to secure a good spot – we prefer front and centre for the stage views, but if you often get tired standing, opt for the sides where you can lean against the railings. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be standing throughout, and be aware that you’re at the mercy of the elements, so bring a poncho in case of sudden rain (umbrellas are not allowed), and sunblock during summer daytimes. A bottle of water will also help to keep you hydrated during the show.

Best for: Theatre lovers
Good to know: If you’re too late to secure Groundling tickets for your favourite show, don’t worry! Every Friday at 11am during the summer, a limited number of £5 standing tickets are released for performances taking place the following week. Look for the “£5 Rush” option when booking online.

Old Royal Naval College “First Sundays” – Best for maritime history

Visit the Old Royal Naval College’s mesmerising Painted Hall for less on the First Sunday of the month – when tickets are just £5 (instead of the usual £19), and kids go free.

Tickets include entry to the hall with the famous Baroque painted ceiling – dubbed “Britain’s answer to the Sistine Chapel” – the quirky Victorian Skittle Alley, and various talks and tours. Don’t miss the Nelson Room, where Admiral Lord Nelson lay in state before his funeral.

Best for: Film fans – you’ll recognise the Old Royal Naval College from series such as Bridgerton and The Crown, to films including Thor: The Dark World and the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
Good to know: The £5 tickets are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so book early to make sure you don’t miss out.

Chinatown cheap eats

Hunt down cheap eats at Chinatown’s many low-cost restaurants. While dishes at most eateries come in at the £10 to £20 mark, there are also plenty of tasty options under a tenner if you know where to look.

We’re often sceptical about viral dishes that are all over social media, but there’s no "style over substance" at hole-in-the-wall spot Kung Fu Burger – its crisp, flaky buns and succulent meat fillings are well worth the hype (our favourite is the £7.80 pork burger). Another hangout for TikTokkers is Bunsik, with its famous corn dogs that can be snapped up for as little as £4.40. Its wings, tteokbokki and kimbaps will also give you change out of a £10 note.

Another of our go-to spots is Bun House, which specialises in steamed buns (£3.80 each) – our pick is the custard bun full of rich, salty egg custard – while tasty savoury options include the punchy hot and sour wonton soup (£8.60).

For a classic Chinatown experience, head to long-running Wong Kei for a range of filling soups that fit within the £10 budget.

Best for: Adventurous foodies
Good to know: If you’re on a tight budget, head into one of the various supermarkets to pick up Asian delicacies. Or, for traditional buns on a budget, Golden Gate Bakery churns out a huge range of buns and cakes – many of which cost just a couple of pounds.

Santander Cycles – Best for exploring

Are you looking to explore London at your own pace? Santander Cycles are a green, convenient and cheap way to get around the city. Download the app, which makes it easy to find a docking station with available bikes, unlock your bike and explore the city as you wish.

You pay just £1.65 for up to 30 minutes, but we suggest making use of unlimited 60-minute rides for an entire day, all for just £3.50. If you’d rather use an e-bike, it will cost you £1 extra per journey.

If you’re new to London’s roads, we suggest familiarising yourself with these safety tips, sticking to defined cycle routes, and taking time to get used to the bikes – we love leisurely routes through London’s parks, which are traffic-free, so are a good starting point. Just check the bike’s pedals, bell and chain before heading off to ensure everything is working correctly and consider wearing a helmet for your own safety.

Best for: Explorers
Good to know: You can find staffed docking stations at key hubs such as Waterloo Station, while general docking stations can be found across the city, from Hammersmith in the west and Stratford in the east, to Camden in the north, to Clapham in the south.

Things to do for £10-£20

Florence Nightingale Museum – Best for medical history

Tucked away within St Thomas’s Hospital complex, this small museum is packed full of interesting exhibits charting the life, work and legacy of Florence Nightingale. Known as the “Lady with the Lamp”, Nightingale was instrumental in transforming the practice of nursing and rose to fame during the Crimean War.

At the Florence Nightingale Museum, we learn how Nightingale used statistics and data to chart the spread of disease and support her reforms – something virtually unheard of at the time. This led her to join the Statistical Society of London as its first female member – keep an eye out for the certificate noting her entry to the society, which states “he is a fit person to be admitted” pointing to the male-dominated society of the time.

Don’t miss the Turkish lantern, or fanoos, which was thought to have been used by Nightingale during the Crimean War – it looks different from how it is often depicted in artworks, as artists misinterpreted the lamp's style.

Best for: Families with older children
Good to know: Tickets are valid for an entire year, so you can come back to visit as many times as you want!

Indian Veg – Best for healthy eating

A TikTok trendsetter – but far from a new kid on the block, having been at Islington’s Chapel Market for nearly 40 years – Indian Veg is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Step beyond the low-key shopfront and you’ll see walls plastered with colourful posters detailing the health benefits of certain foods, striking floor tiles, and clashing wallpaper – it’s certainly a statement.

Grab a table and help yourself to its nutritious all-you-can-eat buffet for just £12.95. Our favourite items are the potato bhajis and the cabbage curry, which we read is good for cholesterol, blood sugar and other ailments. We also love to add lashings of the tasty mint raita and heap on the refreshing onion salad.

Best for: Vegetarians
Good to know: For an even cheaper lunch, grab a takeaway box for as little as £5.

The Postal Museum – Best for curious kids

Chart the history of the postal service in London and beyond at this family-friendly museum packed with interactive exhibits.

We love putting our faces on stamps with an interactive stamp designer and writing messages to be whisked off using pneumatic tubes. Keep an eye out for the world’s first commercial Christmas Card and a sheet of rare Penny Blacks – the first ever postage stamps.

The star attraction at The Postal Museum is the Mail Rail – a small, underground railway that once transported mail across the city. If you’re claustrophobic, it may not be for you, but the tunnel gives a fascinating insight into life on the network and at the Mount Pleasant Sorting Office, with stop-offs en route showing video projections on the tunnel’s walls.

Best for: Children of all ages
Good to know: Due to the size of the carriages, the Mail Rail is unable to accommodate wheelchairs, although it can accommodate those able to transfer to the carriages. If you’re unable to board, there’s a screening room conveying the experience.

Charles Dickens Museum – Best for literary lovers

Step into the former home of one of the world’s greatest ever writers, at the Charles Dickens Museum in Bloomsbury. Dickens lived here between 1837 and 1839, a time when he rose to fame with novels such as The Pickwick Papers and Oliver Twist. But, as we learn from one of the helpful guides wandering the house, it was also a place of sadness, given his wife’s sister, Mary, collapsed in the hallway and died shortly afterwards.

See Dickens’ writing desk from his former home in Gad’s Hill, where Great Expectations and other works were penned, and portraits of the artist, including one on his deathbed by John Everett Millais. We especially love the dining room, featuring Moses Pickwick’s clock and a table laid for guests – study each place setting to learn more about the guests.

Best for: Culture lovers and Dickens fans
Good to know: There’s a pretty cafe at the back of the museum serving cream teas and scones for that quintessentially Victorian experience.

Bao Borough: BAO15 set menu – Best for a quick lunch

Pop into Bao Borough for an excellent value lunch featuring three of the Taiwanese eatery’s classic dishes. Just ask your server to guide you through the £15 BAO15 menu – it’s not always advertised, so you’ll likely be given a knowing nod and smile by the friendly staff.

This affordable lunch menu in London’s famous food market includes options such as grilled cucumber with soy glaze, smoked aubergine with crispy bao, and braised pork Lu Ran Fan rice, as well as our favourites: the moreish charcoal-grilled, yellow chilli chicken and the classic pork bao housed complete with a fluffy steamed bun.

We love sitting at the counter for a quick solo lunch or catching up with friends here – we’re usually in and out within 40 minutes, making it not only cheap but speedy too!

Best for: Asian food fans
Good to know: If you don’t want to eat in, grab a bao from the hatch at the front – its classic pork bao is just £5.75.

Illuminated River Official Boat Tour – Best for nighttime views

See London’s largest public art display at night from the comfort of one of Uber Boats by Thames Clippers’ vessels on this 40-minute round trip.

Glide along the river Thames and spot light installations that make up the Illuminated River trail, spread across nine bridges. Learn about the history of the bridges and the display with commentary and enjoy refreshments from the onboard cafe.

For more night views, our top tip is to visit Waterloo Bridge – where you can see amazing views of London’s riverside attractions lit up from all directions. See the likes of the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, National Theatre, OXO Tower and Tate Modern lit up in full glory.

Best for: Sightseeing families
Good to know: Make sure to arrive 15 minutes before departure to guarantee you can board.

FRAMELESS Lates – Best for immersive art

Become immersed in some of the most famous paintings in history at the FRAMELESS immersive art experience. From Monet to Rembrandt, Kandinsky to Klimt, you’ll find yourself among the brushstrokes from the world’s greats across four interactive rooms.

Book ahead to visit on a Friday or Saturday night for cheaper Lates experiences – which not only shave £7.50 off the usual entry price but also allow you to take in the art while enjoying a cocktail and listening to a special DJ soundtrack.

We advise arriving early for more time to explore before the gallery becomes busier later in the evening. Also, bring a fully charged phone or camera – if you’re anything like us, you’ll be snapping away at the mesmerising displays all evening.

Best for: Art-loving couples
Good to know: This experience is for adults only – if you have young kids, try Multi-Sensory Tots classes from £14 or Adult-and-Toddler sessions for £20.

Tower Bridge – Best for London landmarks

Visiting London’s iconic attractions needn’t be expensive. You can visit Tower Bridge, arguably the most famous bridge in the world, for £16. Entry includes a fascinating exhibition within its Victorian Engine Rooms and the chance to brave its high-level glass walkways.

Make sure to download its 45-minute audio tour for more insights: it's included with the entry and features stories such as a time when a bus jumped across the open bridge and details on how the bridge was built.

We recommend timing your visit to coincide with a Bridge Lift – this is when the bridge opens to allow large boats and ships to pass through. You can find a list of Bridge Lift times on the attraction’s website.

Best for: First-time visitors
Good to know: Sign up to the attraction’s newsletter to find out when the usually out-of-bounds Bascule Chambers are open for behind-the-scenes tours.

Brasserie Zédel – Best for affordable West End dining

Be transported to 1920s Paris at Brasserie Zédel, a low-cost dining institution next to Piccadilly Circus. It’s Prix Fixé menu offers three courses for £19.95 – virtually unbeatable in this part of town – and is packed full of French classics, from oeufs mayonnaise and steak haché to indulgent desserts.

The restaurant is set within a huge Art Deco-style room gleaming with white marble, but it fills up pretty quickly – so although walk-ins are often available, we suggest always booking ahead to guarantee your spot.

Service is usually pretty quick, so we love eating here for a pre-theatre meal or popping in for a late-night refuel – last orders are from 10pm to 11pm, depending on the day. Or we simply like to enjoy a meal with friends, accompanied by live music (usually on weekdays from 7pm or 8pm, and on weekends during lunchtimes and evenings).

Best for: Relaxed meals with friends
Good to know: Watch a show at the restaurant’s own cabaret venue, Crazy Coqs, an intimate setting next door. At the time of writing, tickets can be had for as little as £18 and range from cabaret to crooners, cover bands to comedy.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre – Best for outdoor entertainment

See a show in the magical setting of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. This amphitheatre is tucked away among the trees in a quiet corner of one of London’s oldest parks and draws theatregoers each summer for a unique experience. From Shakespearean tragedies to much-loved musicals and family favourites, there’s usually something for everyone each season. But book early, shows sell out quickly for this popular summer series.

Given it’s a small theatre, the views are great from any seat, even the cheaper seats at the back – just make sure to bring a blanket and jumper or jacket, as evenings can become chilly and the higher up you are seated, the more you’ll feel any breeze.

Best for: Couples and date nights
Good to know: Shows are not usually cancelled, even if it rains – so bring a poncho to avoid being soaked. Umbrellas are not allowed, as they restrict the view for others.

Royal Walking Tour – Best for royal fans

Follow in the footsteps of the British Royal Family on this regal walking tour, taking in palaces, grand residences and favourite shopping spots for monarchs, princes and princesses. Then, enjoy entry to Westminster Abbey, a historic site of coronations and state funerals.

We love this walking tour, which is led by knowledgeable guides who give plenty of insights into the life and interests of the royals – we love hearing about the history of lesser-known spots such as St James’s Palace and Clarence House.

You’ll be on your feet for the whole tour, so make sure to wear comfy shoes, suitable clothing for the time of year, and bring some water.

Best for: First-time visitors and landmark lovers
Good to know: If you’re flexible on dates, we suggest looking at the weather forecast in advance before booking – seeing the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony is a key part of the tour, but it may be replaced by a visit to Horse Guards Parade in poor weather conditions.

Clip ‘n Climb at The O2 – Best for family fun

One of four Clip 'n Climb venues in London (the others being in Chelsea, Croydon and Wandsworth), this fun-filled climbing centre is the perfect place for kids aged four and above to let off steam, challenge themselves and have fun with friends.

But we adults love it too, with plenty of challenges to test our nerves – if you’re in an adult-only group, we suggest visiting during term-time weekdays or looking out for special adult-only evenings.

There’s no need for any climbing experience – you’ll be given a 20-minute safety briefing and can then take your time to try out fun climbing obstacles.

Best for: Adventurous kids
Good to know: Check the clothing requirements before arriving – open-toed footwear, Crocs, flip flops, rock shoes and heels are not permitted.

Premium budget picks: Things to do in London under £25

24-hour hop-on hop-off City Cruises pass – Best for seeing more of London

Pick up a 24-hour river sightseeing pass to explore London at your leisure aboard City Cruises’ river boats. The beauty of this hop-on, hop-off ticket is that you can get off at each pier to explore different areas of London and visit top attractions as you please.

We love the flexibility this ticket offers, with boats departing every 20 to 40 minutes from four piers. The 24-hour ticket allows you to start your adventures at any point of the day, take as many trips as you can on the same day (until the boats stop operating) and then continue your adventures the next day until you reach 24-hours since your first journey.

We love cruising to Greenwich, where we can delve into naval history at the National Maritime Museum, science and astronomy at the Royal Observatory, and see the impressive tea clipper ship Cutty Sark.

Best for: First-time visitors
Good to know: Download the City Experiences app to follow commentary in 14 languages.

Fairgame City – Best for catchups with friends

Test your skills at Fairgame City, where traditional fairground games are given an uber-cool makeover – you can enjoy unlimited games here and at its Canary Wharf venue for just £22 at off-peak times.

We love the variety, from the Whack-a-Mole-esque Exe-Cute, to shooting hoops with Dropping Dimes. Our favourites are the bee-inspired Havoc in the Hive and the fast-paced Money Bags, which gives us a fair workout! We recommend avoiding any queues for the most popular games until you’ve finished all the others. That way, you can cram in as many games as possible.

You can grab food at any time, but we advise eating after your timeslot to avoid wasting valuable time better spent on the games. Before you leave, make sure to scan your game card at the sweet shop to see if you’ve won some treats!

Best for: Nights out with friends
Good to know: Your game session starts 30 minutes after your arrival, giving you time to grab a drink. So, make sure to factor that into your timing if you have plans for later on.

London Stadium tour – Best for sports icons

No visit to London for any sports fan is complete without a trip to one of its famous football grounds. So, head to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, where you can explore the home dressing room, tunnel and pitch on a 60-minute guided tour of West Ham United’s London Stadium.

You’ll learn more about the club's history, including its star players, such as Sir Geoff Hurst, who played a key role in England’s 1966 World Cup victory.

While “the Hammers” is the key focus, we also suggest studying displays about the stadium’s legacy as the host venue of the track and field events during the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We also love exploring more of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, especially by bike, to see other sports venues built for the Games.

Best for: Families and football fans
Good to know: If you’re visiting on a matchday, you’ll need to book a Matchday Tour instead – these tours give access a few hours before kick-off, so you can capture more of the special atmosphere ahead of the game.

Royal Observatory Greenwich – Best for time travellers

Straddle the eastern and western hemispheres at the “home of time” in Greenwich. The Royal Observatory is oozing with history, from the Prime Meridian Line, which became the foundation of the world's time zones as we know them today, to historic clocks, navigation devices, and telescopes.

We always like visiting on weekends to enjoy hands-on activities led by expert Observatory Explainers – suitable for all ages. These activities are included within the entry ticket and are a terrific way to learn more about space exploration and science.

Bring your headphones, so you can download the free audio guide and listen on your phone.

Best for: Science-loving families
Good to know: If you’re peckish, head to Greenwich Market, which is full of affordable street food vendors (open daily 10am-5.30pm).

Find more ideas for things to do in London on a budget and discover our top tips to save money during your visit.