A day out in London doesn't have to cost a lot of money. There are plenty of free London attractions, cheap restaurants and cut-price tickets for West End shows, meaning that you can enjoy the very best of the capital without breaking the bank.
Morning: explore London's free museums
London is brimming with world-class museums and galleries, which are often free to visit.
Spend your morning at the National Gallery off Trafalgar Square, where you can see paintings by world-famous artists, including Leonardo da Vinci, Picasso and Van Gogh.
If you’ve already experienced the delights of the National Gallery, try the charming Wallace Collection instead. Housed in a grand residence near Marble Arch, the Wallace Collection includes portraits, porcelain and a large collection of armour and weaponry. The British Museum is also a must-see for first-time visitors to London. Its remarkable collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and some well-preserved Egyptian mummies.
You also can hop between the free Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and Science Museum by spending the morning (and possibly some of the afternoon) in South Kensington.
Lunch: tuck into cheap eats at a London food market
Wherever you decided to spend your morning, you're never too far from a London market, which is a great choice for a wallet-friendly lunch:
- Head over to Borough Market where you can find freshly-made fare from all over the world as well as tasty produce and pastries for a London picnic.
- Visit Camden Market for a mouthwatering market feast. Traders often give free tasters as you walk by to help you choose which dish to go for.
- If you're in east London, Old Spitalfields Market boasts a number of good portioned cheap eats, with options to suite any taste.
Make your way to Mercato Mayfair, Mercato Metropolitano, Boxpark Wembley, Boxpark Shoreditch or Boxpark Croydon and you'll find a foodie haven. You can't go wrong with a wide selection of stalls, restaurants and bars at cheap prices.
If you're looking to grab a bite to eat in another area of the capital, there are plenty more cheap lunch spots in London.
Afternoon: go sightseeing around London
Once you've satisfied your hunger, resist the urge to splash more cash with a relaxing afternoon in Hyde Park. Take a stroll around the peaceful Serpentine lake, sit and read underneath the trees, let little ones run wild on the adventure playground or hire a Santander Cycle to explore more of the park – it only costs £1.65 for the first half an hour!
If you can't resist a bit of bargain hunting, check out one of London's bustling markets. Portobello Road, Camden Market and Greenwich Market are all good options for cheap shopping in London, and offer everything from prints and antiques to clothes and flowers. Or, venture north-west to the London Designer Outlet to grab some great deals from a selection of well-known brands.
Enjoy some wonderful walks in London's districts, including the City of London and South Bank for some cool river views.
Alternatively, spend the afternoon visiting some top London landmarks:
- Take snaps at London’s best selfie spots, including Tower Bridge, The Shard and Buckingham Palace.
- Embark on London’s River Bus, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, for a cheap river tour and unparalleled views of the capital.
- For a cheaper sightseeing tour, hop on the 88 bus route using your Visitor Oyster Card or Oyster Card. You’ll pass London landmarks such as Regent Street and Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Tate Britain.
- Make the most of London’s wallet-friendly walking tours: Sandemans New London Tours operate on a "pay what you can" basis, meaning you can take your budget into account while discovering a different side of London.
- If you prefer to explore London at your own pace, you can pick up a free City Visitor Trail map.
Evening: catch a cheap London theatre show
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, return to Leicester Square in central London and wander around the free Scenes in the Square. Avoid the pricier bars and restaurants found in the square and check out Chinatown – centred on Gerrard Street – which has lots of cheap restaurants.
After dinner, head over to London’s West End to bag yourself some standby theatre tickets: returns and unsold tickets priced at a considerable discount. Pick which of the best London musicals you want to see and line up at the theatre box office, but be prepared to race around for your second or third choice!
If that seems too hectic, visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square, where you can buy West End theatre tickets with huge discounts on the day and also up to seven days before the show. Alternatively, avoid the queues and book theatre tickets online in advance.
Those who want a late-night culture fix can check out one of London's free museum and gallery lates. There’s also plenty of London comedy shows on offer, and party animals can enjoy a cheap night out in London.
If you’re looking for more cheap London inspiration, check out this guide to budget London. You can also discover the top money-saving tips for your trip, choose from 101 free things to do in London or enjoy some of the capital's free events.
