Budget Travel Ideas in London

Travelers on a budget shouldn't worry about visiting London, because of the city’s reputation for sky high prices. There are plenty of things to do and see in the city for next to nothing.

From budget lodgings to cheap eats, museums to nightclubs, London caters surprisingly well for those with an eye on the purse.

Hostel Accommodation

Firstly, save some cash by giving the plush hotels a miss and heading for one of the city’s many excellent hostels. At Holland Park YHA (Youth Hostel Association), for example, guests can make their base in the middle of beautiful Holland Park. The hostel’s location by Kensington High Street is ideal for sightseeing, and double rooms, with breakfast included, cost from just £20 per person.

University Accommodation

Alternatively, travelers heading to London during the universities’ summer break can value, comfortable accommodation in some of the city’s university halls of residence. One good option is the University of Westminster’s International Hall of Residence, just 15 minutes’ walk from the Houses of Parliament. Room prices here start at under £30, and there are good long-stay deals for those planning on sticking around a while.

Cheap Eats

The abundance of good supermarkets makes eating on a budget a simple for self-caterers. eGood Value chain cafes and restaurants such as Eat and Wagamama are ideal lunch spots, while many of London’s traditional pubs offer great value ‘pub grub’ well into the night. Those who like things spicy shouldn’t miss a trip to the legendary Brick Lane, home to countless Indian restaurants offering delicious meals for very affordable prices.

Things to Do and See for Free

With a wealth of museums, art galleries, parks and gardens offering free entry, sightseeing in London won’t cost a cent. Be sure to check out Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, pigeon-strewn Trafalgar Square and the world famous National Portrait Gallery and National Portrait Gallery; and don’t forget to see if the Queen is at home at Buckingham Palace!

Getting Around for Less

If you have the time and the energy, seeing London on foot is a great way to get a feel for the city without splashing the cash. Alternatively, budget travelers can take to the river with a River Red Rover ticket, which costs less than £12 for adults and under £5 for children. Kids under 5 go free. This ticket allows sightseers to jump on and off as many times as they like, as the boat passes by some of London’s biggest tourist attractions. Visitors who plan to travel by bus or tube should take advantage of the city’s Oyster Card system, which offers reduced rates on multiple journeys.

Evening Entertainment

A tiny budget needn’t mean spending your evenings at the hostel. London has an excellent program of free live music entertainment, from  concerts at the National Theater and National Portrait Gallery to live jazz in the park at Covent Garden. Fancy a drink? Check out special ‘Happy Hour’ deals that offer bargain booze for post-work drinkers, typically between 5pm-8pm. For free laughs, head to the Theatre Royal Stratford East on for free comedy nights on Mondays and the final Sunday of each month.