Top 10 Things To Do In London On A Budget (2024)

FAQs

How much money should I budget per day in London? ›

We recommend budgeting around £105 plus (about $130 in US dollars) per day, per person, after paying to get there. You can of course spend a lot more, or a little less, but our recent trip revealed this figure to be a good starting point.

For first time visitors, we recommend spending at least four or five days in London, which will give you enough time to get a feel for the city and see many of its main sites. With so much to do and see check out this article on how you can make the most of your time in London! Related Article: Where to Stay in London.

A trip to the capital needn't break the bank – you can visit London on a budget! There's a wealth of free and discounted attractions, cheap London travel options and budget accommodation to choose from across the city.

It's a good idea to have some pounds with you when you're in the UK. While cash isn't always needed, some small merchants prefer it, and you'll need it for tipping and buying things in markets too. In most cases the easiest option to get your travel cash is to make ATM withdrawals on arrival.

The months between March and May is the best time to visit London owing to the perfect weather to go sight-seeing. When is it High Season in London? Summers from June to August and the winters in December and January is high season in London.

In London restaurants, it's customary to tip between 10-15% of the overall bill if a service charge isn't added. However, tipping is not required in self-service or fast-food restaurants. Some restaurants may automatically add a service charge, usually around 12.5%.

Covent Garden, Charing Cross + Trafalgar Square

So it's your first time in London. Where to stay? We suggest considering Covent Garden first of all.

Is Food Expensive in London? Embarking on a gastronomic journey through London may sound like an expensive venture, but fear not! With the average cost of a meal out in the capital £30 per person, based on September 2023 prices we've uncovered tips to make your culinary exploration both delightful and cost-effective.

Data shows that the cost of living is 0.49% lower in the UK than the US. This difference is even greater in cities that are expensive to live in. New York City and London are generally considered the most expensive places to live in the UK and the US.

Without doubt, one of the most famous streets in London is Downing Street. 10 Downing Street is, of course, the official residence of the Prime Minister.

Is $20 000 enough for London? ›

Can you live in London on 20k? It would be very difficult to live alone in London off of 20k net a year, requiring some serious financial planning. A budget of 20k a year translates to around £1,666 per month, of which nearly £1,000 will likely need to be paid in rent.

If you crave a bit more comfort and convenience, aim for a daily budget of about £135. This enables you to stay in private hostel rooms or Airbnb apartments, dine out occasionally at budget-friendly pubs or food stalls, and take advantage of early-bird train fares for intercity travel.

Young people have the highest daily expenditure, spending £59.30 per day, equivalent to 77% of their average monthly income. This is a considerable 71% higher than the £34.74 spent daily by over-55s, whose committed spending is just 61% of their income, including pensions.

If you do not need to pay rent or mortgage then you could easily live in London on £2000 per month. Contrary to what many people say London does not have to be an expensive place to live when housing is taken out of account.