Travelling London on a Budget: How to Enjoy the City Without Breaking the Bank

Looking to visit England's capital without breaking the bank? Discover how to enjoy London on a budget with tips on free museums, budget-friendly eats, and more.

A selfie with Big Ben.

London. A city of history, great shopping, and—let’s be honest—outrageously high prices. The moment you land, it feels like your wallet starts sweating (I can say this for both times I’ve been here), but fear not! Spending a week in London without haemorrhaging money is entirely possible.

As someone who found themselves in the United Kingdom for a month thanks to the quirks of Schengen visa restrictions (and a year-long Italian adventure to finance), I had to make every pound count. From free museums to budget-friendly bites, here’s how to explore London on a budget and still have an unforgettable time.

Window Shopping and Thrift Store Hunting: The Art of Browsing Without Buying

Inside of Liberty. Photo by Emily Fata.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy London’s famous shopping scene—sometimes, window shopping is just as thrilling. Liberty, for example, is an absolute dream. I spent an entire afternoon wandering through its beautifully curated sections, from dazzling jewellery and designer fashion to a holiday display so extravagant it made me consider changing my entire aesthetic. The fabric section alone had me planning outfits I’d never actually sew.

If you’re in the mood to actually buy something without blowing your budget, London’s thrift and charity shops are treasure troves. Whether you’re in posh Notting Hill or trendy Shoreditch (where I was staying during my most recent visit), you can find incredible second-hand pieces for a fraction of retail prices. 

Plus, it’s always fun to imagine the fabulous Londoners who previously owned your finds.

Exploring London’s Art Scene for Free with Art Passport App

London is a city of artists, and lucky for us, many galleries are free to explore. Art Passport is a fantastic way to discover smaller gallery spaces where most of the art is for sale, but open to the public for browsing. It’s a great alternative to the usual tourist-heavy museums, offering a glimpse into the contemporary art scene.

Admiring The Crossing, an exhibition by Ken Currie at Flowers Gallery. Photo by Emily Fata.

Even if you’re not looking to buy, it’s an inspiring way to spend an afternoon and discover artists both renowned and up-and-coming. These galleries are often tucked into charming neighbourhoods, making it the perfect excuse to wander and stumble upon hidden cafés, bookshops, and quirky little spots you wouldn’t have otherwise found.

Taking Full Advantage of London’s Free Museums

Sculpture inside of the British Museum. Photo by Emily Fata.

The British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern—London’s museums are packed with treasures from around the world, and they don’t charge a penny to visit. If they’re going to, ahem, ‘borrow’ historical artefacts (big eye roll) from just about every country on the planet, the least they can do is let us see them for free. While you’re there, take a moment to appreciate the irony of seeing an entire Egyptian temple housed in England.

You could easily spend days hopping between museums, soaking in art, history, and the occasional air-conditioned respite from the unpredictable London weather. Pro tip: if you’re feeling a little fancy, some museums offer free talks and tours—perfect for those who like their history served with a side of expert knowledge.

If you want to read more about all the free museums, you can see the ones I visited on my first trip to the city here, and the second (most recent trip) here!

Park Strolls and People-Watching: London’s Best Free Entertainment

If there’s one thing London does well, it’s green spaces. Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Hampstead Heath are all perfect for a leisurely stroll, an impromptu picnic, or simply sitting on a bench watching the world go by. One particularly excellent afternoon involved picking up slices of cheesecake with a friend and settling into a scenic spot to chat and observe Londoners bustling about their business.

Parks are also ideal for spotting some local wildlife—mainly squirrels who have absolutely no fear of humans and will stare into your soul if they think you have food. If you’re lucky, you might even witness an impromptu street performance, as buskers often set up in the busier green spaces.

Eating Well Without Going Broke: Budget Bites and Grocery Store Finds

Morning cappuccino at a London café.

While London’s food scene isn’t necessarily always legendary, it can still be painfully expensive. The key to surviving on a budget? Balance. I made it a rule to eat one meal out per day while keeping the rest of my food expenses as low as possible. Gregg’s vegan sausage rolls became a staple (cheap, delicious, and conveniently available on nearly every corner), and my flat’s microwave turned out to be a lifesaver for frozen dinners.

If you have access to a kitchenette, cooking at least one meal a day is a great way to save some money. Grocery stores like Waitrose and Marks & Spencer (yes, they also have a grocery section!) offer fantastic ready-made options that feel like an upgrade from your standard microwave fare. Plus, browsing British supermarkets is an adventure in itself—there’s something oddly thrilling about discovering snacks you’ve never seen before. Mini chocolate Colin the Caterpillars became my go-to day trip companion.

For those moments when you do want to splurge a little, museum cafés and local pubs are great options. They tend to be reasonably priced compared to high-end restaurants, and you still get a taste of London’s culinary scene without the financial regret.

The streets of London. Photo by Emily Fata.

All in All

London is a city that can be as expensive or as affordable as you make it. With free museums, endless parks, and budget-friendly eats, there’s no need to drain your bank account to have a great time. Whether you’re wandering through historic streets, admiring world-class art, or simply enjoying a good snack on a park bench, there’s plenty to experience without splurging.

So, if you’ve been hesitating to visit because of the cost, don’t let it hold you back. With a little creativity and some strategic spending, you can pass a week in London without feeling like your bank account has been ransacked. Now, who’s ready for an adventure?

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