Get the most out of your trip to London with our top thrifty tips. And the best bit? Many of these affordable options are way more fun than pricey alternatives!
Get an oyster card
Oyster cards and debit cards offer the cheapest ways to travel in London. Using an Oyster Card is less than half the price of buying one-day Travelcards, or single tickets with cash (order one before you arrive to start saving immediately!).
Insider tip: Visitor Oyster Card holders qualify for some food, drink and other discounts and offers.
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Walk it
In spite of the fact that you’ll need to use public transport for longer trips (see above), the centre of London is perfect for strolling around or cycling on one of the city’s Santander Cycles. You get to see more sights, build some exercise into your trip and may even find some secret spots on your adventure!
Insider tip: Especially at busy times, it’s actually faster to walk between some stations.
Free attractions
London has many free landmarks that you can visit without spending anything. These include top art galleries and museums including Tate Modern, National Gallery and British Museum, the Southbank Centre art complex, and outdoor spaces such as Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath.
Insider tip: Don’t miss free spectacles such as the changing of the guard.
Cheap West End shows tickets
Seeing a West End theatre show doesn’t have to be expensive. Book tickets in advance for big discounts. You can also visit the ticket booth in Leicester Square for cheap, last minute tickets.
Insider tip: If you know what you want to see, try lining up at the theatre for stand-by tickets and returns.
The London Pass
The London Pass gets you in free and usually faster to loads of top London attractions including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, London Bridge Experience and the Thames River Cruise.
Insider tip: Plan your day out using a London Pass with our guide.
Book online in advance
If you don’t think you’ll do enough tourism to warrant a London Pass, you can still jump the queue and save on many sights and exhibitions by booking online and in advance. For example, London Eye tickets can be 10% less expensive when you buy online.
Insider tip: Plan ahead as tickets are usually issued at specific times.
Nights out
For a cash sparing night out, purchase a London Nightlife Ticket, which gives you free passage to a portion of the capital’s dance clubs, in addition to uncommon ideas for certain eateries, bars and bowling alleys. Watch out for bar offers or get yourself along to one of London’s numerous club evenings. You can likewise boogie the night away to bands and see skilled acts with some gig tickets.
Insider tip: Ask at your hostel or hotel and check online for the latest club information.
Small shows
London has a flourishing live music scene, and club scenes. Also, the extraordinary thing about these smaller places is they’re normally much more reasonable priced than conventional venues.
Insider tip: Cabaret shows yield some astonishing bijoux scenes.
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Cheap eats
For moderately-priced food, pay special attention to the chain eateries, buffets and conventional bistros. You can buy pre-made sandwiches from grocery stores or shops and eat in the open air in one of London’s parks. Street food has turned into a well known food haunts for a flavorsome cheap meal
Insider tip: Take a packed lunch to some of the best free venues in town!
