London on a Budget: Complete Guide
Weather
Weather in London is iffy. The summer months can get hot (typically 20-30 degrees celcius), whilst winters are usually mild (single-digits). You’re probably aware that it rains A LOT in England, especially during springtime and winter. You can expect rain every other day or so.
What to Bring
- Rain gear (ponchos, umbrellas, boots)
- Coat (for fall and winter)
- A couple sweaters/hoodies
- Sneakers/running shoes (you’re gonna do a lot of walking)
- Cash (they use British pounds)
- Credit card (debit typically doesn’t work in different countries but sometimes debit visas and debit mastercards work)
- Passport/Valid ID (no-brainer)
- Shorts (for summer and spring)
- Jeans/pants
- Sleepwear
- Toiletries (soap, toothbrush, hairbrush, etc)
- Comfortable clothing
- Swimwear (most hotels have pools)
- T-shirts & tank tops
- Backpack or purse
- Camera (your phone camera counts)
Getting Around
The best way to travel the city is the London Underground, also known as “The Tube”. It’s fast, cheap, and stops pretty much everywhere in the city, with stations at Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, Westminister, Hyde Park and Heathrow Airport. Another option would be taking the classic double-decker busses around, as they make more frequent stops and go further out of the city than the Underground. I would recommend getting an Oyster card to tap on and off at stations. Ubers and taxis are also available, just at a higher price. However, the cheapest way to get around is by walking! Take your time getting around and soak in your surroundings while getting your steps in.
Best Times to Go
If you’re not a fan of crowds or tourists, I would highly recommend avoiding travel in July-August, Christmas time, and March break (second week in March). If you have to travel during busy seasons, I would recommend visiting popular attractions later at night, or around dinner time. Otherwise, September-November are definitely the best times to go, or even April-June for warmer weather.
Cheapest Hotels
Rooms are very small. Really good location in South Kensington (not far from Kensington Palace) and around the corner from a bus stop. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. Rooms typically range from £52-£75 per night.
They have many types of rooms ranging from about £65-£165 per night. Location isn’t the best— it’s outside of Central London and the closest bus stop is about a 15-minute walk. I would recommend renting a car or ordering a taxi. Ideal for couples, friends & families.
Really cute hotel with different types of rooms ranging from around £60-£90 per night. Location is decent— across the street from a bus stop, but it would be about a 20-30 minute ride to get to all the action. Ideal for solo travellers, couples, friends & families.
Great location overlooking the beautiful Kew Gardens and right around the corner from a London Underground station. These rooms are primarily designed for couples, ranging from around £76-£88 per night.
Museums & Landmarks
Westminister Abbey
You can get guided 1.5 hours tours of the popular royal wedding location for as little as £29 per person. Or you can see the exterior for free!
Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Although this is in Watford, not London, you can book a bus that takes you straight to the studio from Central London. Studio tickets including the bus is around £128 per person. This activity would take half a day (about 7 hours).
Stonehenge
Take an organized bus trip from Central London to the famous Stonehenge! It costs about £69 per person which includes a return bus trip and a few hours at the Stonehenge museum.
Postal Museum
Discover the history of the London postal service for as little as £17 per person, or add on their underground rail ride for just £1 extra.
Jack the Ripper Museum
There are many Jack the Ripper walking tours throughout London, but I would recommend visiting the official Jack the Rippper museum if you are a true crime fan. Entry tickets to the museum start at around £12 per person, with walking tours starting at around £6 per person. Walking tours will take you around London to visit all the locations relevant to Jack the Ripper's life.
Buckingham Palace
If you are visiting London, you have to see Buckingham Palace-- the primary residence of the King and royal family. You can see the exterior at any time for free, just be wary of tourists. You can get tickets to see the changing of the guard for £23 per person, and you can get tours of the palace grounds for around £33 per person.
Hyde Park
Grab a drink, a snack, and a camera and enjoy a relaxing day or evening in the beautiful Hyde Park.
The London Eye
Get the best views of London onboard the London Eye— one of the world’s tallest ferris wheels. For a 30-minute ride, it will cost about £32 per person.
Other Must-Sees
Activities
High-Speed Thames River Speedboat
If you love thrill and adventure, you would love this hour-long speedboat adventure on the Thames River in London. For about £60 per person, it will feel like you’re on a rollercoaster on water! Of course, there’s calm river cruises too for around £16 per person.
The Garden at 120
Catch some amazing sights for free!
Night Bus Tour
Seeing London at night is 10x better than the day time. See the city’s most popular attractions all lit up with minimal tourists surrounding. For only £29 per person, you can get a 1.5 hour tour around London in the dark.
Day Trip to Paris
Definitely not London, however, there are organized train trips from Central London to Paris, France for around £259 per person. This includes transportation to and from Paris, allowing you to spend an entire day in the city. You can even make this trip on your own and spend more time in Paris if you’d like! A Paris travel guide is in the works :)
Afternoon Tea
You can’t go to London without having tea. Afternoon tea is a great way to feel rich at a low price. Enjoy dozens of different teas while snacking on sandwiches, fruits, and pastries. The Rubens at the Palace offers afternoon tea for only £92 per person. There are also options to have afternoon tea while getting a bus tour around London for as little as £49 per person.
Clubbing
If you like to party, London has many night clubs to choose from with entry fees ranging anywhere from £1-£25.
Food & Drink
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