Thrifty London: A Day Trip Guide on a Budget

Explore London without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to London on a limited budget can still offer plenty of sights and experiences. Tour the city's famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Big Ben. Take advantage of free activities such as exploring the many parks and markets throughout the city.

Day trip plan

Getting latest place information
Day

London on a budget

  • Start the day off at Borough Market for breakfast. Try the famous bacon sandwich from Roast or grab a pastry from Bread Ahead.
  • Take a stroll along Southbank and admire the views of the London Eye and Big Ben.
  • Visit the British Museum admission is free! See the Rosetta Stone or the Egyptian mummies.
  • For lunch, head to Brick Lane and try some delicious Indian street food. OR head to Brixton for a taste of the Caribbean try a jerk chicken wrap from Fish, Wings & Tings.
  • Spend the afternoon shopping at Camden Market. There's something for everyone, from vintage threads to quirky souvenirs.
  • End the day with a pint at a local pub. The Salisbury or The Ship are great options. Cheers!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to London by plane is to fly into London Heathrow Airport, which is one of the major airports in the city. Other good options include London Gatwick Airport and London City Airport.

Car

Driving to London is possible too, but you will need to consider the heavy traffic and parking issues in the city. The best way to get there by car is to take the M25 motorway, which circles around the city, and follow directions to the city center.

Train

If you prefer to travel by train, the best option is to take the Eurostar from Paris to London, which arrives at London St. Pancras International Station.

Boat

There are no direct boat services to London, but you can take a ferry or cruise to a nearby port and then take a train or bus to the city. Southampton port is the closest port to London that has good transport links.

Bus

To reach London by bus, you can take the National Express coach service, which operates from various cities throughout the UK and arrives at Victoria Coach Station in London.

More travel plans

London, Baby! A Whimsical 5-Day Family Adventure

A family-friendly trip to London, United Kingdom offers an exciting blend of historical landmarks, cultural experiences, and fun-filled attractions for all ages. Explore iconic sites like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum, immersing your family in the city's rich history. Enjoy bonding moments while strolling through picturesque parks such as Hyde Park, and make sure to visit family-oriented attractions like the London Eye and the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the UK's capital.

London in Four Days: A Family Adventure Extravaganza!

A family-friendly trip to London, United Kingdom promises a perfect blend of history, culture, and entertainment. From iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace to world-class museums like the British Museum and the Natural History Museum, there are countless educational and interactive activities for children of all ages. Additionally, families can enjoy captivating shows at the West End, explore expansive parks like Hyde Park, and even embark on exciting boat tours along the River Thames.

London's Hidden Gems: Family Fun and Historic Treasures

A family friendly trip to London, United Kingdom offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and entertainment for all ages. Visit iconic landmarks like the Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum to immerse your family in the city's rich history. Explore family-friendly attractions like the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, the London Zoo, and the Science Museum to spark the curiosity and excitement of your little ones.

Romantic London in One Day

Explore the charming streets of London with your sweetheart, visiting iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Tower Bridge. Take a romantic stroll through Hyde Park as the leaves turn colors while sipping on hot chocolate from a nearby cafe. End your adventure with a fancy dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant before returning to your cozy accommodations for the night.