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

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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.

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