London offers top-tier, free experiences, including world-class museums like the British Museum and Natural History Museum, stunning views from the Sky Garden, and iconic sights such as the Changing of the Guard. Visitors can explore vast Royal Parks, Tate Modern, and vibrant markets without spending, providing culture and entertainment on any budget.
To get free stuff in London, use online platforms like Freecycle, Trash Nothing, and Gumtree for giving/getting used items; check apps and websites like Magic Freebies for samples, birthday deals, and survey rewards; and find free activities like museums (British Museum, Tate Modern), parks (Greenwich), and events (Changing the Guard) for experiences. For food aid, connect with organizations via the IFAN network.
£1000 is a decent amount of spending money for a week in London if your accom is already paid for. Of course, it depends on what you like to do — if you love culture and the arts, you can immerse yourself in galleries and museums for the week without paying a penny.
For non-touristy London, explore hidden gems like Little Venice canals or Hampstead Heath, discover niche museums such as the Handel & Hendrix Museum, find unique markets like Lower Marsh, stroll through peaceful spots like Richmond Park or Highgate Cemetery, and check out local eateries in areas like Hackney Wick for authentic food.
“There are clear and distinctive categories – 50% for needs, 30% for wants and 20% to put aside as savings.” If £1,500 comes into your account each month, this means £750 would go towards your 'needs' – rent, council tax, energy bill, food and transport to and from work.
When is the cheapest time to visit London? Usually, the period between January and March is the cheapest time to visit London, due to the cool temperatures, occasional rainfall, and lack of public holidays and events.
London offers tons of cheap fun, focusing on free world-class museums (British Museum, National Gallery, V&A, Natural History, Tate Modern), iconic parks (Hyde Park, Richmond Park for deer, Hampstead Heath), and walking famous areas like the South Bank, Covent Garden, and Notting Hill, plus budget-friendly markets (Borough, Portobello Road), unique sights like Sky Garden (free views), and cheap transport via Thames Clipper or buses, making culture, views, and exploration affordable.
Dress like a local. Look, the iHeart London jumper you grabbed at Camden Market might be cute but it screams tourist. London is rarely wear workout clothes unless it adds you off to the gym. Just stick to jeans, T shirts, jumpers, and jackets and definitely layer up for the unpredictable weather.
February is the cheapest month to fly to London. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to London.
For 3 days in London, budget around £150-£300+ for budget/mid-range (excluding flights/hotel), covering food, transport, and some attractions, but this can balloon to £1,000+ for luxury, with accommodation being the biggest variable; aim for at least £50-£70 per day for essentials if you're being frugal, or £100-£200+ per day for a comfortable experience.
A London itinerary for 7 days is the best length for first-time travellers as well as the seasoned ones. It's long enough to cover London's top attractions, yet not too long to feel like you're running out of things to do in one of Europe best cities. Of course, you'll never be short on things to do.
