Sightseeing on a Budget in London

With its royal residences, swanky streets, and grand attractions, London is not typically associated with affordability. However, there’s more to the UK capital than meets the eye, and with some planning it is possible to check off major attractions and must-do activities without breaking the bank. Here’s how.

Book a Super-Saver Deal

Two bestselling experiences are merged into one affordable package with a super-saver deal, providing a cost-effective way to tick off popular experiences, such as visiting Buckingham Palace, riding the London Eye, or taking a city sightseeing tour.

Save on Transport with a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Hop-on hop-off tours combine city sightseeing with hassle-free transfers, helping you save on a day’s transport costs. Plus, onboard commentary means you don’t have to shell out for a guidebook, while a choice of routes allows easy access to the city’s outer reaches, including Shepherd’s Bush, Tower Hill, and King’s Cross.

Choose a Combo Tour That Works for You

From cable car rides to Thames cruises, West End shows to Shakespeare’s Globe, the combo tour’s advantage lies in the wealth of options available. Rather than wasting money on an experience you don’t want, book a combo tour to conveniently line up a day, evening, or weekend of experiences according to what you enjoy.

Book a Tour with a Dining Experience

Food and snacks are often the surprise costs that send budgets into a tailspin. Luckily, meal-inclusive tours are a great way to balance cash management with quintessential English experiences—whether that’s spotting iconic sights, such as Big Ben and the Tate Modern, on a dinner cruise along the famous Thames or combining a classic afternoon tea with a tour of royal residences.

Maximize Your Budget with a Multiattraction Pass

Multiattraction deals such as the London Pass or London Explorer Pass are the best way to maximize your funds. Typically, you choose a time period or attraction limit that suits you, then enjoy heavily discounted, skip-the-line entry to your choice of London’s best attractions, tours, and experiences.

Take Advantage of London’s Free Attractions

Unlike most other capital cities, admission is universally free to London’s major museums, meaning you can enter the British Museum, Natural History Museum, and the V&A without spending a penny. Other cost-free options include the famous Royal Parks, the Thames Path walking trail, and the Christmas displays on Regent Street and Oxford Street, which are all easily accessible via London’s public transport network.