London is a city that is known for being expensive, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a good time while on a budget. In fact, there are plenty of things to do in London on a Budget that are 15 pounds per person or under. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these activities are sure to give you a taste of the city without breaking the bank.
Chinatown
One of the best places to start your budget-friendly adventure in London is Chinatown. This vibrant area is full of affordable and delicious food options, making it the perfect place to start your day. One recommendation is to take a dessert tour around the area. Gather a few friends and try out the different treats available at the various bakeries and dessert shops in the area.
One of the most famous desserts in Chinatown is the bubble waffle, which is a new take on a popular Hong Kong Street treat called egg waffles. You can try the vegan special with ice cream, raspberries, and chocolate sauce for only 7.50 pounds, and it’s definitely big enough to share with friends. For more affordable treats, you can head to Chinatown Bakery, which is the OG bakery in the area. Here, you can find vegetarian sweet treats such as fluffy pandan cake and the classic custard bun for only 1.60 pounds each.
Comedy Club in Covent Garden
Another budget-friendly activity in London is to visit the Top Secret Comedy Club in Covent Garden. This comedy venue is one of the best value comedy venues in London, and most nights you can get tickets for only 15 pounds per person or less. The menu is quite well-known for having big acts surprise guests at even the most affordable shows, and the regular comedians are also really good. If you want even cheaper tickets, you can book for one of the work in progress shows, which are usually one pound or completely free.
Museums
London is also home to many free museums, but those often come with long queues and lots of crowds. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can opt to explore one of the city’s amazing underrated museums. One of the best is the Leighton House Museum in Holland Park. This museum was once the home of painter Frederick Leighton and now houses a stunning art collection in a beautiful property that you can explore. Tickets are only 11 pounds for adults and 5 pounds for children.
Free Museums in London
London is a city full of history, art, science, and culture, and it is home to many world-renowned museums. Here are some brief descriptions of some of the most popular museums in London:
British Museum
This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from around the world, including the famous Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.
Natural History Museum
Home to one of the largest natural history collections in the world, the museum showcases the diversity of life on Earth, including dinosaurs, mammals, and insects.
The Science Museum
With interactive exhibits, scientific instruments, and technological advancements from the past and present, this museum offers a fascinating insight into the world of science.
Imperial War Museum
This museum provides a comprehensive look at the impact of war on people’s lives, with exhibitions on conflicts from World War I to the present day.
Design Museum
Celebrating the best of design from around the world, this museum showcases everything from fashion to architecture.
Horniman Museum
With over 350,000 objects from around the world, the Horniman Museum explores anthropology, natural history, and musical instruments.
Sir John Soane’s Museum
Once the home of the architect Sir John Soane, this museum houses a collection of art, sculpture, and antiquities.
RAF Museum
This museum tells the story of the Royal Air Force, with exhibitions on aviation history, technology, and innovation.
Wellcome Collection
This museum explores the history and future of medicine and health, with exhibitions on everything from disease to the mind-body connection.
Victoria & Albert Museum
The V&A Museum is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, with collections spanning over 5,000 years of human creativity.
Museum of London Docklands
Located in the historic West India Docks, the museum tells the story of London’s role in the transatlantic slave trade and its development as a global trading center.
Grant Museum of Zoology
The Grant Museum of Zoology is a treasure trove of animal specimens, from the extinct dodo to the world’s smallest deer.
The National Maritime Museum
Located in Greenwich, this museum explores Britain’s maritime history, from exploration and trade to war and leisure.
National Army Museum
The National Army Museum tells the story of the British Army and its role in shaping the nation’s history.
Queer Britain
This new museum aims to tell the story of the LGBTQ+ community in Britain, from the Victorian era to the present day.
London Mithraeum
Located beneath Bloomberg’s European headquarters, this museum houses the remains of a Roman temple dedicated to the god Mithras.
The Vagina Museum
This museum, the first of its kind in the world, aims to challenge the stigma and taboo surrounding female anatomy.
The Chocolate Museum
This museum celebrates the history and culture of chocolate, from its origins in South America to its modern-day popularity.
V&A Museum of Childhood
This museum explores the world of childhood, with collections of toys, games, and other items from the past and present.
Museum of London
Currently closed for renovation, this museum will reopen in 2026 with new galleries and exhibits exploring the city’s rich history.
London Transport Museum
This museum tells the story of London’s public transport system, from the horse-drawn omnibus to the modern-day Tube.
The Postal Museum
The Postal Museum explores the history of the British postal service, with exhibitions on mail delivery, stamps, and communication.
Pollock’s Toy Museum
This small museum showcases a collection of toys and games from the Victorian era to the present day.
London Sightseeing: Exploring the Best of the City
London is a city that has something for everyone, from stunning architecture to beautiful parks, food markets, and street art. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best sightseeing spots in London, divided into categories to help you plan your visit.
The River Thames
The River Thames is a must-see for anyone visiting London. It starts opposite the historic Tower of London and takes you all the way to the London Eye and Houses of Parliament. You can admire the iconic Big Ben clock tower from the outside, but if you’re a UK resident, you can also enter the Palace of Westminster for free. All you have to do is contact your local MP’s office as they have limited numbers of free tickets for constituents.
Tower Bridge is another great location to visit, and while it currently costs £10.60 to go inside, crossing it is free, and it’s arguably even more beautiful from the outside. You can also look up the times when the bridge opens, which is fascinating to watch. Nearby, you will find Sky Garden, a lush tropical rooftop garden that is completely free. Just make sure to book your tickets in advance as spaces are limited.
Parks
Did you know that London is the world’s first national park city? It’s also home to 8.3 million trees and 14,000 different species of wildlife. Hyde Park is London’s most famous green space, and you shouldn’t miss Speaker’s Corner, the beautiful rose garden in the summer, and Serpentine Lake.
You can even go swimming in there, but the annual membership costs £20. Kensington Gardens, the setting of one of James Barry’s Peter Pan books, is located right next to Hyde Park and is home to the famous Albert Memorial. Richmond Park is very different from these two parks, as it’s a national nature reserve located far from the busy city centre and is full of deer. Then there’s Ornament Gardens, not widely known even within London, but well worth a visit.
You get great views of the London skyline, and there are even alpacas! They also have 60 acres of gardens, a library, and a museum.
Markets
This costs more to you. Food, furniture, flowers – London’s markets have it all. Portobello Road Market in the colourful neighbourhood of Notting Hill is one of the most famous, where you’ll also find the annual Notting Hill Carnival put on by the local Caribbean community. If you’re hungry, we recommend the nearby Aklan Food Market, where you can get some fantastic international grub.
Borough Market is probably the most famous food market in the capital and has been in this spot since at least the 12th century, making it one of London’s oldest as well as the biggest. But it doesn’t have to be all about food – Columbia Road Flower Market is a great spot for fresh flowers, succulents, and just a bit of photography. It’s only open on Sundays, so bear that in mind and get there as early as possible to avoid the crowds. If you love Harry Potter, Leaden Hall Market might seem familiar as it was used as a filming location in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Camden Market has a little bit of everything – art, music, vintage fashion, and great food. It’s right on Regent’s Canal, so you can enjoy being right next to the water. Don’t forget to check out a shop called Cyberdog, which is pretty crazy.
Finally, to cap off your day in London, you can try a little self-guided pub crawl. London is known for its pubs, and many of them offer affordable drinks and a great atmosphere. Just remember to drink responsibly and stay safe while enjoying the city’s nightlife.
Conclusion
In conclusion, London may be an expensive city, but there are plenty of affordable and fun things to do. From Chinatown dessert tours to comedy shows and underrated museums, Parks, Markets there’s something for everyone or enjoy your trip at London on a budget. So why not book your flights to London today and start exploring all that this amazing city has to offer?
