It is a place where history interwines with modern innovation.
From Big Ben to the regal Tower Bridge, every corner of this city has a story.
There are lively markets for shoppers, and for art lovers, there are world-class museums.
And if you are among those with wanderlust, rest assured that the city’s neighborhoods can take your breath away.
Over 30 million visitors come each year to take it all in, but where do you begin with timeless landmarks and dynamic experiences?
Navigating the city, from the British Museum to Buckingham Palace, can be overwhelming for first-time visitors.
Don’t worry! This guide will address all your concerns, ensuring a comfortable trip to the Big Smoke.
How much should I budget for a trip to London?
Most of us are under the impression that London is an expensive city.
This may be true if we stay in 5-star hotels and dine in Michelin-starred restaurants.
But, with a little street smarts, we can enjoy the best of London without breaking the bank.
So, let’s plan a 3-day budget trip to London.
Lodging: £60 to £180 per night
You don’t need 5-star hotels to have amazing experiences.
The city is filled with economic guesthouses, budget hotels, and Airbnbs.
Some affordable options are Generator London, Clink 78 Hostel, easyHotel London, and YHA London Central.
Food: £60 to £120 per Day
Many markets, pubs, and multicultural neighborhoods in the city offer delicious food at moderate prices.
For instance, you can enjoy tasty meals from high street chains like Pret A Manger, Leon, and itsu, or try local food at Borough Market or Camden Market.
You can also try pies, chips, and fish at a local pub.
Some restaurants also provide meal deals where you can get a combo of sandwiches, drinks, and snacks under £5.
Transportation: £10 to £15 per day
Another great thing about London is its systematic and well-connected transport network.
You can rent a Santander cycle for half an hour at just £1.65.
By this, you can save a lot of money and explore places like Hyde Park, Notting Hill, and the Thames.
Buses are also cheap and can be effectively used for sightseeing.
Plus, many attractions are within walking distance of each other and can be explored on foot
Finally, you can also use Oyster cards with daily caps to keep an eye on your daily spending.
Activities: £15 to £30 per day
The best part about the city is that most of the experiences are either free or affordable.
For free, you can explore places like the British Museum, Tate Modern, Science Museum, National Gallery, Hyde Park, and Kensington Gardens.
Although the London Eye, Tower of London, the Shard, West End shows, and Thames River cruises are not free, they are very easy on the pocket.
This table summarizes the total expenditure of a 3-day budget trip to London:
| Category | Cost |
| Lodging | £180-£540 |
| Food | £180-£360 |
| Transportation | £30-£45 |
| Activities and Attractions | £45-£90 |
| Total | £435-£1035 (Approx) |
