Welcome to our guide on how to experience the vibrant city of London with just £100 for the day. London is undoubtedly one of the most expensive cities in the world, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all it has to offer on a budget. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide that will help you make the most of your day in London without breaking the bank.
Morning Coffee at The Attendant
Start your day off right with a trip to The Attendant, one of the coolest coffee shops in London. Located in an old bathroom, this quirky cafe is definitely worth a visit. The 130-year-old urinals add to the unique atmosphere, and the coffee is top-notch. A cappuccino will set you back £4.50, but the experience is worth it.
Ride the Double Decker Bus to Big Ben
To truly experience London, you must ride a double-decker bus. For just £6.25, you can ride the bus all day and get on and off as much as you please. Take the bus to Big Ben, the iconic clock tower, and the perfect place to start your tour of London.
Lunch at The Laughing Halibut
No trip to London is complete without trying fish and chips, and The Laughing Halibut is the perfect place to do so. This highly recommended restaurant serves up a generous portion of fish and chips for just over £11, including a mystery drink called Iron Brew. If you’re on a tighter budget, there is a convenient grocery store called Tesco where you can grab a sandwich, a bag of chips, and a drink for just £3.50.
Walk Across the Millennium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge offers stunning views of London, and it’s free to walk across. Take in the sights and sounds of the city as you cross the bridge to St. Paul’s Cathedral. If you’re looking for that perfect Instagram shot, be sure to snap a photo of the red telephone booth with the cathedral in the background.
Explore the Tate Modern Museum
London is home to many free museums, and the Tate Modern Museum is a must-visit for any art lover. This impressive four-story warehouse houses a vast collection of modern art and is entirely free to enter. Simply walk straight through the door and enjoy the art.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Sugar Sin
After a day of exploring, treat yourself to some candy at Sugar Sin. This Swedish candy company has the only store in the UK that serves this type of specialty candy. For just £3.50, you can grab a bag of delicious sweets.
Stay at a Budget Hostel
For just £27 a night, you can stay at a budget hostel in the heart of London. Although you’ll be sharing a room with others, the hostel is clean and comfortable, making it an excellent value for the price.
Experience Pub Culture
London is famous for its pubs, and the pub culture is a must-experience. Grab a pint of beer at a local pub for around £7, and mingle with the locals. It’s the perfect way to get a taste of London’s culture and nightlife.
Dine at Flat Iron
For dinner, head to Flat Iron, where they serve only one thing: steak. At £12, it’s a fantastic value, and the steak is reportedly delicious. This small restaurant is worth the visit, and it’s an excellent way to end your day in London.
Breakfast at E. Pellicci
Start your morning with an English breakfast at E. Pellicci, a family-run cafe that’s been around for over 100 years. This tiny diner is one of the best places to enjoy a traditional English breakfast, and it’s an affordable option, with most meals priced around £10.
Getting Around
One of the first things you need to know about London is that it’s a big city. You’ll need to rely on public transportation to get around. Luckily, London has an excellent transportation system, and there are many options to choose from.
The Tube
The Tube is London’s underground train system. It’s fast, efficient, and easy to use. There are 11 lines, so it’s easy to get to almost any part of the city. You can purchase tickets at the station, or you can use a contactless debit or credit card.
Buses
London also has an extensive bus system. The red double-decker buses are an iconic symbol of London, and they’re a great way to see the city. You can purchase a bus pass that allows you to travel as much as you like for a day, or you can pay as you go.
Walking
If you’re looking to save money, walking is always an option. London is a very walkable city, and you’ll see many of its iconic sights just by strolling around. The streets of London are packed with history and culture, and you’ll find plenty of interesting shops, restaurants, and pubs along the way.
Eating on a Budget
One of the most significant expenses you’ll face when traveling is food. Fortunately, London has plenty of options that won’t break the bank. Here are a few of our favorites:
Street Food
London has a fantastic street food scene. You’ll find everything from burgers and tacos to Indian curries and Korean BBQ. Street food is often much cheaper than restaurant food, and you’ll get to experience the local culture and cuisine.
Markets
London is home to some of the best markets in the world. The markets offer a range of food options, from fresh produce and meats to street food and baked goods. Borough Market and Camden Market are two of the most popular markets in London.
Pubs
Pubs are a staple of British culture, and they’re a great place to grab a meal on a budget. Many pubs offer traditional pub fare like fish and chips or bangers and mash. They also have a great selection of local beers and ciders.
Free Attractions
One of the best things about London is that many of its attractions are free. Here are a few of our favorites:
Museums
London has some of the best museums in the world, and most of them are free. The British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Tate Modern are just a few of the many options. These museums offer a glimpse into London’s history and culture.
Parks
London has a lot of beautiful parks that are free to visit. Hyde Park and Regent’s Park are two of the most popular parks in London. They offer a place to relax and enjoy the city’s natural beauty.
Street Art
London has a vibrant street art scene, and you’ll find many murals and graffiti around the city. Some of the most popular areas for street art include Shoreditch and Camden.
In conclusion, London may be known for its high prices, but with a little bit of planning and research, you can still have a great time on a budget. From free museums and parks to affordable hostels and delicious yet inexpensive meals, there are plenty of ways to experience the city without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a backpacker, student, or just looking to save some money, London is a destination that can be enjoyed by all. So pack your bags, grab your 80 pounds, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cities!
As a Londoner I can tell you, you got ripped off by being in central and doing all the tourist traps. Get out of zone 1/2 and you’ll save a fortune on food and drink. You’ll also get cheaper hotels/hostels, and it’s only £3 to get back to central and back.
Fun fact about sweet stores is that in the UK we have a lot of American sweet shops which tend to be fronts for money laundering. If they dont let you film in it and its empty, its probably a laundering shop.
I am from Singapore but partner is a Scottish and Irn Bru is not from the UK but a popular drinks from Scotland. Should try explore Canary Wharf, which is easily my favourite area to live.
London is actually cheap. Its just central London that is expensive. In London I used to eat a burger chips and drink for £3.