If you’ve got the money, there’s plenty of places to spend it in this city! However, if you’re a little strapped for cash there are a surprising number of things you can do in London on a budget! Read our handy guide to discover some of our favourite things to do in London for under £10.
1. Get Cultured
Where? In museums and galleries throughout the city
What’s it all about? Immersing yourself in some of London’s most interesting cultural hot spots
In our book, one of the most marvellous things about London is the sheer abundance of museums that you can visit completely for free. That’s right, a trip to one of the world’s most renowned cultural halls won’t set you back one penny! You are welcome to wander around the likes of famous establishments like The British Museum, The Victoria and Albert and The Tate Modern – along with lesser known gems like Horniman Museum and Gardens and The V&A Museum of Childhood – without breaking a tenner. A visit to one of the city’s museums or galleries is a perfect day out if you’re in London on a budget!
Tate Modern (Copyright Clink Hostels)
2. Get Outside
Where? In parks and green spaces throughout the city
What’s it all about? Getting out in nature and escaping from the hustle and bustle of the city
Did you know that London is made up of 40% public green space, including 3,000 parks and totalling 35,000 acres? That’s almost half of the city available for London locals and visitors to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors! From Royal Parks, to rambling heaths there’s a whole lot of outdoor to explore in this city. Best of all, access to nearly all of the city’s green space is completely free meaning that you can enjoy a nature-filled day out in London – even on the tightest of budgets! For one of the best views in the city, head up to Primrose Hill and watch the sun set.
London Fields (Copyright Clink Hostels)
Coming to London with your mates? Here’s our favourite things to do in the city as a group!
3. See the sights
Where? London’s famous landmarks and buildings
What’s it all about? Experiencing London’s rich and varied history
London is a city with plenty of stories to tell … Steeped in a rich history, there’s all sorts of iconic sights to see and places to visit – many of which are completely free! Some of our favourite budget friendly sights to see in the city include watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, taking a free tour of the Houses of Parliament and watching the lifting of the bridge at Tower Bridge. The Royal Opera House also offers free lunchtime recitals which is a great way to have a peek inside without paying for a full price ticket! For any Beatles fans, make sure you head to Abbey Road and walk across the famous zebra crossing from their 1969 album of the same name.
4. Explore London’s Markets
Where? In London’s many markets
What’s it all about? Wandering with little purpose (and maybe finding a bargain or two!)
London has some of the most famous markets in the world. From vintage treasures and rare antiques through to artisan produce, delicious street food and fresh fruit and veg, London’s many and varied markets are a real feast for the senses. Entry is generally free and, naturally, you can spend as much or as little as you wish … Head toBorough Market where you’ll find foodie heaven and a enough free samples to keep you going for a good while, without spending a penny! Portobello Market , made famous in a large part by British Rom-Com Notting Hill, is full of vintage clothes and and antique finds whilst East London’s Brick Lane is a mixture of crafty bits, vintage finds and tasty street food. Wander round and, if you’re careful, you can have a morning out for under a £10!
Copyright Clink Hostels
5. Look around you
Where? All around the city (but with particular areas of interest in East London)
What’s it all about? Finding beauty in unexpected places
There’s beauty to be found all around London, sometimes in the most unexpected of places. The city is full of artists and creatives, many of whom have taken the city as their canvas – bringing life and colour to areas of the city that would otherwise have little TLC. Why not join one of Sandemans’ free Street Art Tours to discover some of the hidden art dotted throughout the city? You’ll be amazed at what you discover!
Copyright Clink Hostels
6. Get active
Where? All around the city
What’s it all about? Getting some exercise whilst getting around!
When you arrive in London, it’s tempting to just jump on the underground to get from A to B. However, there’s plenty of other ways to get around that are fun, free and a lot cheaper than travelling by tube – perfect for those trying to do London on a budget! London’s Cycle Hire Scheme was introduced a few years ago by former mayor of London Boris Johnson. If you and your friends are fairly confident cyclists, then why not find one of the many docking stations throughout the city, grab a bike for as little as £2 and get exploring? Walking is a great way to get to know the city too – and that’s completely free! Check out The Londonists’ guide to some of the best weekend walks in London here.
Santander Bikes (Copyright Clink Hostels)
7. Eat Al Fresco
Where? Wherever you like!
What’s it all about? Enjoying your dinner in the great outdoors
If London’s weather is kind then there’s nothing we enjoy more than eating outside in one of London’s many gorgeous parks! Eating out in London restaurants can be expensive so, if you’re on a budget, then why not see the great outdoors as your personal dining table? Some of our favourite pizza-experts Franco Manca do a takeaway margarita pizza for little more than a fiver and, if you’re feeling super thrifty, you can rustle up a cracking budget-friendly picnic spread by heading to the bargain box at Tesco or Sainsburys!
Franco Manca Pizza (Copyright Clink Hostels)
Staying with us at Clink? We’ve got loads of free events running every day! Check them out here.
8. Catch some live music
Where? The streets of London and various venues throughout the city
What’s it all about? Discovering some up and coming talent in one of music’s most important cities
London is a city that’s produced some of recent history’s most popular and well-respected musicians. From Amy Winehouse to the Rolling Stones, The Spice Girls to The Sex Pistols – this city is a hot bed for talent and we love it for that exact reason! Luckily, you don’t need to shell out on tickets to stadium concerts or festivals to see some top talent in action. London’s streets are filled with talented street performers and buskers and there’s plenty of pubs and live music venues like Lock Tavern, Village Underground and our very own ClashBAR, where you can catch up and coming artists in an intimate setting.
Buskers at Columbia Road (Copyright Clink Hostels)
