Spending a day in London? It doesn’t have to break the bank! Here’s how to spend a day in the city for under £25, from a Londoner.
I know, I know London is expensive.
Between straight up being of the most powerful currencies in the world (thanks British pound) and London being the major city that it is, it’s way too easy to end up spending far more than you originally planned for a day exploring the city.
Well, I’m personally here to tell you that you don’t need to splash the cash to enjoy London life to the fullest. You can have just as much fun exploring the city with £2 in your pocket as you can with £200. You just need a few tips and tricks up your sleeve, and that’s what I’m here for!
Without further ado, here’s how to spend a day in London for under £25
Morning: Grab Breakfast at M&S (then coffee)
£2-£6
Before you start a day of exploring you’ll most definitely need some fuel in you. Now of course, going for a Notting Hill brunch or hearty Full English will set you back a lot. But we’re getting thrifty today, so instead head to your nearest M&S.
Out of all the supermarkets in London, the quality of M&S food is definitely the best, so you can still feel full (and fancy) gorging on a £2 Rosemary Foccacia (seriously, they’re blessed).
If you’re in the mood for some caffeine, you can also stop by your nearest café before you start your day of exploring. A typical coffee in London will set you back around £2.50-3.50.
Visit The Tate Modern
Free
Once you’re well-fed, it’s time to do some sightseeing. The beautiful thing about London is that all the museums are free, so don’t worry about spending a penny here. My personal favourite is the Tate Modern.
There’s always an eye-opening exhibition here to be enjoyed, not to mention the location is spectacular (you’ll see with our next activity).
Spend an hour or so moseying around the modern art and don’t leave without visiting the top of the Blavatnik Building. It’s a public viewing terrace in the Tate with amazing views of the London skyline — all free!
Walk Along Bankside
Free
Once you leave the Tate you’ll be in one of the best places to take in London for free, Bankside. It’s a beautiful riverside walk with tons of London attractions and viewpoints to take in along the way.
Take a right and see everything from St Paul’s Cathedral to Shakespeare’s Globe and London Bridge before heading to Borough Market.
Lunch: Borough Market
£8-10
Once you get to Borough Market you’ll have an endless amount of food options to try for lunch.
A foodie haven right across London Bridge (and London’s oldest food market) you can eat your way through everything from Spanish paella to juicy pastries and smelly cheeses, without breaking the bank. Not to mention tons of free samples offered on every corner…don’t mind if I do.
The outdoor market is completely free to enter, but of course, the food comes at a price. Maybe some Tagliarini Pasta at Padella? Or if you’re not too peckish, switch straight to the doughnuts from Bread Ahead (so so good).
P.S -Borough Market is one of the filming locations in the Bridget Jones’s Diary movie!
See the Glass Floor at Tower Bridge
£11.40 (or £8.60 for students)
Did you know you could walk through the top of Tower Bridge? It’s incredible. Not only can you learn about the history of how it came to be, but you’ll get an epic photo of Tower Bridge too.
Afterwards take a walk down to Potter’s Field Park, a lovely green space right next to the bridge with amazing Central London views at your fingertips. There’s also ‘The Scoop’ right next to it, an ampitheatre with dozens of free concerts and events throughout the summer.
P.S – Like London green spaces? Here’s the best parks in London to visit!
Total: £21.40 – £27.40
And there you have it! A day in London for under the cost of a sit-down meal. Pretty neat huh? I’ll be posting more affordable London itineraries, so be sure to follow the blog for more. Until then…
Happy Londoning,
