Things to Do in London

20 (Budget-Friendly) Things to Do in London

With the current exchange rate and the cost of dining out in the city of London, we found it necessary to find fun, budget-friendly things to see and do during our week in the city. Luckily, London is full of stunning architecture, remarkable museums, and charming outdoor spaces, making it easy to enjoy the city without breaking the bank.

Read on to See 20 Budget-Friendly
​Things to do in London.

---

Victoria & Albert Museum

1. Explore The Victoria & Albert Museum

Textiles and Fashion Gallery

Well-curated displays at the V&A Museum

Though the city of London is full of fabulous, well-curated museums, the Victoria and Albert Museum was by far my favorite. If you're a fashion nerd, make sure you allow extra time to fully examine the Textiles and Fashion Gallery. While you're there, splurge on a light bite at the luxuriously-decorated cafe, the world's first museum cafe.

---

Flowers in Hyde Park

Birds of Hyde Park

2. Stroll Through Hyde Park

This sprawling 350-acre park features jogging trails, flower gardens, ponds, urban wildlife, and lots of open spaces. Start early, and enjoy a coffee or tea and a pastry in the park.

---

Stop and Smell the Roses

3. Don't Miss the Smells of the Rose Garden

In the southeast corner of Hyde Park lies the immaculate Rose Garden. During your visit to Hyde Park, don't forget to stop and smell the roses!

---

Parakeets of Kensington Gardens

4. Spend an Afternoon in Kensington Gardens

Connected to Hyde Park, and formerly a part of it, are the Kensington Gardens. This 265-acre garden features wildlife, large open spaces, a river, man-made ponds, and a number of sculptures and memorials. Here are some not-to-miss activities at Kensington Gardens:
- Pay tribute to Princess Di at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain
- Bring fruit to feed the parakeets
- Re-visit your childhood at the Peter Pan statue
- See how many bird varieties you can spot throughout the park
- Eat a picnic lunch in the Italian Gardens

---

Covent Garden Piazza

5. Wander the Streets of Covent Garden

Wander and shop in the pedestrian-friendly Covent Garden Piazza, catch a free show by one of many street performers, and enjoy a bite and a pint at The Covent Garden Pub, housed in a lovely historic 1700's brick building used first as a police station of sorts for the Bow Street Runners.

---

Platform 9 3/4

6. Get Your Geek on at Platform 9 3/4

Harry Potter fans love London, for good reason. Platform 9 3/4 has turned King's Cross station into a major tourist destination in and of itself. Take a picture of the prop by itself, or wait in line for a chance to take a picture with the famous trolley. Then browse the Harry  Potter-themed items at the Harry Potter Shop.

---

East India Arms

Grab a pint with a friend

7. Sip a Pint at the East India Arms

Owned by Shepherd Neame, Britain's oldest brewery, the East India Arms has been serving up brews since 1829. The authentic pub setting and rich history are sure to make this pub one of your favorites in the city.

---

Tower Bridge over the River Thames

8. Take in the Views Along the River

Stroll along the River Thames, crossing one of the several bridges to take in gorgeous views of the bustling city and its major waterway.

---

Piccadilly Circus

9. Discover Piccadilly Circus

This crowded shopping area features fabulous architecture, row upon row of British flags (hello, Instagram!), and neon lights reminiscent of Times Square. See the Statue of Eros and take some time to wander through St. James Square.

---

British Museum

10. Explore the Collections of the British Museum

Another amazing museum is the British Museum. With over 8 million objects, several days could be devoted to the collections located in this 990,000-square-foot Greek-Revival building. With artifacts from every corner of the world and every period of time, this museum is well worth a visit (or two or three!).

---

Westminster Abbey

11. Visit Westminster Abbey

Opened in 1090, the Gothic architecture of Westminster Abbey is impressive from every angle. With a 22-pound entry fee, a tour of the inside of the abbey may not be considered budget-friendly, but the free views from the outside are well worth the stop.

---

Little Venice

Regent's Canal, Little Venice

12. Amble along the Canal in Little Venice

On a pleasant afternoon, stop by Little Venice and enjoy a stroll along Regent's Canal. Have a bite to eat at Waterside Cafe and find a souvenir at one of several boats-turned-shops.

---

Kensington Palace

13. See the Home of Harry and Meghan

Built in 413, Kensington Palace has been the home of royalty for over 1600 years. The grounds of this sprawling mansion feature manicured lawns and topiaries, sculptures, and more. Wander just the outside, or splurge on tickets to tour the inside (£16.00-£19.50).

---

The Shard from Sky Garden

Tower Bridge from Sky Garden

14. View the City from Above

You can enjoy the best views of the city from the top of the Sky Garden tower just north of the Thames. Best of all, the views are free! Just schedule your time slot online and show up a few minutes early for your elevator ride to the top.

---

National Gallery, London

15. See Paintings by Cezanne, da Vinci, van Eyck, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Monet, & Many More

With 2,300 paintings, an entire day could be devoted to admiring the stunning collections of paintings at the National Gallery. Best of all, this educational and enjoyable experience costs nothing but a voluntary donation.

---

Regent's Park, London

16. Regent's Park

One of several lovely parks in the city, Regent's Park covers 410 acres and contains the London Zoo. Watch the birds, enjoy the sounds of the water and the wind rustling through the willows, take a picnic, and simply relax. For the more adventurous, climb Primrose Hill for great views of the city.

---

17. Admire the Stunning Architecture of London's Churches

A visit to London would not be complete without seeing the works of architect Sir Christopher Wren. St Paul's Cathedral and St James's in Piccadilly are two of Wren's most famous churches. Also make sure you see the Southwark Anglican Cathedral on the south side of the Thames, designed by Arthur Blomfield. With dozens of other beautiful churches, an entire week could be devoted to the historic religious architecture of London.

---

Street Vendors and Vintage Stores on Portobello Road

18. Score Great Deals on Portobello Road

The world's largest antiques market, the Portobello Market features over 1,000 vendors selling antiques, vintage items, handmade items, and much more! Find something unique to bring home with you.

---

Colorful houses abound in Notting Hill

19. Discover Instagram-Worthy Shots in Notting Hill

Flowers of Notting Hill

Rose Hedge in Notting Hill

One of the most photographed areas of the city, Notting Hill is dotted with flowers and flower-colored buildings. Vintage bikes and vintage garden decor line the narrow lanes, making Notting Hill a quaint place for a peaceful stroll.

---

20. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Few things call to mind the phrase "pomp and circumstance" like the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Prepare to fight the crowds, but don't miss this only-in-London experience!

---

Use Oyster cards to navigate the London Underground.

We highly recommend purchasing Oyster Cards to ride the London Underground. We walked quite a bit, but London is a large city, and we utilized the Tube as often as we could.

We hope these budget-friendly tips have given you ideas to add to your London bucket list!

---

you May Also Like: