British Museum
Bloomsbury · Free entry
The Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and the Parthenon sculptures under the Great Court roof. Sprawling enough to fill three days, so pick two or three rooms and take your time.
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2026 edition · Low cost travel
London on a budget
The world class museums here cost nothing to enter, the markets are free to walk, and the best days out are mostly free. This guide shows you 10 sights, 7 markets, 8 cheap places to eat, and how to ride the city for a daily cap.
£0 major museums
£8.90 daily Tube cap, Zones 1 to 2
£1.85 bus fare, unlimited changes for an hour
£4 to £5 supermarket meal deal
What is inside this guide
Tap a topic to jump straight to it.
01 · Sightseeing
Sightseeing and museums
Most of London's national museums are free to enter, and that includes the biggest names: the British Museum, the National Gallery, the V&A, the Natural History and Science Museums, and Tate Modern. Only the special exhibitions charge. The one paid entry worth the money is marked with its price.
National Gallery
Trafalgar Square · Free permanent collection
Van Gogh, Turner, Velazquez, Rembrandt and Monet. Only the special exhibitions charge, so the main collection costs nothing.
Open in Google MapsNational Portrait Gallery
St Martin's Place · Free
Portraits from Henry VIII to Tracey Emin in a renovated building next to the National Gallery. A good free hour when you are already in Trafalgar Square.
Open in Google MapsVictoria and Albert Museum
South Kensington · Free entry
Design, fashion, theatre costume and furniture under one roof. The Cast Courts are the hidden highlight and rarely busy.
Open in Google MapsNatural History Museum
Cromwell Road · Free entry
A blue whale skeleton in Hintze Hall, the dinosaur gallery and the Earth halls. The most family friendly free museum in the city, so arrive at opening or after 15:30 to miss the queues.
Open in Google MapsScience Museum
Exhibition Road · Free entry
Apollo capsules, the Babbage Difference Engine and hands on galleries. Next door to the Natural History Museum, so both fit into one day.
Open in Google MapsTate Modern
Bankside · Free permanent collection
Modern and contemporary art in a converted power station. The Turbine Hall commissions are free, and so are the views from the upper floors.
Open in Google MapsTower Bridge
Tower Bridge · Free to walk across
The Victorian bascule bridge is free to cross on foot at any time. Only the high level walkways and the engine rooms charge admission.
Open in Google MapsWestminster and Big Ben
Westminster Bridge · Free to view
The Palace of Westminster and the Elizabeth Tower cost nothing to look at from Westminster Bridge. Cross to the South Bank afterwards for the better river view.
Open in Google MapsTower of London
Tower Hill · £37 adult, book online
The Crown Jewels, 900 years of royal history and the Yeoman Warders. This is the one big paid sight worth the money, so book a timed slot on the official site before you travel.
Open in Google MapsFree evenings and free music: evensong at St Paul's Cathedral is a free way inside a famous building, so arrive early. The Southbank Centre runs free music in the Clore Ballroom most evenings, and St Martin in the Fields has free lunchtime recitals most weekdays. Check each venue's own site, because the free sessions and the times change.
02 · Shopping
Shops and shopping areas
The high street is the easiest place to shop. For full price browsing try Oxford Street and Carnaby. For value, the off price stores and the vintage markets in the east and the west are where your money goes furthest.
Oxford Street
West End · Oxford Circus · ££
The busiest shopping street in the city, with flagship department stores and high street chains. Quietest on weekday mornings, when it is easiest to browse.
Carnaby Street
Soho · Oxford Circus · ££
Mod era streets full of independent fashion, trainers and gifts. Good for a souvenir you will not find at home.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden · £ to ££
Covered market halls with independent brands, toys and crafts, plus street performers in the piazza. Free to wander.
Westfield London
White City · Central line · ££
One of the largest shopping centres in Europe, with 300 or more shops, a big food court and cinemas. The reliable rainy day option.
Spitalfields and Brick Lane
Aldgate East · £ to ££
Spitalfields has independent makers and designers. Brick Lane is vintage shops and record stores. Both are good for gifts.
Portobello Road
Notting Hill · Ladbroke Grove · £ to ££
Famous for the colourful houses and an antiques market that peaks on Saturdays. Sort through vintage clothes, prints and curios.
TK Maxx
Several London branches · £
Discounted brand clothing, shoes and homeware. Stock changes constantly, so check the branch you are near rather than looking for a specific one.
Primark
Many London branches · £
The cheapest basics in the city: clothing, socks, underwear and homewares. Expect crowds at weekends.
Value playbook: go to the off price stores on weekday mornings for the most choice, and check the branch nearest you, because each one holds different stock. At the markets, bring some cash and expect to haggle at Portobello and Spitalfields. UK VAT at 20% is included in the price on the tag, so prices compare directly, and tax free shopping for visitors no longer applies, so there is no refund to claim at the till.
02b · When to go
Markets and their dates
London's markets range from daily food halls to weekend flower and antique markets. Each entry gives the days and hours we found, so you can plan around them. Most of the good ones are busiest at the weekend.
Borough Market
Mostly Mon to Sat · busiest Thu to Sat · lunch peak 12:00 to 14:00 Southwark Street · London Bridge
The most famous food market in the city, with artisan cheese, bread, oysters and street food. The best value is usually on the stalls at the edges rather than in the middle.
Camden Market
Daily · busiest at weekends Camden Lock · Camden Town
Street food from around the world, vintage clothes and music stalls along the canal. Arrive early at weekends to beat the crowds.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Sundays · roughly 08:00 to 15:00 Columbia Road, E2 · Old Street then walk
A Sunday institution: plants, flowers and cut stems along both sides of the road, with cafes and bakeries nearby. Buy in the late morning for better prices.
Portobello Road Market
Mon to Sat stalls · antiques on Saturdays Portobello Road, W11 · Notting Hill Gate
Antiques, vintage clothing and fruit stalls in the middle of Notting Hill. The Saturday antiques market is the one worth planning around.
Spitalfields Market
Daily · shops and food stalls Commercial Street, E1 · Liverpool Street
A covered market with independent designers and food stalls, plus a Sunday only market on the square. A good stop before Brick Lane.
Broadway Market
Saturdays · roughly 09:00 to 17:00 Broadway Market, E8 · London Fields
A relaxed Hackney market with bakeries, coffee and independent food stalls. Pair it with a walk across London Fields.
Winter Wonderland
Seasonal · usually mid November to early January · check the dates Hyde Park, W2 · Hyde Park Corner
A winter festival with Christmas markets, rides and food stalls. Entry is free but the rides and shows are not, so go with a budget in mind.
Market plan: the best Sunday is Columbia Road for flowers in the morning, then Spitalfields and Brick Lane. On Saturday, Broadway Market then Portobello for the antiques. Weekdays are quieter at Borough Market. Days and hours change, so check each market's own page before you travel.
03 · Beyond the centre
Day trips and outlets
The best free days out are on the edge of the city, where the parks and heaths are large enough to fill a day. Outlet shopping is a separate trip and needs a train ticket.
Greenwich
SE10 · DLR or Thames Clipper · Free park
A royal park with views over the Thames and the city, the Meridian line and the Old Royal Naval College. The DLR is the cheap way there, and the National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House are free.
Open in Google MapsHampstead Heath
NW3 · Free · Northern line or Overground
Wild heathland with ponds, woods and the best skyline view in London from Parliament Hill. Bring a picnic and make a day of it.
Open in Google MapsRichmond Park
TW10 · Free · District line or train from Waterloo
One of the biggest royal parks, with wild deer roaming free. Walk or cycle the loop, then stop for a pub lunch in Richmond.
Open in Google MapsBicester Village
Oxfordshire · about 1 hour by train from Marylebone · ££
A designer outlet village with discounted labels. Trains run from Marylebone, so book a return in advance for the cheapest fare.
Open in Google Maps04 · Eating for less
Cheap places to eat
Real, popular places where a satisfying meal comes in around £5 to £15 a person. Prices are typical per person, before drinks. Eat your main meal at lunchtime, when the set menus are cheaper.
Padella
Borough Market · about £8 to £14 a dish
Fresh handmade pasta at prices that feel too low for the quality. Expect a queue, and go early or late to shorten it.
Open in Google MapsBeigel Bake
Brick Lane · open 24 hours · about £4
The 24 hour bakery on Brick Lane for salt beef beigels. A London institution, and close to the cheapest proper meal in the city.
Open in Google MapsBrick Lane curry houses
Brick Lane, E1 · about £10 to £13
Dozens of curry houses competing on price. A sit down curry with rice, naan and a soft drink is usually £10 to £13, and the lunch menus are the best deal.
Open in Google MapsBleecker Burger
Bloomberg Arcade, City · about £10 to £12
Thick smashed burgers and fries, with several central branches. A reliable and filling lunch.
Open in Google MapsFranco Manca
Many London locations · pizzas from about £7
Sourdough pizza with a long fermentation, at prices that are hard to beat for the quality.
Open in Google MapsWagamama
Many London locations · about £10 to £15 per person
Noodle bowls, rice dishes and gyoza in a fast, predictable format. Good when you want a filling meal at a known price.
Open in Google MapsGreggs
Everywhere in London · snacks from about £1
The cheapest snack in the city: sausage rolls, bakes and pastries. Best for a quick breakfast on the move.
Open in Google MapsSupermarket meal deal
Everywhere in London · about £4 to £5
A sandwich, a snack and a drink for roughly £4 to £5 at a Pret or a supermarket. The easiest way to eat lunch in a park on a budget.
Open in Google MapsMoney saving playbook: eat your main meal at lunchtime, when the set menus are cheaper. Buy a supermarket meal deal and eat it in a park. Use the bakeries for breakfast. The big museums have cafes, so you can eat inside a free museum. Ask for free tap water wherever you are.
05 · Photo spots
Photo spots in London
The places that keep turning up in travel photos. All of them are free to visit, and all of them can be photographed from a public place.
Borough Market
Southwark Street · SE1
Colourful produce stalls under iron and glass roofs. Shoot at lunchtime for the busiest, most vibrant frame.
Open in Google MapsTate Modern Turbine Hall
Bankside · SE1 · free entry
The vast former power station hall, where the large commissions are shown. A good indoor frame on a wet day.
Open in Google MapsPortobello Road houses
Notting Hill · W11
The pastel terraces, most photographed on a sunny morning before the market crowds arrive.
Open in Google MapsCovent Garden market hall
Covent Garden · WC2
The iron and glass market hall, with street performers in the piazza. Shoot early, before it fills up.
Open in Google MapsBrick Lane street art
Brick Lane · E1
Street art on the walls and side streets around Brick Lane. The art changes, so check the walls on the day.
Open in Google MapsBig Ben and a red bus
Westminster · SW1
The classic London shot. Go to Westminster Bridge at dusk, when the Elizabeth Tower is lit.
Open in Google MapsCamden Lock and the canal
Camden Lock · NW1
The canal side market is a favourite for colourful food stalls and reflections in the water on sunny days.
Open in Google Maps06 · Plan your time
Three days, planned
Three days that lean on the free sights and keep the travel cost low. Each route is walkable, with a bus or Tube ride at the end if you are tired.
Day 1: Royal London on foot
- Westminster Bridge for Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, free to view.
- Walk to Trafalgar Square. The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery are both free.
- Lunch: a supermarket meal deal, eaten in St James’s Park.
- Walk to Covent Garden for the street performers and the market halls.
- Evening: the South Bank walk from Westminster towards Tower Bridge.
Day 2: Free museums and the South Bank
- Morning: the British Museum, free. The Great Court and the Rosetta Stone first, before the crowds.
- Lunch: Borough Market stalls, eaten on the river wall.
- Afternoon: Tate Modern, free permanent collection, and the Turbine Hall.
- Walk the Millennium Bridge to St Paul’s and catch free evensong, if the times suit.
- Alternative: the Natural History and Science Museums in South Kensington, both free.
Day 3: Markets and East London
- Sunday: Columbia Road flower market, roughly 08:00 to 15:00.
- Brunch on Columbia Road, then walk to Spitalfields Market.
- Lunch: Beigel Bake on Brick Lane, open 24 hours.
- Afternoon: Portobello Road for the Saturday antiques, or Camden Market.
- Evening: a £1.85 bus ride back, or a Thames Clipper sunset if you have the budget.
07 · Stay on budget
Getting around for less
Tap a contactless card or phone on the yellow readers and you pay the same fares as an Oyster card, with the daily and weekly caps applied automatically. There is no ticket to buy and no card fee.
| Option | 2026 price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Tube, Zones 1 to 2 | £8.90 daily cap | Several Tube trips in one day |
| Tube, Zones 1 to 2, Monday to Sunday | £44.70 weekly cap | Stays of several days |
| Bus and tram | £1.85 per trip, £5.55 daily cap | Seeing the city from a bus |
| Bus hopper fare | Unlimited bus or tram changes within one hour for £1.85 | Connections |
| Thames Clipper river bus | From about £6.20 off peak | A scenic river trip |
| Santander Cycles | From about £1.65 per 30 minutes | Short hops, keep under 30 minutes |
| Walking | Free | Central London, where most sights are close |
Fares changed on 1 November 2026. The adult bus fare went from £1.75 to £1.85, and the daily bus cap from £5.25 to £5.55. Check TfL's fares page before you travel: these are the figures we found in November 2026.
From Heathrow
The Piccadilly line is the cheapest way in, about £5.90 with contactless and 50 to 55 minutes. The Elizabeth line is quicker, about 30 minutes to Paddington, and costs about £15.50.
Contactless or Oyster
Both give the same fares and the same caps. Contactless saves you the Oyster card fee. Tap the same card or phone for every journey, or the caps will not apply.
08 · Know before you go
Practical tips
01
Pay with contactless
Tap the same card or phone for every bus and Tube trip. The daily and weekly caps apply automatically, so you never overpay. There is no ticket to buy and no card fee.
02
Book the paid sights online
The Tower of London, the Churchill War Rooms and Buckingham Palace sell timed tickets. Book ahead for the slot you want, and book direct on the official site.
03
Cheapest hotels are January to Easter
Stays cost most in summer and over Christmas. Budget chains in Canary Wharf, King’s Cross and Paddington are well connected by train.
04
Check the service charge before tipping
A 12.5% service charge is often added to restaurant bills. Check the receipt, and skip the extra tip if it is already on there. Counter service places do not expect one.
05
Tap water is free
Ask for free tap water in any cafe or pub, and carry a refillable bottle.
06
Have a wet weather plan
London rain is frequent. Keep a free museum in reserve: the British Museum, the V&A and Tate Modern all work on a wet day.
07
Watch your phone in crowds
Central London is safe and well policed. Keep phones and wallets out of sight on busy Tube platforms and on Oxford Street.
Where to go next
The full list of free things to do, including the free attractions that need a booking before they sell out, is on its own page.
Free things to do in London (in progress)
About this guide: the fares and caps are the 2026 TfL figures, checked in November 2026. Prices elsewhere are approximate and were checked in October 2026. Confirm opening hours, market days, ticket prices and addresses on the official site before you travel. Most national museums remain free to enter.