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London is commonly known as one of the most expensive cities in Europe. Even though it is notoriously known as being pretty pricey, it’s still possible to maintain a backpackers budget. Let’s go through all the tips and tricks on how to visit London on a budget!
Just because you’re visiting somewhere on a budget doesn’t mean you have to lessen the quality of your experience. Some of the best trips I’ve ever had have been on a backpacker’s budget!
Having a successful budget travel trip is all about your mindset and preparedness. Aka knowing where to spend money and knowing where to save money. For example, when I’m traveling, I love to save on food and cook often and splurge a but on a nice tour when the opportunity comes around. Some people prefer to be the other way around.
London is one of the more expensive cities I’ve been to BUT that doesn’t mean it has to be expensive for you! There are so many ways to save money and visit London on a budget while still having an amazing time.
Staying in hostels- London on a budget
When it comes to London, we might think of 5 star Marriott hotels and penthouse views right by the London eye but hey, we on a budget. Hostels are one of the best ways to save money while abroad in any city, not just London. Plus, staying in hostels makes it 10x easier to meet new people and make new friends as a solo traveller! I’ve been to over 20 countries by myself and I still talk to so many people I’ve met in hostels and built real friendships!
Making your meals
Buying groceries and making your own meals is the best way to go when it comes to traveling on a budget! Meals at a restaurant in London typically range from 25-35 pounds, and if you’re coming from a country with a lower currency exchange, you’ll want to spend wisely. Be sure to stay in hostels or airbnbs with a kitchen and fridge where you can cook at least 2 meals per day.
Taking public transportation
Coming from a girl that once spent $70 USD on an uber ride when I was too lazy to figure out the train, I mean it when I say TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT! Not only is it better for your pocket, it’s so much better for the environment. London has one of the most efficient metro systems in the world and it can take you to nearly every nook and cranny of the city!
Stay outside central London
Staying in central London has its perks; being close to all the tourist attractions and waking up to Big Ben is a huge flex. However, staying in central London can get very expensive, especially if you want to stay in a hotel. Staying outside of central London provides a more authentic local experience, is much cheaper, and the bus/train will take you wherever you need to go!
Do a work-exchange volunteer
For the first few years of my travel, I had about $3,000 in my pocket and the entire world to see. I was surprisingly able to see a few countries with that tiny budget thanks to work exchange. This is where you work for a hostel in exchange for accommodation. I’ve done this for a company called Worldpackers in cities like Ocho Rios Jamaica, Mexico City, and more expensive ones like San Francisco! I love Worldpackers because they have a great customer support team, insurance in case a stay doesn’t work out, and hundreds of options around the world.
Sign up for Worlspackers using code THANKSTIFFANY and get $10 off!
Eating street food instead of fancy restaurants
People of all budgets call London their home. I come from an immigrant family and when I grew up in New York City and in a lot of ways it is similar to London- I lived in the REAL New York the same way millions of people live in the REAL London.
There are so many spots where you can get a full meal for less than 10 pounds. These spots are typically more down to earth and local owned as well! Fish and chips outside the tourist trap spots, authentic Jamaican patties in downtown Brixton, delicious Indian food at the small whole in the wall. Looking for these small yet flavorful options are always more friendly to your wallet and they just taste freaking good.
Visit London on the off season
This is a major tip, like MAJOR. I saw a flight for 85 euros from New York to London during November. That’s pretty insane considering the fact that flights from NYC to London can get as high as $400 USD one way. Visiting outside of summer will help you save so much money, and visiting London in the off season can be just as fun as summer time, especially if you know of any festivals or parties going on!
See free local attractions
There are so many things to see and do when visiting London on a budget, and a lot of them are free! Museum and attraction prices can really start to add up over time. Be sure to do research of where you wish to visit, and how many of those options are free, you’ll be suprised!
Walk a lot
Even though public transportation is affordable, it adds up after a while. The London train systems, while extremely effective at getting you to your destination, are one of the more expensive systems in Europe. If you have an option to walk somewhere thats 40 minutes or less (and if you have the time) consider using that time to get to know the area and walk.
Make local friends
I am a bit guilty, I have a large family in London and lots of friends so I always stay with them when I’m in town. However, this further proves this point. Making local friends (in a very safe, don’t get yourself snatched way) is a great way to save money. Be sure to ALWAYS make sure you feel safe around an
Use points/miles to book your ticket
This will not only help you visit London on a budget, but anywhere in the world in general! It’s always important to sign up for the airline you travel with the most frequently so you can be rewarded with points!
I recently got a free flight from Atlanta to New York City because I flew Spirit Airlines quite often. If you’re a travel junkie like me, it just makes sense to sign up for each airline you fly with and watch the points/miles stack like paper (ayeee). I also have a travel credit card where I can use points to book travel and hotels- it’s free money!
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