Planning a trip to London? Stay connected without the roaming charges. Find the perfect eSIM plan here.
Always in and around the top spot for most visited cities in the world each year (usually battling it out with Paris), there’s no question that London is one of the most iconic spots to plan a weekend break, or more in-depth week-long excursion. If you’re a first time visitor, you’ll probably want to hit up all the classic tourist favourites, before escaping to a show on the West End. But if you’ve been to London before, you might be more into finding some of the hidden gems the sprawling metropolis on the Thames has to offer. Good thing we’ve put together this handy guide of the best from both worlds then, innit?
Truly, you can never be bored in London, as you would expect from a huge city that weaves together a history spanning centuries and a diverse tapestry of cultures, sounds and flavours. There’s something for everyone here, but as expected with any major global city; a lot of it ain’t cheap. So, you’ll be happy to hear our budget-friendly list is designed not to hurt your pockets (too much). Sorted!
1. Classic London
Tower BridgeVisit the Tower of London
This World Heritage Site is still one of London’s (and therefore the world’s) most visited attractions, a half day to explore His Majesty's Royal Palace and taking a peek at the crown jewels should be top of your list. With over 900 years of history to dive into, the tower is sure to keep you immersed for several hours as you discover its past as a fortress-stronghold, royal residence and eventual prison. Tickets for this must-see site will run you between 30-40 pounds, about half that for children, and even more if you opt to take a famous ‘Beefeater’ tour. If you’re on a tight budget, take our advice and pre-book advance tickets for the iconic Ceremony of the Keys, which runs nightly and is well worth moving your itinerary around for. This ancient ritual sees the Tower’s Chief Yeoman and military escort lock up the main gates for the evening and is said to be the oldest military ceremony in the world. But the best part: you’ll get to see parts of the Tower for the low, low sum of £5. Bargain!
Walk across the Tower Bridge
Another quintessential symbol of London, and one you’ll see plastered over thousands of postcards on your visit, checking out Tower Bridge should also be high on your list of things to do. Those looking for a birds eye view of the Thames from the upper level will want to grab tickets to the Tower Bridge Experience for a deep dive into the history of the bridge, but as a functional, working bridge, walking along the drawbridge part is completely free. With a bit of organisation, you can even time your visit with the lifting of the drawbridge to see this architectural marvel in all its glory. Check out the official website for lifting times and passing vessels. And don’t just limit your visit to the bridge during daylight hours, as it’s even more beautiful all lit up at night. If you’re looking for a moment of downtime to rest those weary feet, Tower Bridge also has a beautiful Sky Garden, which is free to enter but requires pre-booking.
Visit Shad Thames
While you’re in the area, it would be an absolute shame not to head over to Shad Thames and admire the Victorian warehouse architecture from dockland days gone by. While the district itself has been heavily refurbished and now hosts blocks of boujee flats, the street is one of the best surviving examples of the London of old, and any visit is truly atmospheric as you’re flanked on all sides by tall warehouses and wrought iron bridges. The best part: it's not absolutely swarmed with tourists.
Explore the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
The Houses of Parliament and Big BenWith a history spanning over 900 years from the Anglo-Saxons to present day, it’s well worth exploring the seat of the UK Government at the Palace of Westminster and learning about one of the world's oldest democracies. But if you’re pushed for time (and budget), you could always take a stroll around the building’s exterior and admire its ornate intricate architectural details. For our money, it’s one of the most stunning buildings in London. Or for an up-close look at MPs as they hash it out, line up your visit when the House of Lords or House of Commons are in session; it’s completely free for the public to enter the visitors galleries and see the political debates in full swing. Of course, most visitors are aware of the Houses of Parliament because of its connection to Big Ben, so we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the iconic clock tower. Looking for the perfect photo spot to capture Ben in all his glory? Our shout is under Westminster Bridge.
Check out Smith Square & ‘Queen Anne’s Footstool’
While you’re in the area, just a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Parliament Square and throngs of tourists, at Smith Square you’ll find one of London’s hidden gems. A beautiful former church, St John’s, nicknamed Queen Anne’s Footstool for its unusual, four towered design. Today it functions as a gorgeous concert hall and the basement cafe is the perfect place to grab a moment of respite from the madness nearby.
Take a tour of Westminster Abbey
Another heavy hitter of the Westminster area, the famed Westminster Abbey is a World Heritage Site with over a thousand years of history and is the final resting place of numerous famous (and infamous) monarchs. While it's absolutely worth it to pay for a full tour of the Abbey to explore the fascinating tombs, small chapels and galleries held within, more budget-conscious travellers are also in luck. As a working church, the public are free to enter for worship.
Stroll along the South Bank of the Thames
If your legs haven’t given up on you yet, top off an evening in the big city with a leisurely walk along the South Bank as the sun begins to set. Nicknamed ‘The Queen’s Walk’, this 6km stretch of paved pathway is beautiful, day or night, no matter the season. The perfect place to take in the sights and rub shoulders with tourists and locals alike before dining at a classy riverside restaurant. Locate the best value eatery or bars along the way on Google Maps by staying connected for as little as £4. You can download your eSIM plan here. (Wait, what's an eSIM?)
2. Museums and Culture
British MuseumVisit the British Museum
One thing we love about London is that most of the capital’s best museums are completely free of charge, so you can satisfy your craving for culture without breaking the bank. And no museum is more iconic or exhaustive than the British Museum. With over 8 million master works on display, the museum charts human history, art and culture from beginning to present day… so we recommend you devote more than a few hours to tackle this behemoth!
Discover Sir John Soane’s & The Hunterian Museum
After you’ve conquered the British Museum, if you still have energy for two more significantly smaller museum offerings nearby, check out these hidden gems. Sir John Soane’s is the extraordinary house and museum dedicated to one of England’s greatest architects (and eccentrics). A kaleidoscope of colours, this interesting museum houses antiquites and artworks galore, is free and usually isn’t that busy. For those with an interest in the morbid side of London, the Hunterian provides something a little bit different… Connected to the Royal College of Surgeons, here you’ll find a plethora of grisly surgical instruments used in London’s dark past as well as a number of preserved anatomical specimens to gawk at.
After all that, you should need a bit of a breather, so grab a coffee (or something stronger) and head to Lincoln's Inn Fields nearby for some downtime. This gorgeous park is the largest public square in London and is an oasis of green within the city.
Explore the National Gallery at Trafalgar Square
Housing one of the largest collections of paintings in the world, with masterpieces from Van Gogh, Picasso et al contained within, this cultural treasure should be high on any fine art-lovers list. Even the building itself is a stunning work of art! Again, admission is absolutely free. We recommend you give yourself at least 3 hours to take on the full collection, before grabbing a coffee and people watching on Trafalgar Square.
Walk through Leicester Square and Covent Garden
Situated right in the heart of London’s West End, Leicester Square and nearby Covent Garden is a bustling hub of culture, entertainment and top notch places to shop and eat. You’ll find souvenir shops, cafes, theatres and cinemas aplenty here, so it’s the perfect place to amble around and lap up some culture, or go bargain hunting for trinkets.
Catch a West End show or musical
No visit to London is complete without taking in a show at London’s famous West End; and whether you’re interested in a more recent phenomenon like Hamilton, or absolute classics like The Phantom of the Opera or Les Misérables, there’s no better place to kick back and get swept up in the song, dance, and pomp of it all. For bargain hunters, our top tip is to do your ticket shopping last minute. Often, if a show hasn’t sold out, prices will drop heavily for last minute buyers when it’s close to showtime, so we recommend staying flexible with your plans. Even sold out shows will have many tickets returned on the day when people realise they can’t make it, so it’s always worth enquiring at the box office and keeping an eye online.
3. Insider Tips
Royal Soldiers at Buckingham PalaceFor Royalists
While Buckingham Palace is generally not open to the public, and when it is, tour prices range from pricy to princely, but if you’re hoping to get a dose of pomp and ceremony, the world-famous Changing of the Guard is free of charge and a classic London experience. The ritual first took place during the reign of King Henry VII, and see’s one group of Royal soldiers, or Beefeaters, replaced by another. You don’t need to prebook, but the show kicks off at 10:45 am each morning, and you’ll want to get down early for a good spot.
For Market Lovers
As expected, London has no shortage of markets for you to go bargain hunting in. From local farmers markets in Notting Hill and Stoke Newington, selling 100% organic seasonal produce, to the sprawling, crowded Camden Lock Market where touts flog their band tees and knock off jerseys; whatever you’re in the market for, London has it. And there’s no shortage of amazing culinary delights drawn from the city’s diverse background. From poppadoms to pierogi, there’s plenty of street food to sink your teeth into at the stalls of Borough Market. To get off the tourist track, we recommend Broadway market on Saturday’s with heaps of gift and clothing stalls and cute pop-up cafes, and Columbia Road Flower Market on Sundays, with bucketfuls of beautiful bouquets and friendly sellers always up for a chat.
For Wild Swimmers
If you’re someone that likes to keep up their fitness regimen even while you’re away, the Hampstead Heath ponds is the best outdoor swimming spot you can find in London. There are three natural ponds to choose from, all for less than a fiver.
For Modern Bards
If you’re looking to soak up some culture while in town but are a bit strapped for cash, we’ve got some great intel for you. Hoping to catch one of The Bard’s best on a budget? Well, every Friday at 11am, Shakespeare’s Globe releases a limited number of £5 standing tickets for the following week's performances.
For Comedy Fans
The Bill Murray Comedy Club out East in Angel is well-known for cheap tickets for as little as £7. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a big name testing out some new material. Just try and avoid sitting in the front to avoid being caught in the comedian’s firing line…
