How to Save Money in London as a Tourist | Frequent Visitor’s Guide

If you’re reading this – welcome to one of the most expensive cities in the world! I’ve been visiting London since 2017, and while I absolutely adore it, my wallet can’t say the same. I am not an expert budgeter, but throughout my visits I’ve come to learn a few tips that help lighten your expenses.

One of the questions I get asked most is: “Is London actually that expensive?” As a frequent visitor, I can only say… yes. According to Henley & Partners, it’s the fourth most expensive city in the world.

But don’t panic! London doesn’t have to drain your savings if you know a few insider tricks. Here are my best money saving tips from years of visiting London.👇

Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links that can help me earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. If you click through and purchase with these links, thank you in advance for the extra support.💖😊

14 Money-Saving Tips for London Tourists

Use Contactless Payment (Not Oyster Card)

One thing that you can count on is that you will be using the Tube (metro), or other public transit a lot—and fares add up fast, especially when you buy single tickets.

The best way to pay for transport in London is using contactless payment—either your credit card or mobile wallet.

Up until a few years ago, having an Oyster Card (prepaid) was the best way to save money on public transportation. The card itself has a non-refundable fee of £7, making it less attractive than contactless payment – which is now everywhere.

If you’re traveling solo, I recommend simply sticking to your credit card or using an application like Apple Pay – you get charged the same and you don’t have to pay the additional fee.

Quick story time: The second time I visited London (Spring Break) I had a local semi-kindly yell at my friend and I for not buying an Oyster card – saying we were losing money. I’ve never forgotten Oyster Cards since.😂

Determine Your London (Paid) MUST Visits

London has endless icons and incredible things to do — both free and paid. When it comes to entering the iconic landmarks, like the Tower Bridge and Big Ben, most of them are very expensive.

With that said, I strongly recommend doing your research and deciding which landmark you want to enter and pay for, and which ones you want to admire from outside.

With that list, you’ll know exactly how much your must‑see attractions will cost – which helps you decide where to spend or skip, or whether you want to fit in more paid attractions.

Walk as much as possible

London could not be a more walkable city.

I strongly recommend walking as much as possible (and wearing comfortable shoes), not just to save money, but also to enjoy some of the best sightseeing!

Use Public Transportation

Most of London’s major sights are connected via the Tube (London Underground). It’s fast, frequent, and usually the most efficient way to cross the city. Just remember to tap in and out, using the same card.

London buses are a budget-friendly option, with a flat fare of £1.75 per ride (no cash accepted). You can hop on and off multiple buses within an hour thanks to the “Hopper” rule (no extra charge within 60 minutes). These are great for sightseeing, and if you can – try to get the “front row” seats of the second level!😍

You can also use city bikes, electric scooters, and even Thames river buses!

Take Advantage of Free Attractions

One of London’s perks: most of its museums are free. World-class museums like the The British Museum and the National Gallery let you visit for free.

The National Gallery is to London what the Prado is to Madrid.

Consider the London Pass

If you’re planning to book several attractions and tours, you might want to consider purchasing the London Pass or London Pass Plus.

This pass gives you access to over 100 attractions and London icons, including: Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and The View from The Shard (with the Plus version), and beyond.

That said, I wouldn’t recommend buying it until you’ve figured out your must-visit paid attractions and have a rough itinerary in place. The pass can save you money, but only if you actually visit enough attractions to make it worthwhile.

One cool thing? If you end up spending more on the pass than you would’ve by paying individually, the company offers a Savings Guarantee — they will refund you the difference.

Book Online in Advance

This tip goes for two things: 1) The usual, book your stays and flights in advance for the best prices 2) For some attractions, tickets cost less when you book online than in person.

Another reason to book ahead is that many attractions require timed entry and booking ahead helps you get first dibs on the best slots—or at least the slots that best fit your itinerary.

Purchase an eSIM

Unless you have a major and international network provider like Vodafone, chances are that you will need to pay roaming fees on your phone usage. These prices add up really quickly and can be very expensive.

The best solution is purchasing an eSIM card – a digital SIM Card that connects your phone to a mobile network. Installing an eSIM card is as simple as downloading a mobile app and purchasing the plan you like most!

When in need of an eSIM card, I use Airalo, one of the best and most trusted eSIM cards. Being an affiliate, use code LAURA1560 for a $3.00 discount on your first Airalo purchase!👇

Visit London in Shoulder Season

Being one of the world’s most expensive cities, visiting London during peak-season [high tourism?] is automatically bound to hurt your wallet.😂

The most expensive months to visit London are the summer and December. The cheapest months to visit London are November, January and February.

As someone who visits London in November every year, I highly recommend visiting this time of the year. Why? Because its off-shoulder season, it’s a month of celebrations, and the Christmas decorations and vibes arrive to the city.

It’s almost as magical as December, but less crowded and less expensive. If you can handle the cold, rainy weather – you should consider it!

Here is everything to know about visiting London in November

Find Discounted West End Tickets

Looking to attend a West End Show?😍 Two popular ways to find discounted tickets are through the TodayTix app or visiting the TKTS booth in Leicester Square.

I personally haven’t used TodayTix, but it has incredible reviews on TrustPilot – 4.7 rating with over 5k reviews.

Eat Smart: Markets, Pubs, and Meal Deals

Depending on how long you’re staying in London, your stay, and how much you want to budget – you might want to consider making some food at home or making the most of the “Meal Deals”.

Meal Deals in London, and the UK in general, are promotional bundles in which you receive three items for an affordable price. A meal deal usually includes a sandwich or salad, a drink, and snack.

Some popular and beloved places for Meal Deals are Tesco, Boots, Marks & Spencer (M&S), and Sainsbury’s. In these supermarkets, meal deals cost between £3 to £3.50 – except M&S, which is £5.

One popular chain all over London, Pret a Manger, introduced Meal Deals recently, in September 2025. Its meal deal costs between £6 to £7, as they are currently testing prices between stores.

Join a Free Walking Tour

What better way to dive deeper into London’s history than a walking tour, and even more – a FREE walking tour?

There are several companies that offer free walking tours around London – one of the most popular and best-rated is Sandemans. They offer three walking tours, including London Walking Tour, SoHo Walking Tour, and the Jack the Ripper Tour.

The Walking Tour of London brings you around Westminster’s main attractions, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square. This tour lasts 2.5 hours and is available in English and Spanish.

The tour is technically tips-based, meaning the guides depend on tips. If you attend, make sure to have some cash to thank the guide for their hard work!

Choose your Airport Wisely

London is home to not 1, not 2, but 6 airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, London City, Luton, and Southend.

Depending on where you’re flying from and the airlines available, you might not have too much flexibility in choosing the airport – but if you do, here are some things to know.

• Heathrow: London’s largest and most connected airport. It’s well linked to the city by the Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth line, and the Tube.
• Gatwick: Popular with both full-service and low-cost carriers. It has the fastest train to London (Gatwick Express) takes about 30 minutes to Victoria, but other services can take 40–50 minutes depending on stops.
• Stansted: Mostly used by budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet. Flights are often cheaper, but the train or coach into central London takes about 50–60 minutes, and transit costs add up.

No matter where you land, don’t just look at airfare—factor in the time and cost of getting into your stay (likely Central London), especially if you’re traveling during peak hours or with heavy bags.

Don’t get pick-pocketed (Joking but also…not)

Unfortunately, as it happens with most large cities, pickpockets and scammers are masters of their art and are everywhere.

In the recent years, many thieves have gotten comfortable with snatching phones and belongings from people at full speed of electric scooters or e-bikes. With reports of over 200 phones stolen per day in the UK, here are some good precautions to take to keep your phone and apps safe. (MoneySavingExpert)

As you’re reading this, I don’t want you to be fearful or nervous. Pickpockets prey on people who are distracted and not aware.

Always keep your belongings close and preferably in front of you. When using your phone, especially on the move, be extra alert—it’s a favorite target.

That’s it with the money-saving tips for London tourists! I hope these help you plan smarter, spend less, and still have the trip of a lifetime.

Planning to explore more of the UK while you’re here?

• 15 London Burning Questions Answered for First Time Visitors
• 11 Best Things to Do in Southwark London
• 19 Iconic Things to Do in Westminster, London
• London in November | Everything You Need to Know
• Gluten Free London: A Celiac’s Guide to the Best Restaurants
• WTM London as a Travel Blogger | Everything You Need to Know

📌 Pin it for your Future London Trip!

I have to ask…

Which of these tips surprised you, or helped you the most? Will this be your first time visiting? Let me know in the comments!☺️👇

Share this with family & friends who are planning to attend and would find this helpful.🤩

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