London remains one of the best first destinations in Europe, especially for travelers new to international trips. The city is massive yet remarkably well organized — and if you’re reading this, language won’t be an issue.
Plan to spend at least three nights to see the highlights, though four nights (or more) allows for a more relaxed pace and a better chance to soak up the city’s character.
London is famously expensive for visitors, and there’s not much you can do about it except plan ahead and budget wisely. Hotels and hostels are pricey — and rooms are often quite small — while food and drinks rarely come cheap. Picking up meals or snacks from supermarkets and takeaway shops is the easiest way to keep costs under control.
Most of London’s famous attractions are expensive by European standards, but the good news is that all of the major state-run museums are still free, so you can enjoy plenty of culture without spending a pound.
| Population | 9,000,000 |
| Area | 14,800,000 |
| Timezone | UTC+0 |
| Currency | British pound |
| Airports | London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), London Stansted (STN) |
London is consistently among the most expensive cities in the world for visitors. Once you get your bearings, you can manage your budget more easily — but on arrival, the prices can be a real shock.
Cheap hotels do exist in some neighborhoods, though going too low usually means tiny, tired rooms — sometimes even windowless. Mid-range hotels and well-rated hostels offer far better value, especially if you book early.
Check out our recommended London hotels and hostels page for well-located options with solid reviews that won’t wreck your budget.
London is busy year-round, as it doesn’t rely on sunshine to attract visitors. The summer months (June through August) bring the largest crowds and highest hotel prices, so if you plan to visit then, it’s smart to book well in advance.
Outside of summer, it’s generally easy to find a room — but searching in person can be exhausting, even in hotel-heavy areas like Victoria or Bayswater. Booking at least your first night ahead of time is highly recommended.
Hotel standards in London are notoriously lower than in most major European cities. Rooms tend to be small and a bit worn, unless you’re staying in a boutique or international chain property. Locals live with similar space constraints, so don’t be too shocked when you first check in — it’s simply part of the London experience.
| Rating | Price(USD) |
|---|---|
 | 82.67 - 118.67 |
| 52.00 - 129.33 |
| 76.00 - 189.33 |
| 82.67 - 284.00 |
| 177.33 - 652.00 |
Point A: London Paddington Doubles from £115/night | |
Our pick: The best cheap and central 3-star hotel in London |
| Type | Price(USD) |
|---|---|
| Hostel Bed | 22.67 - 62.67 |
St. Christopher’s Hammersmith Beds from £20/night | |
Our pick: The best cheap and central hostel in London |
The good news is that almost all of London’s major museums — including the massive and fascinating British Museum — are completely free to enter. For budget travelers, that’s a huge advantage.
However, many of the other famous attractions can be surprisingly expensive, so it’s worth planning ahead and prioritizing. If you want to see multiple paid sights, our London Pass review explains why it can offer excellent value for many visitors.
We’ve also compiled a detailed guide to the best things to do in London, which is especially useful for first-time visitors planning their itinerary.
Even after countless visits, London’s free museums still impress me more than most paid attractions elsewhere. Start with the British Museum or the National Gallery early in the day before crowds build up — then mix in a walk through Covent Garden or along the South Bank for some of the city’s best street-level atmosphere.
London is enormous, so there are dozens of ways to explore it — many quite affordable. The free (tips-based) walking tours run by Sandeman’s New London are excellent and well worth the small tip you’ll want to give the guide at the end.
The hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus tours are the most popular option, with several companies offering nearly identical routes. They aren’t cheap, but they’re the easiest way to see a huge number of London’s highlights in just a few hours.
Because London originally grew from a handful of villages along the River Thames, the Thames River cruises that depart near Big Ben are another fantastic way to see the city — they move quickly, avoid traffic, and give you a completely different perspective on the skyline.
| Location | Description | Type | Price(USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Eye | A slow 30-minute rotation on this giant observation wheel with stunning views across the Thames. Discounts available for booking online. | adults | 60.00 |
| Tower of London | One of London’s top historic attractions — fascinating but pricey. Online bookings are usually cheaper. | adults 5-15 | 44.00 21.33 |
| Madame Tussauds | The world-famous wax museum — impressive and expensive. Save up to 25% by booking online or visiting after 5 p.m. | adults | 62.67 |
| St. Pauls Cathedral | One of the most famous cathedrals on earth. Closed to tourists on Sundays. | adults seniors 6-17 | 30.67 26.67 13.33 |
| Westminster Abbey | Historic favorite partly for who’s buried there. | adults 65+ 6-17 | 25.33 25.33 10.67 |
| Buckingham Palace | Visit the Queen’s Gallery and other exhibitions; prices are lower until April. | adults 18-24 | 40.00 21.33 |
| Tower Bridge | Crossing is free, but the lift and exhibition areas require a ticket. | adults children | 16.00 8.00 |
Food and drinks in London can be frustratingly expensive, especially around the major tourist areas. For better prices (and a more authentic experience), head into residential neighborhoods where locals actually eat — you’ll save money and see a different side of the city.
If you’re trying to keep costs down while still enjoying yourself, check out our London budget travel tips, and remember that there are plenty of cheap day trips from London that can stretch your travel budget even further.
| Food Type | Description | Price(USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget breakfast | Often included at hotels — the classic Full English Breakfast is hearty and filling. If not, simple cafés and bakeries are everywhere. | 8.00 - 12.00 |
| Budget lunch | Sandwiches, kebabs, and takeaway meals are your best budget options in most areas. | 10.67 - 17.33 |
| Budget dinner | Pub meals are a good value, as are London’s many Indian and Chinese restaurants. | 16.00 - 26.67 |
| Coffee (cup) | Coffee (cup) Coffee can be pricey; chain cafés like Starbucks dominate, but local spots sometimes charge less. | 1.33 - 4.00 |
| Pint of beer | Prices are similar across most pubs. Look for chain pubs with happy-hour deals for the best value. | 6.67 - 9.33 |
| Fish and chips | The classic London meal — delicious but often more expensive than you’d expect. | 16.00 - 22.67 |
| Type | Price(USD) |
|---|---|
| Taxi from Heathrow to city center | 77.33 - 89.33 |
| Tube ride from Heathrow to city center | 6.67 |
| All day unlimited tube & bus rides in city center | 12.00 |
| 3km taxi ride in London | 10.67 - 16.00 |
| Tube ride in central London | 2.67 - 5.33 |
Unless you’re coming from France or Scotland, you’ll almost certainly fly into London.
Heathrow Airport (LHR) is enormous and handles nearly all flights longer than three hours. Gatwick (LGW) often has competitive fares, though Heathrow’s transport connections are faster and usually cheaper.
From elsewhere in Europe, you might find low-cost flights into Luton (LTN) or Stansted (STN) — both north of the city and less convenient due to slower transport links.
If you’re traveling from Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam, the Eurostar train through the Channel Tunnel is by far the easiest and most comfortable way to arrive directly in central London.
London is mostly flat and many top attractions line the River Thames, making it a pleasant city to walk — at least for shorter distances. But it’s also vast, so learning the Underground (Tube) system is essential. With an Oyster Card or contactless payment, it’s simple and efficient.
London’s black taxis are iconic but expensive and often slowed by traffic. Uber and other ride apps are good alternatives, though the Tube remains the fastest option during the day for most routes.
| Month | High F | Low F | Precip (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 45 | 36 | 2.1 |
| February | 46 | 37 | 1.4 |
| March | 51 | 39 | 1.9 |
| April | 55 | 42 | 1.8 |
| May | 63 | 48 | 2.0 |
| June | 69 | 53 | 2.0 |
| July | 72 | 57 | 1.9 |
| August | 71 | 56 | 2.1 |
| September | 66 | 53 | 2.1 |
| October | 59 | 48 | 2.2 |
| November | 51 | 41 | 2.2 |
| December | 47 | 38 | 2.2 |
London is known for being gray — and a bit rainy — but rarely stormy. Rainfall totals are actually modest, and heavy downpours are uncommon. Summers are pleasantly mild and rarely hot enough to be uncomfortable, while winters are cool but not harsh, with snow only appearing occasionally.
The cloud cover reputation is well earned, though — overcast skies are common at any time of year. Take advantage of the sunny spells when they come along, and pack for drizzle. A compact umbrella or light rain jacket is all you’ll need.
After living in London for six months, I learned that locals don’t stop for drizzle — they just keep walking. Bring layers instead of heavy rain gear, and when the sun finally breaks through, head straight to a park or riverside pub terrace. Those rare golden afternoons are worth the wait.
| 21 Mar | 6:01am | 6:15pm |
| 21 Jun | 4:43am | 9:21pm |
| 21 Sep | 6:46am | 6:59pm |
| 21 Dec | 8:04am | 3:53pm |