What to do in London cheaply?

March 29th, 2025

What is there to do in London on the cheap? Well, that depends on what kind of cheap fun you’re after. Are you the type who likes rummaging through quirky markets, sipping wine with zero guilt about your bank balance, or wandering around museums pretending you totally understand 18th-century brushwork? London’s the kind of city that offers all of that – and more – without forcing you to remortgage your flat.

Sure, London has a reputation for being expensive (and okay, sometimes it is), but dig a little deeper and you’ll find that this city is also stacked with affordable – and sometimes even free – things to do. Whether you are looking for a date idea or a fun event around the city , here’s a mix of genuinely great ways to enjoy London without burning through your paycheck.

Start at Borough Market (and try not to eat everything)

Yes, it’s a bit famous. Yes, it can get a little packed. But Borough Market is still one of the most delicious and atmospheric corners of the city. It’s free to wander, free to sniff the air (10/10 recommend), and most importantly, packed with food stalls offering samples and reasonably priced eats. Grab a £5 wrap, people-watch by Southwark Cathedral, or just wander the warren of flavours like a budget-conscious explorer.

Soak up the skyline at 22 Bishopsgate

Want skyline views without the Shard’s price tag? Head to Horizon 22 at 22 Bishopsgate. It’s one of London’s highest free viewing platforms, and yep – totally free. Just book a slot in advance and zip up the elevator to eye-popping views across the city. Best part? No queue, no tourist chaos, just you and the view (and maybe someone’s wind-blown selfie stick).

Wander through Leadenhall Market (Harry Potter fans, take note)

Not only is Leadenhall Market an architectural beauty – all ornate Victorian ironwork and cobbled paths – but it’s also totally free to enjoy. You might recognise it from the Harry Potter films (Diagon Alley, anyone?), but even if you’re not a wizarding nerd, it’s still a lovely spot to stroll through. Grab a coffee, soak in the old-world charm, and pretend you're in another century (just with contactless payment, obviously).

Explore the chaos and colour of Camden Market

Camden’s like London’s rebellious younger cousin – loud, arty, and unapologetically eccentric. Camden Market is free to enter and full of things to gawk at: vintage clothes, street art, strange trinkets, and every food you’ve ever wanted to try. Even if you don’t spend a penny, it’s an experience. If you do have a few pounds to spare, get a market meal and eat it canal-side while the world passes by.

Travel by boat from Camden Town to Little Venice

Speaking of canals – did you know you can hop on a narrowboat in Camden and chug along to Little Venice? It’s not free, but it’s peaceful, scenic and feels way more expensive than it actually is. You’ll drift past the zoo, through leafy Regent’s Park, and end up in one of London’s prettiest little corners. It’s a whole new view of the city, for under a tenner.

Visit the Queen’s House Museum in Greenwich (and look regal doing it)

Elegant, airy, and surrounded by greenery, the Queen’s House in Greenwich is one of those hidden gems that doesn’t shout for attention – but totally deserves it. Entry is free, the art is stunning, and the views out across Greenwich Park are a dream. Make it a day trip: bring a picnic, walk up to the Observatory for those skyline views, and feel fancy for under a fiver.

Paint, drink, and chill at Art Play – Arts and Crafts Club

Need a creative fix without dropping art school tuition? Art Play is a cool little arts and crafts bar in London where you can unleash your inner Picasso while sipping something nice. It's casual, fun, and doesn’t cost the earth. They run super affordable sessions – think freestyle painting, pottery bits, and crafts you didn’t know you needed in your life until now. Plus, painting while drinking wine? A vibe.

Step inside the world of Charles Dickens

Okay, history nerds – this one's for you. The Charles Dickens Museum, set inside the actual house where he wrote Oliver Twist, is packed with stories and original manuscripts. It’s cheaper than a pint in Soho and a brilliant way to spend a couple of quiet hours in literary London. You don’t even need to have read Dickens to enjoy it – although it does make you want to.

Ride the Mail Rail (yes, inside an old post train tunnel)

The Postal Museum itself is already pretty cool, but the real gem is the Mail Rail: a teeny-tiny underground train that used to carry post beneath the city. Now it carries you. It’s weird, wonderful, and surprisingly fun – like a budget-friendly rollercoaster but with more envelopes. And at under £20 for the full museum + train combo, it’s one of the more unique cheap thrills in London.

Drink wine at Vagabond in Shoreditch (yes, wine – you deserve it)

Wine and budget don’t usually hang out together, but Vagabond makes it work. Think self-serve wine machines (dangerous in the best way) where you can try a splash for just a couple of quid. It’s a great way to discover new wines without committing to a full glass – perfect for date night or catching up with a mate, especially if you’re not trying to blow your entire rent on Merlot.

Make your own pizza at Gallio in Canary Wharf

Gallio is the kind of spot that’s perfect for a cheeky evening out that feels fancy but isn’t actually expensive. Their pizza-making experience lets you knead, top, and bake your own creation – and eat it, of course – for a very reasonable price. You get a full meal and a bit of a laugh, and it’s way more fun than just sitting in a restaurant pretending to understand the menu.

Pop into Sir John Soane’s Museum (it’s free and weirdly wonderful)

This one feels like stepping into a secret. Sir John Soane’s Museum is tucked away in Holborn and packed – stuffed, really – with art, artefacts, and ancient oddities all collected by one very eccentric man. Entry is free, and it’s one of those places where you’ll spot something new every time. The building itself is a maze, the atmosphere is moody, and it’s like time-travelling in central London.

Take a Brixton Brewery Tour (and sip as you go)

Got a tenner and a taste for craft beer? The Brixton Brewery Tour is one of London’s most affordable and fun little excursions. Learn how they make their IPAs and lagers, sip some samples, and soak up the laid-back Brixton vibes. Tours are super chill, great for groups, and include tasters – so technically, it’s also a value drinking session. Win-win.

Special one for people in the East: Tower of London for just £1

Okay, this one sounds like a myth – but it’s very real. If you live in the borough of Tower Hamlets (yep, that’s E1, E2, E3 etc.) and can show proof of address (like a council tax or utility bill), you can visit the Tower of London for just £1. That’s right. £1. That’s cheaper than a bag of crisps. You’ll get to explore the iconic fortress, see the Crown Jewels, and hang out with the legendary Beefeaters – all for the price of a vending machine snack.

Marvel at masterpieces at The Courtauld Gallery

Want to impress a date with some cultured chat about Cézanne and Van Gogh? The Courtauld Gallery in Somerset House is your low-cost ticket to some of Europe’s most iconic art. Recently refurbished and gorgeously laid out, it’s only a few pounds to enter and totally worth it. Plus, it’s never too busy, so you actually get time to stand and stare without being elbowed by a tour group.

Final thoughts (and wallet-friendly wisdom)

Cheap in London doesn’t mean boring. It means local, creative, slightly quirky, and often more memorable than the big-ticket stuff. This is a city made for wandering, for discovering, for saying “Wait, this is free?” out loud far too many times.

Whether you're riding a miniature train under the streets, sipping a £3 splash of red in Shoreditch, or unlocking a royal fortress for £1 with a utility bill, London’s full of experiences that prove you don’t need to be rich to have a good time here.

You just need to know where to look.
And now you do.

Looking for something even cheaper maybe even free? Check our free things to do in London page.