Best Ways To Save Money In London (2024)

We love London, but our bank balance definitely does not. Squeeze the most out of your next visit in London with these top tips on how to save money while you’re in the city. And the best part? Most of these affordable ways are much more enjoyable than the pricey alternatives!

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Oyster cards, Visitor Oyster Cards and Contactless Payment Cards provide the cheapest ways to travel in London. Using a Visitor Oyster Card costs less than half what purchasing one-day paper Travelcards or individual tickets with cash can cost you (remember to order one before you arrive to start saving immediately!). Visitor Oyster Card holders also qualify for a range of drinks, food and other discounts and special offers.

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While public transport is ideal for longer journeys, Central London is perfect for walking or cycling using the city's Santander Cycles scheme. It allows you to see more sights, get some necessary exercise, and you may even discover some hidden treasures along the way. During rush hour, it is actually faster to walk between stations like Leicester Square and Covent Garden.

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London offers a lot of free attractions and landmarks that we can visit free of charge. Some examples are:

• The National Gallery
• TheBritish Museum
• TATE Modern
• The Southbank Centre
• The Natural History Museum
• Hampstead Heath
• Regents Park
• Hyde Park

These places are all top-tier free spots that are free to visit.

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You don’t have to spend a lot of money to see a West End theatre show. Always remember to buy your tickets in advance to get huge discounts. Sites like TodayTix offer great value tickets for incredible West End shows - sometimes tickets are as low as £15! You can also visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for last minute cheap tickets. Try lining up at the theatre for stand-by tickets and returns if there is something, in particular, you want to see.

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The London Pass gets us to more than 60 Top London attractions for free with fast-track entry. These attractions include the Thames River Cruise, Westminster Abbey, the London Bridge Experience and the Tower of London.

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If you don’t have enough time to make worth of the London Pass, you can beat the queues and save on ticketed attractions and exhibitions by booking in advance, online. Remember to plan ahead as tickets are often released in time slots.

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London is known for its local drama, music and comedy scenes. The best thing about these productions is that they're usually a lot more cheaper than traditional theatre shows or big-name music concerts. Join mailing lists for places like The Audience Friend who often share reduced or free tickets to amazing local productions.

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London is a shoppers' heaven, and there are plenty of bargain options. Look out for affordable fashion in high street stores such as Primark or for affordable retro originals at London's vintage emporiums. London's wonderful markets are the best place to bargain for better savings.

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Keep an eye on traditional cafes, buffets and chain restaurants for affordable food. London has a vivid street food scene, where you can satisfy your taste buds with delicious and affordable street food. Remember to take a packed lunch to More London for some of the best free sightseeing through the city.