Tips for Backpacking Through London on a Budget

Backpacking through London is an incredible experience that you won’t soon forget. Regardless of your interests, London is bound to captivate you with one-of-a-kind views and an immaculate history. Take full advantage of your time in the city with these travel tips from London Connection.

How to Get Around

If you’re looking for quick, convenient, and inexpensive ways to get around the city, snag an Oyster Card. This pay-as-you-go travel card is used by the London locals and will get you on almost anything, from buses to boats. Simply fill the card with a certain amount of money and refill if necessary!

You also have the option of buying a Travel Card, which allows you to travel around different parts of the city without having to pay for each ride. This is an excellent option if you plan on spending most of your time in one area.

Where to Eat

It’s old news that London isn’t the cheapest place to visit, especially where your meals are concerned. Most restaurants and diners in this city are going to charge you a pretty penny, but there are more affordable options that are just as good — if not better.

Stop in Soho for some inexpensive Italian cafes or visit a street stall or a curbside market and stock up on rations for your next journey. You can also grab lunch from the London markets and have a cheap picnic in one of the many free and beautiful parks that London has to offer.

What to Do

London may be a pricey city to tour, but there is a wide range of entertaining activities that won’t cost you a dime. Take advantage of the free sites and attractions, keep an eye out for festivals and street fairs, and explore a few museums — almost all of which are totally free.

We recommend you forgo the expensive guided tours if you’re traveling on a budget. You can get many of the same experiences and history on your own if you simply do your research before the trip!

A word to the wise: don’t underestimate how long it will take to visit the sites you want to see most. We suggest you set aside at least four days to explore the city — if not more. You can save yourself a lot of time and frustration by making a list of your must-see sites and locating them on a map ahead of time. This way, you can plan out your sightseeing regime and lock down the best routes to each destination.

Where to Stay

London is a thriving hotspot for tourists and travelers of all kinds, which means your room and board options are virtually endless. You can usually find an affordable place to stay on Airbnb, but if you can’t, a cheap hostel is always an option for backpacking your way through London on a shoestring budget.

And for the travelers who prefer to keep a private and comfortable home away from home, several services in London provide travelers with a local, authentic experience by renting out traditional English flats in the heart of the city. This is a fantastic way to really experience the culture whilst living like a local!

Enjoy London

We hope you found these travel tips useful and that you thoroughly enjoy backpacking through the marvelous city of London!