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27 Best Cheap Places to Eat in London

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Are you looking for cheap places to eat in London? The English capital is an amazing city. It’s also one of those places where you can find a Michelin Star restaurant and walk around the corner to a KFC! 

London’s food scene is pretty incredible. You can find every cuisine you could possibly think of and there are so many delicious international dishes. However, London is not known for being cheap. In fact, it’s known for being quite the opposite! 

Amazing Cheap Eats in London

Even though you can easily spend hundreds on one meal in London, there are plenty of places where you can dine for under £30 per person. So, I’ve decided to put together this list of the 27 best cheap places to eat in London for anyone visiting the British capital on a budget.  

1. Brasserie Zédel, Piccadilly 

This gorgeous French Café is tucked away in the heart of Piccadilly. Brasserie Zédel is a wonderful choice of cheap eats in London. It serves traditional French dishes in an elegant, marble-clad restaurant. It also plays host to an American bar, live music, and cabaret from early until late. 

Their a’la carte menu is super affordable with main meals ranging from £15.50 for the chopped, American-style steak to £29.50 for the roast haunch of venison. They also offer an excellent set menu where you can get 2 courses for just £16.95 or 3 for £19.75.

2. Street Markets, various locations

One of the things I adore about cities, particularly London and Cambridge , is that among the pricier sit-down meals, there’s an abundance of affordable and delicious street food. There are so many wonderful street markets in London. 

Borough Market near London Bridge is the most renowned, with a rich history that celebrated its 1000th birthday in 2014! Featuring stalls brimming with a wide selection of international cuisines stalls serving Mexican wraps, tempting burgers, fries, sweet treats, and bowls of noodles. But you can also find fresh produce like cheese, meat, fruits, vegetables, and more. You’ll definitely need to visit with an empty stomach, as many stalls generously offer samples.

Greenwich Market also deserves some attention; though slightly more crowded than Borough Market, it matches in delivering top-notch food quality.

Yet, my personal favourite remains Camden Market, located in the heart of Camden Town. Its stalls showcase an incredibly diverse array of food, and you can spend hours exploring the culinary treasures. Among them, the standout gem is Kerb Camden, a true haven for food enthusiasts.

3. Brown Rice, Notting Hill, Hammersmith, or Windsor

Notting Hill might not be the place where you’d expect to find the cheapest places to eat in London, but we were pleasantly surprised by this authentic Thai restaurant. You can find Brown Rice in various locations across London and, if you enjoy Thai cuisine, you’ll love it here. 

They are a buffet-style restaurant and aim to show you the real taste of Thailand . A few of the dishes on offer include green chicken curry, spicy chicken wings, sweet and sour chicken, spicy noodles, pad thai, chicken toast, and prawn crackers. You can go up as many times as you like and you get all of this for just £10.95 per person!

It’s absolutely fantastic value and very scrumptious food. The service was also wonderful when we went and the people were very friendly and helpful.

4. The Sherlock Holmes, Charing Cross

When in England , Indulging in excellent British pub food becomes a necessity. And where better to find it than in the heart of the great British capital ? I have a soft spot for pub food, and when it comes to an affordable yet quality meal, Greene King is one of the best chains in England. 

While slightly pricier than other branches across the UK (it is London, after all), the menu at The Sherlock Holmes is still one of the best cheap places to eat in London. An 8oz Sirloin, complete with all the trimmings, priced at just £19.45! For a taste of classics, the steak and ale pie comes in at £15.45, while the classic battered cod and chips is a fairly reasonable £17.45. 

A visit to The Sherlock Holmes is a great option if you’re looking for a delightful selection of English comfort food.

5. Ariana 2, Kilburn 

A scrumptious Afghan restaurant in Kilburn , Ariana 2 is a great choice if you’re looking for something a little bit different. We went here on a date night in London once and everything from the food to the service was fantastic. 

They offer a diverse selection of Afghanistan’s finest dishes, ranging from flavorful kebabs and grills to mouthwatering rice dishes, tandoori chicken, seabass, and more. Prices start from around £13 per meal. Or you can purchase a meal for two for just £45, which includes starters, mains, and dessert. If you’re dining as a group, they also offer set menus for 4 for £69 and 6-8 for £129. 

They also operate a ‘bring your own alcohol’ policy which instantly shaves quite a few pounds off the price of your meal. Just remember to nip into Tesco to buy a bottle of wine before you arrive.

6. Saravanaa Bhavan, various locations

Saravanaa Bhavan is an authentic Indian restaurant chain, with branches in London in East Ham and Charing Cross. The nearest tube stations are East Ham and Euston Square respectively. 

This is an excellent restaurant if you want to have authentic Indian vegetarian cuisine. They have many options to choose from and are primarily known for South Indian cuisine. The food is freshly prepared, authentic, delicious, and nicely presented. 

Saravanaa Bhavan is the ideal place for budget-friendly street food . They have a wide range of dosas, idlis, and uttapams which will definitely have you craving more. You must try their masala dosa which is huge and served with delicious chutneys.

It’s one of the best cheap places to eat in London. You can get main course meals priced between £5 and £10. They also serve affordable lunch and dinner thali options that include a range of foods at a low cost. The South Indian thali costs £8.95 and is a complete meal, after which you won’t need anything else.

You will definitely need to make reservations in advance if you don’t want to wait though, especially on weekends.

7. Hayat Restaurant, Paddington

If you are staying around the Paddington area and are looking for a Halal, vegan-friendly vegetarian restaurant, then Hayat Paddington is worth every penny. This family-owned restaurant is within walking distance of Paddington train station and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

It can sometimes be difficult to find a nice brunch cafe that serves at 8 am. This restaurant is perfect for the early risers and late-night diners as it closes at 11 pm.

There is no queue here, so you can walk in and you will be served quickly. They are well-known for their Mediterranean selections from Tajin to Shakshuka. Most of their breakfast meals are under £10 whereas their pizzas, burgers, and Tajin average around £15.

Their breads and hummus are made fresh, and I am sure no one can resist a £1 homemade pita bread (I couldn’t and ordered 3). So, if you are craving a warm, home-cooked Middle Eastern meal, drop by this cosy London restaurant. 

8. Lahpet, Shoreditch or West End

Lahpet is one of London’s only Burmese restaurants, having gained significant appreciation since its doors opened in 2018. Recognized by TimeOut, Conde Nast, and BBC Good Food, Lahpet creates the traditional flavours of Myanmar while infusing a contemporary flair into its dishes. Despite its central location, Lahpet doesn’t have the expected hefty price tag, making its delicious offerings accessible to everyone.

On the menu, you’ll find enticing options like the lentil chow chow, braised mutton curry, and coconut noodles with chicken. The most dish on the menu is £22 while the cheapest is an affordable £15. 

Lahpet also serves scrummy appetizers and desserts kicking off at a pocket-friendly £5. Admittedly, their cocktails aren’t the cheapest, but, if you opt for a soft drink, this is one of the cheapest places to eat in  London.

9. Caphe House, Bermondsey

If you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in London , Bermondsey Street is a great place to explore. It’s just a 10-minute walk from London Bridge station. 

For a quick and value-for-money lunch try the Vietnamese cafe, Caphe House . It’s a no-frills, family-run establishment that has a busy takeaway business as well as serving Vietnamese egg coffees along with regular cappuccinos and lattes. 

We dropped in on a rainy day in August and got a seat in the back room. Steam buns, spring rolls, Bánh Mî and Phó feature on the menu. We had delicious platefuls of shredded pork with noodles and caramelised pork belly with ginger and vermicelli, for around £11 each. 

10. Boqueria Tapas, Battersea Park 

I have a serious love for tapas restaurants, and this charming eatery in Battersea Park lives up to my expectations. With classic wooden decor, comfortable bar stools, and an array of wine bottles on display, this restaurant has a welcoming ambience. Boqueria Tapas is perfect for friends, groups, or dates, with its delicious selection of light bites and sharing plates.

Indulge in enticing plates such as patatas bravas, suckling pig with apple sauce, and whole sea bass. The plates range in price from £3.90 to £16 (for a steak). The majority of the plates are under £10 each, offering a pocket-friendly option for those looking for cheap eats in London. Just the thought of these mouth-watering options is enough to make your stomach rumble!

11. Tokyo Diner, Chinatown

Nestled in the heart of London’s Chinatown, Tokyo Diner is a completely authentic Japanese restaurant. While its appearance might not be striking at first glance, a single bite of their delicious dishes is enough to change anyone’s mind. 

The mouth-watering menu, ranging from £10 to £25, features delights like katsu chicken, teriyaki, soba noodles, Japanese curry, sushi, bento boxes, and an array of tempting sides. Japanese Tea is complimentary, and certain dishes even come with free extra rice. Tokyo Diner not only exemplifies exceptional Asian hospitality but also serves as a source of inspiration for other restaurants in London.

Beyond the culinary experience, Tokyo Diner is committed to environmental responsibility. They rely solely on sustainable energy sources and refuse to serve Tuna to combat global overfishing. They also refuse tips and donate any money left to the St. Martin-in-the-Fields unit for the homeless.

12. Lina Stores, various locations

Lina Stores is a well-loved chain of Italian restaurants and one of the best cheap places to eat in London. There are locations in Soho, King’s Cross, Marylebone, Clapham, and Bloomberg Arcade, so you will find one nearby. All the locations are steps away from a tube station, meaning they are easily accessed.

Lina Stores serve authentic Italian food , offering various pasta dishes priced between £8 and £15. There are also well-priced antipasti and desserts, costing around £5 to £12. The restaurants can cater to those with dietary preferences, such as vegetarians, vegans, gluten intolerant, and halal.

The décor of each restaurant offers a slightly different style, with the Soho Greek Street location having a casual diner-style setting, whereas the Marylebone is classic and sophisticated. So, if you want more of a posh dining experience or a laid-back lunch – pick your location wisely.

All Lina Stores restaurants take reservations for groups of up to 8 people, except for Greek Street, which only allows reservations for up to 4 people. Booking a table online is recommended, but there are usually walk-in spaces available at the kitchen counter and bar.

13. Rossella, Kentish Town

A genuine Italian restaurant holds an unbeatable charm! Rossella , with its lively family ambience, will draw you in, and make you want to come back time and time again. 

Honoured with multiple OpenTable awards and a Diner’s Choice recognition, Rossella is a quintessential Trattoria deeply rooted in the heritage of Southern Italy. They’ve brought a piece of their family farm from Naples to the heart of London, offering a delicious array of dishes ranging from the classic Carbonara to the more elaborate Veal Escalope wrapped in prosciutto.

But what makes them one of the best cheap places to eat in London? Well, you can find pasta dishes for as little as £10 and pizzas for as little as £12. They also offer vegan and gluten-free options. The most extravagant item on the menu is priced at just £24! This means you can easily savour the flavours of Italy while keeping your wallet happy.

14. Paul Rothe & Son Delicatessen, Marylebone 

Set on an unassuming street in central London is Paul Rothe & Son Delicatessen, a small deli that was first founded in 1900. As is typical in London’s food scene, the sandwiches might look simple but they’re handmade and artfully crafted. Each ingredient tastes like it was thoughtfully chosen to make the perfect sandwich, from fluffy bread to spicy mustard to fresh veggies.

You can choose from a menu of premade sandwiches or design your own sandwich, depending on your preference. The writing on the menu is small, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

With most sandwiches priced at less than £8, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more affordable and fresh lunch option in the area. There are crisps, drinks, soups, and other sides to choose from if you’re craving a more complete meal. 

Expect a queue if you visit around lunchtime. There isn’t much seating, but if you go early or at an off hour you may be able to snag a spot. Otherwise, you can always grab your sandwich to go and enjoy it nearby in Hyde Park.

Oh, and as a bonus, the coffee is surprisingly good. 

15. Gökyüzü, various locations

I love Turkish cuisine and after a meal at Gökyüzü , I’m sure you will be too! With over 20 years of experience serving delicious Turkish delicacies, this family-owned restaurant has passed down recipes from father to son. 

Located in 6 different spots across London , each with plushy benches and the authentic brick-wall ambience reminiscent of a classic Turkish tavern, this establishment has earned the title of the ‘Go-to place for Turkish cuisine’ by TimeOut. Despite this, Gökyüzü remains the perfect spot to eat for those travelling around London on a budget .

Their menu is diverse, offering breakfast, hot and cold meze, hearty mains, and sharable platters. They have a selection of fish dishes, pide (a kind of Turkish pizza), and unique special too. What’s more, they also offer a takeaway service if you’d rather eat from the comfort of your own room.

Main courses begin at a wallet-friendly £15, and the majority of their mains are under £20. All of them are utterly delicious and this is easily one of the best cheap places to eat in London! 

16. Rum Kitchen, various locations

If you fancy delicious Caribbean food and also enjoy party vibes and delicious cocktails, you can’t go wrong with Rum Kitchen . This combination of a cocktail bar and restaurant is a great place to let your hair down after a day exploring London . Plus the food is delicious and super affordable. 

Order plates of spicy jerk chicken, for just £15.50, Caribbean curry bowls for under £17, and plates of Jollof rice for under £15. They also offer 90 minutes of unlimited wings on Wednesdays and a bottomless brunch with main and unlimited drinks for £30. 

Plus, with their lunch and late-night option, you can buy any dish, such as a jerk wrap and fries, for a very affordable £10. This is only available between 12pm and 4pm Monday to Friday, or after 9pm every day.

They also donate 50p from every Jerk Bowl ordered to the Brixton soup kitchen.

17. Mamuśka!, South Bank or Waterloo

Bringing the classic flavours of Eastern Europe to the UK, Mamuśka ! is an incredibly budget-friendly Polish kitchen and bar. Embracing authenticity and offering great value, Mamuśka! caters to a crowd and has seating for up to 200. The essence here lies in Polish flair, traditional cooking, and the joy of delicious food.

With lunch options priced at just £8 (and £10 with one of their happy hour drinks), canapes starting from just £2.50, and an elaborate 3-course set menu for to for just £50, Mamuśka! ensures affordability without compromising on taste. Indulge in generous portions of Pork goulash, beef roll-ups, beef cheeks, and pierogi. 

For those seeking a fusion of cultures, Mamuśka! even puts a cheeky Polish twist on classic English dishes like fish and chips or sausage and mash. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking to enjoy affordable, hearty meals without venturing too far from your comfort zone!

18. Seven Dials Market, Covent Garden

Seven Dials Market is a relatively new addition to the London food scene. But it’s quickly transformed Covent Garden into a place that’s home to plenty of exciting cheap places to eat in London. Easily accessible, thanks to its position within a three-minute walk of Covent Garden tube station, this picturesque market hall is home to 20 independent street food vendors.

Adventurous eaters will love to pay Seven Dials visits. You can find stalls featuring cuisines from around the world, from Syrian street food to dumplings from Uzbekistan. 

One of the best vendors, however, is Curry On Naanstop, which offers some truly remarkable Indian dishes. Try the samosa chaat from Mumbai for an explosion of flavour in your mouth. Crumbs of crispy samosas are mixed into a rich, tangy curry and topped with yoghurt and pomegranate seeds – all for £9. 

London is an expensive city , but markets like Seven Dials help to cut down on costs. With burgers, pizza slices, curries, cupcakes, tacos, and sushi up for grabs, it’s surprisingly hard to spend more than £15 on a meal here. 

And with two bars serving visitors within the picturesque food hall, you’ll never have to wait too long for a drink to wash it all down. 

19. Kiaan’s Pan Asian Street Food, Broadway Market

Kiaan’s Pan Asian Street Food , nestled in Broadway Market, Tooting, London, is a hidden gem for budget-conscious foodies. The lively market itself is a haven for cheap eats in London, making it an ideal spot for those seeking flavourful yet affordable culinary experiences. The eatery offers a delightful journey through Pan Asian flavours, from zesty street-style noodles to delicious dumplings.

Best suited for those who like to experiment with flavours on a budget, Kiaan’s has fairly reasonable prices. With starters around £5-6, bao buns and ramen for around £10, and sides, beers and desserts for less than £5, make this a top choice for students, young professionals, and families. While reservations are not typically required, especially for smaller groups, it’s advisable to check during peak hours.

You can get here via Tooting Broadway Underground station. Plus, if you need a nightcap before you head back home, it’s within proximity of Balham, known for its chic wine bars . Kiaan’s allows you to complement your budget-friendly feast with a touch of sophistication.

20. Cleopatra’s, South Kensington

Cleopatra’s is a no-fuss Lebanese / Mediterranean eatery in the Earls Court neighbourhood of London, right on the main strip – Earls Court Road. It’s right outside the tube station. You can simply walk in to eat there or they also offer takeaway.

The restaurant has an incredibly large menu, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For starters, Cleopatra’s serves several fresh salads and spread appetizers like hummus. The hummus was creamy and delicious.

At less than £12, the Chicken Shawarma is a hearty meal served with rice. It’s my top recommendation on the menu, as the chicken is very flavorful and well-seasoned.

Cleopatra’s has been awarded fantastic reviews across the internet and is worth a visit if you’re in the area, especially because of the quality of food for the price! The restaurant is best for those who love Mediterranean food, but there’s plenty on the menu to satisfy all diets.

21. The Silk Road, Camberwell

The Silk Road in Camberwell serves Chinese food like you’ve probably never had before unless you’ve been to Western China. I don’t live in London and I regularly find myself craving their well-priced, incredibly delicious food

Put aside your expectations of sweet and sour chicken with egg fried rice and welcome home-style aubergine, cucumber salad, fresh noodles, pork with black fungus and all sorts of other incredible-tasting dishes. 

It’s a good idea to book space at a table at this extremely popular and inexpensive restaurant. If you don’t, you’ll likely be waiting in a line for a 9 pm table slot if you’re lucky. Takeaway is possible but you’ll need to have taken a photo of the menu at some point (or have found one online as they are so busy that they don’t care if you don’t know their menu!)

22. Spring, Somerset House

Spring is a gorgeous, restaurant with a seasonal menu located in the iconic Somerset House in central London. Its chic interior makes it one of the most beautiful restaurants in London . The simple but elevated menu by Skye Gygnell is renowned. It is certainly a restaurant for a special occasion but can be very affordable if you know about the Scratch Menu. 

The Scratch menu is served to only 30 guests each evening at early tables between 5:30-6:30. It’s a set menu of three courses made of whatever may go to waste in the kitchen otherwise. The Scratch menu is only £30 per person, making it an affordable way to experience the luxury of Spring, and the food is just as incredible as it would be on the main menu. 

As there isn’t any choice available, it’s not the best option for those with dietary needs. But if you aren’t a picky eater and you’re up for whatever the kitchen produces, you’re in for a treat. It’s necessary to book well in advance as the menu is limited. Spring is just across the bridge from Waterloo, and near Temple, Covent Garden and Charing Cross stations.

23. Lahore Kebab House, Whitechapel

Located in Whitechapel, Lahore Kebab House is a remarkable Pakistani restaurant. Recognized with several awards as the best kebab house in the UK, this family-owned establishment has evolved from a modest diner into a welcoming, atmospheric restaurant since it first opened in 1972. 

With a commitment to using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes, Lahore has mastered the art of crafting delightful curries, kebabs, appetizers, and house specialities. On the menu, you’ll find a range of options including lamb chop curry, chicken kebab curry, sag aloo, mutton tikka roll, and tandoori prawns. Pair your choice with naan bread, some samosas, and a refreshing jug of passionfruit juice for the table. 

The most expensive main course on the menu is just £14.50, so you can enjoy these award-winning kebabs without worrying about the cost.

24. Hoppers, various locations

Hoppers is a Sri Lankan and coastal South Indian food restaurant in London. It’s distinctly different from the typical food from North India that is served at most Indian restaurants. The food features their namesake Hoppers, which are bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice and coconut eaten with kari, dosas, rice, roast and kothu. The coastal influence translates to coconut and seafood like squid and prawns being featured on the menu.

Both Sri Lankan and Indian food are best eaten in family style, and the menu has a handy guide on planning for portion sizes.  The food is bold and flavorful. You can also add to the spice and flavour level with traditional chutneys and sambols.  The average price for a meal at Hoppers is around £30 per person.

With 3 locations at Soho, Marylebone and King’s Cross, Hoppers is easily accessible using public transportation. Reservations are recommended. You can book online for parties of up to 4 at Hoppers Soho, up to 10 at Hoppers Marylebone and up to 18 at Hoppers King’s Cross. Walk-ins are accommodated on a first come first served basis.

25. Brick Lane Beigel Bake, Shoreditch

While not a formal restaurant, the Brick Lane Beigel Bake is an ideal spot for a budget-friendly snack or lunch. The dense bagels, succulent meat that melts in your mouth, and wallet-friendly prices make this renowned Brick Lane establishment a must-visit for anyone looking for cheap places to eat in London. The food here is a perfect blend of simplicity, scrumptiousness, and affordability.

Indulge in the thick slices of salt beef accompanied by a hint of hot mustard and pickles. Brick Lane Beigel Bake operates 24 hours a day. So, it’s suitable for those seeking a late-night feast and those in need of pre-exploration fuel. With cakes priced from 87p and filled bagels ranging from £2.47 to £9, it’s an offer that’s hard to argue with.

26. Farm Girl, Notting Hill

Searching for the best brunch spot in the pastel streets of Notting Hill? Farm Girl is the perfect spot to catch up with friends for a perfectly poured latte and delicious brunches, located on the famous Portobello Road.

The focus at Farm Girl is on healthy, beautifully presented dishes and drinks, made to delight. The main dining room is lovingly decorated, topped off with a pink custom coffee machine. Out on the sunny terrace, toasty seat covers and heaters ensure your comfort no matter London’s weather.

The menu caters to everyone whether you’re here for a hand-crafted pastry or a stack of apple & pear pancakes. Prices range from £7.50 for eggs on toast, through to £16.00 for a smoked salmon scramble. Butterfly matcha lattes and other pastel delights await on the drinks menu.

Farm Girl is walk-in only and serves up all-day dining from 8:30am to 5pm on weekdays and 9am to 5:30pm on weekends, so you’ll be sorted no matter how late your brunch date is.

To get there, take the tube on either the Central, Circle or District Lines to Notting Hill Gate and the café is an easy 7-minute stroll up Portobello Road.  

27. International Food Court, East End

If you are looking for amazing international flavours at a great price, then head out to east London over at Brick Lane. The street is famous for a variety of pop-up eating venues.

You’ll find renovated warehouses converted into pop-up shops for both eating and shopping venues. Outside of traditional English foods , you’ll find so many exciting and new food venues at the food courts along the Brick Lane area.

There are at least two international food markets on Brick Lane. Each has over 20 vendors or more featuring everything you can imagine from Caribbean, Indian, Chinese and other Asian countries to Middle Eastern fare. There are also European food stalls including French, Spanish, Greek, and Italian. It’s easily one of the best cheap places to eat in London.

👉 Planning a trip to London? Here are my favourite hotels with balconies in the city !

My favourite tools for finding cheap travel

• SKYSCANNER – For amazing flight deals.
• BOOKING.COM – For affordable hotels and accommodation.
• SAFETY WING – For affordable, reliable travel insurance.
• DISCOVER CARS – For cheap car hire around the world.
• OMIO – For trains, coaches, and transfers.
• GET YOUR GUIDE – For attractions and tours.
• AIRALO – For a global eSim that keeps you connected.

Disclosure: Some of the links above may be affiliate links that earn me a commission at no extra cost to you. If you purchase through my links – thank you so much! I only recommend products and companies that I use and love.

Alice Smith is a travel blogger, content creator, and founder of Adventures of Alice. Following an unexpected redundancy, she embraced her passions and turned her hobby of travel blogging into a full-time career.

Based in the UK, she's ventured to over 30 countries since 2016. With a passion for the outdoors and going off-the-beaten-path, Alice is on a mission to show that budget travel can still be luxurious and that every destination, no matter how touristy, holds hidden gems.

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The 21 best cheap places to eat in london.

Editor’s note: This post was edited in February 2022 to update information and prices.

London’s food scene is pretty incredible. You can find basically every cuisine you could possibly think of. However, like New York, London is not known for being cheap. In fact, it’s known for being quite the opposite!

Despite the fact that you can easily spend hundreds on one meal in London, there are also plenty of places to eat in London. Yes, you can dine for under £20 per person. I’ve compiled a list of the 21 best cheap places to eat in London for anyone visiting the British capital on a budget.

There’s nothing quite like a food tour to provide a crash course in a new destination’s cuisine. Check out our tops picks to help you eat your way blissfully through London, no matter your taste or budget.

Where to Eat in London on a Budget

Brasserie zédel , piccadilly.

A gorgeous French Café tucked away in the heart of Piccadilly, Brasserie Zédel is a wonderful choice for cheap places to eat in London.

Serving delightful traditional French dishes in an elegant, marble-clad restaurant, it also plays host to an American bar and live music and cabaret from early until late.

Their a la carte menu is super affordable with main meals ranging from £11.00 for the Chopped Steak and Peppercorn Sauce with French Fries to £29.75 for the Rib Eye with French Fries if you do feel like going all out! However, there’s plenty of dishes in between and they also offer an excellent set menu where you can get 2 courses for just £12.25 or 3 for £16.00.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brasserie Zédel (@brasseriezedel) on Nov 23, 2019 at 7:21am PST

Drake & Morgan , King’s Cross

Just about everyone who goes to London will at some point find themselves at Kings Cross during their visit. As one of the main hubs for commuters and tourists alike, it certainly has a lot to offer (including their wonderful Harry Potter themed shop!).

As you might expect, there are plenty of pricey restaurants at Kings Cross, but Drake & Morgan is a rather pleasant exception. The quirky setting features two floors, a gorgeous open bar, and extensive outdoor space, excellent for alfresco dining and cocktails in the sun.

Their menu will also blow you away.

From intriguing pheasant sausage rolls to coconut-crusted tofu and soy-glazed pork belly bites – and that’s just to start! Mains start at just £11.50 and include some more tantalizing dishes such as Swordfish with Borlotti beans & N’duja, a Halloumi Burger, and Jacob’s Ladder of Beef with Carrot purée & Chablis jus.

Plus, if you’re after something traditionally British, they also serve Beer Battered Cod and Chips for just £14.95 and a traditional English Infused Tea starting at £2.75!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Drake & Morgan at King’s Cross (@drakeandmorgankingscross) on Aug 28, 2019 at 10:05am PDT

Lahpet , Shoreditch

One of London’s only Burmese restaurants, Lahpet has gained a lot of popularity since it first opened its doors in 2018.

Featured in TimeOut, Conde Nast and BBC Good Food, the restaurant focuses on the traditional cuisine of Myanmar and then jazzes up its dishes with a contemporary twist.

Located on Bethnal Green, you might think this type of restaurant would come with a rather hefty price tag. But this is one of the other great things about Lahpet is they make it affordable for everyone to dine there.

Their Lentil Chow Chow starts off at £13, their Pork and Mustard Green Curry is only £13.50 and their Coconut Noodles with Chicken is the same price! With appetizers and desserts starting at just £3, you can easily have a delicious and affordable meal at Lahpet for under £20.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andy & Rose (@greedypescatarians) on May 13, 2019 at 11:24am PDT

Kerbisher & Malt , Shepherd’s Bush

If what you’re after is a great British classic, then you really can’t go wrong with Kerbisher & Malt. Offering traditional fish and chips in a modern, contemporary setting, you’ll instantly see that they’re one of the best cheap places to eat in London. You’ll also be able to see why they were rated one of London’s Best Cheap-Eats by TimeOut.

They believe highly in fresh ingredients, preferring to cut their own chips instead of buying readymade ones, they make all their own sauces (except ketchup), and even brew their own beer! They also support the local community by buying all their fish fresh from sustainable sources and buy their potatoes from local farmers.

They serve everything you’d expect from a British Fish and Chip shop including a few additional extras such as calamari, fish cakes, and grilled halloumi. The chefs will also grill your fish if you don’t fancy it deep-fat fried!

Whether you’re looking for takeaway or eat-in, Kerbisher & Malt will guarantee you a great, affordable and delicious meal. Their traditional haddock and chips will come in at just under £8 – as will most of the menu!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kerbisher & Malt (@kerbisherandmalt) on Sep 13, 2019 at 5:29am PDT

Boqueria Tapas , Battersea Park

I absolutely love tapas restaurants and this delightful restaurant at Battersea Park certainly doesn’t disappoint. The restaurant itself has gone for a traditional wooden-look decor with comfy bar stools and plenty of bottles of wine on display.

Plus, with a delicious selection of light bites and sharing plates, Boqueria Tapas is one of the most perfect cheap places to eat in London as a group. Choose from mouth-watering appetizers such as Octopus with Paprika on a Bed of Potatoes, King Prawns with Truffle & Goat’s Cheese Dressing, or Lamb Confit with Caramelised Figs, Cucumber & Mint Raita!

Plates range from £2.90 to £14.90, so once again very reasonable prices for London. I can hear my stomach rumbling just thinking about it!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by BOQUERIA RESTAURANTS (@boqueria_london) on Oct 5, 2019 at 7:31am PDT

Pizza Pilgrims , Various Locations

There are so many great pizza places in London, but Pizza Pilgrims is my personal favorite. At Pilgrims, they are ‘all about the crust’ and serve a tasty selection of both sweet and savory pizzas in their traditional Italian Pizzeria.

With plenty of stripes, checked tablecloths and funky décor, they have a range of venues in popular spots across London like London Bridge, Soho, Carnaby, and Covent Garden.

Be sure to look out for their signature bright green and go and order yourself a Margherita! Or if you’re after something more interesting, why not try their Nduja, Oven-roasted Mushroom and Truffle, or the Salsiccia e Friarielli which is covered in sweet fennel pork sausage.

After eating here, you will definitely be recommending Pizza Pilgrims to your friends!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by pizzapilgrims (@pizzapilgrims) on Dec 6, 2019 at 6:09am PST

Gökyüzü , Green Lane

I’m a huge fan of Turkish cuisine and after a meal at Gökyüzü, I’m sure you will be too!

With over 20 years’ experience in serving up Turkish delicacies, this family-owned restaurant has passed down recipes from father to son. They have 4 restaurants across London full of plump benches and the authentic brick-wall design of a traditional Turkish tavern.

Rated the ‘Go-to place for Turkish cuisine’, by TimeOut, Gökyüzü is also friendly for those traveling London on a budget. Choose from breakfast, hot and cold meze, mains and sharing platters – plus they also offer a takeaway service if you’d prefer to eat your dinner in your room.

The mains start at just £13.50 for a Turkish Pizza, Döner or Shish Kebab and go up to £22.50 for their Lamb Chops. So, no matter what you chose, you can find a meal here for around £20! And an utterly delicious one too!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gokyuzu Green Lanes (@gokyuzu_restaurant_greenlanes) on Jan 17, 2019 at 10:00am PST

Tokyo Diner , Leicester Square

This is a completely authentic Japanese restaurant in the heart of London’s Leicester Square. Tokyo Diner is one of those places that may not look all that, but take one mouthful of their delicious food and you will instantly change your mind.

As well as this they are actively working to protect the environment by using purely sustainable energy sources and refusing to serve tuna as to not support the overfishing that happens all over the world.

Another amazing thing about this restaurant is that they don’t accept tips.

They will physically turn them down and any money that is left they donate to St. Martin-in-the-Fields’ unit for the Homeless.

On their mouth-watering menu, you can easily find a good meal for £11-£20 including Katsu Chicken, Teriyaki, Soba Noodles, Japanese Curry, Sushi and Sashimi and a selection of sides.

Japanese Tea is free and so is extra rice when you order certain dishes! Tokyo Diner is a classic example of outstanding Asian hospitality and one of my absolute favorite cheap places to eat in London. Other London restaurants could certainly do with taking a leaf out of their book!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by PollyB |Travel Inspo |YouTube (@toppedwith) on Jul 2, 2017 at 3:08am PDT

Rossella , Kentish Town

I’ll say this once and I’ll say it again; you just can’t beat a proper Italian restaurant! And the buzzy family feel of Rossella will have you coming back again and again.

The winner of several Open Table Awards and one Diner’s Choice, Rossella is a traditional Trattoria deeply rooted in Southern Italian heritage.

They’ve brought a slice of their family farm in Naples right to the heart of London, with their delicious selection of dishes from the classic Carbonara to their more elaborate Veal Escalope wrapped in prosciutto.

The best part? The mains start at just £13 and the most expensive meal on the menu is just £15.50, meaning you could very easily eat here for well under £23.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rossella Ristorante (@rossellanw5) on May 21, 2018 at 9:15am PDT

Pieminister

For a delicious British tradition, why not try out Pieminister for some scrumptious savory pies?

Pieminister can be found in a couple of locations across London and they will also deliver to your home, office or anywhere else you’d like to send them!

Their eat-in menu is super cheap with a pie and two sides coming in at just £8.50! You can get a pie, mash, minty mushy peas, Cheddar & crispy shallots for an extra 50p, and they also sell patties too for just £2 or 3 for £5!

It’s super affordable London dining.

They have some wonderful flavors too, from traditional Beef Steak & Craft Ale to Chicken, Portobello & Chestnut Mushroom and some more intriguing flavors like Chicken, Chorizo, Olive & Butter Bean and Vegan ‘chicken’, Celeriac, Smoked Garlic & Sherry!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pieminister (@pieminister) on Nov 16, 2019 at 3:55am PST

Shack-Fuyu , Soho

Another Japanese restaurant in Soho, Shack-Fuyu serves up delicious comfort food in a relaxed setting.

The Western-Inspired Japanese cuisine is delightfully different as it’s clear that so much thought has gone into the dishes. Owned by Bone Daddies who also have a collection of other restaurants across London, the classic decoration is inviting, with big lights, brick effect walls and comfortable sofas.

They offer a pleasant selection of small plates, sharing dishes, main meals and desserts and is perfect whether you want to grab a bite to eat or are after a sit-down family meal.

You can get 2-courses for £19 and pay just an extra £3 to add a dessert! Plus, the selection is great – from Korean-style wings to softshell crab, lamb bao buns, crispy pork belly, and miso aubergine, you’ll want to order it all!!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shack-Fuyu (@shackfuyu) on Jul 21, 2016 at 9:59am PDT

Mamuśka ! South Bank

This super-affordable Polish kitchen and bar have brought the classic tastes of Eastern Europe to the UK. Authentic and value-packed, with seating for up to 200, Mamuśka! is all about Polish flair, traditional cooking, and delicious food.

With luWith lunches for just £13.50, starters between £4.50-5.80 and mains between £10-16, it’s more than affordable food and by far one of the great cheap places to eat in London!

Tuck into their generous portions of Pork Gulash, Beef Roll-Up, Beef Cheeks, Pierogi and also some classic English dishes (like fish and chips or sausage and mash) with a cheeky Polish twist. Perfect for if you don’t want to step too far out of your comfort zone!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mamuśka!🇵🇱 (@mamuskapolishrestaurant) on Nov 11, 2019 at 2:50am PST

If unlimited oriental cuisine sounds like a good idea, then you’ll absolutely love Aroma in London. One of my favorite cheap places to eat in London, however, the value of your meal will slightly depend on the time you go.

Weekends and Bank Holidays are the most expensive with a set price all day of £21. However, with the prices of food in London, and the fact that this is all you can eat, that’s still a pretty good deal!

Aroma serves just about every type of Asian cuisine you could think of. There’s prawn toasts, crab claws, samosas, calamari and more for starters. Then for mains tuck into lamb curry, chicken satay, mussels, squid, prawns, duck pancakes, beef with black bean sauce, stir-fried mixed vegetables, sushi, teppanyaki, rice and noodles, and much more!

There’s also a selection of desserts included in the price which makes this even better!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yukiko Robinson (@twinsmuma) on Aug 5, 2018 at 9:23am PDT

Prospect of Whitby , Wapping

Sometimes, great British pub food is exactly what you need and where else better to find it than the great British capital?

I absolutely love pub food and Greene King is probably one of the best chains in England if you’re looking for an affordable but quality meal.

Prospect of Whitby is slightly more expensive than other Greene King locations across the UK (it is London after all!), but you can still get an 8oz Sirloin with all the trimmings for just £15.99! Gammon, egg, and chips is just £10.49, the classic trio of sausages with mash is £10.79, and steak and ale pie just £12.99!

Well worth a visit if what you’re craving is a great selection of English comfort food in a wonderful location along the River Thames.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prospect Of Whitby (@prospectofwhitby)

Lahore Kebab House , Whitechapel

Lahore Kebab House is a wonderful Pakistani restaurant in Whitechapel. Having won several awards for the best kebab house in the UK, this family-owned eatery has grown from a small diner into a friendly, atmospheric restaurant since they opened in 1972.

All fresh ingredients, all authentic recipes, the chefs at Lahore truly are masters of their craft, serving up delicious curries, kebabs, appetizers, and house specialties.

You can choose from the Lamb Chop Curry, Chicken Kebab Curry, Sag Aloo, Mutton Tikka Roll or Tandoori Prawns; pick a naan bread and maybe even some samosas, and wash it all down with a jug of passionfruit juice for the table.

The most expensive main on the menu is just £14.50 so you can enjoy these award-winning kebabs, without worrying about the cost.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ORIGNAL LAHORE KEBAB HOUSE (@orignallahorekebabhouse) on Dec 16, 2019 at 7:15am PST

Brick Lane Beigel Bake

Not so much a restaurant but perfect for a snack or lunch, the Brick Lane Beigel Bake is utterly delicious! Thick bagels, melt-in-your-mouth meat, and cheap-as-chips prices make this infamous Brick Lane haunt a must for all Londoners.

The food is perfect – simple, scrumptious and cheap! The thick slices of salted beef paired with a squeeze of hot mustard and pickles are the perfect combination of flavors!

Admittedly one small downside is that the bakery isn’t going to win any customer service awards any time soon with the blunt, slightly grumpy women behind the counter. But this somehow adds a sort of charm to the whole experience.

Brick Lane Beigel Bake is open 24 hours. So, whether you are looking for a drunken early-hours feast or a bit of pre-exploring fuel, you cannot deny that cakes for £1 or less and bagels for between £1.50 & £7.10 are an unbeatable value and most certainly one of the best cheap places to eat in London.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by GREAT British Food 🇬🇧 (@greatbritishfood) on Jul 7, 2019 at 4:24am PDT

Ariana 2 , Kilburn

A scrumptious Afghan restaurant in Kilburn, Ariana 2 is a great choice if you’re looking for one of the best cheap places to eat in London that’s just a little bit different.

They operate a ‘bring your own alcohol’ policy which can easily shave the price off your meal before you’ve even walked in the door. You can nip into the local Tesco on your way and buy a few bottles of beer for the price of one in a restaurant!

Ariana 2 serves a range of Afghanistan’s exquisite cuisine from kebabs and grills to incredible rice dishes, tandoori chicken, seabass and more, and starting at just over £13 per meal. You can also order a set meal for 4 for just £59 which includes starters, drinks and dessert.

Plus, with the portion sizes at Ariana 2, you’ll be well and truly satisfied by the end of your main, but also well and truly tempted to try more of their delicious food.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Food Queen (@bpanzani) on Aug 6, 2018 at 7:17am PDT

Street Markets

One of my favorite things about big cities, especially London, is that even though a lot of sit-down meals are quite pricey, it’s usually super easy to find affordable street food. And the best place to go for this is London’s food markets.

Borough Market near London Bridge is probably the most famous of them all – and for good reason having celebrated its 1000th birthday in 2014! With stalls selling cheese, meat, fruit and vegetables, chocolates and much more, be sure to come with an empty stomach! Especially since most of these stalls offer samples.

Greenwich Market is also well worth a mention and, although more tightly packed than Borough Market, it is no less delicious in terms of food quality.

My favorite market, however, is Camden Market which is undeniably the heart and soul of Camden Town. They offer such a diverse variety of food that you could easily spend hours wandering around the stalls.

But, the best place by far is KERB Camden!

KERB Camden

KERB is arguably the best place to eat in Camden market – if you can choose just one place that is!

A selection of 34 street food vendors, lined along the riverside, it offers the perfect setting for outdoor dining and completely affordably.

With every type of delicious food imaginable from Spice Box’s plant-powered curry boxes to Only Jerkin’s Caribbean ginger chicken nuggets. You’ll also find fresh pizza, burgers, falafel wraps with homemade hummus, chicken wings, steaks, tacos and more!

Trust me, your mouth will be watering just walking around! And it’s all so affordable as well with food for just £2 or up – although no doubt you’ll be tempted to buy a lot of different things!

A few final tips on cheap places to eat in London

• Restaurants have to display their menu with prices at the entrance by law, so make sure you view the prices before you decide to sit down. This avoids any unpleasant surprises when you get to the prices!
• Be sure to check for minimum charges and whether they add any charges to your bill. This could include a ‘discretionary’ service charge, or tip and should be around 10%. If they do add this, there’s no need to pay any extra tips.
• In England, we don’t have a tipping culture so you’re not required to tip. Of course, it’s always nice and the staff definitely appreciate it, but it’s entirely at your own discretion.

So there you have it – a comprehensive list of cheap but delicious places to eat in London on any budget. Enjoy!

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About the Author

Alice Smith is the creator of Adventures of Alice , an ex-chef and serious travel addict. Since catching a serious case of wanderlust in 2016, Alice has visited over 20 countries whilst working a full-time job and saving to buy her first home. She has helped others to travel and is dedicated to educating and inspiring people to go out of their comfort zone and see more of the world. Adventures of Alice is a travel blog for anyone wishing to see the world for less, regardless of what life throws at you.

More Deliciousness from the British Isles

Nelia Nunes

I am a mom of 2 who travels a lot for work (I work in the event/conference/tradeshow industry). I grew up  and currently live in Northern California.

7 thoughts on “ The 21 Best Cheap Places to Eat in London ”

Awesome options! Culinary travelling is something that forms the backbone of global tourism industry now. People are interested in having local experience, rather than visiting a few monuments here and there. Kerbisher & Malt is one of my favourites as well. It offers one of the best fish & chips menu in London; a mixture of traditional and contemporary. The Kerbisher Pale Ale is great too.

Thanks, Robert. We couldn’t agree more!

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Home » Travel » Destinations » Cheap Eats in London: A Budget Travel Guide

Cheap Eats in London: A Budget Travel Guide

London may be home to 71 Michelin-starred restaurants, but that doesn’t mean you have to blow your entire travel budget on food. Despite what you may have heard, there are plenty of delicious, cheap eats in London to satisfy budget travelers and foodies alike.

And with over 33% of residents hailing from outside the UK, you can bet London’s affordable food options will be as diverse as the city’s population.

You won’t find McDonald’s on this London budget food guide. Instead, I’ve pulled together local restaurants and dishes that will leave your stomach and wallet happy.

RELATED: London Itinerary: 4 Days of Sightseeing and Hidden Gems

Without further ado, here are my favorite places to score cheap eats in London.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, click here .

London’s Cheap Eats for Breakfast

Sausage Roll

Sausage rolls are a perfectly portable combination of meat and pastry. There’s nothing fancy about this treat, but there’s something special about sausage and flaky crust in the morning. Or the afternoon.

Frankly, any time of day is acceptable for eating a sausage roll, though having it at breakfast will sustain you through a long morning of sightseeing.

You can find sausage rolls at most bakeries and quite a few cafes, with prices ranging from £1-3. Gail’s Bakery (locations across London) makes a great version with toasted sesame seeds on top.

Bacon Butty/Bap/Roll

It took me three months of living in London to realize that a bacon butty, bacon bap, and bacon roll were one in the same. The simplest version of this dish is some fried bacon smashed between two pieces of bread.

But many places also serve it with a fried egg, and the ubiquitous HP brown sauce. Like the sausage roll, bacon baps are a good mix of protein and carbs that will tide you over until lunch.

Traditionally, Londoners get their bacon rolls from the neighborhood deli or a shop/stall near their work or tube station. Most of the major London cafe chains (Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Pret A Manger) also sell bacon baps, with prices ranging from £2-5.

RELATED: 26 Easy Ways to Grow Your Travel Fund

Cheap eats in London aren’t all about the protein. If you’re visiting from the US and are craving a bagel, you’re in luck! There are a surprising number of places in London to get plain, topped, and toasted bagels.

The salt beef (a.k.a. corned beef) bagel is an iconic London dish that’s sure to start your morning right.

Beigel Bake in Shoreditch is famous not only for its gargantuan salt beef bagel, but also for its affordability. £4.50 will get you a fresh serving of the aforementioned delicacy, while just £2.50 will get you smoked salmon and cream cheese.

England’s porridge has come a long way since the days of Oliver Twist. From banana walnut to berries and cocoa, London’s breakfast spots have transformed this bland offering into a healthy and tasty dish.

Most of London’s coffee shops serve porridge, but Pret A Manger’s gluten-free coconut variety is quite popular. They also have a “proper porridge” with additional toppings like berry compote for purchase. You can snag either of these options for just under £3.

Cheap Lunch Options in London

Jacket Potato

Baked potatoes are versatile, filling, and budget-friendly. And with toppings like chili beans, sautéed veggies, and barbecued chicken, jacket potatoes are an ideal option for vegetarian and vegan budget travelers.

There are actually a few speciality baked potato shops across the city, but they charge tourist prices. To avoid overpaying, stick to cheap and cheerful London restaurants like cafes and pubs.

Fish & Chips

Fish and chips are the most well-known of all cheap eats in London. Though a few places still wrap this fried combo in the traditional newspaper, prices have caught up to the times.

A gastropub serving of fish and chips can easily set you back £10-12. However, if you know where to look, you can fill up on this classic treat for under £7.

Unassuming “chippies” across London’s residential areas are the best budget friendly restaurants in London. The one in my south London borough has a £6 lunch special that’s so big I can never finish it all.

You can tell a traditional chippy from a posh fish and chips joint by looking at the signage and the decor. If it looks like nothing has changed since the 1970s, you’re in the right spot.

Neapolitan Pizza

When I moved to London from the US , I was surprised by the number of pizza places I saw. The city has a ton of chains and standalone shops, and most of them serve Neapolitan-style pizza.

Hilariously, the American pizza chains that hopped across the pond–Domino’s and Papa John’s–charge insane prices. Probably because they know American expats crave that taste of home.

Franco Manca is my go-to place for a quick, cheap, and delicious lunch (or dinner). It’s also a great chain of cheap restaurants for groups in London.

A single pizza is enough for two people to share. And with prices ranging from £5-8, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better budget meal in London.

RELATED: How to Save Money When You Travel

Crunchy falafel inside warm pita is excellent comfort food for a dreary day in London. Like the jacket potato, falafel is a versatile and vegan/vegetarian friendly dish that’s widely available.

Pilpel  is a small chain that’s well-known for their quality falafel served “your way”. You can get it in a container or stuffed into a pita along with different salads and toppings. This hearty lunch is very budget friendly, with meals costing between £5-7.

For many Londoners, lunch is mainly about sandwiches. From the classic egg mayo to the fancy coronation chicken, there’s no need to settle for a sad ham and cheese.

Pret A Manger is the go-to place for London’s busy workers, and you can score a sandwich from the cold case for around £3. Full size and mini grocery shops like Sainsbury’s and M&S Local also carry pre-made sandwiches for the same price.

Save me for later!

London Cheap Eats for Dinner

Heading to a kebab shop is a fool-proof way to find cheap eats in London. Doner kebab and shish kebab are the most common varieties. Shish kebab is simply chunks of marinated meat (and usually vegetables) cooked on a grill, while doner kebab meat is roasted on a spit, thinly shaved, and served in a wrap or pita (similar to a Greek gyro).

I’m a huge fan of doner kebab, and The Best Turkish Kebab–yes, that’s the name of the restaurant– in Stoke Newington is renowned for the dish. A large lamb doner kebab will fill you up for only £6.50, and they have other cheap eats on the menu as well, like a £2.50 cheeseburger.

Chicken Tikka Masala

If you fly to London on British Airways, there’s a good chance you were served Britain’s signature dish: chicken tikka masala.

The origin of this creamy curry entree is contentious, but the flavor is well-liked by both locals and visitors. Chicken is the primary protein in tikka masala, though I’ve seen some places serve it with lamb.

Pretty much every Indian restaurant in London has this item on the menu, but not all Indian restaurants are budget-friendly! Takeaway spots will offer better prices than sit-down Indian places.

However, my low-budget, low-key source for chicken tikka masala is actually Tesco Express. Most of these stores have a hot food section where you can grab a ready-to-eat meal, and their £4 tikka with pilau rice is pretty good considering the price.

Japanese Curry

London is packed with places that serve curries from all over the world. Although Indian curry is the easiest to find, it’s not always the most affordable. If you want a break from Indian food, I highly recommend trying some Japanese curry.

Chinatown, which is adjacent to Leicester Square, is home to dozens of Japanese restaurants serving up cheap eats.

Tokyo Diner is one of my top five favorite London restaurants. Their vegetable curry is massive and only costs £6.50. You can also try some other delicious, low-cost Japanese dishes here, including soba.

Peri Peri Chicken

Hailing from Africa, peri peri (or piri piri) is a blend of spices that goes incredibly well with grilled chicken. Like the fried chicken joints of the US, there are places in London whose menu centers on peri peri chicken.

If you’re not a fan of spicy food, no worries. Most peri peri places have a heat scale from very mild to fiery hot.

Nando’s is the mecca of peri peri chicken, and if you’re dining with one or two other people, their meal deals can be a great value. Their sharing platters are advertised as enough for two, but three people could easily split the platter and leave satiated.

I’m not suggesting you eat a slice of banoffee pie for dinner to save some money. No, I’m referring to the savory pies that have been feeding London’s working class for centuries.

These days, pies have become posh, with some gastropubs using kobe beef in their steak and ale pies. But there are still places to get a filling, budget-friendly parcel if you know where to look.

Pieminister has a few shops around London, but they also sell their incredible pies in pubs across England. Check their website for the full list of places that serve their pies, which include vegan and vegetarian options. Prices vary, but usually hover around £6 for a pie and gravy.

Tips for Eating in London on a Budget

Here are a few more simple tips on how to eat cheap in London:

• Mini grocery stores like Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local stock cheap, pre-made meals that are perfect for budget travelers and people in a hurry. Little Waitrose also stocks these items, but at a higher price.
• Street markets are great sources of diverse, cheap eats that help you save money effectively while traveling. You’ll find plenty of vegan street food in London at Borough Market and Portobello Market. This guide on South London’s best food markets is full of affordable options.
• London pubs aren’t always great for dining out on a budget. Unless you really get off the beaten path, most pubs in central London serve up mid-range fare.
• Alcohol is incredibly pricey in London. If you want to stretch your money, skip the drinks.
• When dining out, always ask specifically for tap water, which is free. Still water is not tap water, and you’ll often pay £1-3 per person if you get this option.

Eating in London on a budget doesn’t restrict you to fast food joints. There are excellent, filling meals to be had all over the city for around £5. Next time you’re in town, refer back to this budget travel guide for the best cheap eats in London. Your wallet will thank you!

My Favorite London Travel Planning Books

These books win my travel blogger Seal of Approval for vacation planning:

• The Rough Guide to London
• Rick Steves Pocket London
• Fodor’s Essential Great Britain: with the Best of England, Scotland & Wales

23 thoughts on “Cheap Eats in London: A Budget Travel Guide”

Great recommendations!! I personally find Camden a great place for cheap eats in London.

I agree! Camden has a lot of great takeaway options, and the market carts are perfect for grab-and-go cheap eats. The crepes cart is my personal favorite 🙂

Such a greatt post! I go to London a lot and I am always looking for new great but cheap places to eat. I will definitely keep this post for my next trip!

Thanks so much! My husband and I have come to embrace cheap eats in Europe. They help you save time and money!

Wow – what a great list! Plenty of amazing options to choose from, all at a great price!

Thank you! I love that London has such a variety of cheap eats. It keeps me from losing my mind when we lower our food spending for a month 🙂

Wooow, I am going to London soon. I cant wait to check out some of the places which you mentioned.Thank you for lovely tips 😉

Glad to help! I hope you have a great time in London 🙂

My favourite thing to do in London is eating, so this is a great guide. and now I’m hungry. Off to make breakfast, hahaha!

Haha, I agree! Where to eat is always a key part of the itinerary when my husband and I travel 🙂

Great post, it is hard but possible to find cheap eats in London!!!!

I didn’t realize how expensive London’s food was until we traveled elsewhere in the UK!

I’m headed to London for the first time in two weeks! So I’m excited to visit some of these cheap eats!

How exciting! I hope you have a lovely time 🙂 It’s a great time of year to see the city.

I need to get myself back to London! When I was there, I didn’t have much time to explore the culinary scene, so I’d love to go back and just eat, eat, eat! I love that these are also so affordable! It helps in a city like London!

There are so many great restaurants in London! It’s good to balance the pricier places with cheap eats like these.

Great recommendations – thank you! What is that amazing avocado, corn, bean, pita looking dish in the main image? It looks delicious!

Happy to help! That is an “arepa”, a Peruvian street food. It’s honestly one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten, and you’ll find it sold at Notting Hill’s Portobello Road Market. The food stall area isn’t open every day, so you should go on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday if you want to try it.

My family and I will be visiting for 10 days in September from London. You have made my planning a lot easier. Thanks.

Thanks Anna, happy I could help!

Is it safe to do road trips in United Kingdom? Thought of doing road tips like we did in New Zealand and Australia but wasn’t sure as yet.:(

Good question! I think the hardest thing about driving in the UK (other than being on the left, if you’re used to driving on the right) is the narrow roads. Even in London, a lot of the neighborhood streets require you to pull off into an empty parking space to let other vehicles pass. And country roads can be tricky, because there isn’t always a good spot to pull off and make room for oncoming traffic! That being said, we didn’t have any trouble getting around the UK despite being US drivers used to the right side and wide streets. Best of luck if you go for it!

Tesco saved our budget. London with a family of 5 was pricey. We had 2 pub lunches and thought we had blown the daily food budget with one meal. Tesco gave us lots of options to satisfy a 20, 17 and 12 year old along with their 50 something parents.

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The best cheap eats in London

The best restaurants and cafés in the capital for great food under a tenner

London might well be the world’s greatest food city, but in the midst of a c ost of living crisis , it’s not like any of us can eat out as much as we’d like to. So welcome to our list of London’s best cheap eats.  Every highlighted dish here costs £10 or less and variety is the name of the game – so expect London staples like fish & chips and pie & mash, but also discover the best bargain places for burek, dosa, shawarma, naan, jianbing, buns, baps, doubles and bao .  These places give you the kind of buzz only a bargain bite can deliver, while you can relish the fact that you’re supporting small independent London businesses when they need you the most. So hit the streets – feasting at some of  London’s best restaurants needn’t empty your wallet.

RECOMMENDED: The best vegan restaurants in London . 

The hottest new openings, the tastiest tips, the spiciest reviews: we’re serving it all on our   London restaurants WhatsApp channel. Follow us now .

Also check out Time Out's great offers on some of the captial's funnest food. 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

1.  Roti Stop

• Stoke Newington
• price 1 of 4

A grab-and-go neighbourhood treat, the gem in Stamford Hill's crown is this much-loved Caribbean takeout spot. Trinidadian doubles with tamarind sauce, or curried lamb roti are the way to go – and don't forget to wash it all down with some fruit punch. 

Price:   Doubles; £4 for veg (channa or pumpkin and channa), £5 for jerk or curry chicken, £6 for curry lamb or curry goat.

2.  Paul Rothe & Son

Sandwich lovers, assemble. This endlessly charming deli has been run by the same family since 1900 and has an epic line out of the door every lunchtime. Punters come in their droves for old school sarnies made to order by white-coated servers who offer up more fillings than Pret could ever muster. Salt beef, tuna mayo, many, many kinds of cheese, they've got it all. Eat-in at the fabulous formica tables and on caff-style seating, while surrounded by jars of jam. 

Price: Sandwiches start at £3.40.

3.  Blankita

This Latin American indoor market was recently  saved from the developers axe ; even more reason to go and feast on authentic Colombian food in the friendly cafe in this popular community spot. Empanadas are a big draw, but the meat-y, brothy sancocho soup is the true elixir, packed with veg, yuca and meat on the bone. It just feels good for you.

Price:  S ancocho; £5. 

4.  Chinese Tapas House

Brave the queues at this small but mighty hole-in-the-wall Chinatown spot, which serves up jianbing pancakes and superlative street food. Whipped up right in front of you, these lacey crepes are stuffed with spring onions, chilli oil, pickles, hoisin sauce and pork belly if you want to make it meaty. Worth the wait. 

Price:  Crepes start at £4.50. 

5.  Yemanes

Just of Peckham's main Rye Lane, you'll find this family-run food truck serving up sublime, North African-style wraps packed with with falafel, halloumi, and lamb and chicken shawarma. All the bread is freshly made, and they slather everything in a bounty of stunning sauces.

Price:  Chicken shawarma wrap; £6.

6.  Hai Cafe

A family-run Vietnamese cafe in Clapton, where  Mama Hai rules the roost and puts buckets of love into every dish she prepares. Flavour-packed chicken, prawn or tofu bánh mì are only £8 to takeway, but it's the sensational mango salad that you'll want to order.  It's walk-ins only, but everything is £2 cheaper if you bag if for takeway when all the tables are taken.

Price: Mango salad; £7 takeaway, £9 eat-in.

7.  Baban's Naan

• Finsbury Park

A satisfyingly low-key Kurdish tandoor which pumps out a seriously decent variety of naan-style bread in Finsbury Park, from plain to peshwari via garlic, chilli and cheese. They're so loved that nearby natural wine bar Top Cuvee has even done a collab with them.

Price: Falafel wrap £5.50; three plain naan £1.50.

8.  Sonora Taquería

A slice of Echo Park in Stoke Newington, this LA-style taco joint offers a short menu of  grill and guisado (braised) tacos. Most are pork and beef-based, though there’s a cactus leaf nopales offering for vegetarians and faux chorizo for vegans. A sensible diner would order three tacos, but you’d be within your rights to order four, even five. Prices are an extremely reasonable £3.50 to £5, and though they look petite, Sonora’s paper-thin tortillas come packed to the floury brim. Truly excellent stuff. 

Price: Carne asada taco; £4.50, barbacoa taco £4; bean quesadilla £2.

9.  Kowloon Bakery

Bargain Cantonese bakes line the windows of this Chinatown mainstay. Swerve the buffet and instead focus on the bakery where you can score a crispy BBQ pork bun for £2 and onion buns for an even more reasonable £1.50. Sweets comes cheap too, with crispy coconut buns at £1.50 and chocolate tiger rolls and pandan swiss rolls for £1.80. 

Price:  Crispy BBQ pork bun £2.

10.  Toconoco

This kid-friendly Japanese café canalside on the Kingsland Basin, close to Haggerston station, offers up an ever-changing daily set lunch menu of a main dish, rice, miso soup and a small salad. Always delicious and always packed full of variety, there are also rice balls, teas, Japanese toasts and desserts. The name translates as 'kids on the floor', so expect a few of those, too. 

Price: Set lunch £8.40

11.  Oyster Shack & Seafood Bar

Get on your bike (quite literally, as it's near the bikers paradise that is the High Beech tea hut) and head down to this seriously fresh seafood spot in the heart of Epping Forest. Open Thursday to Sunday, swing by for hot and cold platters full of prawns, cockles, whelks and more. 

Price:  Pint of cold prawns; £6.50

12.  Durak Tantuni

Durak Tantuni is an all-night (well, until 2am) Turkish spot at the Turnpike Lane end of West Green Road in north London where they have perfected the art of tantuni – an endlessly tasty  dürüm  wrap stuffed with fried beef, parsley, onions and a smattering of sumac. A plate of pickled chillis and lemon comes alongside every order - squeeze the lemon over the meat to liven things up a notch. 

Price: £4.50 for a tantuni wrap; £9 for tantuni in bread. 

13.  M Manze

• Pie and mash shop

Michele Manze and family arrived from Italy in 1878, started out as ice-cream merchants and finally opened this pie, mash and eel shop on Tower Bridge Road in 1902. Inside, little seems to have changed since those early days: the Victorian green-tiled interiors speak of history, while the pie and mash is reckoned to be some of the best in town. A truly iconic London feast and one that comes with a reasonable price to boot. 

Price:  Pie and mash, £5.50.

14.  Southampton Arms

• price 2 of 4

The sign outside announces ‘ale, cider, meat’, and that pretty much sums up what’s on offer at one of the best pubs in north London. It's their small but powerful bar snack menu that really sets this boozer apart. The roast pork bap is the finest meaty treat in town and comes complete with heroic crackling and oozy apple sauce. Vegetarians won't be lonely; there are cheese baps and veggie Scotch eggs on offer, too.  

Price:  Hot roast pork bap £5.95; pork pies £4.50; cheese and chutney bap £5.75. 

15.  Roti King

This teeny Euston backstreet basement serves up astounding Malaysian rotis, either stuffed or with equally first-rate curries for dipping. They’re crisp, chewy and feather-light but also dense – perfect with an ambrosial glass of teh tarik (chilled sweet tea). Also look out for great-value ‘local’ dishes such as nasi lemak, nasi goreng and beef rendang. RK is really is small, so dining solo or in pairs is probably sensible. Go early evening to beat the queues.  

Price: R oti canai from £6.50 (two pieces); nasi goreng £8.95.

16.  Mr Bao

Zeitgeist or no, this Taiwanese joint is a tip-top contender that brings a slice of Soho to SE15 with its fluffy steamed bao buns, small plates and cocktails. The classic Mr Bao (pork, pickle and peanut powder) is both larger and cheaper than its uptown rivals (but just as good), and we also like its extended list of vegan offerings such as the ginger-braised tofu bao. And for God’s sake, don’t skip the Bao S’more, with marshmallow and chocolate.

Price: Mr Bao bun with pork belly £4.80, ginger-braised tofu bao (vegan) £4.60.

17.  Bleecker

When only a filthy-good US-style burger made with rare-breed dry-aged beef will do, Bleecker comes up trumps for London’s meat-mad hordes. The oozing bacon cheeseburger is a carnivore’s dream – especially when it’s loaded up with ketchup – although adding a side of ‘angry fries’, drizzled with blue cheese and hot sauce, will take you over the £10 limit.

Price:  Burgers from £8.50.

18.  Butchies

Butchies’ original street-food stall made its name with fast-fried chicken, but its first proper restaurant ups the ante by matching superlative nosh with friendly counter service and sharp decor. As the unofficial chicken burger champion of London, it serves up dreamy buttermilk-fried sandwiches and voluptuous bacon-stacked numbers with playful names like ‘Jenny from the Block’. Also, don’t miss the moreish chicken strips served with house OG sauce and extra dips if you want them (trust us, you do). Price: Buttermilk chicken sandwiches from £7.50.

19.  Normah's

• 5 out of 5 stars
• Recommended

Make your way through an indoor market in Queensway and you’re rewarded with incredible Malaysian food from  Normah Abd Hamid. Roti canai is made to order and arrives hot and flaky, lavished with ghee, and scrunched into a buttery mess. Most dishes are just over a tenner, but plump for the beef rendang with two roti and you will just about scrape under the £10 cheap eats price tag.  Word has it that the beef rendang at Normah’s is pretty special. It is. Patiently simmered for four hours, unctuous meat is drenched in a rich sauce spiked with fresh curry leaves. 

Price: Roti beef rendang; £9.89.  

20.  Del 74

A garish, grungy Mexican pop-up bar and taqueria gone permanent, Del 74 promises banging beats, good vibes and easy-drinking margaritas, plus a bar menu of well-crafted classics – brisket tostadas, tinga quesadillas, that sort of thing. Veggies are guaranteed to do well here. Drop by at any time for a cheap eat, although the best value is on Taco Tuesday when the happy hour lasts all night long and you can pick up tacos for £2.50. 

Price: Veggie tinga tacos; £6. Chicken quesadilla; £6.50.

21.  Asian Takeaway

You probably wouldn’t stumble upon Asian Takeaway unless you were looking for it, but it’s more than worth the quest. Tucked away off Rye Lane, this little hatch is banging out shish and curries like nobody’s business, for really affordable prices. The daily selection tends to include an on-the-bone chicken dish and their great chana masala, and a combo platter won’t set you back much over a fiver. On a hot day, eat at the tables next to the truck, and make sure to order a naan, freshly made on the tandoor, to scoop everything up.

Price: Combo platter, £5.50.

22.  Norman's Cafe

• Tufnell Park

A new-gen greasy spoon that serves simple yet effective set menus, chip butties and piping hot mugs of tea. Your tenner will go far here, with bacon sarnies or cheese on toast for a fiver or a proper English breakfast with ham, two eggs and chips for £8. Indulgence on a budget.  

Price: Beans on toast with cheese £5; chip butty £5.50; mug of tea £1.

23.  Dosa n Chutney

Done out like a Tamil truck stop with lurid lighting, furniture the colour of Sunny Delight and movies on the flatscreen TV, this Sri Lankan-South Indian caff is famed for its minuscule prices and superlative dosas. Veggie options are the standouts – the Mysore masala dosa, served with spiced onion, potatoes and three house chutneys is a winner, as are the onion utthapam and veg biryani.  

Price: Dosas from £5.99.

24.  Marugame Udon

One of a number of London locations for this fun and fast Japanese noodle house, with katsu curry and kimchi toppings on hand-pulled udon, as well as vegan options. The classic katsu comes in chicken and aubergine options. You can also build your own curry rice bowl, starting at £7.50, then adding on tempura toppings or chicken karaage to your hearts content. An onsen egg is £1.75.

Price: £8.95 for a small chicken katsu udon.

25.  The Kati Roll Company

Hindi film posters, Bollywood soundtracks and relaxed staff strike an authentic tone at this Indian street food stop just off Oxford Street. The main attraction here is a line-up of eminently affordable kati (pronounced ‘karti’) rolls: marinated meats, vegetables and cheeses, all bundled up in flaky paratha flatbread that’s been griddled and spread with beaten egg. There's a second branch on Artillery Lane by Liverpool Street.

Price: Unda aloo roll £6; steak tikka roll £6.20.  

26.  Icco

• Goodge Street

A whole pizza? In central London? For just over a fiver? That’s the magic of Icco, a family-run Italian that’s been serving up cheap, cheap pies from its bright green corner site on Goodge Street since 1999. You can bag a funghi for six quid here, but you should spend 50p for the indulgence of the fiorentina – a salty, oily feast featuring a runny poached egg. Also in Camden, Wood Green, Croydon and Colindale.

Price: Pizza from £3.95.

27.  Temple of Seitan

London’s first vegan ‘chicken shop’ was born out of Hackney’s Temple of Seitan street stall. It’s all about ‘meaty’ wheat gluten (aka seitan) here, whether you order one of the Temple burgers, or doner wrap plus sides including popcorn bites. Brace yourself for blaring music, no indoor seating and a booze-free nosh. There's also a Camden branch. Price: Temple burger £8.75; doner wrap £6.50. 

28.  Snackistan at Persepolis

Colourful, crowded and charmingly bonkers, Sally Chambers’s Middle Eastern café is shoehorned among the paraphernalia of Peckham’s Persian delicatessen. Expect a full-on veggie interpretation of Levantine and Persian cuisine, from traditional meze and wraps with seasonally inspired fillings (quince, halloumi and caramelised celeriac) to daily soups and hotpots, and all-day fillers such as baked sweet potato topped with Persian baked beans. Also, don’t miss the lush turkish-delight sundae. BYOB for supper.

Price: Meze platters £4/£7.50; wraps £9.

29.  Rasa

Stoke Newington Church Street has been filled with pretty chic shops, bars and restaurants, but none of them has the star quality of veggie south Indian spot Rasa and its bright pink restaurant front. Dosas are a delight, but our favourite is the creamy aubergine bagar baingan from Hyderabad. 

Price:  Plain dosa £6.50; bagar baingan £7.95.

30.  Poppies

Fish and chips is one of those fast-food staples that, if you want to get a nice version of in London, always seems to be unnecessarily expensive. The solution? Head to one of the city’s best chippies (that’ll be Poppies) but skip the £15 fish in favour of some of its crisp-on-the-outside-soggy-on-the-inside chips squished into soft bread for a build your own butty.

Price: Chips from £4.50; two rolls and butter £1.75. 

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24 Of The Best Cheap Eats In London That Won’t Break The Bank

London's reputation for being an expensive city doesn't mean that there aren't any deals to be found!

Where to go when you’re scrimping the cash and are all but counting down the hours until your next paycheque? Given how expensive London is, it can seem like there’s nowhere to go where food doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Well, have no fear readers – we’ve done the work and research for you. From takeaway, street-food-style spots to BYOB gems, here’s our rundown of the best cheap eats in London:

1. Marie’s Cafe, Waterloo

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Caffs not cafes (@caffs_not_cafes)

Proper British fry-ups by day, Thai food by night – what could be better? How about the prices and portion sizes? Marie’s Cafe is an absolute godsend for those after a cheap meal out – and their BYOB policy is pretty great, too! Stir fries and curries start at just £5.50, and you can even get Pad Thai or Drunken Noodles for a piddling £6.50. With corkage just a quid per person, you can net yourself a tasty Thai meal for under a tenner ! Be warned though – it gets very popular so be prepared to queue.

📍 90 Lower Marsh, SE1 7AB. Nearest station is Waterloo.

2. Sonora Taquería, Stoke Newington

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A common bug-bear for lovers of tacos is the sheer cost of them in our capital. Heck, I’ve seen individual tacos priced at £6 or more – for just one taco! Fortunately, the cult-fave Sonora Taquería is here to save the day with its flour tortillas and affordable prices. Tacos start at £3.50, but it’s on the ‘sides’ menu where you’ll find the IYKYK cheap eats. Sonora’s Bean Taco and Bean Quesadilla – priced at £1 and £2 respectively – belie their relative simplicity with incredible quality and unbelievable taste. They’re so good that I’ve never visited without ordering at least one Bean Taco, regardless of what else I order… Like Marie’s, it’s a popular joint so be prepared to queue on the weekends! (Or just head over on Thursday and skip the line entirely).

📍 208 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 7HU. Nearest station is Stoke Newington.

3. Doña , Stoke Newington

Doña is more than just a stunning pink mezcal bar – it also has a recently opened Latin-American fusion food offering with budget eats for you and your mates . Their menu features two separate ‘four-plate’ sharing deals, priced at just £24. That’s for all four dishes, by the way, not per person! That’s a good enough deal to warrant ordering another of their spicy mezcal margaritas.

📍 92 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 7NY. The nearest stations are Rectory Road and Stoke Newington.

4. Roti King, various locations

Roti King started as a tiny Malaysian/Singaporean spot in Euston that has now set its sights on London domination, with new sites opening all over our city . The roti canai is the star attraction here, but there’s much more on offer. The nasi lemak – steamed coconut rice served with peanuts, fried anchovies, cucumber, egg, sambal and spiced fried chicken – is pretty much to die for, and there are some excellent noodle dishes to boot. A good half of the menu comes in at under £10, with generous portions, earning its place on this list.

📍 Find your nearest Roti King here .

5. Kolamba, Soho

You wouldn’t typically think of Soho for cheap eats, but at Kolamba hungry lunchers can get a taste of Sri Lanka with a two-course set lunch for just £17.50 . “Back home [in Sri Lanka], everyone eats rice & curry for lunch – whether you are at work or WFH, this is the meal to get us through the day” – and now you can also lift your spirits and your energy with the set menu from Monday to Friday, between 1-4pm. Choose between ‘Nalini’s Fish Cutlet’ or a ‘Banana Blossom Pattie’ before tucking into a rice and curry bowl. Each bowl comes with plenty of sides and toppings, with a variety of curries on offer including Ceylon Chicken Curry, Vaira’s Jaggery Beef, Pineapple Fry , and more. Cheap eats don’t get much more filling or satisfying than this!

📍 21 Kingly Street, Carnaby, W1B 5QA. Nearest station is Oxford Circus.

6. Padella, London Bridge and Shoreditch

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Given London’s propensity for outrageously expensive Italian restaurants, this may seem a surprising inclusion – but hear us out… At Padella, the pasta dishes (which people queue up to try!) largely run between £12-15 . Now that may cause some sticker shock compared to other inclusions on this list, but it’s a far cry from many places that charge well in excess of £20 for a plate of pasta. And you can even get a plate of tagliarini with dried chilli, garlic, and pangrattato for less than a tenner .

Oh, and did we mention that they’ve even been recognised by MICHELIN with a Bib Gourmand for “good quality, good value cooking”? How’s that for a recommendation?

📍 6 Southwark Street, SE1 1TQ & 1 Phipp Street, EC2A 4PS. Nearest stations are London Bridge and Shoreditch High Street.

7. Korean Dinner Party, Soho

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Another surprisingly affordable spot to eat in Soho can be found at the top of Kingly Court in the form of Korean Dinner Party . Every Monday you can start your week off right (read, without spending all your money) and enjoy an ultimate bargain meal at Korean Dinner Party’s Chimaek Mondays . Just £12 nets you spicy fried chicken, rice sticks, crinkle-cut chips slaw, a dip, and an Asahi beer! See you there next Monday?

If you prefer tacos, don’t miss their Taco Tuesday offering . Just £20 per person nets you bottomless sharing taco platters with beef short rib, al pastor, Korean fried cauliflower, dips, slaw, and flour tortillas. Yum!

📍 Top Floor, Kingly Court, Kingly Street, Carnaby, W1B 5PW. Nearest station is Oxford Circus.

8. Phat Phuc Noodle Bar, Chelsea

You may be surprised that one of the best cheap eats in London is based in Chelsea, but our capital often has a way of throwing a spanner in the works. Phat Phuc – which translates to ‘happy buddha’ in Vietnamese by the way – has some brilliant food at pretty decent prices. Take a seat at the noodle bar and you can enjoy everything from spicy coconut laksas to steaming bowls of pho – almost all of which will run you a mere tenner.

📍 The Courtyard, 151 Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NT. Nearest station is Sloane Square.

9. Xi’an Impression, Highbury and Islington

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Another Angel/Islington establishment here, Xi’an Impression is a cosy little spot that serves some of the best Chinese food in the whole of London. Fact! They serve everything here from slurpable, hand-pulled noodles to wonton chicken soup and melt-in-the-mouth dumplings. A hefty majority of the menu comes in at under £10, too, so if you’re looking for some real bang for your buck, then this is the spot!

📍 117 Benwell Road, London, N7 7BW. Nearest stations are Arsenal and Holloway Road.

10. Falafel & Shawarma, Camberwell

Now this cheap eats spot is a right little hidden gem in Camberwell. Falafel & Shawarma specialises in, as you might have guessed, falafel and shawarma. And as you also might have guessed – their prices are incredible. The heaving wraps are just £4 here (at least, last time we visited they were!), with all sorts of goodies to fill them with. Just be warned: it’s cash only, so make sure to hit up an ATM ahead of time so you’re not caught out.

📍 27 Camberwell Church Street, London, SE5 8TR. Nearest station is Denmark Hill.

11. Fat Hippo , Shoreditch and Soho

Now, how about a cheap burger as well? That’s a rarity in our city, for sure! Well for that you can head to Fat Hippo, an independent burger chain that only recently dropped down in our city. A quick glance over their menu may not present any particularly cheap burgers, but it’s the deals that you want to have a look at. The Fast Hippo Lunch menu sees you able to enjoy select burgers and fries for just £8.50 until 4pm. Oh, and there’s also the ‘Hippo Hours’ special which nets customers two courses for £16.90 and three courses for under £20, from 5-6pm on weekdays.

📍 5-9 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3EJ & 68-70 Wardour Street, W1F 0TB. Nearest stations are Shoreditch High Street & Leicester Square.

12. Roti Joupa, Stratford

At one point this cult roti vendor was tucked away in Clapham, doling out some of the best Trinidadian food in all of London . Following a sad closure, they recently relocated and opened up shop in East London, where they’re treating customers to everything from curried goat to macaroni pie, doubles, buss-up shot, and more. And nothing – not a single thing! – on the menu costs more than £10. Our Jack raved about the size of his chickpea roti, which was just £5.50 and almost too big to finish! In London, cheap eats don’t come much better than that…

📍 85 Vicarage Lane, Stratford, E15 4HG. Nearest stations are Stratford and Maryland. There are also takeaway sites in Shepherd’s Bush and Finsbury Park.

13. UBA, Shoreditch

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If you find yourself in Shoreditch come lunch-time (between 12-3pm), head to UBA for an express lunch menu that fills you up with four dishes for just £19 per person. With a noodle dish, salad, dim sum, and a hot dish to chow down on you might not get much work done afterwards, but you didn’t break the bank either! Dishes include Korean crispy chicken, rock shrimp tempura, spicy aubergine and spinach dim sum, and much more.

📍 61 – 67 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3HU. Nearest stations are Old Street and Shoreditch High Street.

14. De Nadas Empanadas, Notting Hill and Shoreditch

Bookmark this one for your next lunchtime craving when you need plenty of food without dishing out too much money. De Nadas Empanadas’ lunch deal sees them doling out three empanadas of your choice, with a side salad, with change for a crisp £10 bill. And with so many empanadas to choose from you can keep on coming back for even more cheap lunches without getting bored!

📍 61 Golborne Road, Notting Hill, W10 5NR & 65 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3QQ. Nearest stations are Westbourne Park & Shoreditch High Street and Old Street.

15. Ewarts Jerk, Dalston

Net yourself some proper real-deal Jerk at Ewarts, where the prices are mind-bogglingly good. We’re not talking £12-15 for a meal either. No, no, no – we’re talking £6.50 for a Jerk Chicken Meal with rice and peas. We’re actually not sure if a better deal can be found in London! You can even get a jerk wrap for a fiver, or patties for just £2 each. Imagine paying for a meal with one coin!

📍 Unit 8 Gillett Street, Dalston, N16 8AZ. Nearest station is Dalston Kingsland.

16. Marugame Udon, various locations

London’s relationship with noodles is a confusing one at the best of times. Bowls of hot noods can be eye-wateringly expensive, or surprisingly cheap. Fortunately, Marugame Udon, which has locations scattered all across our fair city, errs very much on the cheap side . Even ignoring their near-constant giveaways and promotions (walk in on a random day and you might just luck yourself into some free food), Marugame Udon’s namesake udon bowls start at just £4.95. Join their Marugame Club and you’ll even get two free pieces of tempura to thank you – as well as being kept abreast of ALL of their promotions and sales.

📍 Find your nearest Marugame Udon here .

17. eat TOKYO, various locations

eat TOKYO is so popular with Londoners that it even earned itself a spot on our list of restaurants that Londoners could exclusively eat at for the rest of their lives . And it’s not just the quality of the food that earned it a spot on the list, but also the incredible value. You can nab yourself a katsu curry for just £8 ! With so much to choose from, you can easily splash out – but it’s also just as easy to net yourself some delicious cheap eats.

📍 Find your nearest eat TOKYO here .

18. MR FALAFEL, Shepherd’s Bush

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Over in New Shepherd’s Bush Market, you’ll find another cut-price falafel vendor that doesn’t skimp on portion size. MR FALAFEL is the source of many a ‘best falafel in London’ argument in our office, and one bite will have you weighing in on the debate, too. With a ‘budget’ falafel wrap costing just £3.65, and a King Size wrap (which is bigger than their X-Large by the way!) running you less than £7, MR FALAFEL easily earns their place on this list. Heck, even their heaping Falafel Salad Boxes are a mere £6.25 each!

📍 New Shepherds Bush Market, Units T4/T5, Uxbridge Road, W12 8LH. Nearest stations are Wood Lane, Shepherd’s Bush, and Goldhawk Road.

19. Baban’s Naan, Finsbury Park

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Baban’s is the stuff of London legend at this point, so beloved that they’ve even been immortalised on a t-shirt from wine shop/restaurant/distributor Top Cuvée . The hole-in-the-wall tandoor often commands a queue from its devotees (and from hungry football fans on match days thanks to its proximity to the Emirates Stadium. How cheap is it? A naan wrap and drink will run you just £6. But a topped naan could run you as little as £1.50. Might as well grab two or three, eh?!

📍 51a Blackstock Road, Finsbury Park, London N4 2JW. Nearest station is Finsbury Park.

20. Ararat Bread, Dalston

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If you’ve ever bought a bag of naan from a corner shop or organic produce store in East London, it’s like come from Ararat . The bakery’s naan have become Londoners’ go-to options thanks to the quality and affordability, but if you go direct to the bakery – tucked away down Ridley Road Market – you’re in for a treat. As well as watching the naan get made and shoved into bags in a mesmerising dance – you can get hot-from-the-oven naan topped with cheese or meat and cheese, for just a few pounds each. Dig into your pocket, grab a few coins, and grab some delicious flatbreads. You’ll be telling EVERYONE about them.

📍 132 Ridley Rd, London E8 2NR. Nearest stations are Dalston Kingsland and Dalston Junction.

21. Hiba Taboun, Walthamstow

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Yup, that’s right, another flatbread vendor joins the list. But once you’ve tried the food at this place (and seen the prices) you’ll see why! Rounding out our round-up of cheap eats in London is Hiba Taboun . Their manakeesh comes topped with the likes of cheese, za’atar, or minced lamb, among other choices, none of which cost more than a trifling £3.50 . It’s the sort of warm, welcoming place to settle in, grab some food, and relax without burning a hole in your wallet.

📍 2, Golden Parade, E17 3HU. Nearest station is Wood Street.

22. Rosa’s Thai, various locations

This beloved London Thai chain is here to sort out your lunch without breaking the bank. Rosa’s Thai recently launched their new Thai12 offering, with a selection of one-plate dishes inspired by Bangkok lunchtime meals, priced at just £12 each . The one-plate feasts are available from Monday to Friday, between 12-5pm, and include everything from Five Spice Beef Noodle Soup to Hainanese Style Chicken Rice.

📍 Find your nearest Rosa’s Thai here .

23. Pizza Union, various Locations

Pizza Union is ideal for the times you fancy a carbalicious treat, but you’re not up for splashing the cash. A proper, human-sized M argherita costs just £5.95. But, if we were you, we’d opt for the Calabria for a modest £7.95, with mozzarella, mascarpone, nduja, and rocket. Even if you opt for the most expensive pie on their menu, you’ll pay just £8.95 for a pizza piled high with meats. That’s less than a Margherita at most London pizzerias ! And, for the ultimate carb overload, finish your meal with a Sicilian cannoli for just £1.50. No, seriously! (Psst… there are gluten–free options too.)

📍 Find your nearest Pizza Union here .

24. Poptata, Croydon and Shoreditch

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There’s never a bad time to pop-ta Poptata (sorry)! These roving, loaded fries vendors don’t just serve up cheap eats, they might just serve up your favourite fries in the city! A particular favourite (especially in the wake of Barbie fervour) is the Loaded Miss Chicken – parmesan fries with pink garlic mayo (!) and pulled chicken . We’re also partial to their Guaca Fries , topped with smashed avo’, halloumi and a red roasted pepper sauce. P ortions are so huge that you might need a lie down afterwards. And the best thing of all? These cheap eats start at just £4.50 a pop.

📍 Unit 31, Boxpark, 99 Upper Level, George Street, Croydon, CR0 1LD & Unit 55, 2/10 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6GY. Nearest stations are East Croydon and Shoreditch High Street.

🛻 Poptata also appears around the city, and the country, for temporary pop-ups and residencies. Keep an eye out for their newest location!

So there you have it – a roundup of the best cheap eats in London. Whether you’re feeling the squeeze due to the cost of living crisis (sigh) or are counting the pennies near the end of the month, we hope this roundup gives you all the inspiration you need for a cheap night on the town! (And don’t forget about London’s Happy Hours …) You can thank us later.

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15 best cheap eats in london [a local foodies guide].

London is an absolute foodie heaven.

With top-class restaurants and bustling street food markets on every street, the meal options are endless! 

Given the rising cost of living and how expensive London is as a city to visit and live in, I, like many others, can't be going out for a nice dinner every week. 

However, the great part about a city like London is that you just don't need to! 

If you are visiting London on a budget , then the good news is there are so many places where you can pick up a cheap bite to eat.

And best of all, you won’t feel like you have missed out on good quality food! 

So with that in mind, here are what I believe to be the absolute best cheap eats in London.

Ranging from street food to affordable restaurants.

All coming in under £20 … BARGAIN!

Travellerspoint

Best Cheap Eats in London

Location: Camden Market 

Price: £8-£10

Must try: Pabellon 

If you are looking for affordable street food in London, Camden is a great place to start! With nearly 1000 stalls and eateries, you won't struggle to find something that takes your fancy. 

However, one of my all-time favourite stalls at Camden Market , and one that I don't see talked about often is Arepazo Bros! 

If you haven't heard of Arepa before, it's basically a Venezuelan pitta-style wrap made from cornflour which comes with a variety of tasty fillings. They only have five different items on their menu, but I have tried and tested everything and can assure you that they are all incredible! 

Their standout dish has to be their Pabellon Arepa which consists of the arepa wrap filled with shredded beef, cheese, black beans, avocado, plantain and salsa, and it is absolutely incredible! 

All of their dishes come in at under £10, whilst every single option is gluten-free and there are options for veggies and vegans too. 

2. Beigel Bake

Location: Brick Lane

Price: £2-£6

Must try: Salt Beef Bagel 

The infamous 24/7 bagel shop located in Brick Lane is an absolute must-try for anyone visiting London! 

Founded in 1947, Beigel Bake is an insanely popular eatery specialising in, you guessed it, bagels! Being a 24-hour establishment, this place has its fair share of funny stories and if you are really looking for some late-night entertainment, you'll find it here at 2am! 

Beigel Bake themselves turn out around 3000 bagels a day so if you are after a quick snack and hate queueing, it might not be the cheap eat for you but I promise you, they're worth the wait . 

Their stand-out item has to be their salt beef bagel but for me, the cream cheese and salmon bagel for £3.90 is a real winner! I would also recommend picking up a few freshly baked bagels to take home with you while you are there because they really are that good! 

3. Funky Chips

Location: Camden 

Price: Under £10 

Must try: Chips! 

I am a big chip lover and it is a bold claim to say that Funky Chips are the best chips in London , but it is the truth! 

They only sell potatoes, hotdogs and toppings and for that reason, they have quite literally perfected their craft! The owner is so lovely and encourages you to go off-menu and get whatever kind of flavour concoction you can muster up! 

Just a few of the toppings you can choose to add include nacho cheese, halloumi, jalapenos, sausage and just about every kind of sauce you can imagine. They let you try a chip with some sauces before you can order so you can be sure you love it before it gets smothered on. 

Prices vary depending on what you order but the portion sizes are HUGE and I struggle to finish just a small loaded chips myself so I couldn't even imagine attempting a large one! 

Being located in Camden, it is easily accessible by bus and tube; for a more detailed rundown, check out my guide on how to get around London .

4. Mr Sausage

Price: £4-£7 

Must try: Big one with cheese! 

If you are a fan of giant sausages, head straight to Brick Lane on a weekend and find Mr Sausage! 

It's only a small stand but it has a huge grill and there is always a huge line of people waiting. This is definitely one of my top tips for visiting London , if you see a big queue, you need to join it as people know it’s something good!

Mr Sausage sells quite literally the biggest hotdogs you can find in London and they taste equally as amazing! These aren’t your classic street food hotdogs though, they are great quality sausages served in a freshly baked baguette, served with grilled onions, whatever sauce takes your fancy and crispy onions sprinkled on top. 

The most expensive item on their menu is The Big One with Cheese which only comes in at £7 and their half sausage only costs £4, which is plenty big enough for a quick lunch. 

You can find Mr Sausage at Brick Lane on weekends as well as Portobello Market on Saturdays, Greenwich on Fridays and every day at Ely’s Yard. 

5. Chinatown

Location: Soho

Price: Under £10

Chinatown is a foodie’s dream , full to the brim of both high-end Asian restaurants and affordable cheap eats! I couldn't narrow it down to just one pick in this awesome area, so you can have three of my favourites. 

• Good Friend - Also known as Ji’s Fried Chicken, Good Friend sells the best popcorn chicken in town and you cannot walk around the area without seeing people with bags of the stuff! Super tasty and a great on the go snack for only £3.80! 
• Bake - Bake is an incredible bakery, located in the heart of Chinatown, offering Asian-style baked goods! Everything on offer is incredible but they are definitely known for their Japanese Taiyaki, a fish shaped waffle cone filled with matcha tea ice cream which tastes just as good as it looks! 
• Bunsink - If you haven't yet tried the TikTok viral Korean Corn Dog from Bunsink, you're really missing out! Their original corn dog costs only £4 but if your budget stretches to the potato and mozzarella corn dog for £5.90, you won't regret it! 

6. Flat Iron

Location: Westfield, Covent Gardens, Kings Cross, Borough, London Bridge, Marylebone, Shoreditch, Soho, Spitalfields, Tottenham Court Road and Waterloo.

Price: £10-£20 

Must try: The Flat Iron Steak 

If you are looking for a romantic London date night spot without the hefty price tag, Flat Iron is a great choice! 

Flat Iron strives to provide good quality steak, that is accessible to all! Their signature steak costs only £13 and then you can pick and choose from their affordable additional sides to go with it. The bargains don't end there though as their cocktails and wine list have plenty of cheap options and everyone walks away with a free salted caramel ice cream! 

What started as a small independent restaurant has now expanded rapidly thanks to its popularity and you can find Flat Iron restaurants scattered all over the city. 

If you are a vegan this might not be the top pick for you as they have a tiny menu that is heavily based around their local meat produce, even though their aubergine dish is to die for ! 

While it's not the cheapest eat in London, if you want a sit-down meal, in a nice restaurant with amazing food and service, Flat Iron is the place to go.

7. Oli Babas Halloumi Fries

Location: Camden, Hackney Brewery and Mikkeller Brewpub. 

Must try: Halloumi Fries 

Oli Babas claim to have invented halloumi fries and having tasted their amazing creation multiple times, I believe them! 

The simplicity of their stall in Camden Market purely sells their halloumi fries which are fried halloumi sticks, covered in natural yoghurt and pomegranate molasses, and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds, fresh mint and chilli flakes.

As you can tell by the photo, they look beautiful and the flavours complement each other perfectly ! The founders of Oli Babas travelled the Middle East for six months for inspiration for their eateries and that definitely shines through. 

This stall gets crazy busy in Camden Market so you might have to wait a little while to get your fries but they are well worth the wait. A portion of their Halloumi fries costs £8 which, while it seems a lot, it is located in London and the portion sizes are really good! 

8. Humble Crumble

Location: Borough Market and Spitalfields Market 

Price: £4-£6 

Must try: Apple crumble with torched meringue 

Got a sweet tooth? Humble Crumble needs to be top of your list to try in London ! The world’s first crumble bar has taken London by storm and you can not walk through either Borough or Spitalfields market without seeing heaps of people enjoying a pot (or taking a photo) of warm crumble!

Not only are their crumbles absolutely beautiful, but they taste amazing and are a great cheap treat on a day out!

Choose your base of their seasonal fruits, apple, rhubarb and strawberry or peaches in summer, pick your crumble, either their classic crumble, their vegan crumble or their gluten free granola crumble and finish off with either warm custard, frozen custard, blow-torched pink marshmallow or greek yoghurt. 

Pick from either a small portion for £4 or a large for £6 however, we found the small portions are plenty big enough to get your sweet fix! 

9. Pizza Union

Location: Aldgate, Dalston, Holborn, Hoxton, Kings Cross, Spitalfields 

Price: £5-£8 

Must try: Calabria

You will find heaps of pizza restaurants around London but none quite live up to Pizza Union. The first time I visited a Pizza Union, I was waiting for the catch as I literally could not believe how cheap the pizzas were ! 

The quality is equally as good as the price and while yes, you can find better quality pizza in London, I challenge you to find a great tasting full sized margherita for only £4.95 anywhere else!

The whole vibe itself in Pizza Union is really cool, it resembles a bustling food court where you queue up, place your order and get given a buzzer that once you are seated, goes off when your food is ready to collect. 

The open kitchens mean you can watch the chefs busy at work and making your pizzas from scratch right in front of you. They also do one of the best gluten free pizzas I have ever tasted and also have the option of vegan mozzarella at no extra cost. 

Don't forget to try one of their incredible £1.50 cannolis for dessert !

10. Roti King

Location: Euston and Battersea 

Must try: Roti Canai with Kari

Roti King brings authentic Malaysian cuisine to London at a super affordable price. 

The original Roti King was located in a basement in Euston, with no real menu or signs, and was purely enjoyed as a hidden gem by locals that knew about it. Through word of mouth and some great online reviews, the restaurant became hugely popular and they have just opened up a brand new restaurant in Battersea Power Station. 

Despite their crazy spike in popularity, Roti King has managed to keep their quality and low prices making it creep its way into my all-time favourite restaurants list! 

They serve a mixture of Malaysian and Singaporean street food with their standout dishes obviously being their incredible rotis, nasi goreng and their seafood kari laska. 

Both the restaurants are small and pretty busy so is best suited for a solo or couple dinner date ! 

11. Padella 

Location: Borough Market and Shoreditch

Price: £8 - £16

Must try: Tagliarini 

For freshly cooked authentic Italian pasta at an affordable price, Padella is the best option . 

Their short but sweet menu of only antipasti and ten pasta dishes all come in at just over the £10 mark with their signature tagliarini with chilli, garlic and pangrattato only costing £8.50! 

They have restaurants in both Shoreditch and one of London’s best food markets , Borough Market. Both of these eateries run on a no-booking system but have a handy QR queuing system where if they don't have any walk-in space, you can scan their QR code and join a virtual line. This allows you to explore some more of the area rather than standing around in a long line getting hungry and watching the chefs at work through the window. 

Their cocktail menu lives up to the popularity of the food too, serving incredible Italian aperitivos like their Padella Martini, negronis and vermouth spritz. 

12. The Black Pig

Location: Borough Market 

Price: £8.50 - £10.50

Must try: The Best One 

The Black Pig is a Borough Market favourite and if you are hoping to try one of their famous pork sandwiches during the lunchtime rush, I hope you have some time to spare! 

They strive to make the best sandwich in London and on their crusty baked ciabatta with a hefty portion of their slow roasted, free range pork shoulder, I think they might have achieved that. 

By sourcing a lot of their fresh produce from other stalls within Borough Market such as their bread, cheeses and parma ham, you can be sure you are getting the best quality ingredients around. 

While the product that shines through is their pork sandwiches, they also offer salad boxes and their veggie smoked scamorza sandwich with their apple slaw and famous honey truffle mayo! 

Prices on their menu sit between £8.50 and £10.15 and are plenty filling enough to make for a great cheap lunch on the go at Borough Market.

13. Marugame

Location: Waterloo, Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Kensington Arcade, Middlesex Street, Canary Wharf, Brent Cross, The O2, Bromley, with more opening soon! 

Price: £3.50-£10 

Must try: Chicken Katsu Udon 

Marugame has taken the affordable noodle game in London to a whole new level and you see new restaurants popping up all over the city every day. 

Udon noodles are huge in Japan and while it isn't a new phenomenon in the UK, Marugame manages to bring all the flavour and authenticity for a fraction of the price.

Their udon dishes start at only £3.45 at the simplest form and you will struggle to find something on their menu above the £10 mark. With different rice and noodle dishes and plenty of sides, it's a great place to go with friends and share a few small plates. 

The different Marugames vary in size around the city but they are very popular so if there's a long wait for a table, you can always opt for a take-out  

14. Fat Hippo

Location: Shoreditch

Price: £8 lunch deal 

Must try: PB+JJ

Fat Hippo is a legendary burger restaurant that now has a location in London! They specialise in top quality burgers, built to be dirty and messy ! Think sauce and cheese dripping down as you eat them messy! 

The menu has a huge selection of burgers, dirty fries and sides to choose from including tater tots, waffle fries and vegan trash browns. 

Fat Hippo is a pretty affordable restaurant in itself but the deal that made it creep onto my best cheap eats list has to be their lunch time deal, available before 4pm on weekdays. For as little as £8 you can try one of their epic burgers and a portion of their hippo dusted fries 

If you do miss their lunch time deal though, their evening ‘Hippo Hour’ between 5pm and 6pm, you can enjoy 2 courses for only £16. This deal includes their incredible PB+JJ burger (which is my favourite) double beef burger smothered in crunchy peanut burger, bacon jam and their chilli jello! 

15. Crispy Rolls

Location: Embankment 

Price: £3.89

Must try: Their crispy rolls! 

Despite the name, Crispy Rolls don't only sell their famous crispy sushi rolls, but that is what they are known for! 

They describe themselves as “ as if KFC and Itsu had a baby ” and it's pretty fitting! Their crispy chicken is to die for and put inside a sushi roll, is even better! 

Their crispy rolls cost about £3.50 per roll but they aren't your standard sushi rolls, they are actually about the size of a burrito ! They also have a tasty katsu curry with rice on their menu which I am yet to try, but have heard nothing but good things. 

It's a tiny establishment serving nothing but affordable take out dishes that you will struggle to find any kind of information or menu for online, it really is if you know, you know! But luckily here I am to tell you! You can find the Crispy Rolls shop just a short walk from Charing Cross station, right next to Gordon's Wine Bar.

Are there any more cheap places to eat?

Of course there are!

Living in London full time means I’m always discovering new and affordable places to eat in London.

And I plan to update this post accordingly as and when.

But in the meantime, over to you …

Have you tried anywhere on this list and loved it? (or hated it?)

Do you have any more top recommendations for cheap eats?

Just drop a comment below and let me know, I’d love to hear from you!

And for more help planning your visit around London, check out these guides I wrote:

• Best free things to do in London
• Best places to stay in London
• Things to do in London in winter

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London’s Cheap Eats

London’s an expensive city, especially when you’re eating out often. the answer for affordable dining is to fall back on “ethnic” eats, and standbys like pizza and noodles. here are a few places where you can stretch your budget..

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Home / Blog / Destination / UK / London / The 10 Best Cheap Eats in London that All Budgets Should Try

The 10 Best Cheap Eats in London that All Budgets Should Try

London is absolutely packed to the rafters with jolly good eats, from your celebrity chef-owned restaurants dripping in Michelin stars to your family-run bistros. Honestly though, you don’t need to dig too deep into your pockets here in London to find decently priced bites to devour… in fact, the hardest part of collating this post was choosing what to leave out! Dive on in and let’s explore our 10 favorite cheap eats in London for under £15, with most under £10. An absolute bargain, every single one. 

Cheap eats in North London

Tagine and couscous dishes at le rif.

A cafe that wouldn’t look out of place in the souks of Marrakech, Le Rif graces the thoroughly local hinterlands off Seven Sisters Road and has a menu with prices will make you do a double take. Sip on mint tea while enjoying properly made tagine of lamb with prunes and cinnamon… or basically any other variety of tagine you can think of. It’s not fancy, but it most definitely is tasty.

Tube stop : Finsbury Park 

Curry and rice at the Indian YMCA Dining Hall

Those in the know do not need the concept-heavy modern Indian restaurants down in the West End when, tucked away around the corner, you find the dining hall of the Indian YMCA . With low prices in a canteen setting, it’s authentic and it’s available to non-guests for lunch and dinner services most days of the week. If it’s meat you’re hankering for alongside your spiced lentils, the tandoori chicken should do the trick. 

Tube stop : Warren Street

Cheap eats in South London

Roti jerk chicken wrap at rudie’s.

We adore Rudie’s , home to super nice staff and authentic tastes of the Caribbean, from saltfish and ackee to curry goat, all very well priced. For unbelievable bang for your buck, opt for their signature jerk chicken in a roti wrap with slaw, crunchy salad, and a kick of homemade hot sauce. Sunny island vibes, even on the wettest of days. 

Tube stop : London Bridge 

Pie, double mash, and liquor at Goddards at Greenwich

This dish is an absolute classic here in London and we all have our favorite pie shops to visit. Visit Goddards and you can guarantee you’re in safe hands: this family has been bringing the goods since 1890 and their liquor (not alcohol, but secret recipe green parsley sauce) is some of the tastiest around.

Tube stop : Cutty Sark DLR 

Cheap eats in East London

Pho at viet hoa.

One of the pioneer restaurants on London’s so-called “ Pho Mile ,” Viet Hoa was founded by refugees who fled to London to escape the Vietnam War. With lines out the door on certain days, their bun hue is game-changing—imagine pho, but spicy with heavy hits of lemongrass and shrimp paste. We are here for it all day. 

Tube stop : Hoxton 

Full English breakfast at E Pellicci

Family-run for more than a century? Check. Housed in a Grade II-listed building? Check. Absolutely gut-busting full English breakfast with all the trimmings for a knock-out price? Check. E Pellicci  really does have it all—and it doesn’t hurt that, as an Italian family, their amazing pastas are cheap as chips, too. When you know, you know. 

Tube stop : Bethnal Green 

Cheap eats in West London

Shrimp dumpling noodle soup at cafe tpt.

This tiny, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it joint ( 21 Wardour St. ) on the edge of Soho’s Chinatown is a must for hawker-style dishes, from char siu pork and rice to chow mein. It’s is a welcome flashback to the old school Chinatown of 10 years ago and stays open until 1 a.m. for the post-pub munchies. 

Tube stop : Piccadilly Circus 

Customizable box at Grain Shop

A Notting Hill stalwart, this predominantly vegetarian hole-in-the-wall ( 269A Portobello Road ) is worth the journey from any part of town, as evidenced by the lines of locals every day at lunchtime. Choose what you would like from the daily changing dishes to take out or eat at the little counter. Our pick: cauliflower cheese, dal, roasted new potatoes and as many veggies as can fit in the box—a surprisingly satisfying combo. 

Tube stop : Ladbroke Grove 

Cheap eats in The City (the square mile technically known as the City of London) 

Philly cheesesteak baguette at porterford butchers.

A top-notch butchers on Cannon Street since 1983, Porterford is a go-to for brilliant bangers and luscious lamb chops—and they even have a hot food counter. With a vast array of hot sandwiches to take out, our (small amount of) money is on the one filled with beautiful short-rib beef, Monterey Jack cheese, and stacks of grilled onions. 

Tube stop : St Pauls 

£1 Oyster Happy Hour at Wright Brothers

Really fresh, high quality seafood is always a good shout, and for that, we recommend a trip to Wright Brothers . These seafood specialists have a lively smart-casual restaurant in that can satisfy all your pescetarian needs. They use fresh fish daily from their own wholesale company so you can be sure you’re getting the best of the best. 

Their undercover, heated terrace makes al fresco dining an option all year round! And everyday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. (as well as during Saturday and Sunday brunch) you can get oysters at Wright Brothers for £1 a pop . Now that’s our kind of happy hour! 

Tube stop : Battersea Power Station

Update notice: This article was updated on July 31, 2023. 

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14 Cheap Eats in London You Have to Try

Even with this city being so expensive, there are plenty of cheap eats in London that are also really good. But the key is, you HAVE to know where to go to find these affordable dishes. So I’m here to help you find some of the best cheap eats around London, so you can eat well without busting your bank account too hard.

Every spot mentioned in this article is super vegetarian-friendly (I’m a veggie myself), and I’ve indicated if it’s vegan-friendly and/or GF-friendly. We have tons of GF, veggie and vegan reccs across all of our Itineraries and Casual Tourists Guides , btw.

For the purpose of this article, I’m defining a “cheap eat” as either street food, or restaurants where you can get a sizeable main course for under £15.

Prefer to see cheap eats in London in video form? Watch the video below.

1. Jian bing at Chinese Tapas House

My YouTube friend Shu introduced me to Jian Bing a few months ago and it’s one of the cheapest and most filling street eats in central London. Think of it like a Chinese crepe, which is made with egg and can be filled with any ingredients on offer, like meats, veggies, and more.

Get a big ole Jian Bing from Chinese Tapas House for just £5.50, which is super filling for one but still pretty sizable when split for two.

£ | Chinatown | Chinese Tapas House via Chinatown’s Website

There’s plenty to do in Chinatown once you’re there BTW, check out my video on how to spend a day in Chinatown.

2. Arepa & Co

Arepa and Co is one of my favourite spots to go in London when I want a casual meal with some friends that doesn’t break the bank. Arepa and Co does Venezuelan brunch, lunch and dinner, with a selection of arepas (obviously) and cachapas, which I personally always go for.

They do a great lunch deal during the week which gets you a main course plus a glass of fresh lemonade for just £8.50, making this one of the best lunchtime cheap eats in London.

£ | WA (wheelchair accessible) |Bethnal Green and Haggerston | Arepa & Co’s Website

3. Club Mexicana

London is known for not having great Mexican food, but Club Mexicana takes the cake (in my opinion) when you’re after a greasy, cheesy Mexi dish to curb your craving. They in no way serve authentic Mexican, with options like the Cheezburger tacos and the ‘Chorizo’ & Sweet Potato burrito but well, it all just tastes great.

Plus here’s the kicker… it’s all vegan.

£ | Seven Dials, Spitalfields and Carnaby | Club Mexicana’s Website

4. Bilog at Mamason Dirty Ice Cream

Mamason is London’s only Filipino dessert shop and they absolutely KILL IT in the sweets scene. They serve up some popular Filipino treats but my absolute favourite is the Bilog, which is like a hot ice cream sandwich. Get it with Ube ice cream (Ube is a Filipino purple yam) and get ready to have a good time.

£ |Chinatown and Camden | Mamasons’ Website

5. Itadaki Zen

This casual Japanese tapas restaurant in Kings Cross serves organic dishes that are fully vegan, yummy and super affordable. Try the tofu and mushroom croquette, vegan calamari with tartar sauce, or the classic gyoza. They also do bento boxes which are great lunchtime options for cheap eats in London.

£ |Kings Cross | Itadaki Zen’s Website

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6. Taiyakiya

Taiyaki is a traditional Japanese fish cake (like a pancake, not an actual fish cake) that is a great street food option. Pop into this cute little shop and the lovely staff will help you choose a savoury Taiyakiya or a sweet one. They also do seasonal options as well as their own bubble tea.

£ | Chinatown | Taiyakiya’s Website

Need a late night meal after a big night out in Shoreditch? Head to Le Bab, right next to Old Street tube station, for what I consider to be an upscale kebab shop. Grab a seat if you can find an empty one, or get yours as a takeaway. There are veggie and vegan options, plus the hummus and double-cooked fries are *chefs kiss*

£ | WA | Old Street | Le Bab’s Website

If you’re in Camden, pop into Purezza for some of the best pizza in London. In fact, it’s award-winning. Go for the classic Margarita or one of their other inventive options, and the friendly staff will serve it to you with a smile on their faces. Oh also… everything is completely plant-based, even the “pork” and other meaty toppings. And they have plenty of gluten-free options.

£ | Camden | Purezza’s Website

BTW if you’re a vegan, we highly recommend hopping on the Plant Power Vegan Food Tour.

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9. Mac Factory

Mac and cheese is hit or miss here in London, but Mac Factory have nailed it. Inspired by NY-style mac and cheese (which basically means, the more cheese, the better) you can get a souped-up m&c for just a few pounds. My go-to’s are Super Mario (hello truffle) and La Med Babe.

£ | WA | Camden | Mac Factory’s Website

Bao has a small menu of Taiwanese dishes that you might not have ever heard of but I promise that literally everything on the menu is damn good. As a veggie my go-to is the Daikkon Bao (bao are little fluffy buns) and the *ice cream wrap sounds weird but is banging .

£ |Borough and Soho | Bao’s Website

11. Padella

Padella, next to Borough Market is one of the most popular restaurants in London but it absolutely deserves the accolades. They serve up delish yet simple pasta dishes at affordable prices. Trust me, I’m picky about my Italian food after having lived in Florence, and as far as Padella goes, it’s one of the best cheap eats in London.

It gets SUPER busy here so be warned, if you visit during a peak time, you could be waiting for up to ninety minutes. However, they do have a good system where they’ll text you when your table is ready so you can pop to one of the many nearby pubs for a drink or two before it’s time to eat. (They do gluten-free pasta for most dishes, just ask them.)

£ | WA | Borough Market and Shoreditch | Padella’s Website  

BTW, many of these spots are included in our London Itineraries. Have a look at our flexible plans for 3, 4, 5 and 6 days in London .

12. Pastaio

A close second for best affordable pasta spot in London is Pastaio, located in Carnaby. Very similar to Padella, they do simple pasta dishes at reasonable prices, and they even have a vegan pasta menu. This is the spot I always try when I’m near Carnaby and need someplace to eat and don’t have a reservation, I have never waited too long to get a spot at one of their long banquet tables. ( Although, they don’t have any gluten-free pasta dishes!)

£ | WA | Carnaby and White City| Pastaio’s Website

13. Kaosarn

Londoners looking for a cheap-and-cheerful spot to meet friends for dinner love to book in at one of Kaosarn’s locations. Here you’ll enjoy traditional, simple Thai dishes, and the restaurants are BYOB, saving you even more money. Definitely book ahead as all locations are super popular.

£ | Brixton (WA), Clapham and Tooting (WA) | Kaorsan’s Website

Want more locally-loved food recommendations for south London? Grab our Casual Tourist Guide to South London .

14. Eat of Eden

This takeaway spot in Brixton Village (with picnic tables nearby) has a menu “inspired by Caribbean Ital and European recipes, ‘made with love’ to produce that home-cooked feeling”. Expect unique ingredients, big portions and punchy flavours, all for a reasonable price, and all vegan!

£ | WA |Brixton | Eat of Eden’s Website

• 8 Sweet Treats to Devour in London
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Jessica Dante

Jess is the founder of Love and London, an online travel guide that helps London tourists to visit London like they live there. She's been featured in Refinery29, Forbes, BBC Radio 2, HuffPost, and more. Jess is also a sustainable and ethical travel advocate.

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The 50 best cheap eats in London

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London is a city that never ceases to amaze, especially when it comes to its vibrant food scene. From bustling markets to hidden gems tucked away in quiet corners, the capital offers a plethora of delicious and affordable dining options that cater to every palate. Whether you're craving authentic Malaysian roti canai at Roti King or a comforting bowl of pho at Sông Quê Café, there's no shortage of culinary delights waiting to be discovered.

As passionate explorers of London's diverse food landscape, we love uncovering spots that not only satisfy our taste buds but also keep our wallets happy. Picture yourself savoring a mouthwatering burger at Bleecker Burger or indulging in the rich flavors of handmade tortillas at Sonora Taquería. With a mix of iconic eateries and trendy newcomers, London’s cheap eats promise a delightful experience that invites you to dive into the city's rich culinary tapestry. So grab your fork and get ready to explore the best budget-friendly bites London has to offer!

Attractions

1 Roti King

2 Brasserie Zedel

3 Pizza Pilgrims

5 silk road, 6 club mexicana, soho, 7 bun house, 8 beigel bake brick lane bakery, 9 kanada-ya, 10 sông quê café, 11 cafe tpt, 12 bleecker burger victoria, 13 singburi, 14 pastaio pasta restaurant carnaby, 15 sonora taquería, 16 borough market, 18 e pellicci, 20 smoking goat shoreditch, 21 the kati roll company, 22 temple of seitan, 25 master wei xi'an, 26 sambal shiok laksa bar, 27 bao soho, 28 dumplings' legend, 29 on the bab, 31 persepolis, 33 chinese tapas house 爱吃鬼小屋, 34 pizza union, 35 blacklock soho, 36 the golden hind, 37 cay tre soho, 38 crust bros pizza restaurant waterloo, 39 kricket soho, 40 casa do frango london bridge, 41 phat phuc noodle bar, 42 fish, wings and tings, 43 xi'an impression london, 44 seoul bakery (sb), 45 the breakfast club soho, 46 poppies fish & chips, 47 brixton village market, 48 southampton arms, 49 the cheese bar, 50 poptata shoreditch, top searches in london, popular road trips from london, what's the weather like in london.

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Cheap eats in London

Discover the best cheap eats in London with our helpful guide showcasing affordable restaurants, cafes and stalls from North to South in a range of cuisines

Living in London comes with its fair share of excitement and challenges. From world-class culture to incredible food and drink, the city offers an endless array of experiences. But sometimes, it can feel like enjoying all these treats comes with a hefty price tag.

If you're keen to explore the best of London's culinary scene without overspending, you've come to the right place. We've rounded up the city's top spots for affordable, delicious eats, from generous bowls of comforting pasta to fiery noodles and mouth-watering dumplings.

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Tight budget? No problem. You can still savour fantastic food with our budget recipes , storecupboard recipes , and freezable recipes . Plus, we’ve got clever tips on how to reduce food waste , whether making your own broths or transforming vegetable peelings into tasty fritters.

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• Nottinghill

London Bridge

Clapham Junction

1. Chinatown bakery 

Tucked right by the iconic Chinatown gate, this bakery is a must-visit for anyone craving a sweet treat. Pick up a tray and choose from a delightful array of goodies. Try the soft pandan cake, with its delicate texture and lovely pastel green colour, or indulge in a Hello Kitty mooncake filled with salted egg yolk – the perfect balance of sweet and savoury. The chicken and pork floss buns are a real standout for those who prefer something savoury. Don’t miss out on their famous taiyaki, the fish-shaped pastry, which comes filled with everything from traditional red bean paste to ice cream or Nutella. With a second branch just around the corner on Newport Place, you’ll never be far from these tempting baked delights.

Buns from £2 

2. C&R Cafe 

Down a quiet side street, this unassuming Malaysian eatery has earned a loyal following, especially for its standout laksa. You’ll find two versions on offer – the tangy, tamarind-infused assam laksa and the rich, coconutty Singapore laksa. The menu also features Malaysian favourites like tender Hainanese chicken with fragrant rice, nasi lemak (a comforting dish of coconut rice, dried anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, sambal, and curry), and the irresistibly flaky roti canai. Perfect for those seeking authentic flavours without the frills.

Soups from £5.50 

3. Jinli 

For spice enthusiasts, Jinli is a must-visit, offering a celebrated take on the bold flavours of Szechuan cuisine. Inspired by the dishes of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, this restaurant takes its name from a bustling street known for its vibrant street food scene. Expect a menu brimming with expertly crafted regional favourites and creative twists, from cumin-spiced grilled lamb to stir-fried green beans with minced pork, and tangy, spicy braised aubergines.

Mains from £6.30

4. Singapulah 

At peak times, Londoners and visitors happily queue for up to 40 minutes to snag a table at Ellen Chew’s tribute to Singaporean cuisine. The menu proudly highlights beloved suppliers like DoDo, the go-to for fishballs, and Udders ice cream, whose durian flavour divides opinion, much like Marmite. Expect comforting dishes such as noodles, nasi goreng, and beef rendang. Their Singapore laksa served over easy-to-scoop mee tai bak noodles, keeps the slurping to a minimum.

Small plates, perfect for sharing, include fried chilli crab bao and kueh pie tee – delicate pastry cups filled with prawns and peanuts. A pastel palette, vibrant retro adverts, and shelves of ceramics and imported products brighten the simple, practical setting. Sip on signature cocktails and mocktails infused with ingredients like Yeo’s chrysanthemum tea for a truly authentic experience.

Small plates from £5.50 

The newest addition to Camden Market’s polished Hawley Wharf, Dhakaah offers Bangladeshi street food with a mission to bring more of the country’s culture to the UK. Set up on the second floor of the food court; it’s a casual space ideal for a speedy meal and drinks before heading out into the bustling high street. The menu is a mixture of snacks, small plates and a few larger dishes, alongside drinks that put a South Asian spin on cocktail favourites. Start with the crunchy potato-filled fuchka (similar to pani puri) and spiced peyaju (dhal fritters) while sipping on a Bangladeshi lemon G&T, or a dirty martini flavoured with the Indian olive-like fruit jolpai. There’s classic creamy lassi and borhani for alcohol-free options, a yogurt-based drink spiked with a bit of green chilli, coriander and mint. Bigger plates include a spicy beef kathi curry in a flaky parota and free-range chicken with caramelised onion, nuts and masala flavours, plus there’s ice cream-adjacent kulfi if you fancy something sweet afterwards.

Small plates from £6

6. Zia Lucia 

Head over to Zia Lucia on Holloway Road for a fantastic range of pizza bases. Choose from their signature options: traditional, wholemeal, vegetable charcoal, or gluten-free. All are made from doughs that are fermented for 48 hours before being baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. Each base brings a unique flavour and texture to your pizza.

We particularly love the gluten-free option—it’s delightfully crisp yet wonderfully light. You can also customise your pizza with tempting toppings, such as spianata, tender broccoli, roasted butternut squash, and creamy Taleggio goat’s cheese.

Mains from £11.30 

7. Tootoo moo 

Tootoomoo brings the bold, vibrant flavours of Asian street food into a relaxed and colourful setting on St Pauls Road. Here, you'll find a menu with Asian classics, from comforting miso soup and flavourful potsticker dumplings to rich rendang curry. Alongside these familiar favourites are more adventurous dishes like shichimi squid with Japanese pepper and sweet chilli, or a refreshing duck and watermelon salad with cashews and hoisin.

The dishes are simply presented but full of flavour. The crispy smoked chicken with chilli salt and spicy mayo was a highlight – a deliciously umami-packed take on grown-up chicken nuggets. The popcorn shrimp, dusted with nori and served with a yuzu-spiked mayonnaise, offered an irresistible combination of salt and citrus that kept us coming back for more.

Small plates from £2.95

Notting Hill

8. Farina 

Located on Notting Hill High Street, Farina pizzeria brings a touch of Naples to London, steering clear of pineapple and pepperoni in favour of classic, authentic toppings. In the summer, enjoy a seat by the floor-to-ceiling folding glass doors, where the irresistible aroma of wood-fired pizza enhances the experience. Opt for a spot next to the inviting open kitchen for a more cosy atmosphere.

The 48-hour fermented dough yields a light, airy base with a beautifully charred crust—perfect for tearing off and using to soak up the rich tomato juices. For a spicy kick, try the Farina pizza, topped with nduja, salami, and provolone. Alternatively, the Burratina pizza features a fresh and creamy blend of courgette and burrata, ideal for a lighter yet indulgent option.

Mains from £9.50

9. BAO Mary 

BAO Mary marks the fifth chapter in the beloved story of Taiwanese steamed buns and small plates that has been captivating Londoners since 2013. The brainchild of friends Shing Tat Chung, Erchen Chang, and Wai Ting Chung, who first served their iconic gua bao on the city streets, this latest venue brings a vibrant burst of Southeast Asian flavour to the Marylebone area. Despite its modest size, BAO Mary impresses with bold, delectable dishes and a chic, contemporary interior that contrasts strikingly with its humble origins. 

Bao from £6 

10. Florencio 

Chef Diego Jacquet has launched a new pizzeria adjacent to his modern Argentinian grill, Zoilo. The pizzas are crafted from a 48-hour fermented dough and feature toppings inspired by Buenos Aires’ renowned muzza style. Highlights include the El Cuartito, topped with chorizo, grilled peppers, and jalapeños, and the Martita, generously layered with gorgonzola béchamel, courgettes, and walnuts.

Mains from £11.90 

11. Koya 

Nestled off the bustling Broadway Market, Koya’s charming little sibling brings a slice of Japan's iconic noodle bars to London. Emulating the tachi-gui (standing dining) experience found in Japanese train stations, this casual spot offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious bowls of springy udon and hearty donburi rice dishes.

Start your day with their renowned English-Japanese breakfast: hot udon topped with egg, crispy bacon, and buttery soy mushrooms, or opt for a traditional neba-neba rice bowl featuring fermented soy beans, pickled seaweed, okra, and an onsen tamago egg. Post-lunch, indulge in crunchy chicken kara-age with spring onion sauce or dive into steaming bowls of udon in a rich dashi broth.

Don’t miss out on their latest menu additions, such as slow-braised beef shin served on hot noodles drizzled with chilli oil, the KO salad with cold udon and pickled aubergine, and a variety of mini-don rice bowls perfect for a quick bite on the go.

Mains from £9.60 

12. Morito 

With its polished concrete floors, striking horseshoe marble-topped bar, and vibrant pops of colour, Morito effortlessly blends into the Hackney scene. Instagram-worthy mirrored fish-scale tiles add a touch of glamour to the space. Co-owned by Samantha Clark and head chef Marianna Leivaditaki, the open kitchen showcases culinary excellence. Marianna, formerly of Moro, hails from Crete, where her family's fish restaurant honed her expertise in exceptional ingredients. At Morito, she elevates high-quality produce to new heights, with buffalo butter echoing the farm in Thessaloniki and aromatic za’atar from Istanbul, making the breadbasket truly irresistible.

The menu mirrors the original Morito’s offerings of tapas, mezze, and larger plates for lunch and dinner, with exciting new additions. Start your day with made-to-order Moroccan bread, enjoy homemade halloumi with pickled za’atar, or savour kid mechoui paired with goat’s curd, preserved lemon, and harissa.

Small plates from £5 

13. Dusty knuckle 

If you’re on the hunt for a bakery in Hackney, The Dusty Knuckle is a standout choice. This social enterprise café and bakery is driven by a meaningful mission, as co-founder Max Tobias explains: "We aimed to create a bakery that offers employment opportunities to young people at the margins of society."

Max and Rebecca Oliver quit their jobs and launched The Dusty Knuckle from a shipping container in 2014. Due to the bakery’s success they have now been able to set up permanent residence opposite the original site, along with expanding into Haringey.

Cookies from £2.50

14. Padella 

Padella’s succinct menu showcases eight varieties of handmade, fresh pasta, inspired by the acclaimed dishes that have made its sister restaurant, Trullo, a staple in Highbury. With a relaxed vibe and wallet-friendly prices, Padella offers a welcome escape from the tourist throng at Borough Market.

The menu highlights classic Italian techniques, focusing on slow-cooked sauces and ragùs crafted from the owners' extensive travels across Italy. The traditional pici cacio e pepe—parmesan, lemon, and black pepper—exemplifies the team’s mastery, with its simple yet brilliant execution. Made without egg for a slightly doughier texture, the pasta perfectly absorbs the sauce. 

Padella’s standout dish is the pappardelle with eight-hour Dexter shin beef ragù. The rich, succulent beef, slow-cooked to fall-apart perfection, combined with juicy tomatoes and a touch of garlic, makes this sauce a true highlight.

15. Vinegar yard 

From the team behind London Bridge's beloved Flat Iron Square, this vibrant blend of drinking terraces, bars, and street food trucks offers a superb al fresco retreat. Relax with a gin and tonic or a botanical spritz under the lush, greenery-clad pergola of the Tanqueray terrace. Alternatively, explore the bar area, where you can sip on an Atlantic IPA while admiring artist Joe Rush’s unique scrap metal installations scattered around the space. For a touch of glamour, grab a glass of prosecco from the charming pastel-pink van.

Once you’ve selected your drink, head to the grassy seating area and indulge in a feast from a variety of street food vendors. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes from Baba G’s, including chicken tikka burgers, loaded masala fries, and poppadom nachos topped with Indian salsa and fresh mint raita. Up in My Grill serves up perfectly pink, flame-grilled bavette or picanha steak on beef dripping fries with chimichurri. And for those craving classic comfort, Nanny Bill’s offers an array of delectable burgers and croquettes.

Small plates from £2

16. Al dente

With its glass-fronted façade, this neighbourhood gem offers a relaxed dining experience defined by simple black-and-white décor, a lively reggaeton soundtrack, and a fridge brimming with vibrant San Pellegrino cans. The open kitchen, which serves as the heart of this casual spot, showcases an array of pasta creations from their on-site lab, available to take away. From twirly fusilli and ribbed maccheroni to filled tortelli, the variety is impressive.

Begin your meal with a starter of fresh tomato cubes on toasted focaccia, generously drizzled with Sicilian olive oil. For the main event, delve into their handmade pasta dishes. The spaghettoni is enveloped in a silky, yolk-yellow sauce, enriched with salty guanciale and pecorino cheese, creating a superb carbonara. Alternatively, the paccheri, large tubes soaked in a sweet tomato sauce with finely minced beef and vegetables, is equally satisfying. Vegetarians will appreciate the cacio e pepe, featuring peppery tonnarelli (thicker spaghetti), and the pumpkin and ricotta ravioli, garnished with crispy sage.

Mains from £9.50 

Having made its debut on Tottenham Court Road, Arcade's second food hall at Battersea Power Station is a fantastic new destination for gatherings. With its inviting atmosphere and diverse selection, it's perfect for groups where deciding on a cuisine is tricky.

Arcade offers a global culinary tour under one roof. The beef suadero tacos from Mexa are a standout, featuring confit short rib paired with onion, coriander, and a tangy salsa. Shatta & Toum’s fries, topped with chicken shawarma, fresh salad, and spicy shatta, are ideal for sharing, as is Flat Bread by Thomas Straker’s menu, which includes a standout option with burnt chilli mussel butter. Other tempting choices include Hero Indian Fast Food, Bao, Manna, Tipan Tapan, Siu Siu, Bebek! Bebek!, and Phed Power, with the neua nam tok ‘waterfall’ beef steak salad being a particular highlight.

With new vendors joining regularly, it’s worth checking the website before your visit to explore the latest additions.

Starters from £3 

18. Noci 

Modern pasta spot Noci has recently expanded with a second location within Battersea Power Station, joining its original Islington venue. Despite the industrial surroundings, Noci’s interior offers a warm and cosy atmosphere, perfect for celebratory dinners and casual lunches during shopping trips.

Start your meal with a selection of appetising snacks. Choose from the salty house focaccia topped with red onions or the triangular parcels of mortadella, ricotta, and fior di latte torte fritter, which are delightfully cheesy. The crisp, buttery nduja arancini, paired with a rich pecorino and parmesan mousse, are a standout.

The pasta menu blends Noci’s classic offerings with seasonal variations. The signature veal and pork Genovese ragu remains a highlight, featuring deep caramelised onion flavour, tender meat, and melting Monk’s Head cheese. The brown butter cacio e pepe is indulgent and chewy, while the crab and ricotta raviolo, generously filled and complemented by toasted pine nuts, provides a rich yet balanced flavour.

Starters from £4

19. Pear tree cafe 

This charming café, run by Annabel Partridge and Will Burrett (formerly of Petersham Nurseries), offers stunning views of Battersea Park’s boating lake. Open daily from dawn until dusk, it features a diverse brunch menu that includes everything from fluffy buttermilk pancakes to soft scrambled eggs on sourdough, paired with maple and paprika bacon.

At lunchtime, the café serves up indulgent burgers topped with chipotle jam, Lincolnshire Poacher cheese, and roasted garlic aioli, perfectly complemented by refreshing mango lassis. 

Brunch from £5

20. Roti King 

The new Roti King continues the legacy of its North London predecessor, serving up beloved Malaysian classics with flair. Indulge in fragrant nasi lemak, featuring crispy fried chicken and a sambal brimming with chillies and shrimp paste. The menu also boasts rich laksas with slippery noodles, nasi goreng, and beef rendang, prepared with aromatic, expertly crafted curry pastes.

The rotis are as exceptional as ever—crispy and flaky, perfectly complemented by the fish kari. This dish, with deep-fried fish pieces in a light yet flavourful curry, is superbly paired with the crisp roti to soak up every drop.

Another standout is the char kuey teow, stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns and chicken, offering a savoury depth from kecap manis and a delightful smoky essence from the wok. Accompanying this is the kangkung belacan, or morning glory, cooked in shrimp paste and sambal. The vegetable’s crisp bite and savoury sauce make for a perfectly balanced side.

Mains from £8.95 

21. Genesis

In the vibrant heart of Shoreditch, enjoy organic, vegan fast food in a setting of bubble gum-pink banquettes, neon signs, and original graphic art. The menu has delightful meat-free options, from burgers and hot dogs to tacos. A highlight is the mac 'n' cheese, made with creamy kamut, an ancient grain that delivers a dairy-free richness with a hint of sweetness, alongside roasted turmeric cauliflower. For dessert, vegan ice cream sundaes take centre stage, while the cocktail list is full of fun, with the vividly purple ‘sacred spritz’—a refreshing mix of vodka, lemongrass, and blue matcha—being a must-try.

22. En Root 

Since starting out by selling hot sauce at markets in 2016, brothers Nish and Harsh have come a long way. Their journey has taken them to a brick-and-mortar spot in Clapham and, more recently, a vibrant, plant-filled restaurant in Peckham adorned with mandala tapestries and colourful cushions.

At En Root, refreshing drinks like watermelon juice with beetroot, apple, ginger, and mint make perfect summer sips. If you're in the mood for something stronger, their reasonably priced cocktail menu features fresh juices brightened with a splash of rum.

The menu centres on nourishing, plant-based dishes, drawing on the rich flavours of Gujarati spices. To start, tuck into sharable bites like puri stuffed with beetroot, onions, and chickpeas submerged in tangy date tamarind masala water. The plantain chaat—crispy plantain on a bed of beetroot, onions, chickpeas, ‘spice krispies’, and chutney—offers a delicious contrast of sweet and crunchy.

For mains, opt for the saag aloo dosa, served with lentil soup and coconut chutney. For something packed with goodness, try the Buddha bowl, filled with rainbow salad, baba ghanoush, sprouted lentils, curried chickpeas, plantain, and avocado.

Round off your meal with a mango lassi cheesecake, set on an oaty coconut base for a healthier twist on a classic, paired perfectly with a creamy chai.

23. Frank's Cafe 

This spot takes hipster cool to new heights—literally. Perched atop a multi-storey car park in Peckham, it offers a succinct but stylish drinks menu, featuring favourites like negronis, margaritas, and cucumber gimlets. Try the jug cocktails, including a refreshing white port and tonic or a fruity rum punch for something to share.

The snack menu is just as enticing to accompany your drinks. Think brown sugar hot wings with a sticky-sweet glaze, deep-fried mackerel served in a bun, and lamb breast kebabs topped with a smoky burnt chilli yogurt. It’s the perfect mix of bold flavours and casual bites, ideal for laid-back evenings with a view.

24. Satay House 

For an authentic taste of Malaysia in a relaxed, no-fuss setting, make your way to this cosy, family-run spot on Sale Place, just off Praed Street. The menu stays true to its roots, offering classic dishes with bold, traditional flavours.

Start with the perfectly smoky chargrilled chicken satay served with a rich peanut sauce. For mains, favourites include the iconic nasi lemak, where fragrant steamed rice is paired with spicy prawn sambal, and kway teow goreng, a delicious stir-fried flat rice noodle dish hailing from Penang.

Meat lovers are well-catered for, too, with comforting options like the deeply spiced Malaysian lamb curry and tender Malay braised beef, slow-cooked in coconut milk and aromatic spices. It’s proper Malaysian fare, served with warmth and authenticity.

25. Thunderbird Fried Chicken 

Matt Harris has been perfecting his fried chicken for years, experimenting with countless batches of wings before finding his winning formula. After running his American street food truck, BBQ Lab, in spots like Dinerama, Matt has settled into a permanent home in Brixton’s Market Row, with a new outpost at the O2. The industrial interiors—think exposed brick and pipework—are brightened with electric blue accents, bursts of orange, and the vibrant Thunderbird neon logo, cleverly disguising a chicken wing as a lightning bolt.

Matt’s Chipuffalo Wings, which earned the top prize at Wing Fest, remain a standout. Tender wings are pressure-fried to lock in juiciness and then flash-fried for that perfect crunch. They're generously coated in a mildly spicy chipotle sauce and served with a side of thick, tangy blue cheese sauce for dipping.

The Thunderbun chicken burger is another must-try. It combines crispy golden chicken with a soft, pillowy bun, topped with homemade smoky burger sauce and tangy gherkins. Sides include Cajun fries with a secret smoky "Awesome sauce," or go indulgent with jalapeño cheese fries smothered in charred pepper aïoli.

For drinks, funky Brixton Brewery beers complement Thunderbird’s bold flavours—try the hoppy Low Voltage session IPA or the crisp, citrusy Reliance pale ale. The milkshakes are an irresistible treat if you're after an authentic diner-style experience.

Enjoy this? Check out more of our travel pieces...

The best UK gourmet glamping sites

Best UK city breaks for food lovers 

The best vegetarian hotels in the UK

The best restaurants in Sheffield 

The best restaurants to eat in Brighton 

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Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

Solo Travel London on a Budget: How to Get the Most for Your Money

September 15, 2023 by Janice Waugh

Solo travel to London on a budget. Does it sound impossible?

We're here to tell you, it's not.

As with any big city, there are many opportunities to spend a fortune, if a fortune is what you have to spend. Likewise, though, big cities usually also offer cheaper options to explore and enjoy. If you're working with a tighter budget, we have lots of tips to help you get the most out of the city without returning home with debt. From getting into the city from the airport to finding reasonably-priced accommodation to saving on food and transportation to enjoying arts, culture, and attractions on a dime, we've got what you need to successfully enjoy London on a budget.

Table of Contents

Your Solo Trip to London: Getting from the Airport to the City Center

You'll likely arrive in London by plane so that's where we'll start. As a solo traveler you'll have to navigate the city all by yourself. Here's what you need to know.

The Cheapest Way to Get from Heathrow to London is the Tube

First, pack light so that you can manage public transport with your bags. Here's your post for that:  Carry On Packing List That Makes Sense: Traveler Tested . You can go from Heathrow to the center of London very inexpensively by the Underground (it's a subway also known as the Tube). This is from the Heathrow website: “Journey time by Tube is under an hour and you shouldn't have to wait longer than ten minutes for a train, even off-peak. Underground tickets are available at all stations.” The single cash fare to central London (Zone 1) is £6.70. Oyster or contactless pay-as-you-go fares are £5.60. The Oyster fare refers to London's transit card. See below for more on the Oyster card.

Word to the wise : the train is likely to be quite empty when you board at Heathrow, but by the time you get into the city, it may be very crowded. Choose a seat as close to a door as possible to make exiting with your luggage quicker and easier.

When you leave the arrivals area of the airport just follow the signs for the Underground. At the entrance to the Underground, go to the ticket booth and buy an Oyster card. Top it up with the amount you've decided is best for your stay and get information on how to get to the Tube station closest to your accommodation. To save you the hassle of buying the card when you're jet-lagged, it's a good idea to buy one in advance, which you can do here:  London Visitor Oyster Card .

More Heathrow to London Transfer Options

You'll actually have a number of options in a variety of price ranges. Though nothing beats the Tube when you're exploring London on a budget, here are some additional ways to get to and from the airport.

National Express Heathrow Coach Transfer – The price is right, starting at £6.00, and you don't have to lug your bags like you do on the tube, but the time ranges from 40 minutes to 2 hours 35 minutes, depending on traffic.

Heathrow Express Tickets  – The Heathrow Express is a high speed train between Heathrow and London. The trains depart up to every 15 minutes and take just 15 minutes. You save £5 per ticket when you buy in advance. Price: £25.00 (£22.00 off-peak).

Heathrow to Central London by Uber or Private Transfer will start at around £60.00 and go up (in some cases, way up) from there.

Gatwick Airport Transfer Options  

If you're flying into Gatwick, consider the train at US$35 and the bus from US$18.

Planning to Go Beyond London?

Consider a British Rail Pass. The BritRail Pass will get you around the country. The pass is sold by number of days and you have a choice of a pass that only allows consecutive days and a flexi pass that allows you days between trips. If you use it at the beginning or end of your trip, you will also save on your airport transfer as it includes the Heathrow Express. Note that it is not available for purchase in the UK. You must buy it in advance of your visit.

Budget London Accommodation Great for Solo Travelers

Cozy into a neighborhood and likely save some money by renting an apartment. I've had great success with VRBO.com (Vacation Rental By Owner). Here's a link to their London listings.  Of course, there's also Airbnb, but I've found better prices on VRBO.

But there's more. This topic requires an entire post unto itself. In fact, we have  Where to Stay in London: Budget to Luxury + Interactive Map,  which covers recommended places to stay in London from luxury to budget to hipster and everything in between.

The map above is from the Where to Stay in London post. The map is your cheat sheet on accommodation for solo travelers.  It's interactive so click on one of the colored markers:

• yellow for budget accommodation
• green for middle-of-the-road prices by London standards
• blue for luxury hotels
• purple are hipster hotels

When you click on a marker, the name of the hotel, hostel, or B&B and a link for more information will slide in from the left. Click on the link and you'll be taken to detailed information on the hotel. Hit the left facing arrow and the information will slide back out of the way.

You can also zoom in and out with this map to get a better look at what's near the various hotels. I love maps and study them before traveling so that I have a sense of the destination.

London on a Budget: Cheap Eats for Solo Travelers

London's street food . A city with a diverse culture always makes for really interesting food truck and market options. Time Out has an excellent list of possibilities for you to consider.

St. Martin's-in-the-Field Cafe. Beneath the church is a cafe and gift shop. It's reasonably priced with a wonderful ambiance.

Hostels have great breakfasts. A full breakfast with juice, cereal, yogurt, coffee, and a croissant was £4.95. Just cereal (which is all I want in the mornings) was 95p. And, they had adult cereal. I'm not into sugary cereal, so it was great. The cost of food throughout the day was very reasonable, plus there's a kitchen onsite if you want to cook your own.

Eat at a pub. Not only will you be fed, but you'll also get a classic London experience. And watch for happy hours when there are often special promotions.

Marks & Spencer takeaway section. They have an extensive section dedicated to takeaway and easy fix meals. Some you have to cook, which is fine if you're staying at an apartment or hostel.

Check out the markets . There are many markets to try. Tracey loves Borough Market, which has been around for about 1,000 years (though only open to the public in its current form for about 20). Here's a list of food markets around the city , including maps and opening times. Try the Brixton Market as an interesting place to mingle with locals as well as for the best pizza.

Fish and chips. I've never had a bad fish and chips meal in the UK. Affordable and delicious, but not something to have every day.

Don't let the windows fool you. As you wander the streets looking for a place to eat you may think that every place is full. Step in to confirm this as many places have additional seating upstairs or down.

Another tip from Tracey: check out London cheap eats here for a wide variety of meal options around the city, all under £10.00. The people at Timeout have compiled a list of 50 inexpensive places to dine when you travel solo to London on a budget.

Now this is worth it!

Spend a little of what you save by taking a fabulous food tour. I've had wonderful experiences with  Eating Europe . Enjoy the following London tours and you won't only learn things but you'll leave full as well.

• East End Food Tour
• Twilight Soho Food & Cocktail Tour
• Eat the Borough Market Food Tour

London Solo Travel: Budget Ways to Get Around

Taxis add up. Public transit is the most cost-efficient way to go any distance in London and it is easy if you have an Oyster Card, which is a transit pass. A Tube journey in central London costs £2.40 with Oyster or £4.90 with cash. The Oyster card is a good deal.

You can buy one in advance of your trip here: London Visitor Oyster Card  . You'll buy it already loaded with your choice of credit on the card. Doing this means you have one less thing to think about when you arrive in London. Alternatively, you can buy the card for £5 at any Underground station and pay as you go. Don't worry about putting too much on the card because if you have money left at the end of the trip you can go to a ticket booth to get a refund. You can also give your Oyster card back and get your £5 reimbursed or save your Oyster Card for future trips. As far as using it as you go, it's a tap in/tap out process.

We mention the Oyster card first because we find it the easiest. However, when Tracey put the question out to members of the Solo Travel Society, using a contactless debit or credit card was also recommended. She hasn't been able to make this work with a Canadian-issued debit card, so you'll want to check whether your card has this feature (some non-UK issued cards don't currently work on this system) and whether or how much your bank charges for transactions so you can keep costs down. You can also use your phone to make mobile payments using services such as Apple or Google Pay. Just remember to tap out with the same payment form you tapped in with, and be sure to keep your device charged. Get all the details from Transport for London.

More Tips for Getting Around London

Download the London Tube app.  The London Underground is large and complicated. Use the routing option of this app to get detailed instructions on how to get where you want to go from where you are. It will also tell you approximately how long it will take.

Don't forget that there are buses as well. Tourists tend to opt for the Underground because there are maps to show where you're going. However, sometimes buses are a better option. You can also download an app called the London Bus Free Map and Route Planner .

Rent a bike . Like most major cities, London has bikes available for short-term rental. Officially called  Santander Cycles , they are more commonly known locally as Boris Bikes. The pay-as-you-go cost is £1.65 for up to 30 minutes, then £1.65 for each additional 30 minutes.

Walk, walk, walk. As far as London budget options go, you can't beat walking! This is a big city but most of the tourist attractions are within one big walking district, so take yourself on a walking tour as you head to your destination. Note that one street can have many names. These go for main streets as well as small ones. Charing Cross turns into Tottenham Road. Mortimer turns into Goodge. Knowing the changes will help you navigate more easily. Also, be careful. At every intersection look down and you will see painted on the ground which way you should look for traffic. There's a reason they invested so much to paint these. It takes time to adjust to the different traffic flow.

Get the Google Maps app. I don't like to walk about looking at my phone but with all the tiny streets in London the Google Maps app can be very handy at times.

Pick up a free map at a hostel or your hotel. The free map at hostels tends to have some of the better low-cost recommendations.

Budget London: Attractions for Solo Travelers

Once you're on the ground in London the question is what to do. Let's start with getting an overview of the city.

Hop-on Hop-off with a discount . A hop-on, hop-off London sightseeing bus tour is great if you’re short on time or want to get an overview of the city before you dig into its specifics. This company has five different routes and live commentary which is always better than recorded versions.

Take a free walking tour. Take a free tour of the city. There is a 3-hour tour offered by Sandeman's  and several different 1.5-2-hour tours offered by Strawberry Tours , along with other, more specific itineraries. Remember to tip your tour guide. In addition to not being paid for their time and expertise, they have to pay the company for every person who attends.

Royal and Historical Highlights of London

If you're going to take in a number of London attractions, then the London Pass  is likely worth it. It gets you into Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, museums and historic houses, Wimbledon, and more. If you won't take in many attractions your better bet is likely the hop-on, hop-off tour . Ask the driver if they have any discount coupons. They often do.

What the London Pass covers . The London Pass  includes 1-Day Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour, Skip the Line on certain attractions, admission to 85 attractions including Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Windsor Castle, View from the Shard, London Zoo, Kensington Palace, and Thames River Cruise. It's sold on a per day basis. Even better, it's valid for two years from the date of purchase. If you don't use it all in one shot, you can use it on a future trip.

National Trust Touring Pass . The National Trust takes care of British heritage sites. The National Trust Touring Pass  gives you free entry to over 300 historic houses and gardens in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It's really worth a look. In London, you can visit many Georgian houses and even a Tudor house. They hold special events as well. This pass is especially valuable if you'll be traveling beyond London.

Buckingham Palace and more.  The palace and its gardens open to visitors for 10 weeks (mid-July to late September) every summer. Advance purchase of tickets is recommended . If those months don't work for you, why not visit Windsor Castle , which is an hour outside of central London, or get a ticket that takes you into all palaces . You can get to all three with your Oyster card.

The Changing of the Guard . This time-honored ceremony takes place daily from May to July and every other day the rest of the year. If you want to actually see the spectacle without climbing a fence, get there by 11:00 am. Free .

Afternoon tea . Traditional afternoon tea is a lovely experience and makes for a wonderful break in a day of exploring London. It can be very pricey, though. Luckily, Browns restaurant, which has been operating for over 50 years, has several locations in London serving a very reasonably-priced tea. Try the one in Covent Garden for just £26. Bonus: they also offer a gluten-free menu.

Check out Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. This is a replica of the theater that Shakespeare and his fellow artists built. It's just across the Millennium Bridge that connects, in my mind, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tate Modern. There are tours and, during the high season, plays as well. If you don't mind standing, tickets for performances at the Globe can be had for as little as £5.

London museums rich in heritage and free. To really stretch your London budget, go to the museums which offer free access to their permanent collections. There is usually a fee for special exhibits. Unless you're a real museum enthusiast, you may want to ask at the front desk for a recommendation as to how to approach the museum. I did this at the Tate Modern and, rather than dashing through trying to take in a lot, I took in a little but with more appreciation. Here's a list of 25 free museums in London . Free

Day trips from London. The country is not large and there are many wonderful destinations that can be visited in a day from London. Check out day tours from London here .

Explore London As a Local

Feel London at a different pace. Walk the Victoria and Albert Embankment from the Houses of Parliament to the Millennium Bridge and you'll enjoy London at a more relaxed pace while seeing some of the major sights.

Take in the street art . London has lots of great street art and many famous street artists. Here's a free street art and graffiti tour .

Window shopping. There are many places to shop in London but I love to go to Covent Garden for some unique shopping. While there, wander the West End theater district to see the range of plays. It's a sight unto itself.

Go to the best bookshops in town . Stop into Daunt Books on Marylebone High Street and check out the travel section for which they're famous.

Go to the parks. There are a number of lovely parks in London. Hyde Park is famous for Speaker's Corner which is often entertaining if not thought-provoking. Here's a list that's sorted according to park locations in the city .

Wander the neighborhoods. London is made up of neighborhoods made famous in literature and film. They have a certain familiarity to them and yet there's more to them when you see them live. Go to Notting Hill, Bloomsbury, Marylebone, and for more action, Camden.

London's Theater and Music Scenes On a Budget

London's West End theater scene. Buy tickets for the shows at Leicester Square. There are a couple of places there. Go to the one on the south end with the permanent structure as I was told by a theater box office person that they sell their best available seats to them. While they promote half-price tickets, not all tickets are half-price.

Don't forget Off-West End productions . Check the reviews carefully and enter the really local theater scene.

Enjoy a pint with your play . For something a little different, check out this list of pub theatres . Comedy nights, musicals, and plays are performed upstairs at London pubs at a fraction of the cost of theaters.

Royal Albert Hall tour.  I love touring grand opera houses and theaters when I travel. Doing so reveals so much about a place's history and culture. The Royal Albert Hall is one of London's absolute top historic buildings. But beyond historic, it's a magnificent building where anyone who is anyone has played. You can buy a ticket for Royal Albert Hall Tour  or get free entry with your London Pass .

Handel and Hendrix House . “Separated by a wall & 200 years are the homes of two musicians who chose London & changed music.” This is a new find for me. Check it out .

Free concerts in Trafalgar Square . Go to St. Martin-in-the-Fields at noon for a free concert most days. It's usually an organ recital. If you don't like the idea of that, go just to enjoy the church. It's very pretty, a refreshing change from most churches. FREE

The Scoop. In the summer, The Scoop amphiteater, which is beside City Hall, close to Tower Bridge, offers live music, plays, or film screenings almost every evening. FREE

Take in an event or festival . The  Time Out app  is a great resource for local events and festivals.

Adventure and Active Travel in London

What's your favorite sport? Why not do it in London on a tour or by joining in with locals?

Run London . What about a tour company that's specifically for runners?  Here's a list of a number of running tours.

Bicycle Tours of London . Check out the variety available from Fat Tire Tours .

Kayak on the Thames . Kayaking London is another company that offers unique, active tours of London.

Join a local race. Use Find a Race  and search on London to see what races might be going on when you're there. Running, swimming, cycling – this site offers a lot.

Good to Know

Need a computer? If you need access to a computer you can go to any of the libraries and get it free.

Need help?  The emergency number in London is 999, not 911.

More Posts to Help You Plan and Save on Travel

Whether you're traveling solo to London on a budget or anywhere else, here are lots of ways to help you save money.

• Feeling the Pinch? Solo Travelers Save Money at The Airport
• How to Make Solo Travel Affordable, Cheap or Even Free
• Your Solo Travel Budget: It’s All About Balance
• How to Save on Shoulder Season Travel
• How to Plan Your Travel Budget: Luxury or Frugal
• Solo Travel Tours: Best Deals for Solo Travelers
• How to Save Money for Travel: Smart Advice. Seven Steps.

When planning your trip to London you may want to click here to…

• For accommodation read  Where to Stay in London: Great Accommodation for Solo Travelers
• Get your London Pass to attractions.
• Purchase a BritRail London Plus Pass for day trips for destinations like Bath, Cambridge, Stratford-Upon-Avon and more or a rail pass for the UK .

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Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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London Cheap Eats: Where to Eat Lunch Under £5 in London

By: Author The Working Line and

Posted on Published: October 13, 2023  - Last updated: February 16, 2024

There may be affiliate links throughout the content you're about to read. When you purchase from my links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) which helps me provide even more awesome content for you :)

I’ve talked about incredible cheap eats in Central London a while back, but sometimes, while living in London, our eating out budget is really tight.

Heck, even eating in budget!

I lived in London on a really tight income for the longest time, ever since I became a makeup artist in Paris and decided to try and make it with my art.

Tight income as in knowing budget shops through and through, like spending all my time at Poundland, B&M, Home Bargains and, to a certain extent, TK Maxx to be able to afford everyday stuff.

I’m going to be straightforward: finding really cheap eats in London and eating lunch under £5 has become incredibly tricky.

A lot of places have seen inflation double or triple their prices.

Still, I’ve gathered in this guide all the food spots I know, have eaten at, and have appreciated more than once while roaming around London’s pretty streets .

London Cheap Eats: Where to Eat Lunch Under £5 in London

Living in London on a budget is probably one of the most formative experiences you can go through while being a digital nomad, a student or freelancer.

Cheap eats in Covent Garden ?

Not easy to come by.

Eating for £3, £4 or £5? Without food shops and supermarkets, almost impossible.

Healthy cheap eats are also not so common.

Of course, you can get amazing fried chicken for only a few pounds, but well, there are more calories in a chicken wing than in a handful of salad or spinach.

I’d always recommend you to go shopping once a week if you’re actually looking to save money for groceries , and to meal plan as drastically as you can.

However, if you’d like to go out and have a fun moment with friends, here are all the cheap eats in London that will allow you to have some kind of lunch under £5!

Best Cheap Eats in London for Lunch: Beigel Bake & Beigel Shop, Brick Lane

Beigel Shop Brick Lane is a spot I’ve already reviewed here, because it’s one of the best places to eat in Brick Lane.

A top spot to eat in East London , too, and probably the whole of London.

I mean, there are other bagel shops on Brick Lane (like Beigel Bake, pictured above) and other parts of the city, but this one…

One interesting thing to know about Beigel Shop Brick Lane is that if you manage to arrive as early as possible, you’ll enjoy some incredible rainbow bagels.

If you choose the regular, ultra-famous salt beef beigel, you’ll have to cash out about 6 pounds depending on whether you want some extra toppings.

However, to remain under the £5-mark for lunch, why not try the Cheddar and cheese or tuna option? Egg mayo, roast chicken, chopped herring…

All these options retail for under £4, and they’re so filling you honestly don’t need a drink or a dessert with them.

Plus, if you’d rather eat something else that day, some of the best markets in Shoreditch are located on Brick Lane…

As well as Kahaila, one of the coolest study cafes around, that isn’t only super spacious, but also offers some of the best rainbow cake in London!

Read: The Prettiest Neighborhoods in London

Where to Eat Cheap Eats in London: Greggs, Various Locations

Greggs is the top spot to get the cheapest breakfast in London, and really a franchise you can’t overlook if you’re looking to save money…

And still enjoy your time in London .

Greggs’ lunchtime deals retail for as cheap as £3.20 for a bake, a regular hot/cold drink or a soup – the best and most complete lunch deal they have.

A pizza slice and a cold drink will only set you back £3.35, while you can get a hot sandwich, wedges and a regular hot/cold drink from £4.80.

All in all, if you’re looking for really good cheap eats in London, it’s difficult to get something more satisfying than a complete Greggs meal.

Don’t forget to try their pink raspberry jam doughnuts – the caramel and custard doughnut is also really, really good!

Read: The Best Free Rooftops in London

Best Cheap Eats in London for Lunch: Meal Deals at Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s

You’ll find some really cool, cheap supermarkets in London such as Morrisons, Asda and Tesco – lots of them offer affordable meal deals.

The most famous would be Tesco’s meal deal, which offers a main (salad, wrap or sandwich), a snack (crisps, eggs, chicken bites…), and a drink.

The Tesco meal deal used to be the cheapest of all, at £3 only, until the price rose to £3.50 for non-Tesco card holders.

While a meal deal is definitely not the cutest way to have lunch in London, it’s what will save your life on the daily.

All cheap food shops still have their price set at around £3, but in places like Sainsbury’s, you’ll also have some more refined options, with seasonal recipes as well during fall and winter .

Read: The Best Romantic Date Ideas in London

Best Cheap Eats in London for Lunch: Rabbit Hole Cafe, Holloway Road

You won’t see many restaurants in this guide because I’m trying to avoid the term cheap eat to describe a place that will actually charge you cover and service charge on top.

I’ve read enough blogs to try and find foods under £5, only to feel disappointed.

Because they cost more and I couldn’t afford them, and I don’t want you to feel that way as I acutely remember London life being London life.

So, if you’re down to try something new to take away, I have here one of the best spots to get a halal breakfast in London , and that’s not all they offer.

Indeed, the Rabbit Hole Cafe on Holloway Road, in North London , is one of the only Alice in Wonderland-themed places in London, and a few of their sandwiches are actually quite affordable.

This will be a tight lunch if you only have £5 to pop by the Rabbit Hole Cafe, but for £4, you can get a beef sausage, cheddar or fried egg sandwich to go.

That makes for some really cheap street food , that’s for sure.

But if you ever have more budget, you’ll also find that the Rabbit Hole Cafe is the perfect, cozy autumn spot in London for delicious brunch and their smoothies are definitely worth every penny.

Read: The Best Things to Do in London When It Rains

Where to Eat Cheap Eats in London: Onder Baklava Cakehouse, Wood Green

When I was living in North Finchley, I quickly discovered that The Mall at Wood Green was one of the best shopping centers in London ever established.

You’ll find anything and everything there, from one of the biggest TK Maxx in London (and their incredible Sand and Fog and DW Home candles! ) to cinemas and lots of cheap eats.

Not as cheap at £5, though, but places like Chaiiwala and Pret a Manger offer some bites that you can afford but just a couple of pounds.

Well, further up towards North Finchley (not in Turnpike Lane’s direction), Onder Baklava Cakehouse is a great spot to buy amazing Turkish food .

I lived in Istanbul for a while at the beginning of the year, right after moving from London for a few months, and one thing’s for sure: the gözleme at Onder Baklava Cakehouse are just the same .

If not better.

So filling.

So amazing they’re indescribable.

You’re really close to Wood Green Tube Station, and there are meat, dairy and veggie options – as well as incredible baklava pastries, too!

Read: Are Londoners Rude? – A Few Pointers to Move to London

Best Cheap Eats in London for Lunch: Lidl, Tottenham Court Road

When I was living in North Finchley and working at Oxford Circus, visiting Lidl on Tottenham Court Road was something I did pretty often.

I understand that when you’re living in such a stressful city, the least you want to be able to do is afford even just some kind of cheap street food.

Working long hours and almost never being able to actually afford eating out is not a way to live, and something I struggled with a lot when I was working 24/7 to become a full-time blogger .

If even Tesco’s meal deals are a bit too expensive on the daily, getting your groceries from cheap food shops like Lidl is the best idea you could have.

London’s cheapest breakfast option is probably the Lidl pastries, including their oh-so-buttery, almost French croissants !

Read: The Best Charity Shops in London

Best Cheap Eats in London: Pret a Manger

Pret a Manger coffee shops are some of my favorite when going out to work at a cafe – most coffee shops from this brand are huge , with lots of power outlets and very decent WiFi.

When it comes to finding the cheapest places to eat in Central London , I’ll always really just go for meal deals at Tesco and Sainsbury’s to be honest.

However, in the middle of a work day at a study cafe , Pret a Manger has a few sandwich options that are not as expensive as the rest.

Well, it will still cost you about £4 for a sandwich, and not as filling as a meal deal, but it’s still better than nothing.

I’ve been used to intermittent fasting for about 5 years now, and it’s now a lifestyle I don’t see myself ever not following.

That also means I don’t really mind not eating until halfway through the day, and even a Pret a Manger sandwich will be more than enough.

One other piece of advice I can give you, especially if you’re a digital nomad or a broke student in London, is for you to plan your budget with the monthly Pret membership.

That way, and since you can drink up to 5 drinks a day for only £30 a month, you’re always sure to have a place to have cheap coffee and work in London .

Read: The Best Secondhand Bookshops in London

Best Cheap Eats in London for Lunch: Mercato Metropolitano, Elephant & Castle

There are all types of really interesting, even secret street food markets in London, and one of them is Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant & Castle.

You’ll find there are some really cool things to do on London’s Northern Line, but a visit to Mercato Metropolitano is always a big win.

A lot of stands offer £5 lunch deals during the week – avoid visiting at weekends, especially if you’re trying to save money (and not lose your mind with all the crowds).

Whether you’re looking for some kind of healthy chicken over rice, some pasta or a good old sandwich, pop by Mercato Metropolitano.

It offers the coolest collection of casual, budget restaurants in London in a lively food hall – what’s not to like?

Read: Where to Find Cheap Makeup in London

Best Cheap Eats in London: Subway

Subway is another great option to eat in London on a budget , especially with a few of their Subs sandwiches easily retailing under the £3-mark.

Whether you’re looking for places to have a cheap breakfast or a real lunch deal, Subway is a street food spot you can always count on.

Their cheapest option?

The 6″ Veggie Delite sub, at £2.79, followed by the Turkey Breast sub for just 20p more.

However, if you’re one to plan ahead, you can get a really affordable sandwich in the morning, like their Egg & Cheese sub for £2.10, and keep it for lunch!

Read: The Best Shops for Cheap Clothes in London

Best Cheap Eats in London: Malletti, Clerkenwell

There are lots of really cool, cheap Italian places to eat in London , and what could be better than a visit to a historical Italian neighborhood for that?

Clerkenwell has seen lots of Italian people move in the surroundings for decades, and you’ll be able to get there incredible pizza al taglio (by the slice), pasta, foccaccia, and various Italian street foods.

A top pick would be the arancini, which is the Southern Italian way of describing the Roman suppli, and has a completely round shape where the suppli is rectangular.

There are more differences between both, but you get the gist.

Malletti on Clerkenwell Rd is open on weekdays only, from 11 am to 4 pm, and is the real deal if you’re looking for that perfect Italian street food.

And if you are Italian – or love Italian food to bits, I can also only recommend some really good Italian cafes to finish lunch…

Even if it means going back to Central London , on Goodge Street, Fitzrovia to find Caffè Napoli (incredible ginseng caffè!), much cheaper than Bar Italia in Soho, and much gentler on your wallet!

Read: The Best Neapolitan Pizza in Central London

Best Cheap Eats in London for Lunch: Icco Pizza, Goodge St & Camden

The cheapest of the cheapest pizza in London can be found at Icco Pizza, which has several branches in town.

My favorite is the one on Goodge Street, but if you’re ever looking for things to do in Camden Town , a visit to their Camden High Street branch is never a bad idea.

Especially since there are lots of charity shops in Camden that will help you enjoy life more, with cheap books, affordable branded clothes, and many more items to brighten up your home decor .

Icco Pizza has some really cheap pizza options that retail for as low as £3.95 for a Marinara pizza.

The rest of the menu has increased in price and is more expensive than £5, but hey, the Marinara is still a great deal!

Read: Poundland Makeup Gallery: Lip Products Review + Swatches

Best Cheap Eats in London: Chinatown Bakery, Chinatown, Central London

Chinatown Bakery has been one of my favorite bakeries in London for quite some time, and its location close to Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Covent Garden makes it a must-visit.

It’s one of the best cheap eats in Central London , especially if you’re looking for something a little bit different than Pret’s muffins and Ole & Steen’s cinnamon buns.

At Chinatown Bakery , you can have a chicken curry puff for under £3, as well as a slice of their fluffy, cloudy peanut or coconut cakes for just about £2.

There are lots of cheap places to eat in Chinatown, including Chinese Tapas House and Good Friend Chicken, but one thing’s for sure…

Chinatown Bakery is still one of the cheapest if you don’t want just the one bite.

Read: The Best Vegan Breakfast in London

There you have them, all the best places to eat a budget lunch under £5 in London – hopefully, you’ll have found some food spots you didn’t know about!

Some of my favorite places are Chinatown Bakery in Chinatown, whose prices allow you to get a savoury treat and a fluffy cake for just about £4, and the really cool Greggs deals.

I’ll keep updating this guide as I find other really cheap places – but if you’ve got a bit more budget, there are lots of places to have lunch in London under £10 as well!

Until next time!

Other London Food Reviews

• Whitcomb’s at the Londoner Leicester Square Review
• Heritage Soho – Modern European Restaurant Review
• Aqua Kyoto Soho Review
• Cafe Piazza Hay’s Galleria Review
• Bim’s Edmonton – Halal Burgers Review
• Host Cafe – St Paul’s Hidden Church Cafe Review
• Lisboa Patisserie Notting Hill Review
• Bread Ahead Bakery Wembley Review
• Ore Cafe Brompton Review
• Dark Sugars Brick Lane Review
• Oodles Chinese Holborn Review
• Elan Cafe Knightsbridge Review
• Elan Cafe Wardour Street Review
• Song Que Cafe Shoreditch Review
• Zia Lucia Wembley Boxpark Review
• Aux Merveilleux de Fred Leadenhall Market

Other London Food

• The Prettiest Restaurants in Mayfair
• The Best Doughnuts in London
• The Best Ice Cream in London
• The Best Vegan Doughnuts in London
• The Most Instagrammable Restaurants in London
• The Best Restaurants in Balham
• The Best Restaurants in Knightsbridge
• The Best Restaurants in Whitechapel
• The Best Restaurants in Walthamstow
• The Cutest Pink Cafes in London
• The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London
• The Best Cafes in London Bridge
• The Best Breakfast in Notting Hill
• The Best Brunch in London Bridge
• The Best Cat Cafes in London
• The Best Halal Steaks in London
• The Best Halal Brunch in London
• The Best Halal Burgers in London
• The Best Halal Breakfast in London
• The Best Halal Cafes in London

Other London Travel

• How to Spend 24 Hours in London
• The Best British Lifestyle Shops in London
• The Best Hidden Gems in Soho
• The Best Hidden Gems in London
• The Most Unusual Places in London
• The Best Makeup Shops in London
• The Best Stationery Shops in London
• The Most Secret Places in London
• The Most Beautiful Gardens in London
• The Best Hidden Gems in Oxford Street
• The Most Secret Beaches in London
• The Best British Drugstore Makeup Brands
• The Best Things to Do in Soho
• The Best Things to Do in London Bridge
• The Prettiest Villages in London
• The Most Colorful Places in London
• The Most Colorful Streets in Camden
• The Most Colorful Streets in Notting Hill

Other London Coworking

• The Best Chain Cafes in London To Work
• The Best Cafes To Work in London and Study
• The Best Cafes in Camden To Study and Work
• The Best 24 Hour Places to Study in London
• The Best Cafes to Work in Canary Wharf
• The Best Cafes to Work in South London
• The Best Cafes to Work in East London
• The Best Cafes to Work in North London
• The Best Cafes to Work in West London
• The best cafes to work in Covent Garden
• The best free libraries in London to study
• the best cafes in Notting Hill to work

The Working Line

Sam is a certified fashion makeup artist, a freelance writer, a blogger and a digital nomad. Since 2019, she roams around the world, from London to Rome and shares her knowledge about makeup, scented candles, travel, blogging and the digital nomad lifestyle.

• The Working Line https://theworkingline.com/author/theworkingline/ Parisian Bohemia: 15 Secret Things to Do in Montmartre, Paris
• The Working Line https://theworkingline.com/author/theworkingline/ Hidden Flavors: 5 Secret Places to Eat in Paris You'll Love
• The Working Line https://theworkingline.com/author/theworkingline/ 12 Historical Buildings in London That Even Locals Don't Know
• The Working Line https://theworkingline.com/author/theworkingline/ 13 Unmissable Things to Do in Le Marais, Paris
• The Best Hidden Gems in East London, Secret Places and Food
• The Best Hidden Gems in North London, Secret Gardens & Food
• The Best Hidden Gems in West London, Secret Gardens & Food
• Opulent Dining: These Are London's Best Maximalist Restaurants

• Travel Planning Guide

Travel Budget for London Visit London on a Budget or Travel in Style

• London Costs

• London Hotel Prices
• Best Business Hotels in London
• Best Party Hotels in London
• Best Cheap Hotels in London
• Best Hotels for One Night in London
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in London
• Best Hotels for One Week in London
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in London
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in London
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in London
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in London
• Best Luxury Hotels in London
• Best Adults Only Hotels in London
• Is London Expensive?
• How much does a trip to London cost?
• 1 Day in London On A Budget
• How to get to Central London from Heathrow Airport
• Is London Worth Visiting?
• The Best Walking Tours in London
• The Best Affordable Airport Transfers in London
• The Best Stonehenge Tours and Day Trips from London
• The Best Windsor Castle Tours from London
• The Best Westminster Abbey Tours in London
• The Best Harry Potter Tours in London
• The Best Cotswolds Tours and Day Trips from London
• The Best Tours to The White Cliffs of Dover from London
• The Best Buckingham Palace Tours in London
• Northern Ireland
• Lake District National Park
• How much does it cost to travel to London? (Average Daily Cost)
• London trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

Is London expensive to visit?

• How much do I need for a trip to London?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to London?

You should plan to spend around $248 (£189) per day on your vacation in London. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $45 (£34) on meals
• $34 (£26) on local transportation
• $323 (£246) on hotels

A one week trip to London for two people costs, on average, $3,475 (£2,646) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 248 £ 189
• One Week Per person $ 1,737 £ 1,323
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 3,475 £ 2,646
• One Month Per person $ 7,446 £ 5,670
• One Week For a couple $ 3,475 £ 2,646
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 6,949 £ 5,292
• One Month For a couple $ 14,891 £ 11,340

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to London cost?

A one week trip to London usually costs around $1,737 (£1,323) for one person and $3,475 (£2,646) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to London on average costs around $3,475 (£2,646) for one person and $6,949 (£5,292) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in London will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to London on average costs around $7,446 (£5,670) for one person and $14,891 (£11,340) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to London has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Prices in London are reasonable and comparable to your average travel destination. Hotels, food, and sightseeing are generally within normal price ranges.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, London is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Interlaken or Bellagio.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is London Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to London?

The average London trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these London travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in London

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in London is $161 (£123). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in London is $323 (£246). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 161 £ 123
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 323 £ 246

Hotel Prices in London

Looking for a hotel in London? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in London based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $126. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

The most affordable highest rated hotels in London include:

• Croham Park Bed & Breakfast starting at $116
• Batty Langley's starting at $211
• The Rookery London starting at $262

Recommended Properties

• Premier Inn London Angel Islington Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 95
• Hotel 41 Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 368

Transportation Budget in London

The cost of a taxi ride in London is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $34 (£26) per person, per day, on local transportation in London.

• Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 34 £ 26

Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:

• Transfer from Heathrow Airport to London or London to Heathrow for $132 details
• Shuttle transfer from your Hotel To Heathrow Airport - Super Saver for $61 details
• Round Trip Taxi Transfer - City Airport (LCY) to London Central for $212 details

Recommended Services

• Transfer from Heathrow Airport to London or London to Heathrow Viator $ 132
• Shuttle transfer from your Hotel To Heathrow Airport - Super Saver Viator $ 61

Flights to London

Rental cars in london, what did other people spend on transportation in london.

Typical prices for Transportation in London are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in London, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Taxi Ride £ 15
• Heathrow Express £ 18
• Luggage Storage £ 8.00
• London Map £ 1.29
• Oyster Card £ 36
• Train to Gatwick Airport (2) £ 22
• Oyster Card £ 27

Food Budget in London

While meal prices in London can vary, the average cost of food in London is $45 (£34) per day, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 45 £ 34

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in London. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

• 3 Hour Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class in London for $109 details
• 3 Hours Borough Market Morning Food Tour with London Bites Tours for $122 details
• Borough Market Food Tour with a Foodie Tailored to Your Tastes & Interests for $174 details

Recommended

• 3 Hour Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class in London Viator $ 109
• 3 Hours Borough Market Morning Food Tour with London Bites Tours Viator $ 122

What did other people spend on Food in London?

Typical prices for Food in London are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in London, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Lunch at Starbucks £ 13
• Tea £ 6.00
• Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason £ 39
• Morning Tea £ 6.35
• Pastry £ 5.00
• Sushi Dinner for One £ 18

Entertainment Budget in London

Entertainment and activities in London typically cost an average of $43 (£33) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 43 £ 33

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore London. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

• Hampton Court Palace private tour with an accredited expert guide for $279 details
• Working Women of the East End Walking Tour for $41 details
• A craft beer tasting tour of the Bermondsey Beer Mile for $67 details

Recommended Activities

• Hampton Court Palace private tour with an accredited expert guide Viator $ 279
• Working Women of the East End Walking Tour Viator $ 41

What did other people spend on Entertainment in London?

Typical prices for Entertainment in London are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in London, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Two Tickets to a Concert £ 83
• London Symphony Orchestra £ 34
• London Pass £ 47
• Comedy Show £ 8.00

Alcohol Budget in London

The average person spends about $20 (£15) on alcoholic beverages in London per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 20 £ 15

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in London. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

• London Historical Pub Tour: Traditional British Food & Ales for $80 details
• East End Craft Brewery Tour for $67 details
• Small Group Covent Garden Historic Pub Tour in London for $34 details
• London Historical Pub Tour: Traditional British Food & Ales Viator $ 80
• East End Craft Brewery Tour Viator $ 67

Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about London.

Why would you recommend London to budget travelers? Or, why not?

London is one of the most expensive city's I've visited, but the public transportation is convenient. You can expect to pay a lot of hotels and restaurants, so plan ahead!

What makes London a budget-friendly destination? Or not?

It is beautiful and the food is great!

It's one of my favorite places to visit, but your best bet for saving money is to travel during the low season (winter after the holidays) and if you have any friends in town, try to crash on their couch. Hotels are expensive!

How can you save money during your time in London?

We ate a lot of meals at pubs to save money, but also had plenty of amazing food at some of the outdoor markets. The Borough market was not far from our hotel and had so many amazing options. Some weren't as cheap as others but we found some filling options for not too much money. Otherwise, we always used the Underground to get around the city cause taxis and ubers are really expensive.

Are you an experienced traveler? Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels. + Add Comment

Related Articles

London on a budget.

When to go?

Neighborhoods, food and dining, transportation, tips to save money in london, more related articles.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Mint Notion

Feel rich living within your means

London on a Budget: 12 Tips for Cheap Travel

By Eden Ashley To cover the cost of this website and the time I spend writing these posts, sometimes I link to affiliate products. If you choose to buy through these links (at no additional cost to you), thank you so much! It makes it possible for me to keep doing this. Disclosure Policy

Is London expensive to visit? It’s no secret that London is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. However it is still possible to visit on a budget .

My sister and I traveled to London while we were students and found there were plenty of ways to eat good food, stay in a central location, and check out the city’s top attractions without breaking the bank.

Today I’m sharing the dos’ and donts when it comes to visiting London on a budget, including:

• What are the best neighborhoods to stay in London on a budget
• The best cheap hotels in London
• The best way to get around London on a budget
• The best cheap eats in London
• The cheapest way to see London attractions
• Free things to do in London
• General tips and tricks to help you plan your London itinerary

Related Posts:

• 5-Day London Itinerary For First-Time Visitors
• 27 things to know before visiting London for the first time
• The best tips for visiting the Tower of London

Table of Contents

Where to stay in London on a budget?

When visiting London for the first time, I recommend staying in one of the following neighborhoods.

This will provide a great base to see all of city’s main attractions, especially for a family trip to London.

• Covent Garden (central London location perfect for first-timers)
• Soho (great for nightlife, arts & culture)
• South Kensington (best for families, museum lovers and history buffs)
• Mayfair (best for luxury and romance)
• Camden (best for those on a budget)
• South Bank (across from the River Thames and great for tourists)

If you’re on a tight budget, below are some top-rated budget hotels in London:

• Point A Hotel London – Shoreditch
• Point A Hotel London Kings Cross – St Pancras
• The Corner London City – Close to the Tower of London
• Ridgemount Hotel – Close to Covent Garden and University College London
• Park Grand Paddington Court – Close to Paddington Station

If you have more room in your budget, below are the best mid-range hotels in London:

• Great Northern Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel – Near Kings Cross / St Pancras station
• The Barbican Rooms – Close to the city center
• Club Quarters Hotel St. Paul’s – Close to St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Locke at Broken Wharf – Close to Milennium Bridge and Tate Modern
• Cove – Cannon Street, The City – Close to St. Paul’s Cathedral

One of my favorite ways to save money on accommodations is to check for deals on sites like Booking.com .

How much should I budget for a trip to London?

If you’re visiting London on a budget, let’s take a look at how much it costs to visit London for the average traveler.

Hotels – For a couple, the average hotel in London costs £181 ($202 USD). For one person, the average hotel or hostel will cost £91.

Food and Meals – Most travelers spend around  £29 ($32 USD) on meals for one day. You can save money by buying pre-made meals from local grocery stores or making food in your hotel room (if possible).

Attractions – While most museums in London are free, the entrance fee for most of its popular attractions is between £20-£30. The best way to save money on paid attractions is to buy the London Pass .

Below are some more helpful do’s and don’ts when visiting London on a budget!

1. Get an Oyster Card

An Oyster Card is smart card (the size of a credit card) that you add money to, so you can pay as you go to travel on the London’s public transit.

Riding the tube without an Oyster Card can get expensive. It can cost TWICE the price for someone traveling without an Oyster Card when taking the exact same journey.

An Oyster card allows travelers to ride for cheaper than those buying individual tickets . It’s 50% cheaper thank buying single tickets.

If you want to get around London on a budget, then you’ll want to consider getting an Oyster Card, Visitor Oyster Card , or contactless payment cards.

Many tourist don’t realize this and make the mistake of not getting an Oyster Card.

You can pick up an Oyster Card at the airport or any tube station when arriving in London. This is a great option if you plan on using the metro a lot.

Consider getting the London Pass + Oyster Card Bundle

If you’re planning to check out the popular attractions in London, consider getting the London Pass .

This is a digital sightseeing card that gives you access to 80+ attractions in the city.

The London Pass includes a 1-day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and you can also add a Visitor Oyster Card to your pass at checkout.

The Visitor Oyster Card is pre-loaded with enough credit to match the duration of your pass. This gives you access to the London Underground, buses, Overground, and the DLR at any time, any day of the week.

2. Save on attractions with the London Pass

Visiting London for the first time is exciting! London is a big city and there’s lots of fun things to do and see.

But it can be challenging to plan an itinerary and determine which attractions to spend your money on, especially when you want to visit London on a budget.

The best way to save money on London attractions:

Getting the most bang for your buck is my #1 priority when planning a vacation and the London Pass was rated the #1 London tourism pass by TripAdvisor .

They’re also recommended by Expedia and The London Pass currently has a TrustScore rating of 4.4/5 on Trust Pilot , which makes it one of the highest rated sightseeing passes.

Over 3 million travelers have used the pass and it’s the only all-inclusive pass rated 4+ on Google.

With the London Pass, you can save time, money, and enjoy stress-free sightseeing. But don’t just take my word for it. Check out these reviews.

PRO TIP:  Buy the pass online to save extra money off the retail price. To buy the London Pass, click here to go to the official website.

How much money can you save with the London Pass? Just by using the 3-Day London Pass, you can save over 55% than if you had purchased tickets to each individual attraction.

FLASH SALE! Save up to 10% off the London Pass . Offer ends September 22nd. You have 2 years to activate the pass.

What’s included in the London Pass ?

✓ Pick from over 90 London attractions ✓ Valid for up to 10 days ✓ Save over 55% when you visit 3 attractions per day compared to purchasing individual tickets ✓ Mobile pass option

The London Pass is a pre-paid sightseeing card which gives you FREE fast-track entry to over 90+ attractions, museums, and tours in the city.

Below are some of my favorite attractions included in the London Pass:

Classic London Attractions:

• Tower of London (£29.90 value)
• Westminster Abbey (£25.00 value)
• St Paul’s Cathedral (£21.00 value)

Unique things to do in London:

• London Bridge Experience (£28.95 value)
• Uber Boat by Thames Clippers 1-day River Roamer (£21.00 value)
• London Zoo (£38.00 value)

Popular things to do in London:

• Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour (£34.00 value)
• The view from the Shard (£37.00 value)
• Kensington Palace (£20.00 value)

The London Pass also includes an optional Oyster travelcard to cover all your transportation needs.

Once you’ve bought the London Pass, you can visit as many attractions as you want. The more sights you visit, the more money you save!

Is the London Pass worth it? Check out my honest review of the London Pass here.

How to get your London Pass:

Step 1: Choose which pass duration you want to buy (1, 2, 3, 6, or 10 day). You can click here to purchase your London Pass from their official website.

Why you should consider buying the pass online:

• When you buy the pass online, you can take advantage of online discounts .
• They offer a 365-day money-back guarantee , so you can get a full refund just in case your plans change.
• You can activate your pass anytime within two years from the date of purchase.

STEP 2: Download your mobile pass instantly using the London Pass app.

If you prefer a physical pass, simply print your pass and guidebook at home. Links and easy-to-follow instructions for both options will be in your confirmation email.

Step 3: You now have FREE access to any of the 90+ top London attractions included for the duration of your pass.

How to activate the pass : It will activate once you visit your first attraction and can then be used on consecutive calendar days for the number of days purchased. 

You’ll also receive a free guidebook , which is included with your purchase. Use this book to help you easily plan your itinerary.

Which pass should you get for your trip?

1 day in London? Consider getting the 1-Day London Pass .

If you ride the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, visit Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and St Paul’s Cathedral, you’ll save nearly £30 vs. paying the regular admission price.

2 days in London? Consider getting the 1-Day or 2-Day London Pass . You can spend the first day visiting your “must-see” paid attractions, then visit London’s free attractions on the second day.

3 days in London? Consider getting the 2-Day or 3-Day London Pass . You can spend the first two days visiting your “must-see” paid attractions, then visit London’s free attractions on the third day.

4 days in London? Consider getting the 3-Day or 4-Day London Pass . You can spend the first three days visiting your “must-see” paid attractions, then visit London’s free attractions on the fourth day.

5 days in London? Consider getting the 4-Day or 5-Day London Pass . You can spend the first four days visiting your “must-see” paid attractions, then visit London’s free attractions on the fifth day.

I used the 3-Day London Pass pass for my 5-day London itinerary. This allowed me to visit more attractions than I would have otherwise!

6+ days in London? Consider getting the 6-Day , 7-Day , or 10-Day London Pass . You can spend the first several days visiting your “must-see” paid attractions, then visit London’s free attractions on the last couple of days.

3. Book all your attractions in advance

If you have your heart set on visiting a certain attraction, seeing a particular show, or eating at a specific restaurant, you should book in advance .

Booking in advance is usually cheaper and saves you the hassle of having to wait in long line-ups when you’re in London. Just skip the line and head straight to the attraction.

If you’re using the London Pass , this already gives you an advantage since you can skip the line at most attractions.

Some tours and attractions require advance reservations , which you can do through their site after buying your pass.

Pre-booking attractions, such as The View from the Shard is essential . If you’re using the London Pass, you can find details about how to book your time slot on their website.

If you’re not using the London Pass and prefer to buy individual tickets, I like using GetYourGuide . They offer free cancellation so you can receive a full refund if you’re travel plans change.

Below are some of the popular attractions and tours that you may want to consider booking in advance.

The view from the Shard

Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter

Buckingham Palace: The State Rooms

The London Eye

Tower of London

Westminster Abbey

St Paul’s Cathedral

London Bridge Experience and Tombs

London Dungeon

4. Save time by visiting attractions that are close together

To make the most of your London vacation, try to plan your daily itinerary by visiting attractions that are close together.

This will save you A LOT of time and stress of trying to go across town to the next attraction. I recommend planning to visit 2-3 attractions per day that are close to eachother.

For my trip, we just focused on one main neighborhood per day . This helped us maximize our sightseeing time. Below are some suggestions to get inspired.

Things to do near Westminster :

Wesminster Abbey

10 Downing Street

Buckingham Palace

Things to do near Kensington :

The Natural History Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum

The Science Museum

Things to do near Hyde Park :

Kensington Palace

Prince Albert Memorial

Princess Diana Memorial

Things to do near Trafalgar Square :

The National Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery

Piccadilly Circus

Leicester Square

Covent Garden

Things to do near the Thames River:

London Bridge

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Tate Modern

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Tower Bridge

5. Book your accommodations i n the city center

When visiting London on a budget, I know that it’s tempting to save money by booking accommodations outside of the city center.

But this is a common tourist mistake! Commuting into the city every day can get very expensive. Plus, it wastes precious sight-seeing time.

This is the ONE area that I would highly recommend pushing your budget to the maximum you can afford.

London is a big city with lots to see and do, which makes it worth your while to pay a little more to stay in the city.

Because hotels can be pricey in London, I recommend looking for affordable accommodations on Booking.com . This is my go-to site for finding cheap hotels rates.

Best hotels on a budget in London:

• Locke at Broken Wharf – Near Millennium Bridge
• New Road Hotel – In East London close to Whitechapel Station
• Twenty Nevern Square Hotel – Near Earls Court & Kensington
• Novotel London Paddington
• The Hoxton, Shoreditch – Affordable luxury hotel in London
• Generator London – One of the best hostels in London
• Belgrave Hotel – In the heart of London close to Pimlico Station

When you stay in a central location, you’ll be able to walk or take a short bus ride to all the main attractions.

For London Pass holders , you can take the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour or use the optional Oystercard to get around the city.

PRO TIP : Get a quality London guide book

Yes, I still use guide books. I find them incredibly helpful when planning my travel itinerary.

They often include neighborhood maps, sample itineraries, self-guided walking tours, and budget-friendly dining suggestions which come in handy. My favorite London guide books are from Lonely Planet , Rick Steves , and Fodor’s .

6. Don’t ride the tube for every trip

Yes, using an Oyster card is a smart way to save money when riding the tube. However, the tube isn’t the only way to get around London.

Even though the city is large, it’s easy to get to most central attractions on foot. London is a very walkable city , just make sure to wear comfortable shoes!

If walking is not convenient for you, consider riding one of London’s buses , which are much cheaper than taking the tube.

Best ways to get around London:

The city is very walkable and it’s easy to get around to most of the major attractions on foot.

You can so ride London’s public transit or take the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour . Both options are included in the London Pass .

If you’re looking for a unique way to see London, consider taking the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers 1-day River Roamer . This is also included in London Pass .

If you need to take a taxi, use Uber. Black cabs are iconic in London, but they can be very expensive and Uber is usually cheaper.

You can also hire a Santander Cycles in London from £1.65 for 30 minutes.

If you do have some room in your budget, below are some popular walking tours to check out in London:

• Jack the Ripper Guided Walking Tour
• Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour
• London: Ghastly Ghosts 2-Hour Walking Tour

7. Enjoy the cheap eats at local supermarkets

It’s no secret dining out in London can be expensive. This is why I love grabbing food at local supermarkets. This is one of the best places to eat in London on a budget.

Local supermarkets, such as Tesco , Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencers, and Waitrose offer a variety of pre-made food, such as sandwiches or salads, which are perfect for a quick lunch or snack on-the-go.

Have a picnic in the park or enjoy your meal in the comfort of your hotel.

PRO TIP : Get the Taste Card

Consider getting the Taste Card to save money on food. With either 2 for 1 meals or 50% off , you can save at thousands of restaurants in London.

General tips for dining on a budget and finding cheap eats in London :

Look for international cuisine – Indian, Thai, Chinese, and Turkish all offer great value at a good price when dining out.

Eat your main meal at lunch time – I noticed that lots of restaurants in London offer lunch specials during the week. This is usually cheaper than eating in the evening.

Check out local food markets – Some popular spots to get street food include Portobello Road Market , Borough Market , the Real Food Market , Southbank Center Food Market , and Camden Market.

Try a tradtional English breakfast – This meals is quite filling and is usually more affordable than lunch and dinner menu prices.

Don’t order soda pop – The UK has introduced a sugar tax which makes Coca-Cola even more expensive.

Get take-away food – Takeaway food is taxed less than eat-in food. If the weather is nice, grab your meal to-go and have a picnic in the park. Pret a Manger is also a great option for sandwiches, soups, salads, and wrap.

Do your research in advance – The last thing anyone wants to do is pay for an expensive meal at a restaurant that has bad service and food. I like using review Google to find the top-rated restaurants in my price range.

Choose one meal per day as a sit-down meal – Sit-down restaurants tend to be more expensive than take-away or street food. Try to limit this to once per day.

For example, you can grab a quick breakfast at a cafe, enjoy a sit-down meal at a restaurant for lunch, and grab an inexpensive meal for dinner. Or you can have an inexpensive lunch and splurge on a nice dinner.

8. Know how much to tip in London

Before visiting any new country, it’s always a good idea to do some research on tip etiquette.

While tipping is appreciated, it’s not always appropriate in London. Here are some basic guidelines to keep in mind:

Tipping in London restaurants:

When eating out, it’s customary to leave 10-15% of the bill.

Sometimes restaurants add on a service charge (usually 12.5%), so I recommend double checking your bill to prevent tipping twice. Tipping is not customary for fast food, take-away or self-service.

Tipping in bars:

Tipping is not common in bars or pubs. If you experience good service, you can round up your total to the nearest pound.

Tipping in taxi drivers:

While it is polite to tip 10-15% of the taxi fare, most people round up to the nearest pound.

Tipping in London hotels:

Many London hotel restaurants include a service charge, usually 10-12%. If a service charge is not included on your restaurant bill, it’s customary to leave a 10-15% tip.

For cleaning staff and hotel porters, leaving a tip is at your own discretion, but always appreciated.

9. Check out London’s free attractions

While London is known to be expensive, most of the city’s museums and art galleries are free. This can help cut down on vacation costs when you’re visiting London on a budget.

For my 5-day trip to London , my sister and I spent the first couple of days exploring all the free museums.

Then for the remaining 3 days, we used the London Pass to save money on the city’s popular attractions, such as the Tower of London and Churchill War Rooms.

Using the London Pass is the most cost effective way to see those attractions.

Free things to do in London:

National Gallery

National Portrait Gallery

British Museum

Natural History Museum

Victoria & Albert Museum

Science Museum

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

London’s city parks – Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park, Hampstead Heath, St James’s Park, Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill, and Victoria Park.

Sky Garden – This is London’s highest public garden that offers 360-degree views of the city’s iconic skyline. It’s located at 20 Fenchurch Street, also known as the The Walkie Talkie. It’s free to visit, but you must book tickets in advance.

Do you only want to visit a few paid London attractions?

Consider purchasing the GO City London Explorer Pass . You can to visit 3, 5, or 7 top attractions and tours as you go.

Save over 40% off London’s top attractions . You can read my full review here .

Another fun thing to do in London is to take a free walking tour. These are usually led by local university students and they work on tips . So technically, they’re not “free”, but they are affordable.

I also recommend exploring one of London’s many parks. There are tons to choose from and this can be a great way to enjoy a picnic or take a break from sightseeing and relax.

Read Next: 8 spots to find the best view of London

10. Don’t try to see everything in London

There’s so much to see and do in London, it’s impossible to do everything in one trip. While it’s tempting to jump from one expensive attraction to the next, you’ll end up losing money by not making the most of your experience.

Plan ahead and devote enough time for your essential attractions . This can help you get better value and gain a deeper appreciation for these attractions.

If you’re looking to save the most money when sightseeing, I recommend to using the London Pass or the GO City London Explorer Pass .

It’s silly to pay full-price at London’s popular attractions when you can save money with these tourism passes. This can be a great way to visit London on a budget without sacrificing fun.

How many days do you need in London?

While you can see most of the main sights in London in two to three days, for first-time visitors, I recommend spending at least 4-5 days in London.

My sister and I spent 5 days in London and still found that this was enough time to see most of the main attractions, but we could have easily spend a week in the city.

This is why I recommend planning your London itinerary in advance. This can help you decide on your must-see attractions and if you’re interested in taking any daytrips from London, such as the Warner Bros. Studio Tour of The Making of Harry Potter .

Below are some more day trip ideas from London you may want to consider:

• Bath, Winsdor Castle, and Stonehendge
• Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds
• Downton Abbey locations

11. Ride the Airport Express train

There are a few ways to travel from the airport into London. The quickest option is to take the airport express train.

This can help maximize your vacation time. If you want to visit London on a budget, remember that it’s cheaper to buy a return ticket than paying for two separate trips.

Both Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport offer an express train into London, however I prefer to fly into Gatwick for a couple of reasons:

• It’s less busy than Heathrow airport
• It’s usually cheaper to fly into Gatwick

You can purchase your Heathrow Express or Gatwick Express train tickets at the airport when you arrive. Make sure to purchase a return ticket at the same time because this saves you money.

PRO TIP: If you’re purchasing a roundtrip Gatwick Express ticket, you may qualify for Days Out Guide 2FOR1 offers . This can help you save money at London’s popular attractions.

Prep for your trip to London:

12. Save money on London’s theater and musical tickets

One of the most popular things to do in London is to see a West End show and live theatre.

The best way to save money on theatre tickets to book tickets online in advance. This ensures that you’re getting the best seat.

If you’re looking for last-minute tickets in London, then visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square. Here you can find half-price and discounted theatre tickets on the day of the show.

You can also try buying stanby tickets directly from the theatre box office. Have a back-up show in mind because you may not get your first choice.

London on a Budget FAQs

How can i enjoy london on a budget.

• Use an Oyster Card to ride London’s public transportation instead of paying cash.
• Use the London Pass if you’re planning to visit the city’s top attractions.
• Check out London’s supermarkets and local food markets for cheap eats.
• Check out London’s free museums and attractions.
• Find cheap hotel deals on Booking.com .

Is London expensive for travel?

London is not a cheap place to visit. But with the right planning, you can definitely visit London on a budget. Look for cheap accommodations, cook your own meals, visit free attractions, and walk or bike to get around the city.

How much money do you need per day in London?

The average daily cost (per person) is £145 ($203 USD). This is based on what past travellers have spent when visiting London.

Meals cost an average of £29 ($40 USD) per person, per day.

Transportation costs an average of £20 ($29 USD) per day. However, you can save money on transportation if planning to use the London Pass + Oyster Card. For example, the 3-day London Pass Oyster Card is £30, which is around £10 per day. for transportation.

The average hotel price per couple in London is £182 ($254 USD) per night.

How much money do you need per day in London? Plan to spend an average of £115 per day in London. A one-week trip to London for ONE person is around £1,017 . For two people, the cost is around £2,034 .

How can I eat cheap in London?

London restaurants can be expensive, but there are a few ways to eat cheap on your trip.

• Eat food from around the world . London has many ethnic restaurants that offer affordable meals, such as Indian, Chinese, Korean, and so on.
• Try street food . There are many food stalls and markets in London that sell affordable meals.
• Grab food from the supermarket . You can buy sandwiches and pre-made meals from the local supermarket for cheap.
• Make breakfast your biggest meal of the day . A traditional English breakfast is filling and cheap compared to lunch and dinner prices.
• Make lunch your main meal of the day . If you’re not a big breakfast person, consider checking out the lunch special offered at local restaurants. This is usually cheaper than their dinner menu.

When is the cheapest time to visit London?

The cheapest time to visit London is during the off-season. This is in the fall (November to mid-December) and winter (January to March).

The fall is my favorite time to visit London because you can enjoy the mild weather and holiday festivities before the Christmas rush.

What are the cheapest things to do in London?

Below are some of the best free (or cheap) things to do in London:

• Walk the glass floor at Tower Bridge
• Check out the Churchill War Rooms
• Visit the National Gallery
• Learn about history at the British Museum
• Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A Museum)
• Marvel at St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Be a kid again at the Natural History Museum
• Explore the Borough Market
• Have a picnic in Hyde Park
• Shop a Covent Garden

Is 2 nights in London enough?

While you won’t be able to see everything London has to offer, 2 nights is still worth a trip to London. You’ll be able to see a few of the city’s main attractions and landmarks. Just enough to make you want to come back for a longer visit.

How long is a good trip to London?

Aim to spend at least 4-5 days in London. This should give you enough time to get a good idea of what London is like, explore the different neighborhoods, see the main attractions, and not feel rushed.

What should I know before traveling to London?

• They drive on the left, so make sure to look right before crossing the street.
• British pints of beer are larger than in the USA. In the UK, a pint is 20 fluid ounces and in the USA it’s 16 fluid ounces.
• In a restaurant, the bill usually comes with a service charge. If not, then you can choose to tip 10% if service was good. Tipping is less common in London.
• Use an Oyster Card when riding London’s public transportation. This is cheaper than paying for single tickets.
• If you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing, consider getting the London Pass . This will save you up to 70% off the city’s most popular attractions vs. paying for individual entry tickets.
• If you’re only visiting a few attractions, consider getting the London Explorer Pass . This will save you money and allow you to skip the lines so you can maxmize your time.
• The UK uses £££. 100 pence = 1 £. The smallest paper note is 5 pounds. There are also £2 and £1 coins.
• Black cabs in London are iconic, but I recommend taking an Uber instead. They accept credit card payment and are usually cheaper than taking a cab.

What should I avoid in London?

Avoid eating at restaurants in Leicester Square. They are expensive and catered to tourists. Check out SoHo instead.

Oxford Street is great for shopping, but it’s one of the most crowded areas in London. For a more relaxing shopping experience, consider going to Carnaby Street or Brick Lane.

City of London on holiday weekends. It tends to be extremely busy.

Avoid traveling on the Tube during rush hour when it’s the busiest time.

Avoid walking at night alone. London is safe, but walking in an unfamiliar city alone at night is usually not a good idea.

Is New York or London more expensive?

If you’re trying to figure out if you should travel to New York or London, a vacation to New York City is more expensive.

According to BudgetYourTrip , the average daily cost per person, per day in London is $189 USD. In New York City, the average daily cost per person, per day is $238 USD.

While the cost of food is similiar in both cities, accommodation, transportation, entertainment, and alcohol is much cheaper in London than in New York City.

About Eden Ashley

As a new mom (and homeowner), I know the importance of having a budget that works. I'm passionate about finding unique ways to earn more and save more money so I can reach financial freedom sooner. Starting this blog allowed me to quit my 9-5 job and build multiple six-figures in savings. Click here to learn how to start your own blog today!

Reader Interactions

March 12, 2023 at 10:59 pm

London is a city with relatively high tourist spending in Europe. Thank you for your list. I believe it will save a lot of money for my trip to London in May.

May 26, 2017 at 10:25 am

May I just correct you on not tipping in bars and pubs in the UK. It is only not common practise if you are having one drink. If you buy a large round for a few people at once, it is customary to say “take one for yourself”. Or if you are staying at the same bar for a while and having many drinks. It is a good idea to tip the bar staff for your first drink, as you will get served faster the next time you return to the bar.

May 11, 2017 at 2:26 am

Hi, thank you for your tips on London’s visit on a budget. I have been to London and back. Great help there. I think like you said if we have access to a kitchen we can saved more on food and once in a while eat out…

August 1, 2016 at 7:29 pm

After traveling to London several times I would agree your suggestions are spot on. I especially love the 2for1 deals and have used those to save quite a bit of money over the years. And the Oyster Card is a must, if not for being more affordable but it’s also so easy to use.

Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

City Guides .\33 a132798-3f3b-4585-954d-7e70cf863447{fill:#231f20}

Guide to london on a budget | how to save money in london.

How to visit London on a budget — what to do, see, and eat for cheap!

It might be a little difficult to visit London on a budget but there are plenty of great ways to save money in London. In fact, there are actually plenty of free things in London so mixing free/cheap attractions with the more expensive paid attractions is a great way to spend less on your visit.

So, to help you stretch your London travel budget further, we’ve enlisted the help of some locals to share their favorite affordable restaurants, pubs, neighborhoods, shops, sights, and other attractions perfect for backpackers and other budget-savvy travelers.

Estimating Your Daily Costs For Visiting London on A Budget

First, let’s take a look at some ballpark costs to see how much it costs to visit London for an average budget-traveler.

I’ll take a much deeper dive into London budget travel costs throughout this article but I wanted to provide a quick overview to get started. You can also check out my London Price Guide .

• Hostel Prices: £25-£55/night (for the cheapest option)
• Budget Hotel Prices: €80-€120/night
• Rental Apartment Prices: €150-€250/night (for an entire centrally-located studio/1br apartment)
• Budget Breakfast: £3-£5
• Budget Lunch: £6-£10
• Budget Dinner: £10-£15
• Treat (dessert/beer/wine):  £3.50-£6
• Most Museums: Free
• Paid Sights: £20-£30
• London Tube Ride: £2.40 (w/ Oyster card)
• London City Bus Ride: £1.50
•  Santander Cycle City Bike: £2 (30-min ride)

Pick Up an Oyster Card For The Tube & Bus

The London Underground (subway) is the fastest way to travel around London but it is expensive — especially if you buy single tickets. You’ll get the best fares when you use the official Oyster Card metro card.

Another benefit to using the Oyster Card is that there is a daily cap (around £8.50) so once you hit that amount you won’t pay extra for the remainder of your rides that day.

Cheap Things To Do In London

London is a bit of an oddity when it comes to sightseeing — the main museums are free but everything else is very expensive.

Take A Free Walking Tour

One of the things I do when I arrive in a new city is to take a free walking tour — it truly helps me get a feel for the city and the local guides usually have some good tips on places to eat and drink.

These tours are often led by university students and the tours tend to be fun/casual and general in their subject matter. Note: These guides work on tips so they’re not “free” but they’re cheap.

Furthermore, most of these walking tours start in the morning so it’s a good excuse to get up and going.

• Strawberry Tours
• Free Tours By Foot
• Free London Walking Tours

London Walks ( www.walks.com ) isn’t free but their highly recommended tours cost £15.

Take A Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

I’ve always been a huge fan of Rick Steves and his travel videos, but he’s also put out some excellent self-guided audio walking tours — and they’re all completely free. He has a few different tours for London that cover many of the most-visited areas/sights.

• Download Rick Steves’ London Audio Tours here
• Self-Guided Walking Tours By Free ToursByFoot.com

Buy A Quality Guidebook

Yes, I still like traveling with a guidebook as it gives you a ton of helpful information at your fingertips. Most guidebooks come with travel itineraries, self-guided walking tours, and budget dining suggestions so guidebooks end up paying for themselves very quickly.

My favorite guidebooks are Lonely Planet and Rick Steves since they both focus on budget travel. That said, Amazon has a ton of London guidebooks that focus on multiple types of travel.

See A Lot (And Save) With The London Pass

A lot of travelers end up saving a bit of cash (and time waiting in the ticket lines) with the London Pass as it includes a lot of the most popular tourist attractions — notably the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Windsor Castle, View From The Shard Skyscraper, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour.

I’ve written up a more in-depth London Pass review to see if it’s a good option for your visit.

There is also the newly released London Explorer Pass which might work for some travelers.

Enjoy Cheap Sightseeing Via Public Transport

Tourist open-top buses and river cruises are a great way of seeing a city but they’re expensive. Luckily, London has a few bus routes and a public ferry that will give you a decent look at popular parts of London at a cheap price.

Here’s a link to the popular London Public Bus Routes PDF from above.

• Route 11: The section between Liverpool Street Station and Victoria Station hits many of the city’s sights like the City of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament.
• Route 15: This is a great route for tourists as it passes Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, St Paul’s, Blackfriar’s Bridge, Fleet Street, Waterloo Bridge, the Strand, and Trafalgar Square
• Route 9: You’ll go by Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park, Piccadilly, St. James’s Palace, and Trafalgar Square.

The Thames Clipper is London’s public water ferry that runs along the Thames.

Visit One Of the Free London Museums

Below are London’s best free museums but here’s a list of all 26 free museums in London .

BRITISH MUSEUM

Opened in 1759, the British Museum is dedicated to two million years of human history, art, and culture — including Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone. Its collection contains over eight million works so it’s easily one of the largest collections in existence. It’s also the most-visited attraction in Europe.

Naturally, like all museums this large, you might want to pick a few sections that interest you instead of trying to see everything. The museum also offers multiple free daily tours that focus on individual sections and last around 30 minutes.

• Admission: FREE
• Visit Website
• See On Google Maps

TATE MODERN ART MUSEUM

One of the world’s best museums for international and modern contemporary art. The Tate Modern, which is built in a former powerplant, has more than 50,000 pieces in its collection. You can also get excellent city views from its viewing platform.

• Temporary Exhibition: £13–£22

NATIONAL GALLERY

The National Gallery has one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world. The museum’s 2000 works date from the mid-13th century to 1900 — with the main focus on European paintings with works from masters like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Botticelli, and more.

SAATCHI GALLERY

This private collection of businessman/advertising giant Charles Saatchi. He opened his gallery in 1985 to show his extensive collection of contemporary art and it has grown to be one of the largest private collections in the world.

The collection features both up-and-coming and established contemporary artists so there is always something interesting/cutting-edge/bizarre to check out.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Are you into all aspects of nature? This is the place to visit. The star attraction is the giant whale skeleton and dinosaur gallery but there a plenty of other things to check out. The Natural History Museum is a favorite of children and school groups but it’s still fun for adults.

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM

The world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design — featuring ceramics, glass, textiles, costumes, silver, ironwork, jewelry, furniture, medieval objects, sculpture, and more from all across the globe.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

The Imperial War Museum covers war and other conflicts from WWI to the present day but its greatest emphasis is on WWII. The ground floor has tanks, trucks, planes, guns, and a range of other military equipment to explore.

There are also exhibits on the Holocaust, spies, and more.

Photographers’ Gallery

This is the first public gallery in the UK dedicated solely to photography. They put on a series of different exhibitions from international and British photographers.

• Tickets are £5 but it’s free after 5 pm (it closes at 6 pm) if you want to pop in.  Visit Website

Tate Britain

The Tate Britain features British artworks spanning from 1500 to the present day. They offer free tours nearly every hour. Be sure to check out  Late at Tate Britain  on the first Friday of every month — featuring half-price admission to exhibitions, live music, and performance art.

• Admission is free except for special exhibits.  Visit Website

Take In London’s Street Art

London has one of the best street art scenes in Europe and it’s absolutely free to check out. You’ll come across street art in most parts of the city but there are a few neighborhoods that attract the best artists.

Check out Google Arts And Culture: London Street Art and Discover Walks: London Street Art Blog Post to plan your own walk but Discover Walks also offers a guided street art walking tour that runs about £17/person.

Attend Service in London’s Most Famous Churches For Free

Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral are two of London’s most famous churches but you have to pay to tour them — unless you’re attending service. Both churches offer multiple services daily.

Chill Out In London’s Best Parks

Pack a picnic or grab a takeaway kebab (or even a few beers) and head to one of London’s many excellent parks. Luckily, London has a ton of parks to choose from (it is one of the greenest cities in the world) so you’re never very far away from some fresh air.

Covering over 350 acres, Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in greater London and it is the largest park in central London. It has plenty of walking/bike trails, a nice late for swimming/boating, and tons of green lawn for a picnic — you can even rent lawn chairs for about £2. It’s also famous for its Speakers’ Corner.

KENSINGTON GARDENS

Kensington Gardens was once the private gardens of Kensington Palace but now it’s open to the public. It’s always full of people enjoying its green space and its large pond has lots of benches to sit on. Kensington Gardens is essentially connected to Hyde Park so it’s easy to explore both locations at the same time.

• See on Google Maps

REGENT’S PARK

Regent’s Park has the largest grass area for sports in Central London and offers a wide variety of activities, an Open Air Theatre, and Queen Mary’s Rose Garden. It’s also home to Regents Park Zoo, Regent’s University & The London Mosque.

To the north of the Regent’s Park you’ll find Primrose Hill — which offers nice city views.

HAMPSTEAD HEATH

Hampstead Heath is a large, 790 acres park to the north of London that’s one of the highest parts of the city so it’s a great place for city views (at Parliament Hill Viewpoint).

Unlike most parks in London, Hampstead Heath is more wild and unmanicured. There are plenty of walking paths, green lawns, and ponds for swimming. You might even seem some deer wandering around.

ST. JAMES’S PARK

This relatively small 57-acre park in central London is located between Buckingham Palace and the House of Parliament so you’ll probably come across it as you explore these two must-visit sights. It’s a very beautiful park with a great pond, plenty of shady trees, and ample paths to stroll.

GREENWICH PARK

This large 183 acres park was once a royal hunting ground and now offers up excellent views of the city. It’s also home to the Royal Observatory, Maritime Museum, Meridian Line, large lawns, and flower gardens.

HOLLAND PARK

Holland Park is another nice park in central London but it’s most known for its Koto Japanese Gardens.

Enjoy City Views of London For Free

It’s hard to beat a Beautiful view of a city as beautiful as London so here are a few places to soak it all in for free.

Located in the “walkie talkie” skyscraper, the Sky Garden is the highest public garden in London and it offers 360-degree views of the city’s skyline. It’s free to visit and you can have dinner and drinks there as well (which aren’t cheap).

Tate Modern Viewing Level

The Tate Modern Museum (also free) has an excellent 360-degree observation level that sits 200-feet above London which overlooks River Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the rest of the city’s iconic skyline.

Primrose Hill

Just north of Regent’s Park, you’ll find Primrose Hill. Make the climb to the top to be rewarded with panoramic views over Regent’s Park and the city. Walk up  Regent’s Park Road  on your way there and stop by one of the delis for a picnic lunch.

Note: London has a few notable skyscrapers and most of them have an expensive observation deck. However, they also have bars that serve up expensive drinks, but the view is free and you get to linger for a bit.

Walk Along The Thames River and Its Bridges

The River Thames has a beautiful walking path so it makes an excellent place to go for a stroll. Additionally, many of London’s most famous buildings are situated along the river so that makes for a loverly walk.

When it comes to bridges that span the river, the most iconic bridge is Tower Bridge but Westminster Bridge (in front of Big Ben and the houses of Parliament) and Millennium Bridge (connecting St. Pauls and the Tate Modern) are two other popular attractions as well.

WALK ALONG REGENT’S CANAL

Regents’ Canal is an 8.6-mile canal that runs east to west through northern London (from Little Venice and ends in Docklands). As you walk the canal you’ll come across boats and cafes and cafes on boats and plenty of people enjoying the fresh air.

Do Some Budget-Friendly Shopping

In addition to having just about every chain store and a number of high-end shops, London is also famous for its markets which have vendors selling everything from vintage fashion and trinkets to handmade goods and artisan crafts.

The main markets are:

• Camden Market
• Portobello Road
• Old Spitalfields

London also has a thriving thrift store scene where you might be able to score some second-hand clothing at a decent price (it also has plenty of high-end second-hand stores for more designer apparel).

Recommended thrift stores:

• Beyond Retro
• East End Thrift Store
• Reign Vintage

See A Play or Musical For Cheap

London has a thriving theater scene, and while tickets are typically expensive, there are a few ways to score some cheap tickets.

• Rush Tickets: These are last-minute tickets that haven’t sold and are heavily discounted. They’re on sale the morning of the show at the theater or by calling.
• TodayTix : These tickets go on sale a few days or a few weeks before the show.
• TKTS : This booth sells tickets a few hours before the showtime.

Eating On A Budget in London

It’s still possible to find fairly affordable restaurants in London but you have to know where to look. I’ve teamed up with a few local London folks to bring you some of their favorite places to eat without spending a lot of money. Want more suggestions — check out London Cheap Eats .

Note: I try to focus on value over rock bottom prices because I still want quality food when I’m eating on a budget.

Note: I also focused on restaurants that are fairly centrally located since that’s where most visitors will spend the bulk of their time.

General Budget Dining Tips

International Cuisine Is A Great Value

Chinese, Vietnamese, Turkish, Indian, Thai, and other similar international fare is some of your best bang for your buck when it comes to eating out. I’ve listed many of these restaurants further below in this section.

Pack A Supermarket Picnic

The cheapest way to eat is to shop at one of London’s many supermarkets. The best budget-friendly grocery stores are Tesco , Sainsbury’s , and Coop. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale then check out Marks & Spencers and Waitrose .

Takeaway Is Cheaper

Takeaway meals are taxed at a lower rate so they’re always cheaper than dining in.

Supermarkets Sell Cheap Salads and Sandwiches

Just about every supermarket will sell pre-made sandwiches and salads that are reasonably affordable. You can also stock up on cheap drinks, fruit, and snacks while you’re there. Most supermarkets will have “meal deals” that consists of a sandwich, bottle of water, and some chips for around £5.

Skip The Soda

Thanks to high taxes on sugary drinks, soda ends up being super expensive.

Don’t Overtip

In many cases, the service fee is already included in the bill so there is no need to tip extra. If your bill doesn’t mention a service fee then 10% is fine.

Eat Your Way Through Borough Market

Borough Market is a wholesale and retail food market hall in Southwark, London, England. In fact, it’s one of the largest and oldest food markets in London (there has been some form of a market on this site since the 12th century). There are also a number of food stalls selling prepared food or you can pick up fresh produce and baked goods.

• See List Of All The Trader and Food Sellers

Visit The Food Stalls At Camden Market

Camden Market has become one of the must-visit spots in London thanks to its 1000 shops and stalls selling clothing, music, art, and food.

It has around 100 food stalls and restaurants serving up just about everything. I’ll admit that you’re probably paying a bit of a premium here but it’s a fun atmosphere and experience.

• See List Of All Dining Options

Visit KERB, The Hip Street Food Market

KERB is a multi-location street market located throughout London. The offerings at KERB tend to be a bit more innovative than other markets so you can find lots of interesting offerings here.

• Visit Their Website

Eat At Street Feasts

Street Feasts is another street food company that runs multiple street food markets in London.

Chow Down on Fish and Chips

London has a ton of spots to get fish and chips but a majority of them are either overpriced or just not very good. This places listed here have all been pre-vetted by our locals for being a good value for the money.

Fishcotheque

This traditional hole-in-the-wall joint is tucked under a bridge and serves up generous portions for a reasonable price. They’re a local favorite so it can get busy during lunch and dinner.

• Order of Fish and Chips: £13

The Golden Hind Restaurant Marylebone

Another no-frills and much-loved mainstay with large portions (and long lines).

• Order of Fish and Chips: £13-£16

Poppie’s Fish And Chips

Poppie’s is one of London’s most famous and popular chippy joints so you can’t really go wrong here. It’s a little more expensive but its quality is top-notch.

• Order of Fish and Chips: £14-£18
• See Locations on Google Maps

The Laughing Halibut

An old-school joint that’s always busy and popular with both locals and tourists. Prices are very reasonable for the super central area.

• Order of Fish and Chips: £11-£13
• See Location on Google

Opened in 1982, this bustling award-winning shop serves up some of the best traditional fish and chips in London. Dine-in or takeaway.

• Order of Fish and Chips: £9.50-£12

Golden Union Fish Bar

Another super popular joint right in the middle of London. Expect to wait in line for about 20-30 minutes at this no-frills spot during the busy time but it’s worth the wait.

• Order of Fish and Chips: £10

Gigs Fish & Chips

Opened in 1958, Gigs obviously knows what they’re doing if they’ve survived this long in a city that seems to have a chippy everywhere you look. 

• Order of Fish and Chips: £8 (takeaway) – £14.50 (dine-in)

Masters Superfish

No-frills traditional joint with fresh and tasty fish and chips.

Start Your Day With An English Breakfast

What’s the best way to fuel up for a full day of sightseeing? A full English breakfast — which is traditionally a plate full of bacon, sausages, eggs, black pudding, baked beans, tomatoes and mushrooms, toast that’s served with coffee or tea.

Well, it might put you in a food coma as well but this greasy fry-up won’t leave you hungry. These days a full English breakfast can range from low-frills to gourmet but we’re going to focus on a few local favorite spots.

Regency Cafe

Cheap, no-frills, delicious, and always busy (get there early to avoid a long wait). This authentic spot has been around since 1946 and is a local favorite.

• Full English Breakfast: Starts at £6.00

A cool art-deco workers’ cafe that’s been serving up English breakfasts to hungry folks since 1900. Another super authentic local favorite.

• Full English Breakfast: Starts at £8.40

Another local favorite with large portions at an affordable price.

• Full English Breakfast: Starts at £5.50-£6

Terry’s Cafe

Old-school, family-run cafe. Quality food for a good price. A local favorite since 1982.

• Full English Breakfast: Starts at £8.50-£12

Devour London’s Indian Cuisine Scene

Outside of India, London is the best place to get excellent Indian food that spans multiple regions of India. London is also home to many high-end Indian restaurants but we’re going to focus on more budget-friendly options.

Expect long lines and excellent Bombay-style comfort food at this popular restaurant. The prices are fair, the atmosphere is buzzing, and the quality of food and drinks is excellent. Many people say this is their favorite Indian restaurant in London.

• Main Dishes: £9-£13

Opened in 1972, this no-frills Punjabi restaurant is famous for their spicy dishes. It’s a popular spot so expect a wait.

• Main Dishes: £7-£11

A popular spot for family-style Sri Lankan authentic cuisine. They’re also known for their cocktail menu.

Kricket SOHO

This lovely and hip Mumbai-style joint serves up modern tapas-style dishes and excellent cocktails. The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable.

• Main Dishes: £7-£12

Raavi Kebab

A favorite for Pakistani-style Punjabi food. No-frills but very authentic.

Gujarati Rasoi

This popular stall in Borough Market serves up classic Indian dishes to go.

• Main Dishes: £7

Govinda’s Pure Vegetarian Restaurant

Govinda’s, which is linked to the Radha Krishna Temple, serves vegetarian and vegan Indian dishes and desserts at very affordable prices.

• Main Dishes: £7-£14

Cafe Tiffin

This small Indian restaurant is another spot that has solid Indian dishes at a good price. It’s also BYOB so that’s another way to save a little cash.

• Main Dishes: £8-£11

Grab Some Pizza

Pizza is always a good idea when you’re a hungry traveler looking to save a little cash. Here are some of London’s top pizza joints and many serve by the slice if you’re looking for something on the go.

Solid Italian-style pizza for a great value. 

• Prices: £4.50-£7.50

Pizza Pilgrims

Another great option for excellent pizza at a great price. 

• Prices: £6-£11

Franco Manca

Franco Manca has 50 locations in Italy and the UK and they serve up great sourdough Neapolitan pizza for a good price. 

• Prices: £5-£10

Homeslice Pizza

Homeslice a multi-location pizza joint that’s most well-known for its giant 20″ pizzas and large single slices.

• Prices: £4 (slice) & £20 (full pizza)

Pizza Union

Great authentic thin and crispy pizzas. 

• Prices: £5-£8

More Budget-Friendly Restaurants in London

I received so many excellent recommendations for cheap places to eat in London that I had a hard time categorizing them… so I decided to place them all in this section.

That’s why here you’ll find everything from British and French to Italian and Thai.

Goddards at Greenwich (British)

This traditional pie mash and liquor restaurant has been around since 1890 and they serve up handmade pie & mash daily at a fair price. They have some nice traditional British desserts as well.

• Main Dishes: £4.50-£9

MotherMash (British)

This bustling cafe whips up tasty pies, sausages, and mash for a fair price. A good place to try some British comfort-food staples.

• Main Dishes: £10

Padella (Italian/Pasta)

One of the most popular budget-friendly pasta spots in London. The pasta is all handmade in front of you and the quality is great for the price. Their takeaway pasta dishes range from around £5-£8.

• Main Dishes: £5-£8

Flat Iron (Steakhouse)

This popular casual chain serves up a nice flat iron steak and a salad for £12 (sides are extra).

• Main Dishes: £12

Super tasty NYC-style buttermilk-fried chicken sandwiches.

• Main Dishes: £6-£11

Chik’n

Another fried-chicken sandwich joint.

• Main Dishes: £6-£9

Hiba (Lebanese and Palestinian)

This family-run (the grandma is the head chef) Lebanese and Palestinian restaurant serves up excellent food for a fair price. Super friendly and welcoming. Lunch falafel/wrap deals start around £6.50.

• Main Dishes: £6.50-£9

Lahore Kebab House (Pakistani)

Super popular Pakistani restaurant that’s famous for its kebabs and other grilled meats.

• Main Dishes: £9-£11

Sông Quê Café (Vietnamese/Pho)

Excellent Vietnamese place to get authentic beef pho at a great price. Super popular so expect a line.

• Main Dishes: £7.50-£10

Cafe East (Vietnamese)

Another super popular Vietnamese restaurant with excellent food and great prices.

• Main Dishes: £9-£10

Bone Daddies (Japanese/Ramen)

This multi-location joint serves up excellent ramen in an ultra-hip atmosphere and has solid cocktails.

• Main Dishes: £10-£13

Shoryu (Japanese/Ramen)

Another super popular multi-location Japanese joint serving handmade ramen in pork broth, plus sake and Japanese whiskies.

• Main Dishes: £10-£14

Koya Bar (Japanese)

Compact Japanese spot famous for their Udon noodles.

Bibimbap Soho (Korean)

A great little Korean restaurant with tasty food (bibimbap & bento boxes, etc.) and good service.

Jin’s Kitchen (Korean)

This tiny budget-friendly takeaway snack bar serves up Korean fast food.

Franco Manco (Pizza)

This multi-location restaurant serves excellent wood-fired sourdough pizza at a great price.

• Main Dishes: £5.50-£8

Le Mercury (French)

It’s not often you can find budget-friendly French food but that’s what you’ll find at Le Mercury. This neighborhood institution is always bustling thanks to its quality meals so you might want to book ahead.

• Main Dishes: £12-£14

La Porchetta Pollo Bar (Italian)

A longtime unpretentious and cozy Italian restaurant with great pizza and pasta.

• Main Dishes: £8-£13

Polop (Italian)

Excellent Venetian-style Italian cafe with small plates, good wines, and reasonable prices. Always busy for a reason.

• Main Dishes: £7-£13

GReat Grill House (Greek)

Simple Greek spot with great gyros and other grilled meats.

• Main Dishes: £5.50-£11

Fez Mangal (Turkish)

Tiny Turkish cafe with an open grill and excellent lamb & chicken kebabs.

• Main Dishes: £5.50-£10

Comptoir Libanais (Lebanese)

Lovely vibe, lovely food, and lovely refreshments.

Patogh (Iranian/Persian)

Unfussy Iranian joint with grilled meat and fish.

What The Pitta (Vegan)

Super popular thanks to their excellent vegan kebabs — some say they’re better than non-vegan kebabs.

• Main Dishes: £8-£12

Mildreds (Vegan)

Very popular vegetarian restaurant with an emphasis on organic, seasonal produce.

• Main Dishes: £8-£14

Have A Pint In An Old Historic Pub

London is home to thousands of pubs and a handful of them date back to 1600-1700s. You can certainly find “cheaper” places to get a beer but the awesome atmosphere is worth the minimal extra cost. Furthermore, most of these pubs will serve up classic British “pub grub” if you want a filling meal.

Here are some of the best historic London pubs:

• The Black Friar  (est. 1875)
• Cittie of Yorke  (est. 1920 but the buildings on the site have been pubs since 1430)
• The Cross Keys  (est. 1840s  — highly recommended)
• The French House  (est. 1891)
• The George  (est. 1600s)
• The Grapes  (est. 1583)
• The Grenadier  (est. 1818 — highly recommended)
• Hoop & Grapes  (One of the few timber buildings to escape the Great Fire of London in 1666)
• Lamb & Flag  (est. 1620s and favorite of Charles Dickens — highly recommended)
• The Mayflower  (est. 1600s — highly recommended)
• The Nag’s Head  (est. 1800s)
• The Old Bell  (est. 1600s)
• The Prospect of Whitby  (est. 1520s)
• The Seven Stars  (est. 1602)
• The Spaniards Inn  (est. 1500s)
• The Tipperary  (est. 1667)
• The Viaduct  (est. 1865)
• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (est. 1667 but a pub has been there since 1538 — highly recommended)
• Ye Olde Mitre (est. 1546 — highly recommended)

Cheap Accommodation

London can be a killer when it comes to hotels, hostels, and rental apartments.

The Best Hostels in London

London has more than 100 hostels — which makes it one of the best hostel cities in the world.  Visit  Hostelworld  to see them all.

Well-rated hostels generally cost between £25-£50/night for the cheapest bed option but you might be able to find a few that are around £20/night. Ultra-budget travelers can find something closer to £15 but don’t expect much quality. Prices do tend to be a bit more expensive on Friday and Saturday night for the weekend travel crowd.

Here are a few of the best hostel options:

• Wombats City Hostel London
• Astor Hyde Park
• Astor Queensway
• Barmy Badger Backpackers
• MEININGER London Hyde Park
• Generator London

Want to learn more? Read our guide to the  Best Hostels in London and check out my Hostel Packing List .

Airbnb & Airbnb Alternatives

London has a healthy stock of short term rental apartments which will offer more space at a similar/cheaper price than you’ll find in a hotel. In addition, an apartment can be a great option for large families or for groups traveling together.

The main rental is Airbnb so I suggest starting there.

You can expect to pay €150-€250/night for a modest studio or one-bedroom apartment in the center of London. Obviously, the prices go up if you want something nicer or with more space but you can save quite a bit if you don’t mind staying outside of central London.

Check Airbnb to get an idea of current prices as they also fluctuate based on the time of year you’re traveling. I’ve also written a guide to Airbnb alternatives if you’re looking for different options.

Explore London On A Santander Cycle

London is a bike-friendly city so you’ll find plenty of protected bike lanes. And thanks to the Santander Cycle bike share system , for £2 you can get unlimited journeys up to 30 minutes, within a 24 hour period and there are stations all over the city.

Save Money Going To/From The Airports

Traveling between London’s multiple airports and the city center can be expensive. Here are a few of the different options for each airport.

• You can take the London Underground between the airport and the city for around £6. The ride takes around an hour. The Heathrow Express only takes 15 minutes but it’s more expensive at £22 — however, you can often pre-book well in advance and get a ticket as low as £6.
• There is a National Express bus that costs £6 and takes anywhere from 40-90 minutes depending on traffic.
• A taxi will set you back around £80 and will take around 45-60 minutes.
• The National Rail offers a train from Gatwick into central London which takes between 30-45 minutes and tickets run between £10-£20.
• The Gatwick Express costs £20 and the trip takes 30 minutes.
• The National Express bus costs £8 but can take nearly two hours because of traffic.
• The Stansted Express costs £17 takes around 45 minutes.
• There are a handful of different bus services ( Airport Bus Express and EasyBus ) that all take around 60-90 minutes and cost £6-£10.
• National Rail has train service that costs £15 and it takes around 45 minutes.
• There is bus service that costs £5-£10 and takes around 90 minutes.

General Budget Travel Tips

Here are a few more budget-travel related articles I’ve written that will help you save money while visiting London.

Get Strategic With Your Sightseeing

A little planning goes a long way when you visit London. Here are a few simple things you can do to save yourself a lot of time, money, and frustration:

• Segment Sightseeing By Location: London is a large city so group your sightseeing by location so you don’t waste time visiting attractions that are spread out.
• Overextending Yourself: London has so much to see but you can’t see it all. Unfortunately, many people try to see too much and end up getting burnt out. In my opinion, it’s better to spend more time seeing less so you can actually absorb the experience… and you spend less as well.
• Have An Idea Where To Eat: One of the quickest ways to bust your budget is by eating and we all tend to eat anywhere once we’re hungry. So jot down a few places to eat before you head out for the day.
• Research Hours: Don’t forget to check the hours of the attractions you want to visit since most places are closed at least one day a week.

Skip The Tube For Short Walking Distances

Since riding the London Underground is fairly expensive, it’s best to walk if the distances are reasonable. In general, if you’re going less than three stops it’s often faster to walk anyways (the Tube map makes distances between stations appear much further apart than they actually are).

Plus, walking lets you actually see the city.

Avoid/Limit Credit Card and Debit Card Fees

Credit card fees and ATM withdrawal fees from your bank can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars before you know it. Check out my guide on Using Money In Europe: ATMs, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Exchange Rates

Pick Your Travel Season

If you’re on a budget, you’ll be able to save a good amount on your accommodation and airfare if you visit during the offseason. That said, London is a popular year-round destination and the weather is mild, so price drops aren’t as large as you’d find in other cities.

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance helps you avoid many of those unexpected and costly things that can arise while traveling. For budget travelers, I prefer World Nomads since they’re affordable and easy to work with.

Reclaim The Value Added Tax (VAT)

Most goods in the UK include a tax (VAT) of around 20% but non-citizens aren’t required to pay this tax. It’s kind of a pain to get the money back but if you make a few large purchases you could get a decent amount back.

To get your money back you’ll have to visit the office at the airport. The process can take a few hours since a lot of people do it and the office isn’t staffed with enough employees to process claims quickly.

General Ways To Save on Food and Drink

I’ve already covered many of the best budget restaurants in London in this article but here is a general guide about How to Eat and Drink on a Budget While Traveling in Europe

Save On Traveling England By Train

Is London just one city you’ll be visiting in England? Check out my England Train Guide for ways to save money while using the UK train system.

Packing Advice and Packing Lists

What you should you pack when you visiting London (and beyond)? I got you covered.

• Backpacking Europe Packing List
• Travel Europe Packing List for Women
• Europe Packing List  (for any travel style)
• Hostel Packing List
• Ultralight Travel Packing List
• Winter Packing List for Europe
• Best Travel Backpacks  
• Best Travel Backpacks for Women
• Best Carry-On Backpacks
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The Cost of Travel in London: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

How has it taken me so long to get around to writing a budget breakdown for London?

London is everything to me.

I was born in this incredible city and spent the first 23 years of my life exploring everything it has to offer. Even now, over a decade after leaving to travel the world, I consider London home and return every single year to spend my summers strolling its streets. I spent several weeks there last summer, and have already booked my tickets for this year’s trip!

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, it’s impossible to run out of things to do and see in this magnificent place. A list of things to do would stretch into the hundreds, if not the thousands; my top restaurant recommendations would require months to visit them all. You could spend a week in London doing nothing but visiting world-class museums and leave with just as many left on your to-do list. And that’s before I even dive into the countless day trips that are up for grabs around the U.K.

And all of this wonder? Yeah, it won’t be a surprise to hear that it comes at a steep price.

London is expensive, but there are plenty of ways to keep your budget to a minimum — when I returned to the city after backpacking in Southeast Asia, I was still able to keep my costs low by staying in hostels and eating the delicious street food. But if you’re all about that luxury life? London is unlike anywhere else in the world, with so many world-class hotels and restaurants to dip into.

Today, I’m going to be sharing exactly how much you can expect to spend on a trip to London. Prices are in USD and GBP.

How to Save Money on the Cost of Accommodation in London

As always with travel, it’s possible to cut your accommodation costs down to zero if you have the time and patience to seek out an offer. And when you see the price of some of the accommodation in London, you might just be able to find said time!

Couchsurfing  exists in the UK– and, of course, London — and lets you stay with a local for free, sleeping on their sofa and enjoying a local’s insight into life in their country. It’s not the most comfortable of living situations, but if your budget is tight and you don’t mind roughing it, it’s worth sending out a few requests to hosts to see if anything comes of it. You can search for potential hosts on the Couchsurfing site .

Housesitting  is another option. This is where you take care of somebody’s house for free while they’re away, and usually look after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees: you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and when you go there.

If you do have that freedom, though, it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while.  Trusted Housesitters  is the best site for getting started with housesitting — they usually have hundreds of housesits available for London at any one time, so it’s well-worth having a look to see if any coincide with your travel dates.

I’m suspecting, though, that for most of you, you’re not interested in the free accommodation: you just want somewhere clean, safe, and affordable to rest your head each night. If that’s the case, there are several options available.

The Cost of Accommodation in London

The best hostel in London: YHA London Oxford Street (dorms $45/£35 a night, private rooms $141/£110 )

Want to visit London on a budget and still stay in the heart of the action? Well, you can’t get much more central than right beside the city’s premier shopping street, and YHA London Oxford Street lets you stay there for as little as $45/£35 a night! That’s assuming you’re happy to stay in a dorm, of course, but even if you aren’t, private rooms are still very reasonably priced. Despite the affordability, you still get a quiet building, clean rooms, individual lights and power sockets beside each dorm bed, and the option of an inexpensive breakfast each morning. You can also buy drinks and light meals onsite, but of course there are about a thousand eating and drinking options nearby as well! Everything is within walking distance or a short tube ride away, so if all you’re really looking for is a cheap, clean place to lay your head in central London, this is definitely the place to do it.

The best budget hotel in London: The Lilac Door ( $167/£130 a night)

The Lilac Door is an adorable, family-run bed and breakfast in Dulwich Hill that’s an affordable yet charming place to stay in London. The rooms are clean and comfortable, but as always with a B&B, it’s the hosts that make or break it. In this case, they definitely make it: not only were they super warm and welcoming, but the breakfasts I had there were exceptional. They had no problem catering for dietary requirements like gluten-free or vegetarianism, but if you’re not limited in what you can eat, you have so many options, from a full English to a huge spread of croissants, yoghurts, and omelettes. There’s plenty to see and do nearby, including the well-known Dulwich Picture Gallery and Crystal Palace Park, while a bus or overland train gets you into the centre of the city in about 40 minutes.

The best mid-range hotel in London: Blackbird ( $277/£216 a night)

It’s no surprise that you’ll need to up your budget a bit if you want to stay closer to the heart of London: with that in mind, Blackbird offers impressive value. Honestly, I was surprised to find out that it’s actually a pub first and accommodation second: it’s a very upscale version of the classic “pub with rooms” that you find all over the UK. The rooms are clean and spacious for the area, with all the amenities you need for a few days in the city. Food (and drinks) at the pub downstairs are definitely a step above traditional pub fare, and with breakfast included, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to sample it! In terms of getting around, you’re in a great location: Kensington Palace and Hyde Park are a lovely half-hour stroll away, and the hotel is basically over the road from Earls Court station, with regular tubes that can whisk you directly to Covent Garden in 20 minutes or Heathrow airport in 40 minutes.

The best high-end hotel in London: Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection ( $555/£432 a night)

Ever since I stayed in one of Marriot’s amazing Autograph Collection hotels in Seoul last year, I’ve been keeping an eye out for the chance to do it again. The stylish design, exceptional staff, and attention to detail was unlike anything I’d experienced before, and Bankside Hotel brings all of that and more to London’s bustling South Bank. You couldn’t ask for a better location, less than a five minute stroll from the Tate Modern and the Thames, and an easy walk or short cab or tube ride to everything you’ll want to see in central London. As you’d expect, the rooms are super-quiet and the amenities are top-notch, from remote-control blackout blinds to marble bathrooms, and the artwork around the hotel is quirky without being tacky: not an easy balance. In short, if you’re happy to spend a bit extra to make your stay in London especially memorable and comfortable, Bankside is the place to do it!

The Cost of Transportation in London 

Your first travel experience from London is going to depend a hell of a lot on which airport you choose to land at. Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, or even London City: all are potential options, but only London City is anywhere close to the centre of the action. It’s a small airport that mostly services flights to nearby European countries, so you’ll likely be flying into somewhere else, which means a solid hour of public transport to get into central London.

Yeah, it’s a pain in the ass.

Other than London City, Heathrow is the only London airport that’s serviced by the Underground, which means it costs as little as $7.20/£5.60 to get into the central city. It takes about an hour, though: if you want a faster journey, the Heathrow Express zips between the airport and Paddington station in 15 minutes, and costs $26/£20 if you book in advance .

All the other airports are further out and require a bus and/or overland train journey into central London. Gatwick has an express train service that takes about half an hour and costs $30/£22.90 . If you’re traveling at an off-peak time and don’t mind if your journey takes a bit longer, just take a non-express service from Gatwick instead; it’s under half the price.

Stansted also has an express service, which takes about an hour and costs $30/£23 . Cheap advance fares are sometimes available that cost as little as $13/£9.90 , but there are only a limited number available and they sell out quickly. Check the website just in case, though! Luton doesn’t have a direct train service, so you’re looking at a fairly painful 90 minute bus journey there, for $17/£13 .

Once you’re in London, though, moving between attractions is a breeze. You’ll often be able to walk from one to the next, but if not, there’s a diverse range of public transport options available. Buses, underground and overground trains, light rail, trams, and even boats criss-cross the city, and most of them are integrated into a single payment system.

Prices vary depending on the type of transport and how far you’re going, but expect to pay $2.25/£1.75 for a bus ride (with free transfers for an hour) and $3.50/£2.70 for a single tube ride in zone one. Daily fare caps apply, so you won’t pay more than $11/£8.50 per day for journeys in zone one and two.

Note that those prices and caps apply only if you’re using a contactless card: either a credit or debit card, Apple or Google Pay on your phone, or an Oyster card that you can buy and top up at ticket machines and counters at major stations. Cash tickets can be noticeably more expensive.

The London Overground is a more recent addition, using existing railway lines to cover a wide area that generally wasn’t well served by underground routes. There’s also the Docklands Light Railway, or DLR, an innovative driverless option that starts at Bank station and heads out through the old London dock area on a few different routes towards Greenwich, London City Airport, and elsewhere.

When you tire of the railway and bus system, hop on a boat instead. The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is a unique way to skip the (often) chaotic London transportation scene and enjoy the beauty of the Thames River. It’s rarely the fastest way to get around, but it’s definitely the most scenic, and a lot cheaper than paying for a Thames cruise. The river is split into three fare zones: Oyster/contactless cards are accepted and kids under five ride free. An adult single zone fare starts at $8/£6.20 .

As a rule, you’ll likely end up taking the tube most of the time, a bus for shorter trips or where the tube doesn’t run to, and then the occasional overground train, tram, or boat. Unless you’re heading to Greenwich or flying in or out of London Airport, you probably won’t take the DLR much or at all.

If you’d prefer to power your own explorations, there are many dockless bike share systems in London as well. The biggest is Santander , which has over 12,000 bikes around inner London and a handy $4/£3 day pass option that includes unlimited rides of up to half an hour each.

The Cost of Food in London

Yeah, I’ll point directly at the elephant in the room right now: English food has a terrible reputation.

Jellied eels, spotted dick, and toad in the hole are often called out by visitors to my homeland, with many still believing the British cuisine of the pre-millennium is still in favour. That couldn’t be any less true today!

London is one of the greatest cities in the world for eating these days, and you’re going to have so many delicious meals while you’re in town.

Let’s start with the breakfasts. Even if you’ve never come across any other British food before, you’ve probably heard of the full English: a breakfast smorgasbord of bacon, eggs, potatoes, sausages, mushrooms, baked beans, toast, and grilled tomatoes is a well-known way of setting yourself up for the day. It’s probably also a good way of setting yourself up for a heart attack if you have it all the time, but fortunately continental options of cereal, yoghurt, and fruit are commonplace, along with avocado toast and other lighter fare.

If breakfast isn’t included in your room rate, expect to pay around $15.50-19.50/£12-15 for a full English at a good cafe, and $8-11.50/£6-9 for a continental option. You might get tea or coffee with that, but if not, it’ll be around $2/£1.50 for a cup of milky tea, $2.50/£2 for a basic brewed coffee, and $4/£3 for a good latte or flat white. Avocado toast normally runs about $13-15.50/£10-12 .

Lunch is usually a relatively light meal, and you’ve got endless options. It’s pretty much impossible to walk more than a block in central London without seeing somewhere selling sandwiches, from the infamous supermarket “meal deals” of a sandwich or wrap plus a drink and crisps/chips, through chain sandwich stores like Pret a Manger with a wider range and somewhat higher quality, to specialist delicatessens. Fillings like egg mayo or cheese and pickle are common, but there’s a huge variety. Expect to pay around $5.25/£4 for a supermarket meal deal, and $4.50-7.75/£3.50-6 for a wrap or sandwich elsewhere.

If you’re after something heartier (and still have room left after that full English breakfast), many pubs and restaurants have weekday lunchtime specials. Keep an eye out for signboards as you walk around: these specials typically change regularly, but can offer a significant saving over having something similar for dinner. I recently paid $24/£18.50 for ham, eggs, and chips plus a pint of cider at a pub in inner London, which is about what it would have cost without the drink later in the day.

One of my favourite London activities is afternoon tea and I’ve been fortunate to have sampled over a dozen of the city’s offerings in my lifetime! It’s a fantastic tea-based tradition in this country; a multi-hour experience, during which you’ll sample sandwiches, scones, cakes, pastries, cocktails, and tea. Perfect for a special occasion! There are so many different options available to suit a range of budgets. My personal favourite options are:

• For a luxury afternoon tea: The Lanesborough afternoon tea ( £80 /$100). A high-end option in one of London’s fanciest hotels. The staff were amazing and their cakes are some of the best I’ve had.
• For a wow-factor afternoon tea: Peter Pan-themed afternoon tea at the Shard ( £70 /$88). You’ll have the best views in London at this one. I loved sitting beside the window and gazing out across the city.
• For a fun, themed afternoon tea: Mad Hatter’s afternoon tea at the Sanderson ( £65 /$82). This is a London classic, with Alice in Wonderland-themed treats. I’ve been to this one three times as it makes for a great place for first-time visitors to the city!
• For a budget afternoon tea: Tapas-themed afternoon tea at Map Maison ( £28 /$35). I really enjoyed this afternoon tea in East London and thought it offered amazing value for money. It’s Spanish-themed, so expect lots of delicious jamon .

If you’re near a pub at lunchtime on a Sunday, be sure to stop in for a Sunday roast. Most pubs that serve food offer it, and it’s a real British institution. There’s usually a choice of two or three meat-based options and a vegetarian/vegan version, along with roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire pudding that you absolutely have to try at least once. Expect to pay $18-23.50/£14-18 for it.

You’ll have even more choice about what to eat and drink for dinner than at lunchtime, but to give just a few examples:

• Fish and chips: $10-18.75/£8-15
• Steak and chips: $18.75-37.50+/£15-30+
• Indian curry: $15-25/£12-20
• Pizza: $12.50-22.50/£10-18
• Glass of house wine at a pub: $6.25-10/£5-8
• Cocktails at a fancy bar: $15-22.50+/£12-18+

Those prices really can vary a lot, though, based on which part of the city you’re eating in and how fancy the establishment is. London caters for all budgets!

After you’ve eaten your way through the city it’s ok to step outside the traditional English cuisine to taste the many flavours from all over the world. With so many people from all over the world choosing to make London their home, it’s hardly surprising that their country’s cuisine also makes an appearance. If you’re craving almost any type of food at all, chances are there’s a restaurant that serves it.

The Cost of Activities, Tours, and Entrance Fees in London

Where to even begin? There’s so much to do in London that I could write an entire article for each and every activity.

We’ll start things off with the big hitters.

When it comes to paid activities within the city, the London Eye is one of my favourites.

I’ve been for a ride on this giant observation wheel three times now — once in the morning, once at sunset, and once in the evening — and it’s one of my favourite places to take friends who are new to the city. It’s a great first destination in London, in my opinion, as it gives you a sense of the size of the city and where the attractions are in relation to each other. I recommend going at sunset, as at this time, you’ll still be able to make out the monuments but also get to watch the city start to light up. Prices come in at £32 for a standard ride or £51 to skip the line and enjoy a glass of champagne onboard . As somebody who has spent over an hour queueing to board the Eye, I recommend the latter if you can afford the extra cash.

The Tower of London is another iconic location that you have to check out. You can catch a glimpse of the famous Crown Jewels while you’re there, of course, but that really is just the beginning: after all, there’s over a thousand years of history inside those stone walls!

Churches and museums grace nearly every corner, enlightening history fanatics of the centuries old religious presence and modern art spirit that lives there. Most of the to-dos are best seen by simply walking through them. Big Ben, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge are all a sight to be seen and an opportunity to capture that ‘London pic’.

Piccadilly Circus is London’s version of Times Square. It’s busy, brightly lit and full of people. But most importantly, it’s free. Yes, people watching at the circus is totally free of charge and totally worth it. For all you night owls, take notes. Pubs, Broadway productions, restaurants and clubs will keep you happily vibing until the wee hours of the morning if you so choose. 

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens is a beautiful way to see a different side of London. Picnics, bike paths, swans, blooming gardens and a memorial walk pathed with history are all features of this must-do. There are no costs associated with this, but there are vendors scattered around eager to serve you a coffee or lunch to accompany you on your stroll. 

And day trips?

After you’ve wandered every museum, toured every church, and sat in every pub (which means you’ve spent 50 years in London!), it’s time to explore more of the U.K.

Oxford and Oxford and Cambridge offer a portal back in time with winding cobblestone roads, thousand-year-old churches, and universities that hold both clout and tradition. Stonehenge is a mystery worth digging into during your time here. Just short of a three-hour drive from London, you will find a pile of rocks strategically placed. By whom? No one knows. Day trip tours start at $89/£69 .

The Cost of Travel Insurance in London

If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to London. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re more affordable than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel in London?

Travelling on a mid-range budget like I was, my costs were as follows:

Accommodation:  $195/ £152 per day between two people ( $97.50/£76 each) Transportation:  $9/ £ 7 per day Food:  $57 /£44.50 per day Activities:  $48 /£37.50 per day

Total amount spent per day: $211.50/£165

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Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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44 comments.

We spent a couple of weeks pre-Christmas in Brixton two years ago (in a very cute Airbnb also!) and I fell in love with it. The first night our host sent us to Brixton Market for dinner, and we ate ALL THE DUMPLINGS at Mama Lan’s and after that we pretty much loved being in that neighbourhood. I wish we could afford to live in Brixton full-time – you and Dave don’t fancy going halfsies on a house for us all to share, do you?!

Um, yes, we absolutely do! :-D

I was wondering why on earth you were having conversations about candy, sidewalks, friends, pants, restrooms, drapes, parking lots , and jelly. Seemed like odd/trivial topics of conversation! ….Until I realized that those are all Americanisms and, being American, I didn’t even realize that there could be a second meaning to that sentence :D

Hahahaha! That made me laugh so hard.

I just ate my oatmeal breakfast, but after reading this article and looking at your photos I think I need to eat something that contains fat. I should have stopped reading after a title, cause I knew this would happen to me.

Hahaha! I should have added a warning to the top of the post as well ;-)

I lived in London for two years and didn’t venture to Brixton once. Now I’m kicking myself! But I’m a north of the river girl and you can definitely eat your way around Archway…

It’s funny how England has a reputation for having terrible food, but one of my favourite things to do there these days is eat!

Aww what a lovely story! I should have timed reading this better though – it’s 5pm and I’m starving now ha ha! A friend of mine used to live in Brixton but I haven’t been for years – sounds like there’s some amazing places for food – I’m gonna have to pay it a visit next time in in the city I think…

Definitely do so, Keri! Brixton Village is so incredible for eating :-)

Brixton is totally going on my travel list! Also, just looking at those photos makes me hungry (and I have just finished dinner…)

Then my work is done! :-) Glad you enjoyed the post!

Lauren!! You absolutely have to go to Ms. cupcake – its a vegan bakery…..everything they make is to die for! X

Ah, amazing! Will add it to my list :-D

I have only been to London once and never made it to Brixton. However I did spend a day at Camden Market and had an amazing time there.

I love Camden Market! Lots of fun and great for people watching :-)

I got so hungry from reading this post and looking at pics :)

It took me longer than usual to write it because I kept having to head out to grab some food!

My God, Lauren – these photos! Arghghghgh, it’s only 9:20am here and I’m now ridiculously hungry!

I’ve always wanted to try out the mad-hatter’s afternoon tea. Have seen loads of my friends go and then paste the photos all over Facebook. Definitely one to add to the list for when I’m back home next!

Brixton sounds like a food-lover’s dream come true. I love the idea of having a ‘local’ currency, too, in order to help support local businesses. Brilliant.

Haha, sorry! I’ll be writing a post about the mad-hatter’s tea party next week and sharing lots of photos :-)

I live here!! And it’s AWESOME! I love all the places you mention. Would also recommend Spanish… Brindisa, Gremio de Brixton, Boqueria… Or for slightly smarter meals go for Salon or Naughty Piglets. If you want cocktails there’s Shrub and Shutter (although that’s gotten more expensive recently) or the Beast of Brixton. Gremio does good cocktails too. I love the food in Brixton – I’m a triathlon blogger but reviews of Brixton restaurants always seem to creep onto my blog because I just want to give them a big shout-out – so I am so pleased you have done too!!

Yay! I’m glad I could do it justice :-) Thanks so much for the suggestions — I’ve added them all to my list of where to check out when I return (and maybe hopefully move there!)

Yum, the food pictures look delicious! Being in your hometown with a traveller’s mindset is the best thing! I’ve rediscovered my own country recently as well and I’m happy to live at home. Also wandering around with a camera makes you appreciate all the sights you would normally miss!

It makes such a difference, doesn’t it? I was even admiring the lampposts as we were walking around London recently haha!

As a born-and-bred Londoner for 27 years (I moved to Manchester 6 months ago), I’m almost ashamed to say that my only experiences of Brixton have mostly involved underage drinking and various emo gigs at the Academy. I’m travelling at the moment and trying to plan a Christmas visit home with my boyfriend and I think it’s safe to say that eating my way through Brixton is now firmly on my list! …as well as the rugby!

Hahaha! Yes, definitely add Brixton to your list! And the rugby was so. much. fun!

P.S. I love your Taiwan post!

Forget about the food in Brixton and drag Dave down to the O2 and watch a live band. Having just been to see Garbage play the 20th anniversary of their debut album I can definitely recommend it.

Loved the book by the way and from your blog over the years I’m guessing there is more to come ;-)

Ha! Our music tastes don’t align all that often. I’m all about classic rock and he loves grunge. One of the the great things about London, though, is how many people play there! I’d be going to gigs all the time if I lived there :-)

And thank you! So happy to hear you enjoyed my book :-D

That Honest Burger looks and sounds amazing. I will definitely have to check it out on my next visit to London! I’ve never spent much time in Brixton, and now I’m wondering how in the world I missed it.

It’s definitely worth visiting! :-)

Oh wow! I could probably live there too with all that food, and you are right they are not that pricey for London. I lived in the UK for almost 5 years around 12 years ago and haven’t been back since. I remember that I was always complaining about the weather (!) but now I kinda I miss it, especially during the hot and dry season here in Indonesia. And I also miss the prawn cocktail crisps!

Prawn cocktail crisps: so good! It surprises me how much I miss the weather, too.

Oh yum, I could eat everything in this post. Looks like you had an amazing month!

http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com

It was definitely a month of eating! :-D

This has been so helpful. My friends live near Brixton, this article pushed me to get my friends to explore Brixton more. We’ve had great experiences at Mama Lans and Okan. Thanks for posting this!

So happy to hear that, Laura! :-)

Looks like you guys had a fabulous time. Can I explore London with you?? LOL!! Why would you have to fake an American drawl? That is so terrible. Granted I think Brits can fake an American accent better than anyone. You sound even better than Americans do and I am American. LOL!!! Can’t wait to see what your new year of travel brings.

Haha! I fake the accent because nobody can understand my British accent and I get fed up with having to repeat myself 50 times only to have people ask me why I didn’t just pronounce it the American way. Americans usually can’t even understand me when I say my name!

Congratulations on your success with Dave. I have always felt that no matter where you go, home is home. I love food blogs, and yours was that and more. The apartment is stunning, and the food looks delicious. The Mad Hatter’s tea is one party I want to go to. You must have had such a delightful time. Prawn cocktail crisps sound so yummy.

Thanks so much!

I just love Brixton one of my favourite areas in London always check it out for the Jamaican food to be found there. As for Borough market what a heavenly place for a market fan like me. I adore a good farmer’s market and am hoping to collect guest posts on markets around the world.

Yes! I definitely need to head back there for an eating holiday soon :-)

It was interesting reading about your experience in Brixton. I would be interested to visit the place too if I ever go back to London, though I would not be interested in trying out most of the food. Perhaps, I could get a nice flat too that have a nice little kitchen that I can try out my cooking skills.

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• Best Suitcase Buying Guides
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• Entertainment

9 Best London Food Apps & Sites For Discount, Deals, Cheap Lunches & Dinners

• December 22, 2023
• by Elite Travel Blog

Article highlights:

• Rescue food from shops, cafes and restaurants that will go to waste – Toogoodtogo app
• 2 for 1 at restaurants – Tastecard
• New restaurant soft launches – Hot Dinners and Soft Launch London
• Wonky bread that will go to waste delivered to your door – Earth and Wheat

Wondering whether to have a burger or chips?

Or what the shrapnel in your back pocket can afford?

(Brownie points if you know what song that lyric is from)

Fear not. With these six best London food apps, you can afford a burger AND chips.

Gather loyalty points, save food from going to waste or try the latest restaurants in London.

And check out the latest and best desserts in London !

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner or just drinks, you can save money with these apps at bars and restaurants across London. And read on to find out how to eat at Michelin star restaurants and soft openings for cheaper and even discounted baked goods sent to your home.

Toogoodtogo app

Help reduce food wastage and get money off meals and desserts with Toogoodtogo. It’s a win-win for everyone so there’s no excuse not to download.

Perfect for grabbing something on the way home from work or treating yourself after a tough day at the office with something sweet!

What dishes you’ll get in your Magic Bag is a bit of a lottery, but when the meals are better than half price, you won’t be complaining.

https://www.toogoodtogo.com/en-gb

I got this for £3 instead of £12 from the Department of Coffee and Social Affairs…

And check out the Too Good To Go Twitter page to see what amazing food others are saving!

P.S. you might be interested in these related articles Best Hidden Bakeries in Central London for Cakes Best Street Food Markets In London Best Ice Cream in Soho and Covent Garden

Mealpal app

Lunch for less than a fiver? In London?! Surely you can’t be serious. I am being serious. And don’t call me Shirley.

That joke doesn’t really work written down does it…

Anywho, Mealpal offers lunch for less than a fiver…

There’s lots of chains like Yo Sushi and Wrap It Up to more independent food places like Pilau and Patty and Bun.

https://mealpal.com/uk/

P.S you might be interested in these related articles Tips On How To Save Money On Theatre & Tickets In London Best Cheap and Secondhand Bookshops in London Where Can I Get A Deep Fried Mars Bar In London?

Similar to Too Good To Go, Karma helps save food that would otherwise be wasted. Karma offers different sellers, so it’s worth checking both apps. The savings are equally huge too.

I saved these giant donuts (all for myself) for only £6 in total.

https://save.karma.life/

OpenTable app

And if you’ve got your heart set on a particular restaurant, it’s worth checking to see if they’re on OpenTable (they most likely are).

You can collect points to spend on future meals. If you’re lucky, OpenTable might even have a deal on the restaurant you’re looking at too.

https://www.opentable.co.uk/m/mobile-apps/

You might be interested in…

• Seven Dials Market Review: The Best Food Market in London
• Best Milkshakes In London
• Best ice creams in Soho and Covent Garden

And while these aren’t apps, you can still save money on the best food in London

The Swiss army knife of London food discount, I like Tastecard for its versatility.

• 2 for 1 meals or 50% off food at 1,000’s of UK restaurants.
• 50% off Pizza Hut Delivery, Papa John’s & Domino’s.
• Up to 40% off online movies & cinema tickets.
• Save at least 10% on Delivery & Collection.
• 25% off barista-made drinks at 1,000’s of coffee shops.
• Member perk offers, saving on fashion, beauty, fitness & more.

You can get a 90 day trial using my referral code .

New Restaurant Soft Launches

Get as much as 50% off your food bill by eating at soft launches. Let’s face it, London’s food scene is incredible and there’s always new places popping up.

Before a restaurant officially launches, it’ll advertise a soft launch where it opens it’s doors for diners while they figure everything out and iron out the kinks in service.

I once enjoyed 50% off at the lovely Flesh and Buns (complete with press for Pisco buttons on the table) in Fitzrovia.

Hot Dinners and Soft Launch London have all the new restaurants opening in London so you can schedule your calendar!

Time Out Food Offers

Time Out refresh their restaurant offers frequently so it’s always worth checking in and they always have a wide variety to suit even the fussiest of eaters.

I’ve previously enjoyed the bottomless afternoon tea at Cutter and Squidge which was 50% off. You buy vouchers which you mention when booking your table (there will be terms and conditions about when you can use your voucher), print them off and take along with you.

Michelin Star Deals

Looking to impress? Or maybe your taste buds are bigger than your wallet also?

Dine out at Michelin Star restaurants while saving a little money at the same time.

Check out The Fork’s (formerly Bookatables) Michelin Star Experience deals  for 3+ course deals at the very best restaurants London has to offer.

And you can find a handful of great offers on Travelzoo !

Earth and Wheat

Okay, Earth and Wheat isn’t specific to London, but I’ve been using them for the past few months and think they’re great.

Earth and Wheat collect misshapen baked goods from bakeries who would otherwise throw them out. You can expect baked goods like crumpets, tortillas and naan bread to name a few for only £6.99.

They send the boxes using next day delivery to your house so your food is fresh! You can freeze your baked goods too (which I do because it’s quite a lot for two people).

Here’s an example box I received.

Not only are Earth and Wheat food waster heroes, for every box ordered, they donate to UK food banks.

Get £2 off your first box using my referral link .

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