Recommendations for a Cheap Weekend in London

London may be consistently rated as one of the most expensive cities in the world to visit but that doesn't mean you cannot enjoy a weekend in London without breaking the bank even if you are from Watford like Nick Leeson.

With good planning you can find cheap accommodation; free or cheap places to visit that will amaze you and your travel companions; and you can eat like royalty to boot.

The first key to a cheap weekend in London like any form of budgeting is planning. If you can get your itinerary together then you will have a timetable of things to do in London that will help you get all the offers available.

The first and most important thing to organise are your flights to London or your train or coach to London. If you are driving to London then you should be aware the parking will cost more than your accommodation if you choose a budge hotel or hostel option.

Best Hotels & Hostels

Probably the most expensive single part of your weekend in London will be your accommodation. If you have visions at staying at a 4 star city centre hotel then you are reading the wrong article. For a cheap weekend you will need to either stay out of the city centre or stay at a hostel.

There are some great hostels in central London. Our favourites are, Pickwick Hall, YHA London Central, Astor Museum, SoHostel, and YHA London Oxford Street.

Cheap Restaurants & Street Food

London has lots of cheap places to grab some food but you undoubtedly want to eat some quality food over the weekend and not just endless fast food. Quality pizza is not fast food though and there are lots of great pizza restaurants in London.

Old-Spitalfieds market has more than 40 street food stalls all offering generous portions at friendly prices. The market has at many other stalls to so there is plenty to check out.

Covent Garden, Soho are all great areas of central London for cheap eats too.

Supermarkets are a great place to grab some food for lunch too. M&S and Waitrose have food that is restaurant quality anyway.

Bars, Pubs & Nightclubs

Drinking alcohol has been part of life as long as there has been fermented fruit. The resurgence of orthodox religion; the rising cost of alcohol due to economic failures of the capitalist system; the way people feel after consuming alcohol and performing under the glow of a smartphone bulb; have resulted in a decline in its popularity as a habit.

Do we care? Nope. Fighting for your right to party. So how about some cocktails; popping some bottles and getting low; high; laid; whatever works.

Things To Do

London has many of the best museums in the world and many of them are absolutely free. Great for family trips or incredibly romantic for couples.

Shops & Shopping

It's going to be more Primark than Prada for this one but doesn't mean you need to actually sell out or compromise your style. Your best bet is to head to a market. Petticoat Lane Market is open six days a week and is close to Old-Spitalfields Market which we just mentioned if you were paying attention.

Travel

For families avoiding the tube and walking can work out considerably cheaper especially if you start early. Sometimes even private hire cars (i.e. Uber) can be cheaper than public transport.

If you have any recommendations or tips for visiting London on the cheap then we would love to hear from you. If you enjoyed this article then remember to take a look at our London guide and London blog for more ideas of things to do in London.