How Expensive Is London? Real Travel Costs

You’re wondering how expensive London really is? The honest answer: it can be – but it doesn’t have to be.

London has a reputation for luxury hotels, pricey restaurants, and high entrance fees. And yes, all of that exists. But London is also a city of free museums, excellent public transport, and plenty of smart ways to experience a lot without overspending.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the real costs of a London city trip – from flights and accommodation to food, transport, and attractions. Clear, realistic, and practical, so you can plan calmly and enjoy the city instead of worrying about your budget.

How Expensive Is Getting to London?

For most travelers, flying is the easiest option. London is extremely well connected, with direct flights from across Europe and many international hubs.

• Flights: approx. £45–£170 per person, depending on season, route, and booking time

To compare prices efficiently, I recommend using a flight comparison tool like Skyscanner – it gives you a quick overview of different airlines, flexible dates, and nearby airports without endless searching.

Planning tip: Before booking your flight, quickly check hotel prices for your travel dates. In London, accommodation costs often influence the total budget more than the flight itself.

How Much Do Hotels and Accommodation Cost in London?

Accommodation is usually the largest part of your London budget – and the area where smart choices make the biggest difference.

Budget-friendly options

• Hostels: dorm beds from around £20–£25 per night
  A solid choice for solo travelers or short stays.

Apartments & mid-range hotels

• Apartments (e.g. via Vrbo or similar platforms):
  Often great value, especially if you like having space or a kitchen. Even cooking breakfast yourself can noticeably reduce daily costs.
  
• Mid-range hotels: approx. £100–£170 per night, depending on location and season

For comparing hotels, I usually suggest platforms like Booking.com or Expedia, where you can filter by location, transport access, and cancellation flexibility – very useful when plans aren’t 100% fixed yet.

Luxury stays

• High-end hotels: from £170+ per night, especially in central areas

Comfort-first tip: A hotel near a Tube station in Zones 2–3 is often better value than a cramped room right in the center. London’s transport makes this an easy trade-off.

If you’re less interested in numbers and more in where you can actually stay without overspending, this guide to cheap places to stay in London breaks down the best areas and good-value hotels.

Public Transport Costs in London

London’s public transport is one of its biggest strengths – efficient, frequent, and easy to use.

Oyster Card & contactless payment

• Daily cap (Zones 1–2): approx. £8–£9
• Single journeys: from about £2.80

You don’t need a physical Oyster Card anymore. Simply use your contactless debit or credit card, and the system automatically caps your daily spend.

Bikes

• Santander Cycles (24-hour access): around £3
• First 30 minutes of each ride included

A nice option for short distances or relaxed sightseeing days.

Taxis & ride-hailing

• Black cabs are iconic – but expensive
• Apps like Uber or Bolt let you see prices in advance, which helps keep costs under control

Food Costs: Eating Well in London Without Overspending

London’s food scene is diverse, international, and surprisingly flexible when it comes to budget.

Budget options

• Street food & casual spots: meals from £8–£10
• Fish & Chips: around £14–£17, depending on location

Mid-range restaurants

• Main courses: approx. £15–£25
• Dinner for two (with drinks): around £50–£70

Upscale dining

• Main dishes: from £30+

Realistic approach: Mix casual lunches with one nicer dinner. You’ll experience more variety – and your budget will feel much more relaxed.

Activities & Sightseeing: What Do Attractions in London Cost?

London is fantastic for sightseeing on a budget because many world-class museums are completely free.

Free highlights

• British Museum
• National Gallery
• Tate Modern
• Natural History Museum
• Hyde Park
• Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
• Covent Garden & Chinatown
• Outernet London

Paid attractions (approximate prices)

• London Eye: £30–£35
• Tower of London: £30–£35
• Westminster Abbey: £27–£30
• Tower Bridge: £15
  

For tickets and tours, platforms like GetYourGuide are useful – especially if you want to:

• check real reviews
• book timed entry tickets
• avoid queues during busy seasons

Is a London Pass worth it?

If you’re planning to visit several paid attractions in a short time, the London Pass can save you up to 40–50%.  If you prefer a slower pace with lots of free museums, it’s often not necessary.

Is London Expensive? Average Daily Travel Costs

A realistic daily budget looks like this:

• Accommodation: £20–£170 / night
• Transport: £5–£9 / day
• Food: £25–£70 / day
• Activities: £0–£80 / day

Total: approx. £55–£230 per person per day

You can absolutely travel cheaper by focusing on free attractions – but even with a moderate budget, London offers a very high experience-to-cost ratio if you plan intentionally.

Final Thoughts: Is London Worth the Cost?

London isn’t cheap – but it rewards good planning like few other cities.

If you know where to save, where to spend, and which tools make planning easier, London feels exciting rather than overwhelming. Structured days, realistic expectations, and space for spontaneous moments – that’s when the city really shines.

If you want more help planning your London trip – from where to stay to how many days you actually need – feel free to leave a comment. I’m happy to help you shape a trip that feels calm, memorable, and completely your own.

FAQ: How Expensive Is London?

These frequently asked questions cover the most common budget concerns and help you plan your trip with realistic expectations.

Is London expensive compared to other European cities?

Yes – London is generally more expensive than cities like Berlin, Prague, or Budapest, and often slightly pricier than Paris. That said, London balances this with a huge number of free museums and attractions, which can significantly reduce your daily costs if you plan intentionally.

How much money do I need per day in London?

A realistic daily budget for London ranges between £55 and £230 per person, depending on your travel style.

• Budget travelers focusing on free sights can stay near the lower end
• Comfort-oriented travelers who enjoy restaurants and paid attractions should plan toward the middle or upper range

London is flexible – you can adjust your spending day by day without missing out.

Can you visit London on a budget?

Absolutely. London is one of the best cities in Europe for budget-conscious independent travel.

With:

• free museums
• affordable public transport
• street food and casual dining
• and well-located budget accommodation

…it’s very possible to experience London deeply without spending excessively.

Are attractions in London expensive?

Some major attractions are pricey, but many of the city’s highlights are free.

Paid sights like the London Eye or the Tower of London can add up quickly, so it’s best to choose a few key highlights rather than trying to see everything.

Is the London Pass worth it?

The London Pass is worth considering if you plan to visit several paid attractions in a short time.

If your trip focuses more on museums, walking neighborhoods, and parks, you’ll often save more by buying individual tickets only for the sights you really care about.

Is food expensive in London?

Food prices in London vary widely.

• Street food and casual spots can be very affordable
• Mid-range restaurants are comparable to other major European capitals
• High-end dining can be expensive, but it’s entirely optional

Mixing casual meals with the occasional sit-down dinner is a great way to keep your budget balanced.

Final Tip

London rewards travelers who plan with intention, not restriction. Decide what matters most to you, skip what doesn’t, and the city will feel exciting – not expensive.

Note: This article is also available in German – helpful if you prefer reading in German or want to share it with German-speaking travel buddies. -> Read the German version