Overview:
- Day One: Regency café, Regents Park, The British Museum
- Day Two: Canary Wharf, Tate Modern, Borough Market, City Farm, Sky Garden
- Day Three: Chelsea Rd Flower Market, Portobello Market, Science Museum
Discovering London on a budget is not only more feasible than you may imagine (especially in summer!), but is also incredibly rewarding. This guide will show you how to explore the city’s diverse neighbourhoods, one area at a time, to maximise your experience whilst minimising travel expenses. Whether you’re delving into Central, West or East London, each day’s itinerary will highlight affordable dining options, cultural landmarks, and hidden gems, ensuring you get an authentic London experience without breaking the bank.
DAY ONE: – CENTRAL
Breakfast at Regency Café
Head to Regency Café in Westminster, a classic, “no-frills” spot on Regency Street that locals visit to grab a traditional full-english breakfast with either tea or coffee for only £6.95! You don’t want to have to start the day off on a negative note by getting significantly overcharged for the first (and most important!) meal of the day.
Walk around Regent’s Park
After you’ve filled up for the morning, take a walk around Regent’s Park to walk it off. It’s a beautiful green space in the heart of London. It’s absolutely massive, so explore the park with a hot drink in hand, visit Queen Mary’s Gardens and it’s beautiful rose garden, enjoy the views of the fountains and just indulge in the awe-inspiring Avenue Gardens that have that real Victorian London touch.
Once you’ve built up an appetite, explore some of these budget lunch options:
- Paul Rothe and Son, Marylebone. This restaurant has been owned by the same family since 1900, it’s a quaint deli that specialises in freshly made sandwiches and soup right in the centre of one of London’s most aesthetic and affluent areas.
- Chinatown. Take a short walk down to Leicester Square and explore all of the varied and interesting options that Chinatown has to offer! Restaurants vary in price but many do ‘all-you-can-eat’ buffet deals for as low as £15 – but the vast majority of these only take cash, so remember to withdraw some.
The British Museum
Later in the day, visit the infamous British Museum, which offers free entry to its vast collection of historical treasures. Explore real mummified Egyptian bodies, Greek sculptures, Chinese artefacts and other fascinating artefacts from around the globe.
A note: Make sure you make a visit to the virtual butterfly trail at Tottenham Court Road Station on your way back. This is a mixed-reality display in the heart of London and a great immersive experience suitable for all ages.
Some great dinner options for later in the evening:
- Pastation, Tottenham Court Road. This cozy spot has both indoor and outdoor seating, you can fully customise your own pasta for great prices.
- Pastaio, Carnaby. Sticking with the pasta theme, this is another excellent spot in Soho. It offers fresh and handmade pasta for a price that doesn’t burst the bank.
Day Two: – EAST
Breakfast at ‘Scarpetta, Canary Wharf’
Start your day with a delightful bottomless brunch at Scarpetta in Canary Wharf. For £20, indulge in a delicious breakfast spread including Italian classics and unlimited Prosecco or Bellinis. It’s a fun and tasty way to kick off your day in East London!
Morning: Visit the Tate Modern
After breakfast, head to the Tate Modern, one of London’s premier contemporary art museums located by the River Thames. Entry to the main collection is free, featuring works renowned by artists like Picasso, Warhol and Hockney. Explore the museum’s vast galleries and enjoy breathtaking views of London from the top floor.
Lunch at Spitalfields or Borough Market
For lunch, make your way to either of these markets. Both offer a wide range of street food options. Don’t miss the dumpling stall at spitalfields market – their pork soup dumplings are so fillings for a fantastic price and my absolute favourite!
Afternoon: Visit a City Farm
After lunch, experince something truly unique by visiting one of East London’s city farms. Places like Spitalfields City Farm or Stepney City Farm offer a glimpse into urban farming life with opportunities to interact with animals and enjoy green spaces in the heart of the city.
Visit the Sky Garden
Next, head to the top of the Sky Garden, a stunning indoor garden and observation deck located in the Walkie Talkie building. Entry is free and offers panoramic views of London’s skyline. It’s a perfect spot to relax and take in the landscape.
Dinner at Casa fo Frango, Shoreditch
End your day with dinner at Casa do Frango, which is a casual spot offering Portuguese sharing plates and mains with a twist – for great prices!
Day Three: – WEST
Breakfast at True Café:
Start your day in True Café in Hammersmith for a delicious and hearty breakfast. Enjoy their selection of freshly brewed coffee, pastries and cooked breakfast options. Portions are very large and for great value so this will set you up very well for the rest of your busy day in West London.
Chelsea Road Flower Market
After Breakfast, make your way to Chelsea Road Flower Market. Unfortunately this market is only open on Sundays from 8am-3pm, but it’s a haven for flower enthusiasts and anybody else who can appreciate the beauty within the colourful displays of seasonal plants. It’s a great place to soak in the lively atmosphere and perhaps pick up a bouquet or plant souvenir for a loved one.
Portobello Market
Next, be sure to head to Portobello Market in Notting Hill. This famous market offers a wide array of goods including antiques, vintage clothing, jewellery and street food. Open until around 7pm, wander through the stalls, bargain-hunt, and immerse yourself in the eclectic vibe of Portobello. For lunch, try one of the delicious market stall offerings – from international street food to traditional British bites and desserts.
Science Museum
After lunch, take a short journey over to South Kensington and spend the rest of the afternoon at the Science Museum. Entry is free, and offers engaging exhibits on science, technology, space, exploration and more. Explore interactive displays, marvel at historic inventions, and enjoy the museum’s family-friendly activities.
Dinner at Cinquecento, Notting Hill
To end your day, head over to Cinquecento in Notting Hill. This charming Italian restaurant offers a selection of affordable and delicious pizzas, pastas and Italian specialities in a cozy setting,