Top Things To Do in London (On a Smart Budget)

• British Museum (free) — Rosetta Stone, Parthenon Marbles.
• National Gallery (free) — Van Gogh, da Vinci.
• Changing of the Guard (free) at Buckingham Palace.
• South Bank walk — Big Ben, London Eye (photo op), street food.
• Hyde Park / Kensington Gardens — free, family friendly.
• Tower Bridge (views from outside free).

 Day 1: British Museum → Covent Garden → South Bank walk

Day 2: Tower of London → Tower Bridge → Borough Market → St. Paul’s Dome

Day 3: Hyde Park picnic → National Gallery → Changing of the Guard → Notting Hill 

• South Bank: first-timers, river views.
   
• Shoreditch: nightlife, art, foodies.
   
• Notting Hill: charm, families.
   
• Camden: alt-scene, markets.

• Borough Market (street eats).
• Pub “meal deals” at lunchtime.
• Brick Lane curries.
• Family hack: Supermarket meal-deals (sandwich + drink + snack).

• Oyster/Contactless = cheapest fares.
   
• Walk Zone 1.
   
• Kids under 11 ride free on buses/Tubes with adult.

• London Pass rarely worth it unless maxing attractions.
   
• Freebies: museums, galleries, parks, street shows.

• Museums = stroller friendly.
   
• Double-decker buses = fun, cheap sightseeing.

• ✅ Worth: St. Paul’s dome, Borough Market.
   
• ❌ Skip: London Eye (long queues, high cost).

• Watch for pickpockets in crowded Tube stations.

• Avoid unlicensed cabs (always use black cabs/apps).

• Accommodation: £40–70
   
• Food: £20–30.
   
• Transport: £7–12.
   
• Activities: £10–20 (mix of paid/free).

Total: £80–120.

Watching kids run around at South Bank while Big Ben chimed — iconic, free, unforgettable. 

• Best free museums? British Museum, Natural History, Tate Modern.
   
• Cheap transport tip? Contactless card/Oyster cap.
   
• How many days? 3–4 for highlights, a week for depth.