London is one of the most iconic cities in the world, offering endless attractions. With so much to see and do, London makes for the perfect weekend escape! This guide will help you plan an affordable yet amazing London short break.
Crafting Your London Weekend Itinerary
Planning out your days ahead of time allows you to make the most of your limited time in London. Here is a suggested 2-day London itinerary packed with highlights:
Day 1
Morning: Take the Tube to Westminster. Snap photos of Big Ben and the London Eye along the River Thames. Explore Westminster Abbey and stroll through St James’s Park.
Afternoon: Walk to Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at 11:30 am. Have a classic pub lunch at The Red Lion in Westminster.
Evening: Visit the vast British Museum (free entry) then dinner at Eataly in Covent Garden. End with live music and drinks at Ain’t Nothing But the Blues Bar in Soho.
Day 2
Morning: See the priceless Crown Jewels at the Tower of London from 9 am to 5 pm. Walk across the Tower Bridge for great photo ops.
Afternoon: Picnic lunch in Hyde Park. Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum (free entry) to see fabulous art and designs.
Evening: Take in stunning panoramic city views on the London Eye. Cap off the night with an affordable West End show like _Wicked._
Pro Tip: Use a London Pass to save ~50% on entry to over 80 sights, plus discounts on transportation.
Getting Around London
London has one of the world’s most extensive public transit systems, making getting around easy and affordable.
- The London Underground as known as the Tube can get you anywhere quickly. An Oyster Card or paper Travelcard offers the lowest single fares.
- Double decker buses like the Route Master are ideal for shorter distances and sightseeing. Pay with an Oyster card.
- Walking is often the best way to soak in the sights! Central London is very walkable. Bring comfy shoes!
Save on Transportation
Use price capping with an Oyster card to limit daily and weekly fares. Or buy a paper Travelcard pass. The London Pass also includes free transportation.
Top Boroughs for Your London Short Break
When looking for centrally located, reasonably priced weekend accommodations in London, consider these areas:
South Bank – Walkable area near the London Eye and Big Ben. Affordable hotels and Airbnbs near top attractions. Lively restaurants like 104 The Strand.
Camden – North London area with indie music venues, food markets, and a funky vibe. Budget hotels like The Castle and Euro Hotel.
Notting Hill – Charming west London borough with coloured homes, bookshops, cafes, and boutiques. Great Airbnb options.
Free Museums, Galleries and More
Luckily, many of London’s best museums and attractions offer free general admission:
- British Museum – Over 8 million objects from around the world. Open daily 10am-5pm.
- Natural History Museum – Massive collection of plants, animals, fossils, and more.
- Science Museum – Cutting edge interactive exhibits spanning science and technology.
- National Gallery – Collection of over 2,300 paintings from 1250-1900.
- Tate Modern/Tate Britain – Modern and British art. Open daily 10am-6pm.
Other free gems:
- Walk along the South Bank for iconic skyline views
- People watch and feed the ducks in Hyde Park
- Wander the stalls at lively Old Spitalfields Market (daily 11am-5pm)
- Find upcoming free concerts, festivals, performing arts events on Visit London
Must-Eats
One of the top attractions of London is the amazing food scene. Try these affordable eats under £10:
- Borough Market – Artisan food stalls and street eats under £10
- Poppie’s Fish and Chips – Filling takeaway fish and chips from £6.50
- Pizza Pilgrims – 11″ pizzas and slices from £5
- Leon – Healthy fast food like chicken and rice boxes under £7
- Wahaca – Mexican street eats under £10
Lesser-Known Hidden Gems
In addition to the famous sites, London is filled with fascinating hidden gems:
- Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities – Quirky East London spot displaying oddities and artefacts. £7 entry.
- Grant Museum of Zoology – Extensive wildlife collection at University College London. Free entry.
- Sir John Soane’s Museum – Former home filled with artworks and curiosities. Free.
- Pollock’s Toy Museum – Vintage toy shop and museum in Fitzrovia. £9 entry.
- Gin Lodge Tours – Sample craft gins on walking distillery tours for £15.
Weekend Trips from London
If you have an extra day or two, take a quick trip from London. Top options easily accessible by train:
- Brighton – Fun seaside town with Brighton Pier, Royal Pavilion, and beaches. 1 hr train.
- Bath – Picturesque city with Roman Baths and Georgian architecture. 1.5 hr train.
- Cambridge – Historic university town full of colleges and punting tours. 1 hr train.
- Stonehenge – Iconic prehistoric stone circle. Day tour or 1.5 hr train to Salisbury.
Follow this guide to maximise your time and money on a fun London short break! With the right planning, you’ll have an unforgettable weekend.
