London is one of Europe's priciest capitals. 1 week costs $1,800 budget, $3,500 mid-range, $7,000+ luxury.
London trip cost: daily budget at a glance
Short answer: budget on roughly $200–350 per person per day mid-range (excluding international flights).
| Travel style | Per day (per person) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $100–150 | Hostels/guesthouses, street food, public transport |
| Mid-range | $200–350 | 3-star hotels, restaurants, the odd tour or taxi |
| Luxury | $600+ | 4–5★ hotels, fine dining, private guides & transfers |
Cost Breakdown by Category
Hotels per night
Budget: $100-180 (Premier Inn). Mid: $200-400. Luxury: $500-2,000+.
Food per day
Budget: $35-60 (pub lunches + chain restaurants). Mid: $80-150. Luxury: $300+.
Transport - Oyster Card
$10-15/day cap on Tube. Avoid black cabs (expensive). Use Uber/Bolt for shorter trips.
Attractions
Most museums FREE (British, Natural History, Tate). Tower of London £35. Westminster Abbey £27.
Shows + entertainment
West End shows £50-200. Use TKTS for discounts.
Tipping
10-12.5% restaurants (often added as service charge). Round up taxi fares.
Money-Saving Tips
Travel midweek: Mon-Wed flights + hotels 30-40% cheaper than weekends.
Stay just outside main area: Walking distance to attractions but 30-50% cheaper rooms.
Free attractions: Many cities have free museum days + parks + walking tours.
Public transit: Always cheaper than taxis. Multi-day passes save more.
Eat lunch specials: Fine dining at half price during lunch.
FAQ
How much does a trip to London cost?
Varies by season + style. Budget travelers manage; luxury travelers easily spend 10x. See breakdown above.
How can I save money in London?
Travel midweek (Mon-Wed cheaper). Stay just outside main tourist area + commute. Eat lunch specials. Free museum days.
How early should I book?
Hotels: 6-8 weeks ahead. Major events (sports, concerts): 3-6 months. Last-minute deals are rare in peak season.
What's the best money-saving tip?
Free attractions usually outshine paid ones. Walk the city + use public transit. Cook some meals if Airbnb.
Are credit cards accepted?
Yes everywhere except small local shops + markets. Carry $50-100 cash for tips + small purchases.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a trip to London cost?
A budget trip runs $30-60 per day including accommodation, food, and local transport. Mid-range travelers spend $80-150 per day, while luxury travel starts at $200+ daily.
Is London expensive for tourists?
Cost depends on your travel style. London can be affordable with budget accommodation and local food, or expensive if you opt for luxury hotels and fine dining.
How can I save money in London?
Stay in locally-owned guesthouses, eat at local restaurants instead of tourist spots, use public transport, travel in shoulder season, and book flights early for the best deals.
What currency is used in London?
Check the local currency before you go. ATMs are widely available in most destinations, and credit cards are accepted at larger establishments. Always carry some local cash for markets and small vendors.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.