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7-Day London Shoestring Budget Itinerary

Saturday, July 22: Exploring the Heart of London

Begin your London adventure by taking a stroll along the iconic South Bank. In the morning, visit the famous Borough Market, where you can savor delicious street food and browse through a variety of stalls. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Tower of London and marvel at the crown jewels. As the evening sets in, head to Covent Garden, a vibrant district filled with street performers, shops, and restaurants.

  • Borough Market: Estimated Cost - £10, Estimated Time - 2 hours
  • Tower of London: Estimated Cost - £25, Estimated Time - 3 hours
  • Covent Garden: Free, Estimated Time - 2 hours
Sunday, July 23: Royal London

Start your day by visiting Buckingham Palace and witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Afterward, explore the picturesque St. James's Park and enjoy a picnic by the lake. In the afternoon, delve into British history at the British Museum, home to a vast collection of world-class artifacts. For the evening, indulge in a theater show at the West End.

  • Buckingham Palace: Free, Estimated Time - 2 hours
  • St. James's Park: Free, Estimated Time - 1 hour
  • British Museum: Free (donations encouraged), Estimated Time - 3 hours
  • West End Theater Show: Estimated Cost - £25-£100, Estimated Time - 3 hours
Monday, July 24: Cultural Exploration

Start your day with a visit to the Tate Modern, a renowned contemporary art museum located on the banks of the River Thames. Afterwards, take a stroll across the Millennium Bridge and explore the historic neighborhood of Southwark. In the afternoon, discover the vibrant street art scene in Shoreditch. End your day with a visit to the vibrant Camden Market and sample delicious international cuisine.

  • Tate Modern: Free (some exhibitions may have a fee), Estimated Time - 3 hours
  • Millennium Bridge: Free, Estimated Time - 1 hour
  • Shoreditch Street Art: Free, Estimated Time - 2 hours
  • Camden Market: Estimated Cost - £10-£20, Estimated Time - 2 hours
Tuesday, July 25: Historic London

Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Westminster Abbey, where kings and queens have been crowned for centuries. From there, take a short walk to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. In the afternoon, explore the Churchill War Rooms, a fascinating museum dedicated to Winston Churchill's life and leadership during World War II. For the evening, enjoy a scenic boat ride along the River Thames.

  • Westminster Abbey: Estimated Cost - £20, Estimated Time - 2 hours
  • Houses of Parliament and Big Ben: Free, Estimated Time - 1 hour
  • Churchill War Rooms: Estimated Cost - £23, Estimated Time - 2 hours
  • River Thames Boat Ride: Estimated Cost - £10-£20, Estimated Time - 1 hour
Wednesday, July 26: Greenwich and East London

Head to Greenwich to explore the Royal Observatory and stand on the Prime Meridian. Enjoy the panoramic views of London from Greenwich Park before visiting the Cutty Sark, a historic sailing ship. In the afternoon, make your way to Brick Lane and experience the eclectic markets, street art, and vibrant atmosphere of East London. End the day with a visit to the trendy neighborhood of Shoreditch.

  • Royal Observatory: Estimated Cost - £16, Estimated Time - 2 hours
  • Greenwich Park: Free, Estimated Time - 1 hour
  • Cutty Sark: Estimated Cost - £15, Estimated Time - 1 hour
  • Brick Lane: Free, Estimated Time - 2 hours
  • Shoreditch: Free, Estimated Time - 2 hours
Thursday, July 27: Museum Day

Spend the day exploring London's world-class museums. Start with the National Gallery, home to an extensive collection of European art. Afterward, visit the Natural History Museum and marvel at its impressive dinosaur exhibit. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in science and technology at the Science Museum. Wrap up the day with a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum, showcasing art and design from around the world.

  • National Gallery: Free (some exhibitions may have a fee), Estimated Time - 2 hours
  • Natural History Museum: Free (donations encouraged), Estimated Time - 2 hours
  • Science Museum: Free (some exhibitions may have a fee), Estimated Time - 2 hours
  • Victoria and Albert Museum: Free (some exhibitions may have a fee), Estimated Time - 2 hours
Friday, July 28: Day Trip to Windsor

Take a day trip to Windsor and explore the stunning Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, and the official residence of the Queen. Stroll through the enchanting gardens and visit St. George's Chapel. Afterward, explore the charming town of Windsor and indulge in some traditional English afternoon tea. Return to London in the evening and enjoy a farewell dinner in one of the city's delightful restaurants.

  • Windsor Castle: Estimated Cost - £23, Estimated Time - 3 hours
  • Windsor Town: Free, Estimated Time - 2 hours
  • Afternoon Tea: Estimated Cost - £15-£30, Estimated Time - 1 hour
  • Farewell Dinner: Estimated Cost - £20-£40, Estimated Time - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, visit the street markets of London such as Portobello Market in Notting Hill, Columbia Road Flower Market in East London, and Maltby Street Market in Bermondsey. These markets offer a vibrant and eclectic mix of food, antiques, fashion, and more. Additionally, make sure to explore the charming neighborhoods of Hampstead and Greenwich, which offer picturesque parks, historic houses, and stunning views of the city skyline.

To check hotel and flight prices, visit Kayak.

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