One Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for London

  • 9:00AM: British Museum
    16 minutes (1.2 miles) from London Eye

    The British Museum is a world-famous attraction that has an extensive collection of art and artifacts from all over the world. It is one of the oldest museums in the world and is home to over 8 million works.

  • 11:00AM: Covent Garden Market
    13 minutes (1.1 miles) from British Museum

    Covent Garden Market is a bustling marketplace filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers. You can enjoy shopping, watching live street performances, and dining at affordable prices.

  • 1:00PM: Piccadilly Circus
    11 minutes (0.8 miles) from Covent Garden Market

    Piccadilly Circus is a vibrant area that is often compared to New York's Times Square. It is a popular tourist destination that is known for its bright billboards, shops, restaurants, and theaters.

  • 3:00PM: Tower of London
    30 minutes (2.5 miles) from Piccadilly Circus

    The Tower of London is a historic castle that has played a crucial part in British history. It is home to the famous Crown Jewels and has been used as a prison, palace, and fortress throughout its history.

  • 5:00PM: Greenwich Park
    24 minutes (4.7 miles) from Tower of London

    Greenwich Park offers excellent views of the city skyline and is an ideal place to end the day. You can admire the Royal Observatory, visit the National Maritime Museum, and stroll around the beautiful park.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • British Museum (2 hours, Free)
  • Covent Garden Market (2 hours, £10)
  • Piccadilly Circus (2 hours, Free)
  • Tower of London (2 hours, £25)
  • Greenwich Park (2 hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £35

Transportation

The best way to explore London on a shoestring budget is by using public transport. You can purchase an Oyster card or contactless payment card that offers discounted fares on all public transport. Consider purchasing a daily travel card or a 7-day Travelcard if you plan to use public transport more frequently. Taxis and Ubers are widely available but could be expensive.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can consider visiting other popular attractions such as the London Eye or the Buckingham Palace. If you have less time, consider skipping the British Museum or Greenwich Park. Consider carrying packed food and water to save on food expenses as restaurants in major attractions are often pricey.

Airports

London has five major airports, including Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN), and London City Airport (LCY). Heathrow is the largest and the busiest airport in London and is located 14 miles from the city center.

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