2-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for London

  • Day 1: Covent Garden Market
    10 minutes (0.5 miles) from Leicester Square Station

    Start your day at the Covent Garden Market, a historic Victorian fruit and vegetable market turned shopping and dining destination. Grab breakfast at one of the food stalls or cafes and browse the unique shops and street performers.

  • Day 1: British Museum
    13 minutes (1.1 miles) from Covent Garden Market

    Next, head to the British Museum to explore the vast collection of world history and culture. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

  • Day 1: Camden Market
    40 minutes (3.2 miles) from British Museum

    After lunch, take the tube to Camden Market, a vibrant hub for vintage clothing, street food, and live music. Browse the eclectic shops and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

  • Day 2: Tower of London
    30 minutes (2.5 miles) from hotel

    Start your day at the Tower of London, a historic castle and former prison with a fascinating past, including housing the Crown Jewels. Be sure to catch the Beefeater tour.

  • Day 2: Borough Market
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from Tower of London

    Grab lunch at the Borough Market, one of London's oldest and largest food markets. Sample artisanal cheese and charcuterie, fresh produce, and global cuisine.

  • Day 2: Tate Modern
    16 minutes (1.5 miles) from Borough Market

    End your trip at the Tate Modern, a contemporary art museum housed in a former power station with incredible views of the Thames. Admission is free, but special exhibitions require tickets.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Covent Garden Market (1 hour, £10-20)
  • British Museum (2-3 hours, free)
  • Camden Market (2-3 hours, £10-20)
  • Tower of London (2-3 hours, £25-30)
  • Borough Market (1-2 hours, £10-20)
  • Tate Modern (2-3 hours, free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: £55-110

Transportation:

To save on transportation costs, consider purchasing an Oyster card for the Tube and buses. Travel time and cost estimation based on using Oyster card. Estimated transportation costs: £12-15.

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, consider exploring one of London's many green spaces, such as Hyde Park or Regent's Park. For a budget-friendly evening, catch a show at a West End theatre with discounted tickets from the TKTS booth in Leicester Square.

If you have less time, consider skipping Camden Market or Tate Modern and spending more time exploring the other destinations in the itinerary.

Airports:

London has six airports, but the most common for international flights are Heathrow Airport (LHR), located 15 miles from central London, and Gatwick Airport (LGW), located 29 miles from central London.

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