10-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for London

  • Day 1: British Museum
    15 minutes (2.5 km) from Piccadilly Circus

    The British Museum is a world-famous museum in London, exhibiting a vast collection of artefacts from ancient and modern cultures. Admission is free, and you can easily spend a whole day here.

  • Day 2: Camden Market
    25 minutes (5 km) from the British Museum

    Located in Camden Town, this bustling market offers a diverse range of street food, vintage clothing, and arts and crafts. It's a great place to find unique souvenirs and immerse yourself in London's alternative culture.

  • Day 3: Tower of London
    35 minutes (7.5 km) from Camden Market

    The Tower of London is a historic castle that has played a significant role in English history for almost 1,000 years. Visit the Crown Jewels exhibition and take a guided tour by a Yeoman Warder.

  • Day 4: Tate Modern
    30 minutes (6.5 km) from the Tower of London

    The Tate Modern is a contemporary art museum that holds the national collection of British art from 1900 to the present day. Admission is free, but special exhibitions may require a fee.

  • Day 5: St. Paul's Cathedral
    20 minutes (3 km) from the Tate Modern

    St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the most famous and recognizable buildings in London. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this Anglican cathedral is a great example of Baroque architecture. Admission fees are required.

  • Day 6: Notting Hill
    30 minutes (6 km) from St. Paul's Cathedral

    Notting Hill is a trendy neighbourhood in West London, famous for its colourful houses, vintage stores, and Portobello Road Market. Take a stroll in the neighbourhood and explore the area's unique character.

  • Day 7: National Gallery
    20 minutes (4 km) from Notting Hill

    The National Gallery is a world-renowned art museum that houses over 2,300 paintings from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Admission is free, and guided tours are available.

  • Day 8: Southbank Centre
    20 minutes (4 km) from the National Gallery

    The Southbank Centre is a cultural hub on the south bank of the River Thames, offering a variety of art exhibitions, theatre shows, and live music performances. Many events are free, but some require a fee.

  • Day 9: Greenwich Park
    30 minutes (10 km) from the Southbank Centre

    Greenwich Park is a large park in South East London, offering amazing views of the city skyline and the River Thames. Visit the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian Line for free.

  • Day 10: Buckingham Palace
    20 minutes (5 km) from Greenwich Park

    Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the monarch in London since the 19th century. Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and visit the State Rooms and the Queen's Gallery for a fee.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • British Museum (3 hours, free)
  • Camden Market (3 hours, £20)
  • Tower of London (3 hours, £28)
  • Tate Modern (2 hours, free)
  • St. Paul's Cathedral (2 hours, £20)
  • Notting Hill (2 hours, free)
  • National Gallery (2 hours, free)
  • Southbank Centre (3 hours, free - £30)
  • Greenwich Park (3 hours, free)
  • Buckingham Palace (2 hours, £26)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £122

Transportation

London has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, underground trains, and overground trains. Consider purchasing an Oyster card or a contactless debit card for convenient and cost-effective travel. Taxis and Ubers are also widely available but can be more expensive.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other famous London landmarks such as the London Eye, the Westminster Abbey, or the Tower Bridge. If you have less time, prioritize the places that you're most interested in and plan accordingly. Be aware that some attractions may require advanced booking or have limited availability, especially during peak travel season.

Airports

London has six major airports, with Heathrow Airport (LHR) being the largest and most well-connected. It's about 14 miles (22 km) from the city center and offers various transportation options such as the underground, buses, and taxis. Other airports include Gatwick Airport (LGW), Stansted Airport (STN), Luton Airport (LTN), London City Airport (LCY), and Southend Airport (SEN).

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