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7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in London

Viewed by 63 travelers

Day 1: Arrive and Explore

London, England

9:00AM

Breakfast at E. Pellicci

Start your journey with a hearty English breakfast featuring traditional fare like eggs, bacon, and baked beans at this popular local café.
Located in the Bethnal Green area, easily accessible via Central Line.
GBP10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the British Museum

Immerse yourself in history by exploring the vast collection of art and antiquities at the British Museum; entry is free!
A short walk from E. Pellicci.
GBP0, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Great Eastern Dining Rooms

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch with daily specials and a cozy atmosphere.
Walk from British Museum; it's around a 15-minute stroll.
GBP12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Stroll in Bloomsbury Square

Take a leisurely walk in this beautiful park, perfect for relaxing and people-watching.
A few minutes walk from the restaurant.
GBP0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Covent Garden

Wander through Covent Garden, enjoy street performances, and browse the charming shops.
A 20-minute walk from Bloomsbury Square.
GBP0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dishoom

Indulge in flavorful Indian cuisine inspired by the Irani cafés of Bombay at Dishoom.
Covent Garden is just a short walk away!
GBP15, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Evening Walk along the Southbank

Enjoy a scenic walk along the Southbank, with stunning views of the Thames and iconic landmarks like the London Eye.
Head towards Westminster Bridge, then stroll along the river.
GBP0, 2 hours
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Day 2: Historical Highlights

London, England

8:00AM

Breakfast at Flat White

Start the day with a delicious Australian-style coffee and a pastry to prepare for more exploration.
Located in Soho, accessible via the Tube.
GBP8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Free Walking Tour

Join a free walking tour that covers key sites like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace.
Starting point is Southbank Centre.
GBP0, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Coach & Horses

Grab a budget-friendly lunch of traditional pub grub at this classic pub.
Walk to Covent Garden, then a quick tube ride to Leicester Square.
GBP10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the National Gallery

Explore world-renowned art collections at the National Gallery—entry is free!
A short walk from the lunch spot.
GBP0, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore Trafalgar Square

Stroll around Trafalgar Square, taking in the street performers and iconic fountains.
Just outside the National Gallery.
GBP0, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit the Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

Take pictures of the iconic Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben; free to admire from outside.
Walk along the riverbank back toward Westminster.
GBP0, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Honest Burgers

Enjoy a delicious and budget-friendly burger at Honest Burgers, known for their quality and local ingredients.
In Soho, a short tube ride from Big Ben.
GBP12, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening at The Sky Garden

Visit the Sky Garden for amazing views of London; admission is free, but book in advance!
Catch the Tube to the Monument station.
GBP0, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Delights

London, England

8:30AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club

Savor a delicious breakfast at this popular spot known for its quirky décor and famous pancake stacks.
Located in Soho, easily reachable by Tube.
GBP10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Camden Market

Wander through the vibrant Camden Market, known for its eclectic shops, food stalls, and street art.
Take the Northern Line to Camden Town.
GBP0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Regent's Canal Walk

Enjoy a scenic walk along Regent's Canal, a lovely way to experience London’s outdoor spaces.
Start at Camden Market and head south.
GBP0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Cheese Bar

Indulge in a delicious grilled cheese sandwich from this popular eatery in Camden Market.
Located in or near Camden Market.
GBP8, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the British Library

Explore the British Library, home to a plethora of historic texts, and best of all, it's free!
Take a short bus ride to Kings Cross.
GBP0, 2 hours

3:30PM

St. Pancras International

Marvel at the stunning architecture of St. Pancras International train station.
Just a short walk from the British Library.
GBP0, 1 hour

4:30PM

Afternoon Tea at The Tea Room

Experience a budget-friendly afternoon tea at The Tea Room, featuring a delightful selection of sandwiches and pastries.
Nearby in Kings Cross.
GBP12, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dishoom

Return for another visit to Dishoom to enjoy more of their delectable dishes.
Head back to Covent Garden by Tube.
GBP15, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Soho Evening

Explore the nightlife in Soho, checking out its vibrant bars and entertainment options.
Easily walkable from Dishoom.
GBP0, 2 hours
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Day 4: Royal London

London, England

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Ivy Chelsea Garden

Enjoy a lovely breakfast in the beautiful setting of the Ivy Chelsea Garden.
Easily reachable via the Tube to Sloane Square.
GBP15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Kensington Gardens

Stroll through Kensington Gardens and visit the picturesque Kensington Palace (entry fee applies to the palace but gardens are free).
Just a short walk from the café.
GBP0/GBP20 (Palace entry), 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Notting Hill

Wander the colorful streets of Notting Hill and enjoy the vibe of this famous area.
A 15-minute walk from Kensington Gardens.
GBP0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Portobello Road Market

Savor street food at this bustling market, with a variety of international cuisine options.
Still in Notting Hill.
GBP10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Victoria & Albert Museum

Visit the Victoria & Albert Museum, exploring art and design—entry is free!
Take a bus or walk to the museum.
GBP0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Harrods

Take a peek inside Harrods, one of the world's most famous luxury department stores.
A short tube ride to Knightsbridge.
GBP0, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Byron Burger

Enjoy a classic burger and fries at Byron Burger in a relaxed atmosphere.
Close to Harrods.
GBP12, 1 hour

7:00PM

Walk to Hyde Park

Take a leisurely stroll into Hyde Park for a peaceful evening among nature.
Just a short walk from Byron Burger.
GBP0, 1 hour
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Day 5: Art & Culture

London, England

8:30AM

Breakfast at Market Cafe

Enjoy a budget-friendly breakfast with fresh ingredients used in their offerings.
Located at the Notting Hill area.
GBP8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Tate Modern

Explore the contemporary art exhibitions at Tate Modern; entry is free!
Take the Tube from Notting Hill to St. Paul's.
GBP0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Stroll along the Thames

Take a scenic walk along the river Thames from the Tate Modern, enjoying stunning views.
Head south along the riverbank.
GBP0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Borough Market

Indulge in a variety of street foods at Borough Market—perfect for lunch with many options.
A short Tube ride from the walking path.
GBP12, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit The Shard

Admire the view from outside The Shard, London’s tallest building; entry is charged, but the views from the ground are stunning.
Walk to The Shard from Borough Market.
GBP0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Southbank Centre

Take in art and performance at the Southbank Centre, often featuring free events.
It is nearby; simply walk from The Shard.
GBP0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Pizza Union

Enjoy delicious handmade pizzas that won’t break the bank at Pizza Union.
Take the Tube to King's Cross.
GBP10, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Visit the British Film Institute

Catch a screening at the BFI for some classic films at affordable rates.
A short walk from Pizza Union.
GBP10, 2 hours
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Day 6: Markets & Mix

London, England

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Paper & Cup

Enjoy a cozy café atmosphere with reasonably priced coffee and baked goods.
Located near Spitalfields Market.
GBP8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Spitalfields Market

Explore the vibrant Spitalfields Market filled with local vendors and unique finds.
Located just near the café.
GBP0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Brick Lane Exploration

Stroll along Brick Lane, famous for its street art and Indian eateries.
A 10-minute walk from Spitalfields Market.
GBP0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at The Beigel Bake

Treat yourself to a famous salt beef bagel—delicious and incredibly affordable.
Brick Lane.
GBP5, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Shoreditch

Visit the trendy neighborhood of Shoreditch known for its art, vintage shops, and vibrant culture.
A 15-minute walk from The Beigel Bake.
GBP0, 2 hours

3:00PM

Afternoon Tea at The Tea Room

Savor a delightful selection of teas and pastries in a charming setting.
Take the Tube to Notting Hill.
GBP12, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Explore Portobello Market

Visit Portobello Market for unique antiques and artworks.
Still in Notting Hill.
GBP0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Nandos

Enjoy a delicious meal with great value at Nando's known for its peri-peri chicken.
Short Tube ride to the nearest location.
GBP10, 1 hour

8:00PM

Explore the Evening Markets

Visit any evening markets that may be happening, especially in Shoreditch for food and craft stalls.
Head back to Shoreditch.
GBP0, 2 hours
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Day 7: Last Day in London

London, England

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Good Life Eatery

Enjoy healthy breakfast options including smoothie bowls and fresh juices at a lovely café.
Located in Chelsea, accessible via Tube.
GBP10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Tate Britain

Experience the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present, with free entry.
Take the Tube from Chelsea to Pimlico.
GBP0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Cinnamon Club

Enjoy a buffet-style lunch at The Cinnamon Club, a hidden gem within the old Westminster library.
Short tube ride from the Tate Britain.
GBP12, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Westminster Abbey

Finish your trip with a visit to the iconic Westminster Abbey; entry fee applies, but it's worth it.
Walk to Westminster Abbey.
GBP25, 2 hours

3:30PM

Stroll in St. James's Park

Enjoy the lush greenery and serenity of St. James’s Park, perfect for a reflective walk.
Just a short walk from Westminster Abbey.
GBP0, 1 hour

4:30PM

Dinner at The Rainforest Café

Finish off your London adventure with a meal at the Rainforest Café for a fun atmosphere and decent prices.
Close to the park, just a short walk away.
GBP15, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Departure

Take the Tube or a taxi to the airport, brimming with memories of London.
Based on your departure point.
Varies, Varies
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