A Student’s Guide to Free & Affordable Alternatives to London’s Tourist Traps

Moving to London to study English is an exciting adventure, but the city can be expensive—especially when it comes to tourist attractions. The good news? Many of London’s best experiences can be enjoyed for free or at a fraction of the cost. This guide will help you make the most of your time in the city without breaking the bank.

1. Free Alternatives to Expensive Tourist Attractions

London has some incredible sights, but you don’t need to pay premium prices to enjoy them. Here are some budget-friendly swaps for costly attractions:

Skip the London Eye – Visit Free Viewpoints Instead

Expensive: The London Eye costs around £30 per ticket for a ride with a view of the city.

Free Alternative: Get stunning city views for free at Sky Garden or The Garden at 120, both offering panoramic perspectives without a fee. Another great option is Primrose Hill, which provides a beautiful city skyline view.

Avoid Costly River Tours – Take an Uber Boat Instead

Expensive: Tourist boat rides on the River Thames can cost upwards of £20 per person.

Budget Alternative: Hop on an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers for a much cheaper journey along the river. You’ll pass famous landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, and the O2, all while paying standard transport prices.

Skip Pricey Museums – Explore Free Ones

Expensive: Some private museums charge hefty entry fees.

Free Alternative: Many of London’s best museums are completely free, including the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Tate Modern. You can explore history, science, and art without spending a penny.

Ditch Overpriced West End Shows – Catch Free & Cheap Performances

Expensive: West End theatre tickets can set you back over £50 per seat.

Budget Alternative: See amazing live performances for free at The Scoop, an outdoor amphitheater near City Hall. For cheap theatre tickets, check out the TodayTix app for last-minute deals or head to Shakespeare’s Globe for £5 standing tickets.

2. Cheap Eats & Free Food in London

Dining out in London can be pricey, but with a little planning, you can eat well on a student budget.

• Markets Over Restaurants: Instead of eating in tourist-heavy areas, visit places like Borough Market, Camden Market, or Brick Lane for affordable and delicious street food.
• Too Good To Go: This app helps you find discounted meals from restaurants and bakeries that have surplus food at the end of the day.

3. Budget-Friendly Transport Tips

Getting around London doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

• Use an Oyster Card or Contactless Card: This is much cheaper than buying paper tickets for the Tube and buses.
• Walk Whenever Possible: Many of London’s attractions are close together, so save money by walking instead of taking short Tube journeys.
• Cycle for Cheap: Use Santander Cycles (“Boris Bikes”) for just £1.65 per 30 minutes.

4. Free & Affordable Cultural Experiences

London is full of cultural experiences that don’t cost a thing.

• Attend Free Events: Check out the Southbank Centre, Somerset House, and Trafalgar Square for free exhibitions, performances, and outdoor cinema events.
• Visit Free Parks & Gardens: Enjoy a relaxing day in Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Hampstead Heath, or Richmond Park (where you can even see wild deer!).
• Join Free Walking Tours: Many groups offer free walking tours of London’s famous landmarks (tips are appreciated but not required).

5. Essential Apps to Help You Save Money

Make sure to download these apps to stay budget-savvy:

• Citymapper – The best app for navigating public transport.
• TfL Oyster App – Manage your travel expenses and check fares.
• Too Good To Go – Get discounted food from restaurants and cafes.

Final Thoughts

London is an incredible place to study English and explore, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it. With these free and affordable alternatives, you can experience the best of London while keeping your budget in check. Happy exploring!