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London is not a cheap city, but it can be done on most budgets. As a rough guide per person per day in 2026, excluding your hotel: budget travellers spend around 40 to 60 pounds, mid-range visitors 80 to 130 pounds, and luxury trips 200 pounds and up. Many of the best things, including the major museums, are free.
Where the money goes
Your biggest costs are accommodation and paid attractions, then food and transport. A daily transport cap is about 8 to 9 pounds in zones 1 to 2, and many world-class museums cost nothing to enter.
Sample daily budgets
Use the table below as a starting point, then tailor it. You can cut costs sharply with our guides to free things to do and London on a budget.
How to save
Book attractions online in advance, eat at markets and pubs rather than tourist-trap restaurants, walk between central sights, and consider whether an attraction pass pays off, see is the London Pass worth it.
Where to stay for your budget
Accommodation is the lever that moves the total most. Compare areas and prices in our guide to the best areas to stay.
| Style | Per day (excl. hotel) | Mid-range hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | around 40 to 60 pounds | from 90 pounds |
| Mid-range | around 80 to 130 pounds | 150 to 250 pounds |
| Luxury | 200 pounds and up | 350 pounds and up |
For a full breakdown of 2026 ticket prices, see our Cost of Visiting London price index, which ranks the top attractions and models the cost of a day and a weekend.
