Huma’s Budget Guide to London
Museums & Galleries
London has so many wonderful art galleries and museums, from enormous spaces like Tate Modern to smaller, more niche offerings. The good news is lots of them have free entry and, even though tickets for the more popular temporary exhibitions can be pricey, there is more than enough to explore in the permanent galleries. Some museums suggest a voluntary donation, so do help out if you can!
An art gallery in Central London where you will find precious old masters, decorative arts and a pretty al fresco courtyard restaurant in a beautiful and historic 18th Century townhouse. Open daily.
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Colección Wallace
Manchester SquareAn art gallery in Central London where you will find precious old masters, decorative arts and a pretty al fresco courtyard restaurant in a beautiful and historic 18th Century townhouse. Open daily.
One of the world's foremost museums of art and design, housed in a beautiful Victorian red brick building - worth visiting for the architecture alone. It is often the venue for many major art and applied arts temporary exhibitions (e.g. Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior) which require a ticket, but the rest of the museum has free entry/voluntary donation scheme. Here you will find the largest fashion collection in the world, as well as costumes from stage and film, as well as numerous other exhibits. In fact, there are seven miles of galleries! There is also a great bookshop, amazing gift shop and indoor and outdoor cafes. The museum hosts numerous talks, events and festivals, many of which are free. The Friday Late event takes place on the last Friday of the month and includes performances, workshops, interactive displays etc. Currently open Wednesday to Sunday, but check website for details.
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Museo Victoria y Alberto
Cromwell RoadOne of the world's foremost museums of art and design, housed in a beautiful Victorian red brick building - worth visiting for the architecture alone. It is often the venue for many major art and applied arts temporary exhibitions (e.g. Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior) which require a ticket, but the rest of the museum has free entry/voluntary donation scheme. Here you will find the largest fashion collection in the world, as well as costumes from stage and film, as well as numerous other exhibits. In fact, there are seven miles of galleries! There is also a great bookshop, amazing gift shop and indoor and outdoor cafes. The museum hosts numerous talks, events and festivals, many of which are free. The Friday Late event takes place on the last Friday of the month and includes performances, workshops, interactive displays etc. Currently open Wednesday to Sunday, but check website for details.
The former home of celebrated architect Sir John Soane is like a time capsule. Sir John was a collector and the house is filled with art and interesting artefacts as well as eccentric design. It's a small museum, but fascinating and unique. You can pay for a tour, but general entry is free.
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Sir John Soane's Museum
13 Lincoln's Inn FieldsThe former home of celebrated architect Sir John Soane is like a time capsule. Sir John was a collector and the house is filled with art and interesting artefacts as well as eccentric design. It's a small museum, but fascinating and unique. You can pay for a tour, but general entry is free.
Currently closed for refurbishment. This museum is part of the Victoria & Albert, but in a separate location and dedicated to all things related to childhood, including extensive collections of toys and dollhouses, with exhibits that will appeal to both young and old.
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V&A Museum of Childhood
Cambridge Heath RoadCurrently closed for refurbishment. This museum is part of the Victoria & Albert, but in a separate location and dedicated to all things related to childhood, including extensive collections of toys and dollhouses, with exhibits that will appeal to both young and old.
One of the finest collections of paintings in the world. You can buy tickets for the temporary exhibitions, but there is so much to see in the free galleries. Worth several visits.
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La Galería Nacional
Trafalgar SquareOne of the finest collections of paintings in the world. You can buy tickets for the temporary exhibitions, but there is so much to see in the free galleries. Worth several visits.
Currently closed for building works. A stone's throw from the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery is also well worth a visit. It contains an extensive collection, with portraits in the form of paintings, sculpture, prints and photographs.
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National Portrait Gallery
Saint Martin's PlaceCurrently closed for building works. A stone's throw from the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery is also well worth a visit. It contains an extensive collection, with portraits in the form of paintings, sculpture, prints and photographs.
Although perhaps not as well known internationally as its sister Tate Modern, this is the original Tate museum and is located in Pimlico, only a few minutes on the tube from Stockwell. There are both permanent and temporary displays housing British art from 1545 to the present day, including works by The Pre-Raphaelites, Turner, Hogarth and Hockney.
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Tate Britain
MillbankAlthough perhaps not as well known internationally as its sister Tate Modern, this is the original Tate museum and is located in Pimlico, only a few minutes on the tube from Stockwell. There are both permanent and temporary displays housing British art from 1545 to the present day, including works by The Pre-Raphaelites, Turner, Hogarth and Hockney.
Another museum that is worth visiting for the magnificent building alone, but inside you will find an incredible wealth of exhibits. Great fun for young and old, especially those with a penchant for dinosaurs!
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Museo de Historia Natural
Cromwell RoadAnother museum that is worth visiting for the magnificent building alone, but inside you will find an incredible wealth of exhibits. Great fun for young and old, especially those with a penchant for dinosaurs!
Neighbourhoods
London is a vast city, but Londoners know that it's made up of a multitude of 'villages'. Here are just a few of the neighbourhoods worth exploring.
With its antiques, vintage clothing and food markets, as well as lots of little boutiques and cool eateries, you could easily spend lots of money on and around Portobello Road, but it's such a characterful place that's it's worth a visit just to stroll around, admire the pretty houses painted in every colour of the rainbow and soak in the atmosphere. Check online for opening days/times of markets.
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Portobello Road
Portobello RoadWith its antiques, vintage clothing and food markets, as well as lots of little boutiques and cool eateries, you could easily spend lots of money on and around Portobello Road, but it's such a characterful place that's it's worth a visit just to stroll around, admire the pretty houses painted in every colour of the rainbow and soak in the atmosphere. Check online for opening days/times of markets.
This is a hub for arts and entertainment - the UK's largest, in fact. Right by the river, you will find the Royal Festival Hall, the Hayward Gallery, National Theatre and National Film Theatre, as well as thousands of events/festivals throughout the year. It's a must for foodies as well because there are numerous eateries and a buzzing food market.
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South Bank
This is a hub for arts and entertainment - the UK's largest, in fact. Right by the river, you will find the Royal Festival Hall, the Hayward Gallery, National Theatre and National Film Theatre, as well as thousands of events/festivals throughout the year. It's a must for foodies as well because there are numerous eateries and a buzzing food market.
Food scene
It always makes me laugh when visitors think the British survive on fish and chips! London has one of the most diverse food scenes in the world. Here you will find every type of global cuisine as well as some actually good British food! Unfortunately, eating out in London is usually not cheap. However, if you're a real foodie, don't despair, as you don't necessarily need a fortune to experience good food.
London's oldest food market (dating back to the 13th Century) now houses eateries and street food stands with dishes from around the world as well as British produce. As well as shopping and dining, you can often try samples for free at the various stalls. Foodie heaven.
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Borough Market
Borough High StreetLondon's oldest food market (dating back to the 13th Century) now houses eateries and street food stands with dishes from around the world as well as British produce. As well as shopping and dining, you can often try samples for free at the various stalls. Foodie heaven.
If Borough Market is too bustling for you, not far away you will find this more intimate food market with both permanent eateries/speciality food shops/wine bars/pubs and street food stands serving up delicious snacks and meals from around the world. This is a great place to grab a yummy lunch for less than £10.
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Maltby Street Market
Maltby StreetIf Borough Market is too bustling for you, not far away you will find this more intimate food market with both permanent eateries/speciality food shops/wine bars/pubs and street food stands serving up delicious snacks and meals from around the world. This is a great place to grab a yummy lunch for less than £10.
Our local Indian takeaway is seriously good. So far, I've never had a guest try it and be disappointed. The prices are pretty typical, but the Thalis (set meals) are exceptional value. They are priced at £13.50 for the vegetarian option and £14.99 for the meat one and are supposed to be for one person, but you get an insane amount of food and they easily feed two. This includes free delivery, but it's only a two minute walk away, so you could pick it up and get your goodies faster!
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Bengal Spice
604 Holloway RdOur local Indian takeaway is seriously good. So far, I've never had a guest try it and be disappointed. The prices are pretty typical, but the Thalis (set meals) are exceptional value. They are priced at £13.50 for the vegetarian option and £14.99 for the meat one and are supposed to be for one person, but you get an insane amount of food and they easily feed two. This includes free delivery, but it's only a two minute walk away, so you could pick it up and get your goodies faster!
Parks & gardens
London is a big, busy metropolis, but also has a wealth of parks, gardens and other green spaces. There are far too many to list here, but below are some of my favourites.
One of eight Royal Parks, St James's is located close to Buckingham Palace and Westminster. Here you will find many landmarks, monuments and impressive views, as well as lovely gardens and walks. Its most famous feature though is probably its lake, which is home to an impressive array of birds, including the pelicans, which have populated it for nearly 400 years.
St James's is next to Green Park, which is next to Hyde Park, so you could make a day of it and stroll through all three.
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St. James's Park
One of eight Royal Parks, St James's is located close to Buckingham Palace and Westminster. Here you will find many landmarks, monuments and impressive views, as well as lovely gardens and walks. Its most famous feature though is probably its lake, which is home to an impressive array of birds, including the pelicans, which have populated it for nearly 400 years.
St James's is next to Green Park, which is next to Hyde Park, so you could make a day of it and stroll through all three.
This large Victorian park is a lovely place to just hang out and enjoy the greenery, but it is also home to several attractions, including the Pump House art gallery, a bandstand, a children's zoo, a number of sports facilities and a boating lake. It's situated right on the river in a pretty part of South West London. The nearby river walk is worth exploring. Cross over the very pretty Albert Bridge to explore neighbouring Chelsea and the Kings Road.
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Battersea Park
Battersea Park RoadThis large Victorian park is a lovely place to just hang out and enjoy the greenery, but it is also home to several attractions, including the Pump House art gallery, a bandstand, a children's zoo, a number of sports facilities and a boating lake. It's situated right on the river in a pretty part of South West London. The nearby river walk is worth exploring. Cross over the very pretty Albert Bridge to explore neighbouring Chelsea and the Kings Road.
Cinema
Cinema tickets in London (and especially in the West End) can be very, very expensive. If you are a film buff, see my suggestions below for ways to go to the movies for less.
If you're a cinema buff on a budget, head to the British Film Institute on the Southbank. You won't find the latest blockbusters, but plenty of classic, art house and independent movies, as well as special screenings with Q&A sessions with the film makers. On Tuesday, you can get tickets for around £6 (that half, or less than half, the price of most cinema tickets) and, if you're under 25, films are just £3 at any time and tickets for festivals only £5.
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BFI Southbank
0 Belvedere RdIf you're a cinema buff on a budget, head to the British Film Institute on the Southbank. You won't find the latest blockbusters, but plenty of classic, art house and independent movies, as well as special screenings with Q&A sessions with the film makers. On Tuesday, you can get tickets for around £6 (that half, or less than half, the price of most cinema tickets) and, if you're under 25, films are just £3 at any time and tickets for festivals only £5.
Sands Films Studio runs a cinema club with screenings every Tuesday night. There is no charge, but you are asked to make a donation. Bear in mind this is an art house venue so don't expect to find the latest releases or blockbuster movies here. There are also a music room that houses live performances.
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Sands Films Cinema Club and Theatre
82 Saint Marychurch StSands Films Studio runs a cinema club with screenings every Tuesday night. There is no charge, but you are asked to make a donation. Bear in mind this is an art house venue so don't expect to find the latest releases or blockbuster movies here. There are also a music room that houses live performances.
If you want to see the latest releases rather than art house or classic films, you will need to pay a bit more. Cinemas in the West End of London are particularly pricey, but the Empire chain, which has a venue on Haymarket, charges a flat rate of £12.45 for Screen 1 and £9.95 for all other screens, regardless of the time or day. They also offer a student discount.
Empire Cinemas - London Haymarket
63-65 HaymarketIf you want to see the latest releases rather than art house or classic films, you will need to pay a bit more. Cinemas in the West End of London are particularly pricey, but the Empire chain, which has a venue on Haymarket, charges a flat rate of £12.45 for Screen 1 and £9.95 for all other screens, regardless of the time or day. They also offer a student discount.
The Odeon cinema chain (which has several central London venues) offers a Saver ticket for selected screenings Tuesday to Sunday and all day Monday, starting at just £6, including the online booking fee. If you are staying in London longer term, you can also sign up to an unlimited membership, which allows you to see as many films as you like for around £12 a month. Unlike similar schemes from other cinema chains, the minimum membership is only 3 months (not 12).
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ODEON Covent Garden
135 Shaftesbury AveThe Odeon cinema chain (which has several central London venues) offers a Saver ticket for selected screenings Tuesday to Sunday and all day Monday, starting at just £6, including the online booking fee. If you are staying in London longer term, you can also sign up to an unlimited membership, which allows you to see as many films as you like for around £12 a month. Unlike similar schemes from other cinema chains, the minimum membership is only 3 months (not 12).
The Vue cinema chain, which has central London venues including Leicester Square and Piccadilly, offers a 'Supersaver' ticket price of £9.99. The advantage with this one is that it's available for some evening and weekend screenings, not just weekday matinees. That's a pretty good price to see the latest releases in a central location.
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Odeon Cinema Piccadilly
Regent StreetThe Vue cinema chain, which has central London venues including Leicester Square and Piccadilly, offers a 'Supersaver' ticket price of £9.99. The advantage with this one is that it's available for some evening and weekend screenings, not just weekday matinees. That's a pretty good price to see the latest releases in a central location.
Rich Mix is an arts venue in Shoreditch, East London, offering cinema, music, festivals and talks. Cinema tickets are discounted to £6 all day/evening on Mondays. There is also a 10% discount for NHS workers for online bookings. If you have bought a cinema ticket, you can also get some deals on food at the venue.
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Rich Mix
35-47 Bethnal Green RdRich Mix is an arts venue in Shoreditch, East London, offering cinema, music, festivals and talks. Cinema tickets are discounted to £6 all day/evening on Mondays. There is also a 10% discount for NHS workers for online bookings. If you have bought a cinema ticket, you can also get some deals on food at the venue.
Located just off Leicester Square, the Prince Charles has long been known as one of the cheapest cinemas in the West End, and shows both classic and more recent films, but to really get savings you need to sign up for a membership. Luckily, that's only £10 a year. For that, you get at least £2.50 off regular screenings, pay £6 for weekday matinees, get access to their £1 screenings and discounts on food and drink, both at the cinema and at selected partner eateries nearby.
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Prince Charles Cinema
7 Leicester PlLocated just off Leicester Square, the Prince Charles has long been known as one of the cheapest cinemas in the West End, and shows both classic and more recent films, but to really get savings you need to sign up for a membership. Luckily, that's only £10 a year. For that, you get at least £2.50 off regular screenings, pay £6 for weekday matinees, get access to their £1 screenings and discounts on food and drink, both at the cinema and at selected partner eateries nearby.
Supermarkets
Only a 2-3 minute walk from the house is budget supermarket Lidl. There are other supermarkets nearby, but this is by far the best value. You might be familiar with Lidl from your home country or elsewhere, but I've been told the stores here in London actually have a better selection than most. It's especially good for fresh fruit and veg, freshly baked bread and pastries and cold meats, cheeses etc. You will find numerous branches of Lidl around the city, but you don't tend to find it right in the centre.
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Lidl
222-224 Streatham High RdOnly a 2-3 minute walk from the house is budget supermarket Lidl. There are other supermarkets nearby, but this is by far the best value. You might be familiar with Lidl from your home country or elsewhere, but I've been told the stores here in London actually have a better selection than most. It's especially good for fresh fruit and veg, freshly baked bread and pastries and cold meats, cheeses etc. You will find numerous branches of Lidl around the city, but you don't tend to find it right in the centre.
Sights
St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the most iconic buildings in London. A ticket is normally £17 per person (£15 for concessions), but did you know that you can buy an annual ticket for the same price that allows you unlimited entry for a year? It also includes free entry for selected special events. You may still need to book a time slot ahead of your visits during busy times. St. Pauls also offers free entry for disabled visitors (and one carer accompanying them) and for NHS staff. Check the website for more details.
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St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the most iconic buildings in London. A ticket is normally £17 per person (£15 for concessions), but did you know that you can buy an annual ticket for the same price that allows you unlimited entry for a year? It also includes free entry for selected special events. You may still need to book a time slot ahead of your visits during busy times. St. Pauls also offers free entry for disabled visitors (and one carer accompanying them) and for NHS staff. Check the website for more details.