Yes, London is pricey for tourists, but your costs depend on your choices. You’ll spend £65–95 daily on a budget, sticking to supermarkets and free museums. Mid-range plans run £150–220 with paid attractions and casual dining. Luxury travelers easily exceed £350 with upscale experiences. Use an Oyster card to cap transport at £18.11 and visit free sights to save. London’s more expensive than most European cities. Smart planning helps control spending—your next steps can make a big difference.
TLDR
- London is the most expensive city in Europe for tourists, surpassing many other major urban destinations in overall costs.
- Daily expenses can range from £65–95 for budget travel to £350+ for luxury experiences, excluding accommodation.
- Free museums, parks, and tip-based tours help reduce costs for budget-conscious visitors.
- Using an Oyster card caps daily transport at £18.11, offering significant savings on travel.
- Off-peak travel lowers prices and crowds, making visits more affordable compared to peak seasons.
Is London Expensive for Tourists? Here’s What You’ll Pay
London can add up quickly, but how much you spend depends on your choices. You’ll pay £65–95 daily for budget food and transport, excluding accommodation. With hostels from £25, mid-range hotels £180, and free museums, you can control costs. Oyster cards cap at £18.11 daily, while luxury spending pushes totals higher, especially with the 2026 tourism tax. Luxury travelers may spend £350–550+ per day on experiences, dining, and extras, not including accommodation. Rural–urban price differences mean costs can vary within a country, with lower cost of living outside major cities.
Daily Budgets for Tourists in London by Travel Style
You can plan your London trip around three main budget levels: budget, mid-range, and luxury, each offering a different experience based on your spending choices.
Stick to supermarkets and free museums to keep daily costs around £65–95.
Opt for mid-range dining and paid attractions, spending £150–220.
Choose luxury for upscale meals, VIP tours, and premium transport, exceeding £350 daily.
Traveling in off-peak months can lower costs and reduce crowds.
London Accommodation, Food & Transport Costs
When it comes to keeping your trip affordable, breaking down your spending on accommodation, food, and transport helps you make smarter choices.
Hostels start at $30 per night, while budget hotels run $70–$120. You’ll spend about $35 daily on food and $15 on transport.
Mid-range stays cost $120–$250 nightly, with food and transit adding $175 and $75 over five days.
Gate agents commonly check bag dimensions at the gate, so be prepared to check oversized carry-ons if they exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
How to Save Money as a Tourist in London
While exploring one of the world’s most visited cities, keeping costs down doesn’t mean missing out—smart planning lets you enjoy London without overspending. Use an Oyster card for cheap travel, walk between nearby sights, and visit free museums and parks.
Catch free music, tours with tips, and outdoor views of landmarks. Book tickets and shows early for discounts, and group paid attractions by area to save time and money. Consider signing up for travel reward cards to collect miles and points for future trips (travel credit cards).
Is London More Expensive Than Other European Cities?
Though many European cities have seen rising costs in recent years, London stands out as the most expensive urban destination across the continent according to cost-of-living indices.
You’ll find Berlin 20% cheaper, while Bristol, Milan, and Antwerp all cost less. Dublin and Birmingham are 32% and 41% cheaper, respectively.
Even Madrid and Moscow fall below London, confirming its top-tier pricing for housing, transport, and dining. Flight seat widths in economy are often around 17–18 inches, which can affect travel comfort and ancillary costs for tourists.
And Finally
London can be expensive, but your costs depend on how you travel. You’ll pay less by choosing budget stays, eating at casual spots, and using public transport. Daily spending drops further if you visit free museums and book tickets early. Compared to some European cities, London is pricier, especially for accommodation and dining. Still, smart planning helps you enjoy the city without overspending. You’ve got options to fit different budgets.
