Quick answer: Two nights in London costs £300–£520 per person with a mid-range hotel, and the museums, parks and markets cost nothing once you are there.
Cite this page: Atravel.uk, “London from the UK”, updated 12 November 2026. https://atravel.uk/destinations/london/
London is expensive to sleep in and cheap to be in: the big museums cost nothing, the parks are free, and the buses are the best sightseeing you will get for £1.75. It is also the easiest city in Britain to visit without a car.
When to go
- Best months: May, June and September — long days, no school holidays
- Cheapest months: January and February, outside half term
- Avoid: The second half of December and any marathon or final weekend
What it costs
| Return train from Manchester | £60–£140 |
|---|---|
| Mid-range hotel, per night | £120–£220 |
| Travelcard, per day | £8–£15 |
| Dinner for two, mid-range | £55–£90 |
Typical ranges from our partner searches, 2026-11-12. The month and the booking window change these numbers.
Getting there
Trains from most of Britain into Euston, King's Cross, Paddington, Waterloo and Liverpool Street, plus flights into Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and City. Once you are in, the Tube and buses remove any need for a car.
Pricing the trip? See what a weekend in London costs, line by line.
What to see
- The British Museum and the National Gallery, both free
- The Tower of London, booked ahead, for the Crown Jewels
- Borough Market on a weekday morning, before the crowds
- The South Bank walk from Westminster to Tate Modern
Where to stay
Bloomsbury for walkability, Southwark for the river, King's Cross for transport, and anywhere on the Piccadilly line if the budget is tight.
Frequently asked questions
Is London doable on a budget?
Yes, if you pay for the bed and not much else: free museums, supermarket lunch, and a Travelcard instead of taxis.
How many days do you need?
Three. Two is enough for the highlights but leaves no room for a neighbourhood.
Do I need to book attractions?
Book the Tower, Churchill War Rooms and any show. The free museums do not need booking.
Also worth a look
- Oxford: Spires, quadrangles and a river you can punt on.
- Cambridge: The prettiest half-hour walk in England.
- Bristol: Harbourside, street art and the best food in the south-west.