London is a city of layers—Roman ruins under glass, medieval towers guarding priceless jewels, and modern galleries that glow at night. You’ll find royalty and rebellion within a few Tube stops, and an astonishing number of free museums that make a budget trip not just possible, but thrilling.

From Westminster’s Gothic grandeur to the electric murals of Shoreditch, London rewards curiosity. Sip single-origin espresso at tiny counters, wander riverside paths and leafy parks, then tuck into market finds—from Sri Lankan hoppers to outrageously good cheese toasties. With contactless payments capping daily fares on the Tube, and easy-to-rent bikes, getting around is simple and affordable.

This 3-day plan blends icons like the London Eye and Tower of London with insider coffee stops, wallet-friendly eats, and time to browse vintage and design markets. Expect short walks, scenic cycles, and smart splurges where they count.

London

Once a Roman settlement named Londinium, London grew into a world capital of finance, arts, and ideas. Today its neighborhoods feel like distinct villages—each with its own rhythm and flavor.

Top free highlights include the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Victoria & Albert Museum. For panoramas, pair a riverside stroll along the South Bank with a ride on the London Eye, or head up to Primrose Hill after a bike through Regent’s Park.

• Food & coffee: Borough Market’s legendary bites, Brick Lane’s beigels, Padella’s pasta, Franco Manca’s sourdough pizza, Roti King’s roti canai; coffee greats like Monmouth, Prufrock, Kaffeine, Ozone, and WatchHouse.
• Shopping: Old Spitalfields Market, Covent Garden’s Apple Market, Camden Market’s alt-fashion, and weekend treasure hunts on Portobello Road and Brick Lane Vintage Market.
• Biking: Hire a Santander Cycle (from ~£1.65 per 30 minutes) for Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, the Regent’s Canal, and the Thames Path.

Where to stay (budget-forward):

• Hostel: YHA London Central (clean, social, easy access to Soho and the West End).
• Hostel: YHA London St Pancras (steps from Eurostar and the British Library; excellent for train travelers).
• Budget hotel: Point A Hotel London Kings Cross – St Pancras (compact rooms, great transport hub).
• Solid mid-budget by the river: Premier Inn London County Hall (next to the London Eye; high value for location).
• Mid-range near the Tower: Novotel London Tower Bridge (good for early Tower of London starts).

Browse more stays: VRBO London | Hotels.com London

How to get to London:

• Flights within Europe and trains (incl. Eurostar): compare options on Omio Flights (Europe) and Omio Trains. Paris–London via Eurostar is about 2h 20m; early bookings can be very affordable.
• Flights from North America/Asia: check Kiwi.com and Trip.com Flights for competitive fares.
• Budget buses from UK/Europe: see Omio Buses for overnight bargains into Victoria Coach Station.

Local transport tip: Use a contactless card or phone; daily caps in Zones 1–2 keep costs around the price of two to three Tube rides, great for tight budgets.

Day 1: South Bank icons, river views, and budget bites

Morning: Travel to London and drop bags at your accommodation. Grab a proper espresso at Prufrock Coffee (Holborn) or Monmouth (Covent Garden) to shake off jet lag. If you’re starving, try a quick, affordable bite at Franco Manca (sourdough margherita often under £10).

Afternoon: Walk Westminster’s big hitters: the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey’s exterior. Cross Westminster Bridge to the South Bank for street performers and skyline shots. Then ride the riverside wheel with The London Eye Entry Ticket—a 30-minute rotation that frames St Paul’s, the Shard, and Buckingham Palace in one sweep.

Evening: Follow the Thames east to Gabriel’s Wharf and the OXO Tower’s ground-level design shops, then circle back to eat at Seven Dials Market (KERB’s indoor street food hall—good prices, lots of choice) or Mercato Metropolitano (Elephant & Castle; independent stalls, craft soda, and budget-friendly portions). Nightcap options: a riverside pint on the South Bank or gelato from Gelupo in Soho if you’re up for a small splurge.

Day 2: Free museums, park cycling, and a Thames cruise to Greenwich

Morning: Dive into antiquities with a targeted, time-saving tour: British Museum Guided Tour with Priority Timeslots (Small Group). You’ll hit the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon marbles, and standout galleries without getting overwhelmed.

Post-tour coffee: Store Street Espresso (bright, calm) or Kaffeine (Fitzrovia) for flat whites. Budget lunch ideas nearby: Roti King (Malaysian roti canai and kari; excellent value) or another Franco Manca if you’re craving pizza again.

Afternoon: Pick up a Santander Cycle and cruise a classic loop: Tottenham Court Road to Oxford Circus (via backstreets), into Hyde Park. Glide past the Serpentine, pause at the Serpentine Pavilion (summer), then carry on to Kensington Gardens and the Italian Gardens. Expect 60–90 minutes of easy pedaling.

Return bikes near Westminster Pier and board a riverboat east on the Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise. Live commentary unpacks bridges, docks, and the story of maritime London as you pass St Paul’s and the Shard.

Evening: Explore Greenwich: admire the Cutty Sark, peek at the Old Royal Naval College’s Painted Hall exterior, and browse stalls at Greenwich Market (great, inexpensive global eats). Either take the boat back at sunset for luminous skyline views or hop the DLR back to Bank and wander neon-lit Soho for a cheap, tasty dinner—think Chinatown roast duck rice, hand-pulled noodles, or bao.

Day 3: Tower history, Bridge views, and market shopping (departure day)

Morning: Beat the crowds at the fortress that shaped England: Admission Ticket to The Tower of London & Crown Jewels Exhibition. See the Yeoman Warders, the medieval White Tower, and the glittering regalia that still headlines royal ceremonies.

Grab a coffee at WatchHouse (Tower Bridge) or White Mulberries in St Katharine Docks. Cross Tower Bridge for photos, then continue along the river to Borough Market for a budget-friendly lunch—Kappacasein’s molten cheese toastie, Bread Ahead doughnuts, or Ethiopian veggie platters are all reliable and affordable.

Afternoon: If time allows pre-departure, browse Old Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane for vintage, records, and indie designers—excellent for wallet-friendly shopping. Before you go, consider one last skyline fix from the riverwalk by the Tate Modern. Head to your train or airport; compare routes and timetables on Omio Trains and Omio Flights. Long-haul flyers can also check Kiwi.com or Trip.com Flights for last-minute deals.

Optional swaps for different interests or weather:

• Art and tech: Step inside digital canvases at Frameless – Immersive Art Experience (near Marble Arch).
• Family fun: Swap Greenwich for a full loop on a hop-on, hop-off bus to see many sights with minimal walking.
• History deep-dive alternative: Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket also includes access and stories from Yeoman Warders.

Money-saving tips: Eat one meal per day at a market (Borough, Seven Dials, Greenwich) to keep costs down; use supermarkets for snacks and water. With free entry at many museums and daily transit caps, most of your budget can go toward one or two paid “wow” moments like the London Eye or Tower of London.

Bonus coffee map (budget-minded greats): Monmouth (Covent Garden), Prufrock (Leather Lane), Kaffeine (Fitzrovia), Ozone (Shoreditch), Association (the City), and WatchHouse (multiple branches). Expect £3–4 for a flat white.

In three brisk days, you’ll tick off London’s blockbusters, discover indie coffee bars, eat brilliantly on a budget, and pedal through green spaces locals love. This plan leaves room for detours—because in London, the best stories often live just off the main road.