London is a city of palaces and parliaments, river walks and red buses—an old soul with a modern rhythm. Founded by the Romans, powered by maritime trade, and remixed by waves of migration, it’s a place where Gothic spires and glass towers share the skyline. In two days you can admire icons, savor British classics, and slip into storied neighborhoods that feel like movie sets.

Good news for budget travelers: many of London’s best experiences are free. The National Gallery and Tate Modern don’t charge admission, major royal ceremonies can be viewed outside for nothing, and some of the best city views come from bridges and riverbanks. Pay as you go using a contactless card or phone on the Tube and buses; daily caps in Zones 1–2 keep transit spend reasonable.

Pack for changeable weather, wear comfortable shoes, and start early. Weekdays are best for museums; weekends shine for markets. Always double-check opening hours and the Changing of the Guard schedule; it doesn’t run every day year-round. Reserve popular restaurants and free attractions like Sky Garden in advance when possible.

London

Few cities reward wandering like London. Trace power through Westminster, creativity through the South Bank, and maritime history east to the Tower and Greenwich. Along the way, fuel up on flaky Cornish pasties, sourdough pizza, and East End bagels that barely dent the budget.

• Top sights (mostly free outside): Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey (paid interior), Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, St Paul’s Cathedral (paid interior), Tower Bridge, the Tower of London (paid), the South Bank, and Greenwich.
• Museums (free entry to main collections): National Gallery, Tate Modern, British Museum. Special exhibitions may require tickets.
• Local flavor: Borough Market for casual grazing, Brick Lane for bagels and South Asian cuisine, Soho and Chinatown for quick eats, and pub culture across the city.

Where to stay (budget-friendly first):

• Hostel: YHA London St Pancras – Steps from King’s Cross/St Pancras; clean dorms/private rooms; superb for early train/Eurostar connections.
• Hostel: YHA London Central – Walkable to Oxford Circus and the West End; social and convenient.
• Budget hotel: Point A Hotel London Kings Cross – St Pancras – Compact, modern rooms; reliable value.
• Value by the London Eye: Premier Inn London County Hall – Big family-friendly rooms and unbeatable South Bank location.
• Mid-range with views: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London – Across from Big Ben; indoor pool and great transport links.
• Browse more deals: Hotels.com: London | Apartments/rooms on VRBO: London

Getting there and around:

• Flights: For Europe-based routes, compare on Omio (Flights). From outside Europe, check Trip.com and Kiwi.com for long-haul deals.
• Trains/Buses (UK/Europe): Use Omio (Trains) and Omio (Buses) for fares and schedules to/from London.
• Airport to city: Heathrow–central via Tube (~50–60 min, about £6); Heathrow Express (~15 min, ~£25–£28). Gatwick–Victoria via Southern (~35–45 min, from ~£12) or Gatwick Express (~30 min, ~£20). Stansted–Liverpool Street via Stansted Express (~45–50 min). Luton–St Pancras via Thameslink (~35–45 min).
• In-town transit: Tap a contactless bank card/phone on Tube and buses; daily caps in Zones 1–2 are typically around £8–£9. London buses are great for sightseeing; the “Hopper” lets you make multiple bus transfers within an hour for the cost of a single fare.

Day 1: South Bank Icons, Westminster Walks, and Night Views

Morning: Travel to London. If you arrive early, drop bags and grab a hearty, low-cost breakfast. Near Victoria/Westminster, try Regency Café (art deco canteen famous for full English breakfasts and film cameos; cash-friendly and fast). Around King’s Cross, go for a coffee and pastry at Notes or Spiritland (good value coffee, relaxed vibe).

Afternoon: Start at Westminster Bridge for postcard views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, then stroll the South Bank boardwalk to the London Eye, the National Theatre, and the Tate Modern. Free entry at Tate Modern offers world-class modern art and fabulous river views from the Blavatnik Building terrace. Budget lunch ideas: a £3–£4 supermarket meal deal (Tesco/Sainsbury’s) on the riverside benches; or sourdough pizza at Franco Manca (usually under £10) near Waterloo. For a gentle, narrated overview without walking, consider a short river cruise:

Optional activity (good for first-time orientation): Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise — 1-hour classic cruise with live commentary; sail under Tower Bridge and see St Paul’s from the water.

Evening: Eat along the river. Budget picks include Wahaca Southbank (tacos, bowls, and great veggie options), Gourmet Market at Southbank Centre (street food stalls on many weekends), or classic fish and chips at The Laughing Halibut near Westminster. For night views, walk across Waterloo Bridge—the skyline glow is magic and free. If you want a guided nighttime overview, this tour hits illuminated highlights with commentary:

Optional night tour: London by Night Sightseeing Tour - Open Top Bus — 1.5 hours of lit-up landmarks with a guide; great photos from the top deck.

Day 2: Royals, Free Museums, and Tower Views (Depart Afternoon)

Morning: Head to Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard (typically late morning on select days; arrive 45–60 minutes early for a good spot by the Victoria Memorial or along The Mall). The ceremony is free; if you want expert positioning and storytelling, consider this small-group tour:

Optional guided experience: Changing of the Guard Guided Tour at Buckingham Palace — A guide navigates the crowds so you see the best of the ceremony and marching bands.

Walk through St James’s Park (pelicans have lived here since the 17th century!), then continue to Trafalgar Square. The National Gallery is free—pop in for masterpieces by Van Gogh, Turner, and Caravaggio. Coffee break: grab a flat white at Monmouth Coffee in nearby Covent Garden and check out the street performers in the piazza.

Afternoon: If time allows before your departure, head east to the Tower of London. Budget tip: enjoy the atmospheric exterior views and Tower Bridge promenade for free; if you’re keen to see the Crown Jewels and hear Yeoman Warder stories, book a timed ticket:

Optional landmark visit: Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket — Explore the White Tower, learn royal lore, and view the Crown Jewels.

Quick, affordable lunch nearby: pick up a Beigel Bake salt-beef bagel on Brick Lane (East End classic), a £5–£7 pasta box at Padella Borough (go early; it gets busy), or a scotch egg and pie from stalls at Borough Market (daytime only; many traders close by late afternoon). Allow ample time to collect luggage and reach your airport or station.

Evening (if you have a late departure): Catch sunset from the Golden Jubilee Bridges back on the South Bank, then dinner in Chinatown—try BaoziInn for colorful Northern Chinese dumplings, Four Seasons for roast duck with rice, or Rasa Sayang for affordable Malaysian classics. If you didn’t cruise yesterday and you’re still in town, a short return Thames cruise from Westminster to Tower Bridge is a relaxed, budget-friendly finale.

Low-cost swaps and smart tips:

• Skip pricey bus tours and ride regular bus 11 or 24 for a scenic cross-city route using your daily-capped fare.
• Enjoy free skyline views from bridges and riverside terraces; pay only when an interior (like Westminster Abbey or St Paul’s) truly calls you.
• Use supermarkets for snacks and water; combine with one sit-down meal per day to stay on budget.

Departing London: For Europe flights/trains/buses, compare times and fares on Omio (Flights), Omio (Trains), and Omio (Buses). For long-haul flights, check Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Build in at least 60–90 minutes for transit to Heathrow/Gatwick and security queues.

In just two days, you’ll have stood beneath Big Ben, watched a royal ceremony, browsed free masterpieces, and traced the Thames from Westminster to the Tower. London rewards a frugal eye—walk more, ride buses for views, and savor simple classics. You’ll leave with highlights ticked, costs contained, and reasons to return.