Whether you are a first-time visitor to London or a regular in the city, there is always a plethora of things to keep you busy. London is one of the most vibrant, cosmopolitan cities in the world and consistently ranks in the top ten for best cities in the world to visit on reputable travel websites and blogs. The variety on offer in London is one of the most appealing aspects and you could easily find yourself in completely different atmospheres and environments depending on if you are in the City or Shoreditch.

However, a visit to London also comes at a cost. The price of being part of the electrifying hustle and bustle in London can be quite dear, but do not fear, there are plenty of options if you are looking to have a good time in London on a budget. There is something for everyone, whether you are a culture vulture, a sports enthusiast, or just out to enjoy a quiet drink. Here are a few ways to enjoy your time in London without splashing lots of cash.

Free Museums

London is a city with a rich history, and it is all showcased in various museums dotted around the city. The beauty of museums in London is that the vast majority of them are free to enter. There might be special exhibitions or displays at the time that have entrance fees but on the whole, you can explore the permanent collections displaying the history of London for no cost at all. Depending on your interest, there will be a museum for you, whether it is the British Museum, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, or Science Museum. Allow plenty of time for a museum visit, to first navigate your way to a museum, and then give yourself enough time to take in all the information at your own pace.

Customise your nightlife!

There is no hiding from the fact that London is an expensive place to party. There are generally entrance fees to get into clubs, and the price of drinks might give you a headache. However, if you are not willing to take the more affordable route and jump into the student nights with their range of drinks offers, then you can put together your own itinerary and also experience more traditional features of London culture and nightlife.

Public houses, or pubs as they are better known, are a cornerstone of British culture and you will be hard-pressed not to stumble across one in London. In total, there are approximately 2,225 pubs in Greater London, with just over 2,000 in Central London itself. With over 4,000 pubs, you are spoilt for choice and while each pub will have its unique name and own back story, you will certainly find a good atmosphere and a delightful range of beers, ciders, and ales on tap if that takes your fancy. Pubs are also good spots to watch live sports, with many subscribed to Sky Sports or TNT. With tickets for live action in the multiple sporting arenas in London constantly on the rise, catching the action in the vibrant surroundings of a pub is a solid alternative.

Another fantastic nighttime option on a budget is visiting one of the many casinos in London. While some of the options will certainly cost a pretty penny, like the Hippodrome by Leicester Square with its high minimum bets, some venues suit more budget-conscious punters. For example, there is no shortage of local betting shops scattered around London where you can enjoy a night at the tables. If that’s still not in budget, you could even relax and play your favourite games from the comfort of your own home and cut out travel and food expenses. When you play online, you can make your money go even further, and at £10 deposit casinos you can even get a bonus with a low initial deposit which is ideal for anyone looking for entertainment without breaking the bank.

See the city on two wheels!

While the underground is an impressive network and is a good way to quickly get around London, you might prefer staying above ground and commuting on two wheels on one of London’s Santander bicycles. Especially in warmer weather, hiring a bicycle is not only easy to do, but it is also an affordable way to travel around and see the city if you prefer to avoid the potential sweatbox of the tube. It is possible to rent a bicycle for only £1.65 for 30 minutes and there are 800 docking stations to conveniently leave the bicycle at the end of a journey.

London has also become more cycle-friendly over the years and dedicated bicycle lanes provide space and security away from the four-wheeled transport, which means you can leisurely cycle past sights such as Buckingham Palace or The Tower of London.

There will always be the temptation to fall into the tourist traps or take the easier option, whether that is commuting, partying, seeking entertainment, or taking tours. But despite the label London has of being one of the most expensive cities in the world, there are ways to avoid loosening the purse strings too much.