London is not only a fantastic city to visit, but also an affordable one if you know where to look. There are many paid things to do in London that won't break the bank and will give you an unforgettable experience.
Here are some of the top paid things to do in London on a budget for an amazing experience in 2023.
- Visit some of the most iconic landmarks in London, such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral and The Shard. You can get a panoramic view of the city from some of the best vantage points, such as Primrose Hill, Greenwich Observatory, Sky Garden, Tate Modern and The Shard . Some of these attractions are free, while others charge a small fee or require advance booking.
- Enjoy some free entertainment and cultural events in London, such as concerts, festivals, comedy shows, theatre performances and more. Some of the best places to find free or cheap events such as Shakespeare's Globe Theatre are in Southbank Centre, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Time Out London. Shakespeare's Globe, an Elizabethan playhouse for which William Shakespeare wrote his plays, is in the London Borough of Southwark, on the south bank of the River Thames. You can also check out some of the best pubs and clubs in London for live music and nightlife.
- Learn more about London's rich and diverse history at some of the museums and galleries that charge a small admission fee or offer discounts for students and seniors. Some of the most popular ones are the Tower of London, where you can see the Crown Jewels and the Beefeaters; the Churchill War Rooms, where you can explore the underground bunker where Winston Churchill led Britain during World War II; and the Royal Museums Greenwich, where you can see the Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory and the National Maritime Museum.
- Have some fun and adventure at some of the attractions and activities that offer great value for money. You can ride a pedalo on Hyde Park's Serpentine Lake for £12 per hour; go ice skating at one of the many seasonal rinks around London for £10-£15 per session; or take a Thames river cruise for £10-£20 per person.
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Check out my video about The Tower Of London (Exterior):
- Watch a movie at the Genesis Cinema, one of the oldest and most beautiful cinemas in London. Every Thursday, you can see any film for just £3, whether it's a new blockbuster, an arthouse movie, or a golden oldie. You can also enjoy a drink or a snack at the cosy brickwalled bar.
- Play bingo at the Buzz Bingo, a stunning venue that was once a cinema and is now a cathedral-like bingo hall. The maverick architect who designed it took inspiration from Russian churches, filling the space with grand gothic arches, intricate wood carvings and delicate paintings. You can join a game for as little as £3-£5 and have a chance to win some cash prizes.
- Eat some of the best street food in London at one of the many markets, such as Borough Market, Camden Market, Portobello Road Market and Brick Lane Market. You can find everything from fresh produce, street food, antiques, vintage clothing, books and more . You can sample cuisines from all over the world for just a few pounds per dish.
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River Thames View With The Shard By Loretta S
- Treat yourself to some shopping at some of the best places to find bargains and deals in London. You can browse through hundreds of stalls and shops at Oxford Street, London's most famous shopping street; find some unique and quirky items at Camden Lock Market, London's alternative shopping destination; or hunt for treasures at Spitalfields Market, London's oldest market.
These are just some of the many paid things to do in London on a budget for a great vacation in 2023. Whether you're interested in art, history, nature or culture, you'll find something to suit your taste and wallet in this wonderful city.