4 days in
london, England
A short and sweet stay is all you need when visiting London because London is not friends with your wallet. Keep reading, and I’ll show you how I managed to visit London on a “budget.”
Heads Up!
Some of the links you’ll find on this site are affiliate links, which means that if you book a flight, a stay or even that quirky travel gadget through them, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s like buying me a virtual iced capp (thanks!), and it helps keep this blog running so I can continue to share all the travel inspiration and tips with you.
Safe travels and happy exploring!
how to get there
Most international flights arrive at London Heathrow (LHR) or London Gatwick (LGW). If you’re coming from Canada, especially Alberta, you can fly directly from Calgary to London on WestJet.
If you’re already in the UK, you can drive, take a coach, or hop on a train. The UK has a well-connected transportation network.
You can also take a train from France to England via the Eurostar, which connects you to the rest of Europe through Paris.
For more information on getting into the UK, check out
Everything You Need to Know: The United Kingdom.
how to move around
Hello London!
First things first—download CityMapper. It’s better than Apple Maps or Google Maps, especially for navigating the Tube.
The cheapest and sometimes quickest way to get to your hotel is by train. Both Heathrow and Gatwick have airport trains that connect to central London. From there, you can take the Tube or a rideshare to your hotel. Other alternatives include buses or additional rideshares.
Now that you’re in the city, it’s time to explore!
The metro is quite simple to navigate—and that’s coming from someone who barely uses metros. As much as I’d love to say I used the Tube to feel like a local, I’d be lying. I did it because it was the most economical option. (London was my first stop on my mini-Europe tour, so I needed to spend wisely!)
See schedules, plan a trip or look at metro service updates for the London metro here.
Building my confidence with the metro worked out great—I think I actually became something of a pro. Who saw that coming? Not me. Using the metro in London also prepared me for using the metro in Istanbul and Paris.
where to stay
$/$$ Budget/ Mid-Range
Travelodge London Greenwich High Road
What would be considered mid-range anywhere else was budget-friendly in London. Finding good, central accommodation at a decent price was tough. Since I had four more stops on this trip, I needed something affordable-ish—and that’s how I landed on Travelodge.
FYI: Travelodge in North America (by Wyndham) and Travelodge in the UK are not the same chain. I found that out the hard way when I thought I could use my Wyndham points to offset my stay. Imagine my disappointment. Maybe this isn’t news to you, but it was to me!
The rooms were smaller than I’m used to, but that’s normal for London. You could add breakfast to your stay, which I did. It was okay—nothing fancy, just your regular degular breakfast buffet.
Book Travelodge London Greenwich High Road on Expedia
The hotel was within walking distance of Greenwich tourist attractions like Cutty Sark, Greenwich Park, and Greenwich Market. Plenty of shops and restaurants were nearby too.
A major plus? The hotel was a two-minute walk from Greenwich Train Station, making it super easy to get around London. The downside? You could hear the trains—but nothing a pair of Loop earplugs couldn’t fix!
what to do
I already mentioned a few things near the hotel, but here are more things to do in and around London. I tried to spend as little money as possible, so there won’t be any mention of guided tours.
- Uber Boat: A cheap alternative to a boat tour! You can purchase tickets right in the Uber app. The weather was amazing when I went—actually sunny, which is rare for the grey city. I boarded at Greenwich Pier, rode to Tower Bridge, roamed around, then got back on at sunset. Try to get a seat at the back of the boat for the best sunset views. It can get crowded, so be ready to claim your spot.
- The Thames Path: A long-distance hike in the city? Sign me up! I started from Greenwich Pier and followed the path as far as the O2 Arena. It was grey and rained for a bit, so I had to turn back. Don’t ask why I didn’t bring an umbrella to a city known for its rain. Rookie mistake.
- Buckingham Palace: Did you even go to London if you didn’t visit Buckingham Palace? Check the schedule for the Changing of the Guard and band performances here.
- Westminster Abbey: Entry costs £30, which isn’t the cheapest. I hear the interior is stunning, so maybe next time. Pro tip: If you visit during a daily service, you can enter for free! Check the schedule here.
- Other must-sees: Walk across Tower Bridge, admire Big Ben, or ride the London Eye. These areas are packed with tourists—and pickpockets. Keep your phone and camera secure.
Honourable mention:
IFS Cable Car. I planned to go, but I met up with an old friend instead.
I considered getting the GoCity London Pass, but the math wasn’t mathing. Since I wouldn’t be able to visit everything included, it wasn’t worth it. If you like the convenience of a pass, compare its price with booking activities individually through GetYourGuide or your preferred activity provider.
where to eat
- Nando’s: We have a few in Canada, but London’s Nando’s tasted closest to home. And by home, I mean Zimbabwe.
- Flat Iron: A steak chain restaurant. Chain restaurants are hit or miss, but I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. There are several locations across London.
- The Blues Kitchen (Shoreditch): Go during happy hour to save money. The staff was amazing, the drinks were great, and when I went, there was a live blues band. A vibe.
- Chicken Shops: These are everywhere. Just Google reviews to find a good one. I don’t remember the exact places I went, but if you want a filling meal on a budget, find the nearest chicken shop.
- Greenwich Market: Plenty of food stalls with a wide variety of options. You’ll definitely find something delicious!
Let’s talk travel insurance for 1 second,
Travel insurance is your safety net when things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a canceled flight, or lost luggage, it’s there to save you from unexpected expenses and a lot of stress. For solo travelers especially, it’s like having backup when you’re out in the world on your own. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and knowing you’re covered if life throws you a curveball while you’re exploring.
World Nomads is the company I trust to handle my travel insurance needs. Their 2 insurance packages can cater to any kind of traveler. They are there to help you 24/7.
Make the smart move and get travel insurance for all your adventures.
Have a safe trip!
conclusion
London can be done on a “budget,” but be prepared to spend more than you would in other big cities. Overall, I had a great time catching up with friends and family while exploring a bit of London. What more could a girl ask for to kick off her mini-Europe tour?
