London trip cost and budget guide
Free museums, royal sights and riverside pubs. Here’s what a trip to London typically costs, when to go, where to stay and how to plan your days.
How much a trip to London costs
Daily costs depend most on how you travel. On a budget, expect around $73–$134 per person a day; in comfort, $174–$309; and in luxury, $455–$910 (two people sharing a room, before getting there).
| Typical cost | Budget | Comfort | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotelper room per night | $70–$120 | $170–$290 | $450–$900 |
| Foodper person per day | $20–$35 | $45–$80 | $110–$220 |
| Local transportper person per day | $8–$14 | $14–$24 | $40–$80 |
| Activitiesper person per day | $10–$25 | $30–$60 | $80–$160 |
A sample trip: 2 adults, 5 days and 4 nights
- Budget: $660–$1,220 in total, about $330–$610 per person.
- Comfort: $1,570–$2,800 in total, about $785–$1,400 per person.
- Luxury: $4,100–$8,200 in total, about $2,050–$4,100 per person.
Hotel prices are about 15% higher in peak season and 10% lower in the low season. Amounts are in US dollars and don’t include getting there, visas or insurance. They’re TravelWise planning estimates, last checked 12 October 2026, not quotes: check prices before you book.
Best time to visit London
May to September for long days; spring and autumn for fewer crowds.
| Month | Season | Temperature | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Low | 3–8°C | some rain |
| February | Low | 2–9°C | some rain |
| March | Shoulder | 4–12°C | some rain |
| April | Shoulder | 6–15°C | some rain |
| May | Peak | 9–18°C | some rain |
| June | Peak | 12–21°C | some rain |
| July | Peak | 14–24°C | mostly dry |
| August | Peak | 14–23°C | some rain |
| September | Shoulder | 12–20°C | some rain |
| October | Shoulder | 9–16°C | some rain |
| November | Low | 6–11°C | rainy |
| December | Shoulder | 3–8°C | some rain |
Where to stay in London
- Budget: Hostel or budget hotel, around King's Cross or Shoreditch ($70–$120 a night).
- Comfort: 4★ city hotel, around South Bank or Covent Garden ($170–$290 a night).
- Luxury: 5★ heritage hotel, around Mayfair or Knightsbridge ($450–$900 a night).
A sample London itinerary
After an arrival day, here’s how you could spend your time:
- Day 2: Westminster
- Big Ben and Parliament
- Westminster Abbey
- London Eye at sunset
- Day 3: Museums
- British Museum
- Covent Garden lunch
- National Gallery
- Day 4: Tower & river
- Tower of London
- Tower Bridge
- Borough Market
- Day 5: Parks & palaces
- Buckingham Palace
- Hyde Park
- Notting Hill
Money, apps and practical tips
- Currency: GBP. Plan on about $5–$15 in cash per person a day. London is almost cashless; contactless cards work on the Tube and in most shops.
- Emergency: 999 or 112
- Plugs: Type G · 230 V
- Tipping: 10–12.5% often added to bills
- Transit: TfL Go, Citymapper. Live Tube and bus times
- Rides: Uber, FREENOW, Bolt. FREENOW books black cabs
- Food delivery: Deliveroo, Uber Eats
Entry and visas
- Visa-free visitors need a UK ETA (electronic travel authorisation) before they travel.
- Your passport must be valid for your whole stay.
- Apply for a UK ETA online if your passport is visa-free.
Entry rules change and depend on your passport: always confirm them with official government sources before you travel.
Plan your London trip
Enter your own dates, travellers and travel style to see a full budget with every cost broken down, real places to stay and eat, a day-by-day plan you can add activities to, and the total in your currency.
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