When planning a trip to London, the costs can vary depending on your choices. If you’re looking to have a nice meal at a restaurant, you could easily spend over £200 at some of the finer spots, but local restaurants offer great deals, meaning you don’t have to spend more than £20 for a good dinner. If you’re keen on exploring the city, guided historical tours, visiting museums, attending exhibitions, or seeing a play will add up.
On a very basic budget, you could manage £50 a day, but that would limit your food options to fast food and restrict you from most paid-for activities. A comfortable budget would be around £100 a day, allowing for a nice trip with a balance of experiences.
On the other end of the spectrum, a more luxurious lifestyle might set you back to £9000 for a lavish experience. However, you can still do London on a budget. For example, if you eat breakfast at your hotel or Airbnb and opt for a meal deal from places like Tesco, Boots, or Sainsbury’s, you can keep costs lower.
A takeaway meal and a few drinks might only cost you £100+ for the day, even if you’re indulging a little. With a £700 budget, you could easily spend a week in London, but keep in mind that a single dinner at an upscale place like Da Terra could cost you £700 or more.
To save money, consider enjoying the many free museums in the city. Places like the British Museum, National Gallery, and Tate galleries offer free entry, and you can explore the iconic exteriors of landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace without spending a penny. Travel costs can also be kept low if you stay in a central location, minimizing the need for expensive transport. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy the best of London without breaking the bank.
London Budget assumptions
When planning a trip to London, understanding the cost of a week’s stay for adults and children can help create a realistic budget. For a family with kids aged 6 to 11 traveling in the summer for seven days and six nights, you’ll want to plan for expenses like hotel accommodations, airfare, transportation, food, and activities.
Families opting for three or four-star accommodations in family-size rooms can enjoy a family-friendly experience while balancing comfort and affordability. For example, a mix of self-guided and private tours is perfect for discovering iconic destinations while tailoring the trip to your family’s travel style.
To estimate the costs, remember that the exchange rate for British pounds affects the overall pricing. Using tools like xe.com helps to convert currency while planning accurately. Consider additional costs like entrance fees, souvenirs, and even a special high tea experience.
Transportation within London and to/from the airport is reliable but should be factored into your budget, along with travel insurance for peace of mind. Whether it’s a spring break, a Christmas vacation, or an off-season getaway, adjustments for specific travel companions and months can make the trip more affordable and enjoyable.
Airfare
Planning for airfare between the U.S. and London requires consideration of prices, which have risen recently, especially for summer travel. While fares once averaged $500 per person, current rates for direct flights in peak season often reach $900 per person, making it critical to book at least six months in advance or consider shoulder seasons. Opting for flights with a connection through Iceland or Dublin, using carriers like Iceland Air or Aer Lingus, can reduce costs to under $750 per person.
Maximizing frequent flier points or credit card points is a smart strategy to offset costs, especially when using tools like the Travel Freely app to track credit cards and optimize points’ earnings. Budget carriers like Play or Norse Airlines offer affordable options to Stansted or Gatwick instead of Heathrow, a global hub for international airlines. For families, the total airfare cost for four travelers averages $2700, highlighting the importance of utilizing deal alerts from sites like Going or Dollar Flight Club to find sales.
Accommodations
When planning your London trip, the cost of hotel rooms is greatly influenced by their space and location. If you prefer adjoining rooms or a family suite in a central city four- or five-star hotel, such as the Atheneum Hotel & Residences, expect nightly rates between $900-$1,500. These high-end options offer luxury services like a concierge, on-site fine dining, and proximity to key attractions, ensuring convenience for families with a larger budget.
Alternatively, staying in charming neighborhoods just a quick tube ride from the city center can save you money. Options like apartment-style accommodations or vrbo rentals provide more spacious rooms, though they often have a minimum 5-7 night stay. Neighborhoods such as South Kensington, Notting Hill, and Little Venice feature four-star hotels like the Royal Garden Hotel, with nightly rates ranging from $300-$600. This strategy balances affordability and comfort while offering a delightful London experience.
Find accommodations options in London:
When booking stand-alone rentals in London, always confirm the exact address or the nearest major cross street to ensure it’s well-located. Staying outside the T1 London Tube area may increase transportation costs and take up valuable time as you travel to the city each day. Using platforms like Airbnb or other vacation rental services can be helpful, but proper planning is essential.
For a week-long stay, the total accommodation cost can amount to $3,600, assuming an average of $600 per night for six nights. Balancing location, cost, and convenience ensures you get the best experience during your trip.
Tours/Entrance Fees
Exploring London’s attractions with a Blue-Badge guide is a worthwhile splurge, offering engaging walking tours or half-day experiences that bring history alive for both adults and children. The cost for a private family tour typically ranges from $300 to $400 for a half-day.
My family found it especially rewarding to visit iconic sites like the British Museum, the Tower of London, and Westminster City with these knowledgeable guides. If a private tour isn’t feasible, audio guides—especially children’s versions—are an excellent alternative for an enriching experience.
Entrance fees can quickly add up, with tickets ranging from $15 to $60 per person for landmarks such as Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio.
However, family passes often provide discounts for two adults and up to three kids, making them a great way to save on admissions. For those visiting multiple sites, consider the London Go City Explorer or the London Pass to further cut costs.
Fortunately, many renowned museums—like the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum—and the expansive parks of Hyde Park, St. James, and Regent’s Park are entirely free, allowing you to balance pricier activities with no-cost options throughout the week. With these strategies, you can manage your sightseeing budget efficiently, even with a total estimated cost of $1,200 for six days.
Transportation
Airport Transfers
The Heathrow Express offers incredible value, costing only $10-$15 per person when purchasing an advance ticket for a specific day of travel. The ride is just 20 minutes long and takes passengers straight to Paddington Station, where you can easily find a reasonably priced taxi to your accommodation. Although there’s a bit of a long walk between terminals at Heathrow, the cost and time savings make it worthwhile. Families benefit further since children aged 15 years and under travel free in Express Class with a paying adult.
For a more personalized option, arranging a driver in advance via your hotel concierge costs around $150-$200. While taxis to and from the airport are available, they can be much pricier due to unpredictable traffic in the city. Planning ahead ensures smooth and stress-free transportation during your trip.
Day Trips
If you’re spending seven days in London, planning a day trip outside the city can be a delightful addition to your itinerary. Train tickets to charming destinations like Oxford, Windsor, or Bath typically price between $40 and $60 per person for a roundtrip. To get the best rates, it’s wise to book in advance. For families or groups wanting a more tailored experience, hiring a driver for a full day of service can range from $500 to $1,000, offering convenience and flexibility.
The overall transportation costs for a trip may vary, but using public transportation can help keep your costs manageable, averaging around $400. Exploring beyond London not only enriches the trip but also allows travelers to discover unique places nearby while sticking to their budget.
Food
When estimating food expenses for your trip to London, the budget can vary drastically depending on your family’s preferences. From quick, convenient meals to sit-down, upscale dining, the city offers a rich spectrum of options to suit every taste. Personally, I enjoy a mix of both styles, which not only keeps costs balanced but also adds variety to each day’s meals. Whether you’re indulging in fine dining or grabbing a quick bite, London makes it easy to tailor your experience to your personal preferences.
Breakfast
For a hotel stay, breakfast is often included, but if not, you can easily visit a grocery store or one of the many small shops across the city. Popular chains like Waitrose and Sainsbury offer plenty of options to stock up on supplies for your room or apartment. This is a practical and cost-effective way to ensure you’re prepared for the day ahead without overspending on meals.
Don’t miss out on enjoying a traditional full English breakfast during your trip. Its robust portions are so filling that you might not even need lunch that day! This hearty meal provides a quintessential British experience that blends flavor with cultural immersion, making it a must-try addition to your itinerary.
Lunch
For a cost-effective lunch in London, consider stopping by a grocery store to benefit from their package deals. A typical deal includes a sandwich, a drink, and a bag of crisps (or potato chips) for just $4-$7. Adding some fruit or prepared veggies to share can keep your family satisfied while sticking to a budget. For about $40, you can easily feed everyone without sacrificing convenience.
Alternatively, quick service options like Pret a Manger, found on nearly every corner, offer fresh and affordable meals to keep your day moving without breaking the bank.
Dinner
If you have access to kitchen facilities, you can make significant savings by shopping at grocery stores in London, where you’ll find high-quality, upscale pre-made food that’s easy to heat and serve. Options like roasted chicken dishes, veggies, potatoes, and desserts often cost less than $30 for a healthy and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort.
Alternatively, takeaways are an inexpensive way to enjoy ethnically diverse dishes, such as Indian and Thai, or indulge in the famous fish n’ chips that London is renowned for. This approach offers both convenience and the chance to explore the city’s rich culinary scene in a fun and affordable way.
When to Splurge
During a week-long trip to London, enjoying its renowned restaurants is a delightful way to splurge. I love balancing a few sit-down meals with casual, cheaper fare, making room for indulgences like a classic afternoon tea. While typically priced between $40-60 per person, some hotels offer discounts or even complimentary tea to their guests. With the generous portions served during this experience, scheduling your tea bookings for later in the day can turn this treat into a light dinner option.
A total food cost of $1,330 includes a free hotel breakfast, $40 lunches for seven days, and $150 dinners each evening. This thoughtful balance ensures you can savor London’s culinary delights while staying within budget, making meals a memorable part of the journey.
Souvenirs/Miscellaneous
For me, a trip itself is always the treat, but London offers fantastic opportunities for unique souvenirs. I prefer avoiding the kitschy items found in gift shops at major attractions and instead looking for specialty items. A visit to Fortnum & Mason is perfect for finding England’s famous tea and biscuits, beautifully packaged to bring back home. Hamley’s toy store provides a magical experience for the family, while browsing the iconic floors and departments at Harrods always feels like an adventure.
To keep costs manageable, we plan a souvenir budget of $200, with each family member spending around $50 on meaningful keepsakes. This approach lets us enjoy the joy of shopping without overspending, making the trip a true treasure for everyone.
Travel Insurance
When planning your trip, securing travel insurance is a crucial step to protect your investment. The pricing varies based on factors such as your level of coverage, age, and overall trip costs, ensuring that you have the right protection tailored to your needs. A rough estimate for comprehensive coverage would fall between $300 and $500, offering peace of mind during your journey.
Total Cost for a 7-day Family trip to London: $9,830
A trip to London for a family of four typically costs around $9,830, averaging $350 per person per day. To reduce the cost, you could use airline miles, find an excellent accommodation deal, or save by cooking your own meals. Free activities and iconic landmarks are great options to balance enjoyment and affordability without focusing solely on pricier places.
However, London is known as an expensive city, which can make planning on a very tight budget challenging. For those seeking a more relaxed English countryside vibe, consider exploring Northern England, where I found affordable inns and delicious food while walking Hadrian’s Wall last summer.
How much does it cost to go to London?
| Category | Cost |
| Airfare | $2700 |
| Accommodations | $3600 |
| Tours & activities | $1200 |
| Transportation | $ 400 |
| Food | $1330 |
| Souvenirs | $ 200 |
| Travel insurance | $ 400 |
| Total London Trip Cost | $9830 |
