thepinkginpassportWhile London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, there is lots to do once you’re there that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Spend the morning in Notting Hill, London
You can visit spots from the Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts movie Notting Hill such as the Travel Book Shop and Portobello Road Market. Walk down Lancaster Road to admire the pretty coloured houses and grab a delicious cinnamon bun from Buns from Home.
Enjoy a pint at Churchill Arms in Kensington, London
You can even walk here after strolling around Notting Hill. This pub is known for it’s beautiful decor on the outside, worth popping in for a quick pint or enjoy the view as you’re walking past.
Walk through a Japanese Garden, London
The Kyoto Garden at Holland Park is a beautiful Japanese Garden with a Koi Carp pond to boot. Like many of London’s parks this is free to enter.
Design Museum
Another one of London’s Free Museums I found this to be a lot less busy than say Natural History Museum in South Kensington where you often have to queue to get in.
Gnome Garden on Melbury Road
As I left the Design Museum to make my way to South Kensington Tube Station I saw on Google Maps there was a Gnome Garden. This beautifully made Gnome Garden is on a residential front garden where photos are allowed (or was on my visit in May 2025).
Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a must do place to visit in London, a central hub of the London’s West End with market stalls and street performers. Don’t miss Neal’s Yard a beautiful colourful courtyard full of boutique shops and bakeries. St John’s Bakery serve excellent coffee and donuts.
Get the Thames Clipper (also known as Uber Boat)
You can buy tickets or tap in tap out as part of your daily travel card. This works out about £6 and is a great way to see the city. We usually get this from Tower Hill to Embankment so you see Tower Bridge, Gherkin, The Shard, St Pauls, Big Ben and London Eye- recommend going during the day as well as at night to see London skyline lit up.
Get a takeaway box or bubble waffle in China Town
Just off Leicester Square, China Town is fun to walk around and also home to some great cheap eats. If you fancy something sweet, grab a bubble waffle or of you’re feeling something savoury a number of buffets offer a takeaway box (from £5-£7) that you can enjoy as you walk around China Town.
Have a drink at Sky Garden
Entry to Sky Garden is free but to make sure you get in it’s best to book an entry slot on the website. Personally I think this is the best view of London- better than the view from The Shard. From the Sky Garden you have 360 views of London including The Shard and Tower Bridge. At Christmas they have Big Christmas trees and there’s often live music and DJs. Beers are around £6, glass of wine £10 and of course a wide selection of non alcoholic options and hot drinks too.
Visit another museum in London
London has so many museums (its worth looking up University ones too) but the big hitters are: Natural History Museums (for you dinosaur lovers), Tate Modern (art) and Victoria and Albert (fashion and jewellery). Entry is usually free but it’s worth checking if there are any exhibitions you want to get a paid ticket. In 2021, I went to Yayoi Kusama’s infinity mirror rooms which was one of the best ones I’ve been to.
Picnic in the park in London
Okay, this one is weather dependant! There’s no better way to spend Great British Summertime than a picnic in one of the beautiful parks. Grab a meal deal from Tesco, or if you feeling fancy Marks and Spencers, a mini speaker and a blanket from home and have a great afternoon with your friends. My favourites include: Hampstead Heath, Regents Park, St James’ Park.