London has a reputation for emptying wallets almost as quickly as it fills itineraries. Between train fares, attraction tickets, coffees, lunches and impulse spending, a simple day in the capital can suddenly cost far more than planned.

Yet for those who know where to look – and how to plan – London can still offer one of the richest city breaks in Britain without the accompanying expense.

The first secret to doing London affordably begins before you even leave home.

Travel often becomes the biggest hidden expense, particularly for families. Booking rail tickets in advance can make a dramatic difference, with off-peak fares often significantly cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re travelling around the city itself, using contactless payment or an Oyster card usually works out cheaper than paper tickets, thanks to daily fare caps on London’s public transport network. In simple terms, once you hit the daily cap, further journeys often cost nothing extra.

Once you arrive, it pays to remember one of London’s greatest strengths: many attractions are completely free.

The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the British Museum can easily fill an entire day, particularly with children, and all without an admission fee. Art lovers can spend hours in the National Gallery or Tate Modern, both offering world-class collections at no cost.

Yet some of London’s greatest experiences don’t involve museums at all.

A walk along the South Bank remains one of the capital’s finest free activities. Starting near Westminster and following the Thames towards Tower Bridge offers constantly changing views, street performers, food markets and some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

Green spaces also offer remarkable value. Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and Greenwich Park can provide a full afternoon of entertainment, whether it’s boating, picnicking, people-watching or simply escaping the pace of central London.

Food is where many visitors overspend. A quick lunch for a family can easily stretch up towards £100 in tourist hotspots, particularly when adding a drink or two on top. One of the smartest tricks is to pack lunch or buy food from supermarkets, bakeries or food halls slightly away from major attractions – it’ll be much cheaper.

Pre-booking also matters. Attractions such as river cruises, observation decks or theatre tickets are often cheaper online than at the door. Even major West End shows can be accessed for under £20 through same-day ticket apps or official box office deals, particularly if you’re happy to watch a matinee performance rather than the evening showing.

And perhaps the simplest trick of all? Slow down. Many visitors try to cram too much into one day, spending heavily on multiple things when, in truth, sampling things slowly is not just cost-effective, but more enjoyable too!