How Expensive Is London in 2025? A Day-by-Day Breakdown
Planning a trip to London in 2025 and wondering just how much it’s going to cost you? Whether you're a budget-savvy backpacker or someone who likes a splash of luxury, London can be as affordable or as indulgent as you want it to be.
I’ve broken down the real cost of spending a day in London, based on three travel styles: Budget, Mid-Range, and Luxury. From transport and food to iconic attractions and accommodation, this is your ultimate 2025 money guide to the UK capital.
First, What’s Changed in 2025?
Prices have definitely crept up post-2024, but not dramatically. Inflation, tourism demand, and event surges (like Wimbledon or Taylor Swift’s London shows) can affect accommodation costs, but in general, London’s core costs remain predictable:
Oyster cards and daily fare caps keep transport reasonable
Free museums and galleries are still everywhere
Lunch deals and food halls make eating well on a budget very possible
But... hotels have seen a 5–10% price bump compared to last year
Let’s get into it.
Day-by-Day Breakdown – 3 Travel Styles
🔹 Budget Traveller (£60–£90 per day)
Perfect for students, solo adventurers, or anyone keeping it lean.
Accommodation:
£30–£50 in a hostel (dorm bed in areas like King’s Cross or Shoreditch)
Some private room Airbnb deals can dip to £60 if booked early
Transport:
£5.60 for unlimited travel in Zones 1–2 with a daily Oyster cap
Walk when you can – London is super walkable!
Food:
Breakfast: Free hostel brekkie or supermarket pastry (£0–£3)
Lunch: Meal deal from Tesco/Sainsbury’s (£3.50–£5)
Dinner: Grab a delicious curry on Brick Lane or a falafel wrap in Camden (£8–£12)
Attractions:
All major museums (British Museum, Tate, Natural History) = Free!
Optional: Sky Garden (free, but must book ahead)
West End theatre: Try TodayTix for £15–£20 tickets
Extras:
Coffee or pint: £3–£6
Souvenir or thrifted find: £5–£10
💡 Total per day: ~£60–£90
🔹 Mid-Range Traveller (£150–£250 per day)
For couples, families, or solo explorers looking for comfort and iconic experiences.
Accommodation:
£100–£180 for a central 3-star hotel or boutique Airbnb
(Try areas like Southbank, Bloomsbury, or Notting Hill)
Transport:
£5.60 with Oyster or contactless
Add £20 for occasional Uber rides or Heathrow Express
Food:
Breakfast: Brunch in Soho or Notting Hill (£10–£18)
Lunch: Food hall at Seven Dials Market or Borough Market (£10–£15)
Dinner: Sit-down bistro or rooftop spot like Pergola or Dishoom (£25–£40 per person)
Attractions:
London Eye, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey: £20–£35 per ticket
West End Show (standard ticket): ~£40–£60
River Thames cruise or afternoon tea: ~£30–£45
Extras:
Pub drinks: £6–£8 per pint/glass of wine
Shopping or gifts: £20+
💡 Total per day: ~£150–£250
🔹 Luxury Traveller (£300–£600+ per day)
You're here to indulge—and London rolls out the red carpet.
Accommodation:
£300–£500+ per night at The Savoy, Corinthia, The Connaught, or Shangri-La at The Shard
Transport:
Private transfers or executive car service (£80–£100/day)
Or Black Cabs + occasional Uber Lux (£40+)
Food:
Breakfast: Room service or Claridge’s dining room (£30–£50)
Lunch: Michelin-star restaurant or sushi omakase (£40–£70)
Dinner: The Ritz, Sketch, or CORE by Clare Smyth (£100–£300+ per person)
Attractions:
VIP tours at Westminster Abbey or a private viewing at Sotheby’s
Luxury West End theatre box (~£150–£250)
Personal shopping at Harrods or Liberty
Extras:
Spa day at ESPA Life, Corinthia: £200+
Rooftop cocktails or wine tastings: £15–£50 per drink
Helicopter ride or day trip to Oxford: £300+
💡 Total per day: ~£400–£600+
Sample Day Plan for Each Budget
Budget Traveller – Monday:
Breakfast at hostel
Free British Museum visit
Lunch meal deal
Walk across Southbank, pop into Tate Modern
Free Sky Garden sunset
£10 curry on Brick Lane
Pint at a pub
🧾 Total: ~£65
Mid-Range Traveller – Saturday:
Brunch at Farm Girl Café (£15)
London Eye + River cruise (£45)
Lunch at Seven Dials Market
Visit Tower of London (£30)
Dinner at Dishoom (£30)
Theatre night in the West End (£55)
🧾 Total: ~£200
Luxury Traveller – Friday:
Chauffeured pick-up
Private Harrods shopping experience
Lunch at The Ritz
VIP tour at Westminster Abbey
Rooftop drinks at The Ned
Helicopter over London
Dinner at CORE by Clare Smyth
🧾 Total: £800+
Tips to Save, No Matter Your Budget
Get an Oyster card or use a contactless card for capped fares
Visit during shoulder season (April, October) for lower accommodation rates
Book major attractions in advance – bundle tickets for savings
Use apps like OpenTable, TodayTix, and Groupon for offers
Explore London’s free gems – like the Kyoto Garden, Columbia Road Flower Market, and street art walks in Shoreditch
So, Is London Expensive in 2025?
It can be—but it doesn’t have to be.
You can do it for £60 a day or spend £600 and beyond. The beauty of London is that it adapts to your budget, not the other way around.
From free museums and beautiful parks to sky-high dining and luxury indulgences, you truly get to choose your own adventure.
Save this guide for your trip planning and share it with someone who needs to know how to budget their London dream!
Follow @Londonyaar for more insider tips, updated costs, and local secrets.