Cheap London from Dublin: an all-in weekend from ~276 €
Photo: Unsplash · images.unsplash.com/photo-1543832923-44667a44c804London rewards travellers who plan around its free side. Some of the best museums in the world, the British Museum, the National Gallery, Tate Modern and the Natural History Museum, cost nothing to enter, and the parks, markets and riverside walks are open to everyone. Coming from Dublin (1h37 by plane), you can be strolling the South Bank almost as soon as you arrive.
The city has a reputation for being expensive, and it can be, but the cost is mostly in your choices. Eat where locals eat, use the network smartly, and lean on free culture, and a weekend in London stays within reach on a modest budget.
The all-in budget, line by line
Indicative estimate for 2 nights, 1 traveler. A range, never a firm price.
Getting there from Dublin
- From
- Dublin (DUB)
- To
- London (LON)
- Mode
- Flight
- Est. duration
- ~1h37
- Distance
- ~460 km
Duration and distance are indicative (as the crow flies). Book early and target weekday departures to cut the transport cost.
Doing London on a budget
The single biggest money saver is that most national museums and galleries have free permanent collections. Markets like Borough, Camden and Brick Lane are great for cheap, filling street food, and supermarket meal deals are a local staple for lunch on the move. Booking a bed in Zones 2 or 3 rather than central Zone 1 usually cuts your accommodation cost without adding much travel time.
Getting around and where to stay
Skip paper tickets and pay with a contactless card or phone on the Tube, buses and Overground, since fares are capped daily so you never overpay once you hit the limit. Buses are cheaper than the Tube and let you see the city above ground, while walking between central sights is often faster than you expect. For a good-value base, look at areas like Shoreditch, Camden, Greenwich or Brixton, each lively, well connected and cheaper than the centre.
When to visit
Late spring through summer brings the longest daylight and the most outdoor life, with the parks and river at their best, though it is also the busiest and priciest window. Spring and autumn are gentler on both crowds and prices while still offering plenty of open-air time. Winter is the cheapest stretch for beds and quieter museums, just pack for cold, damp days and shorter afternoons.
What to do in London?
Museums, neighbourhoods, must-sees: here's what to see on site.
What to do in London: see the guide →Skip-the-line tickets and guided tours via our partners.
Best time to go
For London, aim for April, May, June, July, August, September: nice weather and still-reasonable prices.
Ready for London?
See the full guide: what to do, where to stay, and the all-in weekend budget.
See the full guide →Reach London from another city
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