London is one of the most exciting cities in the world, packed with history, culture, and iconic landmarks. However, visiting London without proper planning can be an expensive affair. From costly transportation mistakes to overpriced tourist traps, there are plenty of ways to overspend or waste time. If you’re planning a trip to London, avoid these 20 costly mistakes to make the most of your visit without breaking the bank.
1. Not Using an Oyster Card or Contactless Payment
One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is buying single tickets for the Tube, buses, or trains. London’s public transport can be expensive, but you can save a lot of money by using an Oyster card or a contactless debit/credit card, which offers discounted fares.
🔹 Tip: Get a Visitor Oyster Card or use contactless payment to cap daily transport costs.
2. Taking Taxis Instead of the Tube
London’s iconic black cabs are charming, but they’re extremely expensive compared to public transport. Many visitors waste money on taxis when the Underground (Tube) or buses can get them to the same destination much faster and cheaper.
🔹 Tip: Use the TfL (Transport for London) app or Google Maps to navigate public transport efficiently.
3. Not Walking Enough
London is a walkable city, yet many tourists take public transport for short distances they could have walked in 10-15 minutes. Tube stations like Leicester Square and Covent Garden are just a 5-minute walk apart!
🔹 Tip: Walk when possible! It’s free, and you’ll enjoy London’s stunning streetscapes.
4. Not Booking Attractions in Advance
London’s top attractions like the London Eye, Tower of London, and The Shard often have long queues and expensive same-day tickets. Booking online in advance can save both time and money.
🔹 Tip: Use websites like Tiqets, GetYourGuide, or the official attraction sites to book discounted tickets.
More Read
5. Eating in Tourist Traps
Restaurants near Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden tend to be overpriced and underwhelming. Tourists often get lured into expensive, low-quality meals.
🔹 Tip: Head to places like Borough Market, Camden Market, or Soho for better food at reasonable prices.
6. Skipping Free Museums and Galleries
Many tourists pay for attractions when London’s top museums are free! The British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, and Natural History Museum are all free to enter and world-class.
🔹 Tip: Explore London’s free museums and galleries instead of paying for every attraction.
7. Buying Bottled Water Instead of Using Free Refills
London’s tap water is safe to drink, yet many visitors waste money on expensive bottled water.
🔹 Tip: Carry a refillable water bottle and use free water refill stations across the city (look for signs at cafes and public places).
8. Forgetting to Check Opening Hours
London has different opening and closing hours compared to other cities. Some attractions close early, especially in winter.
🔹 Tip: Always check opening times before heading out to avoid disappointment.
9. Not Taking Advantage of Free Walking Tours
Many tourists pay for expensive guided tours, not knowing that London has free walking tours.
🔹 Tip: Join a free walking tour (like Strawberry Tours or SANDEMANs) and just tip your guide at the end.
10. Ignoring Contactless Payment for Small Purchases
Many tourists waste time using cash, but London is highly cashless. Most shops, cafes, and even public transport prefer contactless payment.
🔹 Tip: Use contactless cards or mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) for quick transactions.
11. Visiting Only the Major Landmarks
Many tourists only visit Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye, missing out on hidden gems like Hampstead Heath, Neal’s Yard, Little Venice, and Greenwich.
🔹 Tip: Explore beyond the tourist zones to see a more authentic side of London.
12. Not Checking the Weather
London’s weather is unpredictable, yet tourists often arrive unprepared.
🔹 Tip: Always carry a small umbrella and a light waterproof jacket, even in summer.
13. Paying Full Price for Theatre Tickets
Tourists often overpay for West End shows by booking last-minute or from unreliable sources.
🔹 Tip: Use discount sites like TodayTix or visit TKTS in Leicester Square for cheaper same-day tickets.
14. Taking the Heathrow Express Without Checking Alternatives
The Heathrow Express is fast but expensive (£25+ one way).
🔹 Tip: Take the Elizabeth Line or Piccadilly Line for a much cheaper option (£5-£13).
15. Not Using Meal Deals in Supermarkets
Many tourists eat at expensive cafes, not knowing that supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and M&S offer £4 meal deals (sandwich, drink, and snack).
🔹 Tip: Grab a supermarket meal deal for a quick, cheap lunch.
16. Assuming Tipping is Mandatory
Unlike the USA, tipping in the UK is optional and usually 10-12% at restaurants. Some places add a service charge automatically.
🔹 Tip: Check the bill before tipping—if service charge is included, you don’t need to tip extra.
17. Not Visiting a Traditional Pub
Many tourists stick to fancy bars and miss out on the authentic British pub experience.
🔹 Tip: Visit historic pubs like The Churchill Arms, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, or The Mayflower.
18. Booking Accommodation Too Late
Hotels in London are expensive, and last-minute bookings cost even more.
🔹 Tip: Book months in advance or consider budget-friendly areas like Shoreditch, Camden, or Greenwich.
19. Ignoring Travel Passes
Many tourists pay full price for multiple attractions instead of getting a pass.
🔹 Tip: Consider The London Pass or 2-for-1 train offers for discounts on top sights.
20. Only Using Google Maps Without Checking TfL Updates
Google Maps doesn’t always show Tube disruptions, leading to long delays.
🔹 Tip: Check TfL’s official website or app for real-time updates before traveling.
Final Thoughts
London is an incredible city, but it’s easy to overspend and make mistakes if you’re not prepared. By avoiding these 20 costly mistakes, you’ll save money, enjoy London stress-free, and experience the best the city has to offer!
Do you have any London travel tips? Share them in the comments! ✨🇬🇧
