London is an expensive city. I spent nearly a month there over two trips and quickly realised that it’s impossible to do everything. Some attractions are expensive and overrated, while others are genuinely worth every penny.
If you’re trying to decide where to spend your budget, these are the 7 paid attractions and experiences I’d happily pay for again. Every recommendation on this list earned its place because it added something special to my trip.
I’m also sharing the London attractions that didn’t make the cut—the big-name sights you’ll find on almost every London itinerary. Not necessarily because they’re bad, but because I don’t think they’re the best use of your time or money, especially if it’s your first trip to London.
If you’re still planning your trip, I’ve also put together a 4-day London itinerary with easy walking routes, food spots, photo locations and the main sights I’d prioritise on a first visit.
The Best Paid Attractions in London
1. Tower of London
Cost: Adult: £37.00; Child aged 5-15: £18.50 (check official prices here)
Time needed: 3-5 hours depending on the level of interest
Best for: All first-time visitors
If you’re visiting London for the first time, this is one attraction I wouldn’t skip.
Most people come for the British Crown Jewels, home to famous diamonds like the Kohinoor and the Cullinan Diamond. TBH the Crown Jewels are just one part of what makes the Tower of London so special.
For over 500 years, this was a royal palace so every corner has a story to tell. To listen to some of these aeon-old stories, do the free Yeoman Warder tour (the palace guards, also known as Beefeaters). You’ll hear about kings and queens, notorious prisoners, and famous executions, including Anne Boleyn’s. And don’t miss the resident ravens, who have their own fascinating legend.
To get a glimpse of my experience, see this short video.
I easily spent half a day here and still didn’t manage to see everything. If you’re short on time, I’d prioritise the Crown Jewels, the free Yeoman Warder tour, and the White Tower, where you can see the impressive Royal Armouries collection.
How to save money on the Tower of London:
1.Buy a combined Tower of London + Westminster Abbey ticket through Headout to get a 6% discount. Both are must-dos on your first London trip so I think this combo ticket is absolutely worth your while.
2. Another option is to get the Go City London Explorer Pass (2/3 choice attraction passes, depending on all that you’re doing). They often run discounts and if such a discount is running, then it may save you even more money.
3. I stood in a long queue at the Tower of London to get the £5 audio guide, but I don’t think it’s necessary. There are plenty of information boards throughout the site, and I found them more than enough. The only thing I’d recommend is picking up a free map (they were being handed out at the entrance), as it makes it much easier to navigate the grounds.
2. Westminster Abbey
Cost: Adults £31 (check the latest official prices here)
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Best for: All first-time visitors
If you only pay to visit one church in London, make it Westminster Abbey.
This is where British history really comes alive. For over 1,000 years, Westminster Abbey has been the church where all royal coronations, weddings and funerals take place, making it one of the country’s most important landmarks.
As you walk through the abbey, you’ll see the tombs and memorials of monarchs and some of Britain’s most influential figures, including Queen Elizabeth I, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens, Stephen Hawking and more. Not only that, the Gothic architecture here is absolutely stunning.
I only went here on my second trip but it ended up being one of my favourite attractions in London. I actually chose to visit St Paul’s Cathedral on my first trip, and while it’s beautiful in its own right, it didn’t leave the same impression on me.
So if you’re deciding between the two, I’d spend my money on Westminster Abbey every time.
How to save money on Westminster Abbey
As mentioned above, the best way to save money is to get a combined ticket for the Tower of London + Westminster Abbey through Headout. You’ll get a 6% discount.
Another option is to get the Go City London Explorer Pass (2/3 choice attraction passes, depending on all that you’re doing). They often run discounts and if such a discount is running, then it may save you more money than the combo ticket.
3. The Painted Hall at the Royal Naval College
Cost: £19 (check prices here)
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Best for: 1st or 2nd-time visitors, art lovers
Not a lot of people visit Greenwich, which I think is an absolute shame because Greenwich is one of THE BEST neighbourhoods in London. And even if they do, they just see the Greenwich Park viewpoint and head back. What everyone misses out on is the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College.
It is one of the most breathtaking interiors I’ve seen anywhere in Europe. Often called Britain’s Sistine Chapel, its walls and ceilings are covered in an extraordinary Baroque masterpiece that took artist Sir James Thornhill 19 years to complete. No matter how many photos you’ve seen, nothing prepares you for walking through the doors and looking up.
What makes it even more fascinating is that this wasn’t built as a palace or a church. The hall was originally designed as a grand dining room for retired sailors, making it an incredibly unique piece of British history.
Your ticket also includes access to the Victorian Skittle Alley, a beautifully preserved 19th-century bowling alley hidden in the building. You can even have a go at playing a traditional game of skittles, which was a fun surprise I wasn’t expecting.
How to save money on the Painted Hall
This is included in the Go City London Explorer Pass so buy it if a discount is going on and you’re also visiting the (or above-mentioned) attractions. Or else just go there and purchase a ticket in person.
4. The Harry Potter Studio Tour
Cost: £51.19
Time needed: 7-8 hours including transport (or even more depending on interest)
Best for: Potterheads or movie buffs
If you’re a Harry Potter fan or a movie buff in general, this is one experience that’s absolutely worth splurging on.
Unlike a theme park, this is a behind-the-scenes studio tour where you’ll walk through the actual sets used in the films, see thousands of original props and costumes, and learn how the magic was brought to life. You’ll feel like you’re walking straight through the Wizarding World – step into the Great Hall, walk down Gringotts bank, see dragons, pull out screaming mandrakes and so much more.
See my experience here:
Where is it and how do I get there?
The studios are actually located in Watford, about 1 hour outside central London. To get there on your own, take the tube or bus to King’s Cross, walk to Euston Station, take a train to Watford Junction and then a free shuttle bus to the studios. Yeah, it’s a bit of a trek. On top of that, tickets from the official website can sell out weeks or even months in advance, especially the morning slots.
That’s why I’d recommend booking a coach tour from central London if it fits your budget. It’s incredibly convenient; you simply hop on the bus, relax for the journey and get dropped right outside the studio entrance, without having to worry about train timings.
The only drawback is that you’ll have less time inside the studios than if you travelled independently. If possible, I’d recommend choosing the extended tour, which gives you 5.5 hours to explore instead of the standard 3.5-hour visit. There’s so much to see that the extra time is well worth it. Even with 5.5 hours, I still felt like I could have spent longer, so if you’re a big Harry Potter fan, don’t underestimate how much time you’ll want here.
How to save money
The most inexpensive way to visit the studio is the most inconvenient. It would be to book the ticket on the official site well in advance and take public transport to get there. If you can’t get the ticket on the official site, then check for tickets here or else just book the tour above, as it’s usually available a couple of days prior as well.
5. A West End Show
Cost: £100-150 (mid-range cost fpr for decent seats)
Time needed: 3–4 hours
Best for: Every single London trip
Even if you don’t usually go to the theatre, I’d always recommend seeing a West End show while you’re in London. It’s one of the city’s most iconic experiences and is home to some of the world’s best theatre productions, often compared to Broadway in New York.
I watched Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and The Phantom of the Opera, and I left both shows wondering, “How did they even do that?” The performances, sets, special effects and stage design completely blew me away. It’s one of those experiences that’s impossible to fully appreciate until you’re sitting in the audience (recording the show isn’t allowed).
Other long-running favourites include The Lion King, Les Misérables, Wicked and Mamma Mia! If you don’t go to the theatre very often, I’d recommend choosing one of these classic productions rather than a newer show. They’re popular for a reason and are much more likely to leave you with an unforgettable experience.
One tip: book your tickets as soon as your travel dates are confirmed, especially if you have a particular show or seating section in mind. The best seats for popular productions can sell out weeks in advance.
How to Save Money on London Theatre:
- I recommend comparing prices on TodayTix, SeatPlan, or directly through the show’s official website to get the best availability. Please do your research and choose good seats (with full visibility) as opposed to just buying any cheap ticket with partial views.
- If you have a very low budget and are open to waiting till the last minute, head to the official TKTS booth in Leicester Square, where you can find same-day tickets for many shows at 25–50% off, often with excellent seats. If your chosen show isn’t available at a discount, you can still buy tickets there at face value without paying booking fees.
- Another good option is to visit the theatre’s own box office on the day of the performance. Many theatres release same-day tickets or returns, and you can sometimes get excellent seats at a reduced price.
6. Cruise down the River Thames
Cost: £20
Time needed: 1 hour
Best for: First-time visitors
I highly recommend experiencing the city from the Thames at least once. As you cruise along the river, you’ll pass landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf from a completely different perspective. It can also double as transport if you plan it right. Check out the popular cruises here.
How to save money on Cruising the Thames:
- Uber Boat: Instead of booking a sightseeing cruise, take an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. It’s much cheaper (£12-14 for the full route), there’s no need to book in advance, and you simply tap your contactless credit or debit card when you board.
The best route is Battersea Power Station or Millbank Pier to North Greenwich. This route covers all the sights mentioned above, including the cable car near O2. - If your budget is even lower and you don’t care about doing the full route mentioned above, then you can also opt for this particular One-Day Unlimited Cruises City Pass. It’s only £8 for a full day of hopping on and off the cruise boat. Can easily be used as transport too!
7. Afternoon Tea
Cost: £50-120
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Best for: 1st or 2nd time visitors, foodies
No trip to London feels complete without experiencing a traditional afternoon tea. It’s a classic British tradition where you’re served a number of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, pastries, and, of course, plenty of tea.
It isn’t cheap, but think of it as a meal rather than just tea. By the end, I was so full that I didn’t even have dinner.
At the most iconic venues, like The Dorchester or Sketch (both of these are freakin’ good, per my research), afternoon tea can easily cost £100 or more per person. Most other well-known hotels and restaurants charge around £80.
I opted for a slightly more affordable afternoon tea at Dalloway Terrace (Bloomsbury Hotel) for around £60. The flower-filled terrace is beautiful; I loved the sandwiches, but I wasn’t a fan of most of the pastries, the service felt a little rushed, and the atmosphere wasn’t quite as relaxing and upscale as I’d hoped. If you’re looking for afternoon tea in a similar price range, I’d also consider The Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge or The Orangery at Kensington Palace, both of which are very well-regarded.
How to save money on Afternoon Tea in London
Afternoon tea is often cheaper on weekdays than weekends, and many luxury hotels offer lunch or early afternoon sittings at a lower price than peak times.
If you’re on a tighter budget, consider booking a cream tea instead. You’ll usually get freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, along with a pot of tea, for around £15-20. While you won’t get the finger sandwiches and pastries of a full afternoon tea, it’s still a lovely way to experience this British tradition without spending a fortune.
Popular Paid Things to Do in London I Would Skip on my First Trip
There are some attractions that immediately come to mind when you think of London. Every first-time visitor adds these to their London itinerary. But are they actually worth the ticket price? In my opinion, not always (with the exception of the first one).
That said, travel is personal. If these are high on your list, don’t let my opinion stop you. In that case, it may be worth looking into the Go City London Pass, which can save you money if you plan to visit several paid attractions in London. I’ve also included booking links for each attraction below, so you can easily book the ones that interest you.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Cost: £24
St Paul’s Cathedral is beautiful and definitely worth visiting if you’re interested in architecture or want to climb to the dome for a view of Central London. I went in and enjoyed it. But if you’re choosing just one paid church, I’d spend my money on Westminster Abbey because of its incredible history, royal connections and atmosphere. St Paul’s Cathedral is more stunning from the outside anyway!
The View from the Shard
Cost: £28-32
The views from the Shard are great since it’s the tallest building in London. But London has several free viewpoints like Sky Garden, Horizon 22, etc. So unless you’re celebrating a special occasion or want the highest viewpoint, I don’t think it’s essential.
London Eye
Cost: £25.38
Contrary to popular belief, the London Eye is not your typical ferris wheel. It’s a slow 45-minute ride with a whole bunch of other people and everyone wanting pictures in the same corner. I would skip it and just see London from a free viewpoint. Because trust me when I tell you, London doesn’t have much of a skyline in the first place.
Madame Tussauds
Cost: £23.63
If you’re a huge fan of wax museums, you’ll probably enjoy Madam Tussauds. Personally, I think London has too many unique experiences to justify spending both the time and money here. Plus, it can be a bit creepy. However, my little nieces loved it, so it might be worth considering if you’re travelling with children.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus
Cost: £25-£37 (for 24 hours)
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours are convenient if you’re short and I’m sure London’s major attractions will be amazing to see from an open-air bus. However, it costs quite a bit. A great alternative is to ride on London’s regular buses since these are all double-decker buses. Get a seat in the front of the top deck on routes 11 and 15 and see all the sights. It literally costs a fraction of what you’d pay for a Hop-on Hop-off bus (the bus fare in London is £1.75 and the daily cap is £5.25)
London has a reputation for being expensive, and while that’s certainly true, I don’t think the goal should be to spend as little as possible. Instead, I’d focus on spending your budget on things to do in London that genuinely add something to your trip.
For me, that meant skipping a few popular attractions, making the most of London’s incredible free attractions (museums, viewpoints, parks, markets, etc.) and choosing a handful of paid experiences that were worth every penny. You can even read my 4-day London itinerary for first-timers to see how to make the most of your time.
And if you’re looking to make your budget go even further, don’t miss my guide on how to save money in London, where I share practical tips on accommodation, transport, food and more.
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