Ever planned a trip and felt like every price tag in the city was laughing at your wallet? Yeah, London in 2018 was exactly that for tons of travelers. You want to see Big Ben, eat fish and chips, take that double-decker selfiewithout ending up broke by day three. Let's talk about what the average cost of a London trip in 2018 really looked like, what you could actually expect to spend, and where you could sneak in a few savings (without feeling like a total cheapskate).
How Much Was the Average Cost of a London Trip in 2018?
Here's the part you're here for. Back in 2018, the total average cost for a week-long London trip landed between £1,150 to £1,600 per person. That's about $1,500$2,100 USD at the time. That number covers:
- Flights (from the US or similar distance)
- Mid-range hotel stays
- Food, snacks, and coffee stops
- Local transportation, like the Tube
- Tickets for big sights (think The London Eye, museums, West End shows)
- A tiny bit of souvenir shopping
These numbers aren't plucked from thin airthey're what actual travelers saw on their bank statements after a week in London. Go cheaper and save. Go luxe and, well, expect to spend way more.
What Made London Expensive in 2018?
London's never been a bargain bin, but 2018 felt especially rough for visitors. The pound wasn't exactly weak, and the city has a way of charging for every extra. Coffee? Not cheap. Transport? Adds up fast. Many attractions that used to be affordable cranked up prices or started adding extra fees. If you weren't careful, your daily budget would disappear by lunchtime. The big drags on most wallets were:
- Accommodation: Hotels and Airbnbs both climbed in price
- Eating out: Sit-down meals could crush an average London trip budget 2018
- Sightseeing: Paid entries almost always cost more than expected
- Getting around: Taxis, Ubers, and even the Tube eat through your cash
The truth? You could easily blow triple the average if you didn't watch your spending. And plenty of people didwithout realizing it until they got home.
How Do the Costs Actually Break Down?
- Accommodation: Expect £80£130/night for a regular hotel, a bit less for hostels
- Food & Drink: Around £25£40 a day if you mix takeaways and cheap eats, double for every sit-down dinner
- Sights & Shows: About £15£50 per activity (museums can be free, but not the big ones)
- Transport: Around £35£45 per week with a Visitor Oyster Card
- Sundries: Don't forget that coffee, snacks, or random souvenirsat least £10 daily
Everyone spends a little differently, but these are the numbers most travelers should have expected to see in the cost of visiting London 2018, especially if they weren't pinching every penny.
Smart Ways To Keep London Travel Expenses Down
The good news? Even in an expensive city, you don't have to live on instant noodles and water. Affordable London travel tips from real-life travelers who did it on a budget in 2018:
- Book early: Especially for summer or holidays, hotel and flight prices jump the longer you wait
- Stay central, travel less: You'll walk more, ride the Tube less less money on transportation means more on fun
- Eat like a local: Pick up food from street markets, grocery stores, or pubs (they're cheaper than chain restaurants)
- Take advantage of free stuff: Most London museums are free. So are tons of parks, galleries, and markets
- Discount passes: Consider a London Pass or a travel card if planning lots of sight visits
I spent a whole day in 2018 bouncing between the Tate Modern (free), Borough Market (spicy chorizo roll, £6), and a long stroll along the Thames. My total spend for that day? Under £15. Not every moment of your trip has to be a paid attraction.
What Surprised Most People About Their London Trip Budget in 2018?
Nearly every friend I've talked toand my own first visitran into the same surprises:
- Little things add up fast. Tube rides, snacks, bottled water, impulse gift-shop buysby the end of the week they're a big slice of your budget
- Its crowded in summer. Not just the sights, but hotels book out or get way more expensive
- Cashless culture. By 2018, almost everywhere took cards, but sometimes small market stalls or buses still wanted cash
Big tip: build in some wiggle room for unexpected expenses. Everyone craves something sweet after hours of walking, or needs a tube ride back because it's raining sideways.
Should You Splurge On That One Big Thing?
Short answer: Yes, pick your one. Whether it's a theater show, high tea, or a fancy tour, set aside some of your budget for one splurge you really care about. You'll remember it way more than a few extra takeaway meals or souvenirs. Balance is keysave elsewhere, then enjoy that special experience with zero guilt.
How Did Budget Travel in London Actually Feel in 2018?
I did the hostel thing. Ate grocery store sandwiches on a park bench. Walked until my shoes cried for mercy. And I still got to watch the city wake up, see the Changing of the Guard, catch a free lunchtime concert, and eat the best street curry of my life. If you planned it right, budget travel didn't feel like a sacrificeit felt real. London's basics in 2018 were pricey, but the best bits didn't always cost a penny.
Real-Life Budgeting: A Sample Day in London, 2018
- Breakfast: Toast and coffee at hostel, £3
- Museum visit: Natural History Museum, free
- Lunch: Street vendor wrap, £5
- Tube ride: Two short zones, £4
- Afternoon: Walk Hyde Park, free
- Dinner: Pub special, £12
- Extras: Postcard and snack, £4
Total: £28. Not fancy, but you got all the London vibes you wanted. Stack up a few budget days and make room for the odd splurge.
Bottom Line: Are London Travel Expenses Worth It?
London's not cheap. Wasn't cheap in 2018, and probably won't ever be a budget capital. But for most, the memories, experiences, and stories are worth every penny (or pound!). Get smart with your spending, learn from other people's mistakes, treat yourself where it counts, and you'll look back with zero regretsexcept maybe that second dessert.
FAQs About London Trip Costs in 2018
- How much should I budget per day in London in 2018?
You should aim for £130£160 per day for a mid-range experience. That covers your hotel, meals, transport, and some paid attractions. Spend less if you use hostels, eat cheap, or stick to free sights. - Did flights to London cost more in 2018?
Average roundtrip flights from the US to London in 2018 were around $600$900 if booked a few months ahead. Last-minute bookings could spike, but most travelers who watched deals found reasonable fares. - Are museums free for visitors in London?
Yes, many major museums like the British Museum and Natural History Museum were free in 2018. Some special exhibits charged extra, but most regular collections cost nothing. - What are the best ways to save on food in London?
Skip touristy sit-down restaurants. Grab meals from supermarkets, street vendors, or bakeries. Markets like Borough Market have great, cheap eats. Pubs often have daily meal deals, too. - Was public transport in London in 2018 easy for tourists?
Yes, it's pretty simple. The Underground (Tube) system and buses covered everywhere you'd want to go. A Visitor Oyster Card or travel card made fares cheaper and easier to manag for a weeklong trip. - Is tipping expected at restaurants and hotels?
In 2018, a 1012.5% service charge was usually included with restaurant bills. If not, it's polite to tip around 10%. For hotels, it's not required but rounding up for taxi drivers or giving a pound or two to helpful staff is nice.
