Rumour has it that London isn't a cheap place in which to have fun, and rumour has it that we're here to prove otherwise. Whether you're hankering after top cocktail deals, looking for something quirky to try or bounding after the next big club night, we've got all your bases covered, and they're all affordable at that. Check out our recommendations for the best things to do under £20 in London.
Discounts available on certain events
When it comes to affordable nights out in London, this iconic Shoreditch hangout should be on your radar. From bottomless brunch filled with pornstar martinis and all-you-can-eat pizza to admission for less than a tenner, Ballie is as budget-friendly as they come.
@ Between The Bridges on Fri, 19th Jun 2026 @ 19:00 - 23:00
Not only is Bad Decisions a cheap night out - you could come home with more money than you arrived with. This chaotic quiz sees you tackle trivia through your phone to win up to £500 in cash and prizes.
Expect mad side quests and non-stop party anthems along the way. Grab your ticket to get involved from just £5.50.
While you might think it would cost an arm and a leg to enjoy amazing views of the city from the top of a skyscraper, Sky Garden it completely free to enter. What's more, they host events that start from as little as £11.50 each, promising a great vantage point of London to boot.
You can attend everything from regular music nights to morning yoga sessions, as well as sunrise entry tickets that promise the most beautiful panoramas, for £20 and under.
The ultimate crazy golf venue, Swingers West End is a great choice for groups of friends, families or a quirky date night. Their interiors are inspired by the British seaside, with quirky courses that are filled with unique obstacles and challenges.
Book your spot for as little as £16 per person, and get competitive as you work your way around the holes. If you're hungry, they've got range of street food vendors to choose from, as well as plenty of delicious cocktails.
Get some serious bang for your buck with group packages from just £15 each with Fairgame. The adult funfair of dreams, this quirky Canary Wharf haunt boasts classic fairground games with a twist. Challenge your mates to Roll-A-Ball Derby, Shoot the Clown, Whac-A-Mole and more, in a colourful, Instagram-worthy setting.
They've got high-tech wristbands that log your scores for you, tracking them on a virtual leaderboard. After you play, revel in street food delights such as chicken adobo tacos and triple pepperoni pizza as well as boozy slushies or delicious cocktails such as the Fizz and Floss. Plus, they've got a City location too.
@ Queen of Hoxton on Saturday 16th May 2026 and 31 other Saturdays
With tickets from as little as a £13, Queen of Hoxton's drag queen-themed night is a no-brainer. Experience fabulous performances, tuck into slices from Pizza East and soak up cocktails with some of the city's finest queens.
@ Comedy Freaks - Camden on Every Friday
An affordable comedy night in King's Cross, Comedy Freaks hosts a brilliant show every Friday night. Each week features a diverse new lineup of UK comedians, featuring both emerging new comedians and more established acts.
You can also expect the odd surprise appearance from popular TV comics, and tickets start from just £8.50 - though you can add on some great drinks deals too.
Tickets to The Double R Club start from under £20 making it a great choice for an evening out when you don't want to go overboard in the money department. Aberrant host Benjamin Louche presents cinematic evenings that are like if Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive had a tassel twirling baby and we just can't get enough.
@ QT at The Middle Eight Hotel on Every Saturday
Looking for a night of affordable amazingness? Escape beneath the city streets at House of Burlesque Speakeasy. London's Burlesque Queen, Tempest Rose, is your host for a night of dancing divas, tassel twirling, feathers and fun.
Expect sensational performances and all kinds of gin-soaked fun. The best part? Tickets start from just £16.50.
For some affordable fun South of the river, head to Brixton Jamm. This diverse event space is home to bars, street food vendors and all sorts of fun goings-on that won't break the bank.
Think free-to-enter sports screenings, as well as quirky quiz nights themed around everything from Peep Show to The Lord of The Rings or Harry Potter - costing £6 to attend. Plus, there are live performers and DJs here on a regular basis.
The Phoenix is one of Soho's best-loved pubs, situated in Cavendish Square. They host a regular lineup of fantastic events, starting from as little as £3 per person to attend.
Whether you're in the mood for a Friends-themed quiz, lively music quizzes on the weekends, old-school indie nights or something else, you're bound to find it right here.
Weekday Happy Hour: £4.40 Pints until 7pm! and 2 other offers
Situated in Cambridge Heath, Sebright Arms is a vibrant pub that's been known to host some fantastic live music over the years - including early shows from the likes of Charli XCX, Squid, Catfish and the Bottlemen and more.
They've also got some brilliant deals to take advantage of. From 4 to 7pm Wednesday to Sunday, you can enjoy an Alby's pizza slice and a pint for only £10. Plus, they serve select beer for £4.40 until 7pm on weekdays.
@ The Prince on Wednesday 13th May 2026 and 11 other Wednesdays
Head to The Prince in Stoke Newington for an affordable, creative event. Their life drawing sessions take place every Wednesday, led by professional artist Dan Whiteson who has over a decade of experience to share with you.
Tickets cost just £12 each, including tuition and all the materials you'll need, and there'll be a live model to draw at the centre of the room.
Looking for a brilliant event that won't break the bank? Then head to the iconic Victorian venue The Clapham Grand, where their lively movie nights will set you back as little as £10 per person.
Expect to see classic films like Bridesmaids or Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, alongside fantastic entertainment from their talented team. Think sing-alongs, dance competitions, prizes for the best dressed and a brilliant afterparty too, with plenty of drinks and tasty cinema snacks up for grabs throughout.
If you're looking for unique things to do that won't break the bank, head down to The Arcanist's Tavern in Hoxton. This immersive tabletop gaming cafe features custom tables for TTRPGs and Wargaming and a board game library complete with over 300 games, so there's plenty to keep you entertained.
Their events start from as little as £3.50 each, ranging from quiz nights to beginners Dungeons and Dragons sessions and board game meetups. Plus, the cafe serves everything from RPG-themed cocktails to coffee and tasty snacks.
Starting from as little as £15 per person, Herstorical Tours offer fantastic guided walking tours that will teach you more about the darker side of the city's past. This is an entirely female-led company, who explore the lesser-known stories of women over the centuries.
You can learn all about witchcraft, mystics, rebels and sex workers, showcasing the often brutal nature of how these women were treated. These last one or two hours, and it's a great way to see more of London as well.
The Star of Bethnal Green's Tequila Festival is proof that you can still have a big, brilliant evening without rinsing your bank account. For tickets from just £6.60, you'll get a complimentary margarita and access to tastings of over 20 tequilas and mezcals.
There's live mariachi bringing the party atmosphere, expertly mixed cocktails if you fancy upgrading your sip, and even half-price karaoke if you're feeling brave.
Located in Balham, The Bedford is a lively boozer that's been around since 1931. You can always find something fun going on here, and their Live at The Bedford nights are a great way to catch live music in your area.
Tickets are totally free, and there's standing room if you can't manage to reserve a seat. Expect a different lineup of musicians each time, showcasing up-and-coming local talent.
For those who love the 80s, Trapeze Bar's No Balls Bingo: 80s Edition is the ultimate throwback party. This isn't just your usual game of bingo - it's a vibrant celebration of one of the most iconic musical eras.
As the DJ blasts classic 80s tracks, players mark off their bingo cards based on the songs they hear, creating a unique and engaging experience. Whether you're a fan of pop, rock, or synthwave, the 80s music lineup will have everyone reminiscing and dancing in no time.
For wallet-friendly activities in Islington, The Horatia N7 has exactly what you need. This cracking venue offers free entry to most of their events - think vinyl nights that'll have you up on the dancefloor, as well as buzzing live sports screenings.
Taking over venues across Central London from Tuesday to Sunday, JK Comedy Club has got so many fun events to check out. Starting from just £7.70, you can expect a hilarious night of stand-up, including a lineup of talented comedians that changes every time.
Seating is unreserved so get down early, and enjoy a few drinks while laughing the night away.
One of the funnest scavenger hunts in London, this unique cross-capital adventure will have you getting know the city in an all new light. Designed for groups of up to four, you'll be hunting down dragons in Camden and doing human pyramids in Hyde Park for the chance to be crowned the winning team.
@ The Station on Sunday 7th June 2026 and 6 other Sundays
For only £15 per adult, you can get entry to Elite Wrestling Entertainment's events at The Station pub in Stoneleigh, Epsom. Expect action-packed entertainment from the canvas, where you can cheer and boo to your hearts content as wrestlers battle it out in displays of passion and athleticism.
@ Blackfriars on Various dates from Sunday 10th May 2026
Get your Sherlock hat on and solve some mysteries with StreetHunt Games - The Case Of Colombia's Finest, an adult scavenger hunt, escape room and murder mystery all in one, played across the city. Get ready to explore some of London's best hidden treasures (but remember to keep your wits about you).
With everything from live music to poetry, cinema sessions, yoga and more starting at just £5 at RSA House, you can make sure you have some fun without breaking the bank - and there are even some free events too. Whether seeing performances or getting stuck into activities is your thing, this central London location has you covered for fun things to do.
With several locations around London, these London market halls are great for first dates and nights out with friends. You'll get to chow down and drink cheap tipples while on a budget - that includes gems such as DF Tacos and Roti King.
From just £10, you can enjoy an exciting evening of cabaret, circus glitterati and more with House of Burlesque's residency at Madame Jojo's in the West End. Not only will there be 1920s outfits and incredible dancing, but also happy hour drinks.
Taking place at their Crofton Park venue every single month, Reggae at the Rivoli is a winner for laidback and fun nights out. There will be live DJs playing vinyl beats all night long, with artists ranging from Bob Marley to Beres Hammond and Johnny Clark. Tickets cost just £10 per person, promising all the best ska, reggae, rocksteady and 80s or 90s beats throughout.
Make your way to Gipsy Hill Brewery in South East London to enjoy all kinds of affordable fun. Whether you fancy heading to their weekly pub quiz on Wednesdays, which only costs £2 to enter, or one of their cool pop-up events, you'll also be able to indulge in the brand's delicious beers and tasty pizzas too.
@ Small Beer on Friday 22nd May 2026 and 11 other Fridays
Who says you have to break the bank to have fun? Not Fiddle Paradiddle's Pop-Up. This best-loved drinking den is combining its popular bevvies, including low and no alcohol serves with a ceilidh event like no other. Expect thirst-quenching drinks and lively entertainment.
Over in Islington, you can catch exciting shows of new cabaret, burlesque, theatre and comedy performances at The Rosemary Branch Theatre. With many tickets on offer for under £20, you'll get a chance to see the latest up-and-coming talent for a bargain price.
Make your way to pubs and theatres across London to catch a hilarious stand-up performance for just £12. Not only can you enjoy shows from top names, with past acts including Jack Whitehall and Romesh Ranganathan, but also award-winning new talent.
Old Skool Bingo host a series of cracking events in venues across Aldgate, Brixton and beyond, starting from as little as £17.50 per person. Expect 90s and 00s throwback anthems from DJs to keep the party going, while you try your hand at high-energy games and ridiculous challenges, for the chance to win some hilarious prizes.
@ Control Room B on Various dates from Sunday 10th May 2026
Starting from just £12 per person, the audio guided tour of Control Room B will teach you all about the history of Battersea Power Station. Don your headphones and set off at your own pace, while enjoying the welcome cocktail included in your ticket price.
Learn more about the way that this iconic landmark distributed power to London in the 1950s, exploring the original control desks, switchgear and synchroscopes. The tour lasts approximately half an hour, with the option to add on a glass of Champagne too.
@ Freight Brixton on Sat, 11th Jul 2026 @ 14:00 - 22:00
Freight Brixton is giving you the chance to watch a bona fide DJ legend for just fiver. Legendary DJ Greg Wilson is getting behind the decks for a special day session spanning electro, funk, soul, and beyond.
Expect a masterclass in groove from the man who shaped the late '70s and early '80s club culture, made history as the first DJ to demonstrate live mixing on British TV, and taught Fatboy Slim to scratch.
The Albany plays host to the extraordinary Glitter & Titter Cabaret, where London's brightest performers unite for a feast of burlesque, drag, and comedy. With tickets starting at just £12, this show is a steal.
Grab your partner or your pals, and let the incomparable Ms Larissa Thorne guide you into a night of glamour, humour, and surprise.
@ Downstairs At The King's Head on Friday 17th July 2026 and 2 other Fridays
The 'Human Jukebox' Kirsty Newton invites you to a fun-filled, fabulous night of joy. With her super talented sister, Heather, providing the backing (on all kinds of instruments), they'll play your requests from memory.
With lyrics beamed on the big screen, you can join the fun and sing along. Grab your tickets to this epic night out for just £16.50.
Looking for fun things to do in London without breaking the bank? Dabbers Bingo offers a night of bingo, laughs, and fantastic prizes starting from just £17. From Pick N Mix Bingo to themed events like Comedy Bawlers Bingo, you'll get plenty of entertainment for your money.
Add in delicious food and drinks, and you've got an affordable and fun way to spend your evening. It's one of the best cheap things to do in London, with unforgettable experiences that won't cost a fortune.
Starting at just £15 a head, Sounds Familiar is a great way of taking your quiz game up a notch, without breaking the bank. With events all across London, these guys are making sure you're next far from one of their parties.
Whether you're looking to grow your business or simply make new friends, Socialite Connections has something you might like. Much more than simply a social club, it brings people together at events across London.
Take your pick of industry meetups or get along to speed networking to meet likeminded folk in a fun yet professional environment. Tickets start from just £11.
