Things To Do In London For Under £20

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.

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.

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.

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 anyone with a serious sweet tooth looking for a unique, budget-friendly night out under £20, the UK's first and only chocolate cocktail bar, The Chocolate Cocktail Club London, is an absolute must-visit. After building a massive following from multiple sold-out pop-ups across London and appearing on Dragons' Den, this playful venue secured a permanent home in Farringdon. Better yet, booking a ticket online costs just £5.50, and you can redeem that entire £5 face value directly against your first drink.

Once inside, you'll find a massive menu of over 20 mouth-watering chocolate creations, ranging from the velvety Chocotini to dessert-inspired masterpieces like the Ferrero, Cherry Bakewell, and Toblerone. If you are looking to stretch your budget even further, aim for a Sunday visit where they offer a brilliant all-day deal of two of their famous flavoured Espresso Martinis for just £12.

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.

If you are hunting for cocktails and fun on a budget of under £20, Simmons Soho is the ultimate holy grail in the heart of the West End. Spread across two floors of retro, '90s-living-room-style decor, complete with kitsch wallpaper, a glowing fireplace, and a giant disco ball skull, it offers what is easily the best-value happy hour.

Running from 3pm to 8pm (Sunday to Friday, plus selected Saturday specials), their legendary discount menu makes it entirely possible to get a round of drinks and still walk away with change from a twenty. With prices featuring single spirits and mixers for just £2.50, glasses of wine for £3, and pints of crisp lager for £4, you won't find a cheaper buzz in the capital.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Taking place at Seven Dials Club on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the Comedy Carnival in Covent Garden is a great night out for £20 or less. Expect to see a carefully curated stand-up show that's bound to have you in stitches.

Each week there's a fantastic lineup to look forward too, featuring British TV comedians, Edinburgh Comedy Festival headliners, emerging new performers and international acts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

A theatre show that will leave you not knowing whether to laugh or cry (in the best way)? The Dirty Thirty is bringing their chaotic drama concept to a close for the year as they perform their last few shows – all featuring their very best plays from 2026. 

Known for acting out 30 plays in 60 minutes, prepare for silliness to ensue for a solid hour as the team muddle their way through a wild mix of games, dances, dramatic monologues and comedic scenes with nothing but blind optimism getting them by. 

With tickets starting from just £6, Funny Soul is a unique comedy night that welcomes a diverse selection of acts. Find them at The Cock Tavern in Kennington, where James Barr will be headlining and Adam Isdale is hosting.

The comedians will be bringing you their own hilarious perspective and observations - this is more than just telling jokes. After the show, there'll be a DJ playing until late.

If you've spent all summer dreaming of wholesome days at the pumpkin patch, Hobbledown Heath is a must-visit this season. Swap the cityscape for an open field, where you're free to frolic in a sea of orange as you seek out gourd to take home. Entry starts from just £6.60, and pumpkins can cost as little as £3.50 depending on the size. 

Aside from picking your perfect pumpkin, there's seasonal games, marshmallow toasting and live entertainment on the agenda. 

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.

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.

With tickets starting from as little as £6.60, Bushy Comedy is an affordable night of stand-up that takes place at The Hoxton in Shepherd's Bush. You can catch the event on a monthly basis, featuring a new lineup each time.

Expect to see a mix of up-and-coming and more well-established comedians, as well as a pro headliner. Plus, there's a fantastic selection of cocktails on offer.

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.

Mission: Lost Relic, an outdoor spy adventure, is a stellar choice for an affordable group activity in the city. Operating across a scenic 2.1-mile trail around Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, it turns your smartphone into a direct hotline to 'The Agency ' - an undercover spy organisation. Your crew has a two-and-a-half-hour ticking clock to crack a web of puzzles, riddles, and cryptic codes sent via video, voice notes, and WhatsApp to track down a priceless, missing national treasure before it is sold on the dark web.

Because the entire game is automated, your group of two to five players can start completely on your own schedule during daylight hours - making it easy to pause for a picnic or a pint along the way. 

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

You can't put a price on quality time with a pet – unless it's an animal you don't own and the hangout is restricted to two hours in a delightful Battersea café, in which case it's £18 per adult. Whether you're lacking a furry friend at home or your own pet is slightly too avoidant, Cat-titude Cat Cafe is the place to get your fix. Enjoy some time with the rescue cats before grabbing some pastries and coffee from the counter – this is a cafe, after all. 

And when the sun comes out? There's a cat-proof garden out back for a frolic in the grass with your new best friends (before your time's up and you never see them again... sorry). 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Need an activity that'll fit under a £20 budget? FRAMELESS is an absolute game-changer. As the UK's largest permanent multi-sensory art experience, it takes 42 masterpieces from legendary artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Klimt, and Dalí, completely breaking them free from their physical frames.

Across four uniquely themed, high-tech galleries, these iconic paintings are digitally remastered to warp, flow, and splash across the walls and floors around you, perfectly synchronised to a moving, surround-sound classical and contemporary soundtrack. It's an incredibly mesmerising way to spend a couple of hours right by Marble Arch.

Taking place at the CLF pop-up in Peckham, Jam Sandwich are hosting a brilliant night of live music on a monthly basis - costing just £11 per person to attend.

There'll be a new lineup of performers each time, promising original, soulful music. Expect a welcoming atmosphere and a range of talented acts.