Cheap Things To Do In London

'Broke as a joke' is a phrase that gets thrown around on the regular in London; everybody feels it, everybody knows the pain and even if you're lucky enough to have money, it doesn't last for long. If only there was a place where you could find the very best affordable activities and experiences this fun city has to offer. 

  • Here lies a low-down of cheap events and cheap activities in London.
  • We've chosen everything from comedy to experiences, with tickets coming in around the £5 - £30 mark.

Affordable activities in London, picked by us.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 23rd January 2026




Nordic Bar

Head to Nordic Bar every week for Stock Exchange Fridays, where screens across the venue display live prices for drinks that rise and fall depending on demand - meaning you're sure to bag a bargain and even try something new. But that's not all, as there's live music each Thursday and live sport too.

ROLLING STOCK EVENTS

Rolling Stock knows what's up when it comes to hosting fun-filled events for Londoners. Fronting arched walls and glitter balls, this quirky haunt hosts quiz nights on Thursday where there's a £20 bar tab up for grabs each round. Then, on Sundays, you'll find some of the city's most talented musicians playing gorgeous jazz music with totally free entry.

Sky Garden

Searching for cheap and free things to do in London? Check out Sky Garden for their morning yoga classes if you're looking to stretch while admiring panoramic views of the city, for £20 each. Or you can opt for the venue's music-themed nights, starting at £15.50 per person, so you can have a cocktail while jamming out to tunes.

A Currently Unnamed Rave

If you're looking for a unique night out in Angel Islington, don't miss A Currently Unnamed Rave hosted by ACUR at Ladybird Bar.

With a focus on up-and-coming DJs and intimate, underground events, this rave series offers everything from House to R&B and Afrobeats. Tickets are available starting from free, making it one of the best cheap events in North London for music lovers looking to explore the underground scene.

The Star By Liverpool Street

The Star By Liverpool Street is the ultimate venue for a fun and lively night out, boasting an impressive 10,000 sq. ft. space, just a stone's throw from Liverpool Street Station. The pub features five unique karaoke rooms, making it the perfect place to gather a group of friends for a sing-along.

Whether you're here for a fun night of music, a lively meal, or catching the latest live sports event, The Star By Liverpool Street offers a fantastic, vibrant atmosphere with something for everyone.

The Horatia N7

A proper pub in Highbury & Islington, The Horatia boasts an exciting calendar of affordable events, from dedicated vinyl nights on a Friday to Wednesday quizzes. Whether music, sport or trivia is your pastime of choice, this place has it either for free or a small cost.

Be at One : Events!

Paloma Club at Be At One London is the ultimate upgrade to your Saturday daytime plans, bringing a slice of Ibiza's sunshine vibes straight to the capital. From 12pm every Saturday, this lively summer series fills the venue with summer house beats and classic 90s Ibiza anthems spun by in-house DJs, creating a feel-good atmosphere perfect for dancing and sipping cocktails.

You can enjoy £5 palomas - this season's must-have drink - plus 2-4-1 cocktails flowing all afternoon and trays of Casamigos Tequila to really turn up the energy. Those booking the Paloma Club experience unlock exclusive merch and a vinyl token to mix their own paloma behind the bar, offering a unique interactive twist. 

What's On at The Elmhurst

The gorgeously grand Elmhurst pub has plenty to keep you entertained, on top of its fine selection of beers, wines and spirits, of course. You can step up to oche with its darts nights, laugh yourself silly at its regular comedy club or root through the flight cases for free at the record fair. 

Like any brilliant boozer, there's a quiz night too. Head down on Wednesday evenings, put your £2 in the pot and you can pit your wits against the competition. 

BHW Live Pro Wrestling at The Station

@ The Station on Sunday 1st March 2026 and 9 other Sundays

At only £15 adult entry to each of their events, Elite Wrestling Entertainment are bringing you a bargain. Each action-packed event makes sure you get the chance to enjoy all the thrills and spills of the canvas, booing and cheering on as wrestlers take part in their display of passion and athleticism. Plus, if you're bringing your family to an afternoon session, there are great ticket deals.

Northern Soul at the Rivoli Ballroom

Looking for a fun night out that won't break the bank? Northern Soul nights at the Rivoli Ballroom are perfect for anyone after a dose of live music, dancing, and nostalgia without splashing out.

With tickets from just £13.20, you can enjoy classic '60s and '70s soul spinning on original vinyl by resident DJ Mr Max and special guests Ian Levine and Val Palmer. Dance the night away on the sprung maple floor and soak up the vintage glamour of one of London's most iconic venues.

SUPA DUPA FLY

It's doesn't have to cost a bomb to party at some of the best places in London as Supa Dupa Fly proves, with tickets starting from £13. The legendary club night is taking over London's coolest spaces for their huge hip hop nights, and best of all, you can always afford to join in with the fun.

Tuesday Night Stand-up Comedy, Soho

@ The Spice of Life on Tuesday 10th February 2026 and 98 other Tuesdays

Make your way to The Spice of Life from Leicester Square, grab a drink at its well-stocked bar and take a seat in front of the glowing red lights to witness a lineup featuring some of London's top funny-makers. With credits from the likes of Mock the Week and Netflix, Tuesday Night Standup Comedy at this quirky haunt is bound to impress. What's more, tickets are only a fiver. Bargain. 

The Star of Bethnal Green

With two for £12 cocktails every Thursday and £5 margaritas on a Monday, The Star of Bethnal Green is always a great shout for cheap drinks. The events here are pretty affordable too, with tickets to the likes of tequila festivals featuring mariachi bands and high-energy drag bingo with Dame Jane coming in at under a tenner.

The Phoenix Arts Club

There are plenty of affordable things going on at The Phoenix Arts Club in Soho. The iconic venue can be found down a secluded street (that also happens to be a Harry Potter filming location) and is home to a fabulous lineup of cabaret and drag acts. Grab tickets to musicals, cabaret and more.

Azura London

Looking for one of the most affordable nights out around? Then head to Azura London, a fun party bar in Camden. Their events cost just £1 per person to enter, promising live DJs playing the best of amapiano, Afrohouse and more.

On Thursdays, you can nab cheap drinks between 3 and 7pm - we're talking 50% of wine, £7 signature cocktails and free beers with any food or drink purchase. Plus, you can munch on the likes of prawn piccante pasta, truffle arancini and chargrilled lamb cutlets here.

Boogie Silent Disco Walking Tours

With tickets from just £16, these events are not only fun and uplifting, but they're purse-friendly. Expect to see some of London's iconic landmarks as you scour the streets, soundtracked by hits from the 70's to present day; there's even the occasional flash mob to enjoy along the way. 

Thats Drag Bingo

Paying homage to the power of community and the magic of drag, Thats Drag Bingo in Shoreditch and High Barnet invites everyone to be part of something extraordinary. Your hosts for the night will be Orange Gina, the one with the juicy bits, and her trusted sidekick and spouse, DJ Ariel Bold, guiding you as you get ready to battle it out for the lip-sync crown, compete in dance-offs, and enjoy a night filled with interactive fun, community and cheer starting at just £5 a pop.

Mr Fogg’s Pub Quizventure

@ Mr Fogg's City Tavern on Every Monday

Step into the wonderfully eccentric Mr Fogg's City Tavern near Liverpool Street for Mr Fogg's Pub Quizventure, a lively event filled with whimsy. You can expect a mix of general knowledge and quirky questions - think travel, geography, discovery and Victorian London.

This happens every single Monday and costs just £2 per person to enter. Pints of Lucky Saint are just £5 all night, and if you pre-book your spot you'll receive a welcome drink on arrival.

Fondue Experience at The Montague on the Gardens

@ The Montague on The Gardens Hotel on Various dates from Friday 6th February 2026

Looking for something affordable to do this winter? Coming in at £30 per head, luxury hotel The Montague on the Gardens is hosting an indulgent fondue experience. This takes place in their Winter Lodge, a seasonal pop-up filled with glowing lights and cosy blankets.

This sharing feast includes a bowl of delicious melted cheese - served with crusty bread, new potatoes and salad. And for something extra special, you can add on starters, sides and even Champagne.

Oysters, Bubbles & Live Music

@ Smith's Bar & Grill on Various dates from Friday 6th February 2026

Why not turn your Friday or Saturday evening into a seafood celebration at Smith's Bar & Grill? For just £1 each, indulge in fresh oysters, perfectly complemented by chilled bubbles or cocktails, all served at the bar between 6pm and 10pm.

Whether you're popping a bottle of prosecco or sipping cocktails, the vibes are set with live music from 8 PM to midnight, making it the ultimate oyster and bubbles experience.

Good Ship Comedy

They say laughter is the best medicine, so why not start your weekend early with some of the finest comedians on the circuit? With top-notch headliners from the UK and beyond, as well as some award-winning new talent, Good Ship Comedy will take you on a hilarious journey like no other, starting at just £12 a pop. Spread out all over London town, you can head to Swimmer in Grafton Arms, The Birds in Leytonstone and South London Theatre in West Norwood to revel in the acts of comedians like Ellie Taylor, Shapphi Khorsandi, Bec Hill, Abandoman and many more.

FABAL Beerhall

Whether you're in the mood for a unique live music session or quiz and karaoke nights, you can find it all at Fabal Beerhall. Situated on the Bermondsey Beer Mile, this lively destination is home to some of the best events around.

There's plenty to do here that's entirely free, while most other events cost less than a tenner. You can enjoy their own brand of lager while you're there, alongside wine and cocktails.

Audio Guided Tour

@ Control Room B on Various dates from Friday 6th February 2026

Head to one of London's most iconic landmarks for this Audio Guided Tour, which will give you some behind-the-scenes insight into its history. Control Room B at Battersea Power Station is offering £12 tickets for a self-led tour, which includes a cocktail on arrival.

You'll get to explore the original control desks, switchgear and synchroscopes, learning about how this place powered the city in the 1950s. And if you're feeling fancy, you can add on a glass of Champagne too.

Neon Naked Life Drawing

If you want to take part in a quirky activity that won't break the bank, Neon Naked Life Drawing is the event for you. The affordable art class will have you playing with neon paints and letting out your creativity in a fun, welcoming setting, all for just £18. 

Ballie Ballerson London

Discounts available on certain events

After cheap activities in London? Head to Shoreditch where Ballie Ballerson is offering you entry from as little as £5 for the ball pit and £11 for parties, as well as themed cocktails and pizza slices without breaking the bank.

The Phoenix Events

Located in Cavendish Square, The Phoenix is a lively venue which hosts all sorts of affordable fun, with some events costing just £5. They've got entertainment like game shows and live music, as well as quizzes themed around popular films and TV shows, from Friends to Harry Potter.

The Star of Kings

The Star of Kings fills with revellers after work in the evening as it's a characterful boozer nestled in a prime location: Kings Cross. Kitted out with dark furnishings, rose gold light fixtures and floral wallpaper, it makes for a pretty setting to enjoy a pint or two, alongside some Breddos Tacos. On Tuesdays, you'll find its weekly quiz in full swing for £2 each, run by a master with over thirty years of experience in the business and throughout the week you can always count on a spot of karaoke to get you in the mood to party.

The Star of Bethnal Green Tequila Festival

@ The Star of Bethnal Green on Thu, 26th Feb 2026 @ 19:00 - 0:00

You don't need a flight to Mexico, just a ticket to Bethnal Green. The Star's Tequila Festival brings big fiesta energy with premium agave spirits, margaritas, and a live mariachi setting the mood.

Tickets start from £6.60 and include a complimentary cocktail, making this an easy win for anyone looking for cheap things to do in London. Bonus points for the karaoke, which comes at half price.

Elephant & Castle Stand Up Comedy Night - It's Comedy FREE ENTRY

@ Upstairs at the Spit & Sawdust on Wednesday 11th February 2026 and 2 other Wednesdays

If you're in the mood for some guaranteed giggles, head to Upstairs at the Spit & Sawdust for the Elephant & Castle Stand-Up Comedy Night, hosted by Buffering Comedy. The best part? Entry is free - just pay what you can instead. It's your midweek dose of laughs.

Every Wednesday, you'll be treated to stand-up from comedians who've graced the stages of BBC, ITV, Netflix, and more. Whether it's date night or a catch-up with mates, this night is sure to have you rolling in the aisles.

The Chocolate Cocktail Club

Just £11 nabs you a table and your first drink at The Chocolate Cocktail Club, a delectable den of truly indulgent tipples and treats. Use the likes of Toblerone and Terry's Chocolate Orange-inspired concoctions to wash down light bites or cake, perfect if you're after cheap things to do in London for couples.

Rockaoke @ The Star of Kings

@ The Star of Kings on Friday 27th February 2026 and 9 other Fridays

Twice a month, Rockaoke at The Star of Kings brings the party to life with a live band ready to back you up. Forget the typical karaoke night; this is your moment to sing your heart out and rock the stage like a true legend. Whether you're belting classic rock hits or showing off your pop prowess, the stage is yours to command.

It's wild, it's exhilarating, and it's a night you won't forget. With free tickets and a crowd full of excited partygoers, this is the most fun you can have with a microphone. Time to unleash your inner star - don't miss out on the action, book your spot now.

The Heathcote and Star

A sky-light filled cosy boozer in Leytonstone, The Heathcote And Star has everything you need for an unforgettable time. Whether you want to laugh your socks off with their Oh So Funny comedy nights or eat your heart out at their delish Sunday roasts, they've got you covered with the best eats and entertainemnt.

plonk

Looking for cheap date night ideas? Plonk offers budding golf aficionados the chance to tee off for just £5. Simply nab a couple of off-peak tickets and you can take on these impressive crazy golf courses across the city for yourselves.