Guide to an affordable weekend in London

With The Corner, you get a stylish base in East London at a hotel dedicated to sustainability. Rooms are designed as pods, and each one has its own unique character. Rooms are equipped with water-saving showers, organic toiletries, and recycled furniture. There's a bar and kitchen on-site and spaces for co-working and meetings.

Located next to Hyde Park, Lancaster Gate Hotel offers affordable stays in central London. Guest rooms here have a classic look with bursts of colour, and a variety of room sizes are available. Whilst you're here, you can take advantage of room service or visit the on-site bar or restaurant, serving up budget-friendly international dishes.

Located near a major railway station, The California is a chic, minimalist hotel. Every room features a distinct style, furnished with contemporary pieces and practical amenities such as bottled water, tea and coffee facilities, and personal care items. The hotel focuses on sustainability and affordability, opting to exclude extravagant services like concierge or room service in favour of cosy, fashionable accommodation at a wallet-friendly price.

Escape the pace of central London with a cosy drink at Fam Bar & Kitchen. This vibrant drinking spot has bright red walls and a friendly and informal atmosphere. Classic and distinctive signature cocktails are served and you can also enjoy South American-inspired snacks. The bar has an impressive vinyl collection too.

Freud Bar has been open since 1986 and has a reputation as a legendary cocktail destination. The drinks are affordable and there's something for everyone on the list, from classic mixes to more imaginative drinks. The lively atmosphere here is enhanced by music and rotating art exhibitions on the stripped-back walls.

There are plenty of branches of The Cocktail Club dotted around the city. Here you get reasonably-priced cocktails combined with a sense of all-out fun. Each venue has a unique style but all have a buzzing atmosphere and a broad choice of drinks. It's the ideal environment to get your night going.

Emilia's Crafted Pasta brings the flavours of Emilia Romagna to life with freshly made pasta and sauces prepared daily, from pesto to creamy walnut and bolognese. The cosy restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere where guests can watch the pasta being made. A small but thoughtful list of Italian wines and beers rounds out the experience.

Flat Iron has branches throughout the city that make top quality steak accessible and affordable. Walk-ins are welcome at these smart restaurants, where the simple menu is made up of steak with a variety of sides to create your ideal meal. Despite the prices, all the ingredients used here are carefully sourced.

Enjoy real Neapolitan pizza at a reasonable price thanks to Pizza Pilgrims. These bold and modern eateries are located all over the capital, with each one having a unique personality. Top quality ingredients are sourced straight from Italy to craft the pies here, with a variety of tempting toppings to satisfy every palate.

Big Chill is a lively party venue where you can stay out late. The bustling spot attracts a youthful crowd with pumping music and a vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy drinks ranging from craft beer to signature cocktails and get dancing. Fun events take place regularly to enhance the experience.

The Jago in Dalston is a top destination for live music, showcasing a diverse range of global sounds. Drinks are affordable and there's an eclectic line-up of parties and performances here. Everything happens in a vibrant and intimate space. A strong sense of community is also key at this venue.

The Camden Head has been around since 1787, making it one of the oldest pubs in Camden Town. Today it's a buzzy nightlife spot with pumping DJ sets until late, comedy nights, a varied choice of drinks, and a lively atmosphere. The venue also does food, hosting a rotating cast of kitchen residencies.

Enjoy a city tour on foot for free with Strawberry Tours. A knowledgeable local will guide you on your walking tour and there are plenty of route choices. Whatever your interests are, there's something that'll appeal – check out the capital's street art, see places from the lives of film and TV characters, or see all the essential London sights.

The Palace of Westminster is best-known as the home of Big Ben and the UK Parliament. This striking Grade I listed building sits next to the Thames and is a must-see structure in London. UK residents can also join a tour inside free of charge and learn about the building's history and the inner workings of the political system.

Architectural marvel the Natural History Museum is packed with fascinating exhibits relating to the natural world and is free to visit. There's plenty for all ages to discover from fossils and dinosaurs to native wildlife and naturally-formed crystals. It's a family-friendly destination and there are eateries on-site too.

Hand-rolled pasta specialists Padella have a serious reputation and hungry Londoners are usually willing to queue for their pasta fix. This modern pasta bar offers a changing menu of antipasti, pasta with fresh sauces and fillings, and alcoholic and soft drinks. Everything is high quality but still comes at budget-friendly prices.

Grab an award-winning burger at a price your bank balance will love at Bleecker Burger. These burgers have won some serious accolades and are made with top quality rare-breed, grass-fed beef. The eateries are cool, low-key, and contemporary, offering a straightforward menu of seriously satisfying food – just burgers, fries, and drinks.

Traditional London pie shop M. Manze started out back in 1902. If you're looking for classic British food in a timeless setting then this is the place to go. The hearty menu is simple - meat and vegan pies are available, served with mashed potatoes and gravy or liquor. Get some jellied eels if you want to go all in.

Browse books in a covered setting next to the Thames at the South Bank Book Market. Now a familiar fixture on the riverbank, the market attracts tourists and locals and is a great place to find unexpected books on a range of topics. Stacks of books are laid out on tables for shoppers to explore.

The world's largest antiques market is Portobello Road Market. It's been around for more than a century and is a treasure trove of antique finds, vintage fashion, and bric-a-brac. With traders changing regularly, there's always something new and exciting to discover. Street food vendors enhance the atmosphere here.

Starting out in a London warehouse, Beyond Retro is now a favourite in the city for unique vintage fashion, with a number of shops dotted about. In the well-stocked shop you'll see distinctive pieces and reworked garments that mean you can put together a one-of-a-kind outfit. You'll find fashion from the 1960s up to the 2000s.

Have a French meal in grand Art Deco surroundings at Brasserie Zédel. This centrally-located restaurant has a timeless and sophisticated look, plus a menu of classic French cooking. The prix-fixe option gives you a two or three course meal for a reasonable price. Wine is served by the glass, carafe, or bottle.

Enjoy classic fish and chips at Golden Union in Soho. This modern restaurant serves sustainable fish and also offers ample plant-based choices like vegan sausages. Expect traditional chip shop meals like fish, sausages, chips, and pies, served in a classic dining space with shiny white tiles. Takeaways are also available.

With a history spanning decades, Tayyabs is well-established as an affordable destination for an Indian meal. With its lively, bustling atmosphere and vintage furnishings, this place really feels like a blast from the past. Set menus are available or you can choose from the main offering of Punjabi favourites like curries, biryanis, and dosa.

Wild Thyme serves vibrant international brunch dishes in a warm and rustic space. The café puts its own stamp on brunch classics with the choices ranging from light pastries and granola to hearty egg dishes and fried breakfasts. Pair your brunch with cocktails, coffee, or juice. The restaurant is cosy and has an outside terrace too.

Farm-to-table eatery Cocotte specialises in rotisserie cooking, with plenty of chicken dishes on the menu. The chicken is free-range and sauces and marinades are prepared in house. Food is available all day with a brunch menu until 5pm. The venue is bright and contemporary with a homey feel.

Popina in Mayfair offers affordable brunching in the heart of the city. This upscale café is an award-winner, with a crisp interior and a tempting menu of popular dishes. Breakfast and brunch is the name of the game here, with sweet and savoury options on the menu like sandwiches, plenty of egg dishes, and granola.

Experience a working farm without leaving the city by visiting Hackney City Farm. This family-friendly destination is free to visit and offers lots to do. You can explore the farmyard and gardens, meet the animals, visit the sustainable farm shop, or stop for a meal. A range of activities and events take place on the farm too.

Cruise above the Thames and take in fabulous views by riding the London Cable Car. Built to facilitate the 2012 Olympics, it's now a way to see the sights and get across the river in a memorable way. You'll get panoramic views, with slower journeys in the evening so you can make the most of it.

Get a walk in the park and take in picturesque views of central London by visiting Primrose Hill. This North London park with an eponymous hill is a protected viewpoint – even the trees are intentionally kept low so that nothing gets in the way. Admire the view and soak up the atmosphere at this popular green space.