Free tastings and samples anyone can walk into, and the cheap local classics that keep a day of sightseeing going.
FreeThe narrow shop at 216 Strand has sold tea since 1706. At the bar at the back, staff brew four or five loose leaf teas a day and pour you small cups to try.
Daily 11am to 6pm, Thursdays 11.30am to 6.30pm
Source: Twinings
FreeThe Mayor and Thames Water have installed more than 100 bottle-refill fountains at stations, high streets and parks, marked with a blue water drop. London tap water is safe, so carry a bottle and skip the £2 kiosk water.
Always. The fountain locations are listed on the Mayor of London page.
Source: Mayor of London
£4.50The white-fronted bakery at 159 Brick Lane boils and bakes its beigels round the clock. Smoked salmon and cream cheese is £4.50. The famous hot salt beef one is now £7.50.
Open 24 hours, every day
Source: Beigel Bake
£1.90Soft Hong Kong style buns, sweet or savoury, sold from the counter on Newport Place. Buns start at £1.90, which makes two of them the cheapest hot lunch within sight of Leicester Square.
Daily, from late morning into the evening
Source: Chinatown London
Nothing free in London stands in for the Crown Jewels, the White Tower and a Yeoman Warder telling you who lost their head where. You can look at the walls from Tower Hill for nothing, but the point is inside. Go at opening time and head for the Jewel House first.
Everything above is free. This is the only paid pick on the page, chosen because no free option replaces it.
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