Whether you’re planning your first trip to London or are a frequent visitor, there’s no need to break the bank. Read on for some tips that will help you enjoy this popular city on a budget.
Save money on sightseeing by taking advantage of free attractions like Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Changing the Guard. Using a travel card with zones 1 and 2 is another way to save on tours.
Take the Bus
London’s public transportation is efficient and affordable. While everyone should experience a ride in a black London cab, it’s much more budget-friendly to use passes to take the bus or the tube (Londoners call it the “underground”). While you can pay for your rides in cash, savvy travelers buy plastic Visitor Oyster cards that shave off some of the price.
In terms of getting around, walking is a great way to get to know the city’s neighborhoods and see the sights at your own pace. Many of the city’s top museums and galleries are free – including the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Victoria & Albert Museum, Grant Museum of Zoology, and the Museum of Childhood.
If you do want to take a tour, check out the day trips available from London. Some of these are quite affordable, especially if you book well in advance.
Dining out is also a big expense in London, but there are plenty of ways to cut costs. For example, eat at one of the city’s many Chinese, Vietnamese, Turkish, or Indian restaurants where meals cost about PS4 to PS12. Or head over to Camden Market or Borough Market where you can find a selection of food stalls serving up delicious sit-down fare at a fraction of the price.
Shopping is another common tourist activity in London, but it’s often expensive. Skip the high-end stores selling designer duds on Bond Street and Knightsbridge and instead do as thrifty locals do and shop at department store chains like Marks and Spencer (called “Marks and Sparks” in the UK). You can also haggle for antiques and bric-a-brac at the Portobello Road flea market in Notting Hill.
Walk
London’s reputation as an eye-wateringly expensive city can be justified, but a little bit of planning and some travel hacks will have you experiencing the best of this famous European capital without needing to break out the credit card. Follow these transportation, accommodation and meal hacks to save big on your trip! It is definitely true that London, the most exciting young city, is full of attractions and places you can go to!
Whether you’re staying in the heart of the city or slightly further out, walking is your best bet when it comes to getting around. Since the London Underground map can make distances between stations appear farther apart than they actually are, it’s almost always cheaper and more convenient to walk. Plus, it’s a great way to take in the sights and sounds of this bustling metropolis.
A great way to see the most important sites of London is by taking a free walking tour. One of the best ways to save money in London is by visiting its many world-class museums and galleries for free. These include the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A Museum.
You can also visit the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey for free. However, tickets to see Big Ben are a must and are quickly selling out.
Another fun activity to do for free in London is to browse the street markets. Borough Market, Seven Dials Market and Camden Market are among some of the most popular. They’re a great place to sample home-grown British produce and all sorts of flavors from around the globe. Many vendors will even give you samples before you buy.
Eat Local
For every celebrity chef restaurant, artisan street food market or glamorous rooftop bar in this city, there are just as many authentic eateries offering superb dishes at budget prices. Eating like a local is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a culture, and London offers a wealth of options.
A popular option is to eat in the city’s ethnic neighbourhoods. The city’s most vibrant ethnic communities have thriving neighbourhood restaurants serving food that is often surprisingly affordable. A trip to a local Chinese, African, South American, or Vietnamese restaurant is the perfect way to try out some of London’s most delicious – and inexpensive – cuisines.
The city also has some great low-cost burger joints offering up gourmet patties at a pocket-friendly price. For something a little more substantial, There are also excellent cheap Vietnamese places, where you can enjoy a meal of fresh and flavourful noodles for under PS10. If Chinese is your thing, head to Silk Road in Holloway for some flavour-packed Xinjiang cuisine at an equally great price.
Another way to keep your expenses down is to eat at off-peak times. Many restaurants in the West End, for example, offer ‘pre-theatre’ deals where you get a set menu at a discounted price.
Rent a Car
When you arrive in a new city after a long flight, the last thing you want to expend energy doing is hailing a taxi or maneuvering bus schedules. Getting around London by car is easy and affordable, with an extensive network of dual carriageways including the famed M25 motorway that loops around the city. If you’re headed to the outlying areas, such as Windsor Castle or Brighton on the south coast, a rental car will make the journey much more convenient than relying on public transport.
A car rental in London is also a good way to avoid paying the congestion charge, which applies to cars driving into central London between 7am and 9am and 4pm and 7pm Monday through Friday. The fee is only applicable to cars that emit high levels of pollution and most rental vehicles don’t fall into this category.
When comparing rates, keep in mind that most car rental companies offer the cheapest daily rate when you book 3 weeks in advance. Additionally, look for deals that allow one-way rentals and include a full-to-full fuel policy to save money on filling up as you travel.
Stay in a B&B
Despite being one of the most expensive cities in the world, London has a lot to offer for visitors. From free attractions to affordable food and transportation, there are many ways to make your trip as budget friendly as possible!
If you’re looking for an affordable hotel in London, it’s best to stay outside of the central zones. This way, you’ll be able to save money on accommodation and still get to all the city’s attractions in no time at all! Additionally, staying during off-peak seasons will also help you save on accommodation costs. Generally, the peak times for visiting London are from June to August due to warmer weather and seasonal events, while low season is typically from November to February.
To make things even easier, many hotels in London will offer special deals at certain times of the year. Moreover, it’s always worth checking travel websites for discounted rates as well as booking directly with the hotel. It’s recommended to book your hotel at least 30 days in advance in order to receive the best deal possible!
Another great way to save money on your stay in London is to visit the local markets. From Borough Market to Earls Court, there are a variety of different vendors offering unique and inexpensive finds. It’s also a great place to pick up some fresh produce and stock up on some snacks!
Alternatively, you can also check out some of the city’s many popular restaurants and cafes for affordable dining.