As one of the world’s most famous cities, London holds an insatiable appeal. As Samuel Johnson once said, ‘When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford’. With so much to see and do, combined with top restaurants and famous hotels, it is inevitable that a trip here will be pretty pricey. With a little prior research, there are some easy ways to clutch onto your cash. As such, we’ve put together a small manual to help you save some money during your trip to London.
Transport
If you don’t travel to London often, the tube may seem like a bit of a minefield but you’ll soon come accustomed. Before you start though, pick up an Oyster Card. You will have to pay a small deposit to get one, but by doing so, journeys work out to be cheaper and it is much easier than having to buy multiple tickets.
It’s also worth remembering that bus journeys are included, you don’t always have to use the tube. It can be a great alternative to the tube, particularly if you want to travel during rush hour when it is extremely busy. Plus, you can do some city sightseeing at the same time! One final transport tip is to avoid black cabs – they can be outrageously expensive. If a taxi is essential, try to pre-book a mini cab instead.
Attractions
The great thing about London is that there are literally hundreds of free attractions. Many of which are classified as quintessential must-dos during your time here. The city has also been proved to be home to some of the world’s most expensive too. If you are determined to keep costs down, avoid the pricey likes of the London Eye or London Zoo and uncover the fantastic selection of attractions that won’t cost you a penny.
Start at the free museums, of which there are many excellent examples to choose from. These include The British Museum, The National History Museum, The Science Museum, The National Gallery, The Tate Modern, The Imperial War Museum to name but a few. Entrance to all of these museums is free with just a donation requested at some.
The great outdoors is a treasure chest to behold with beautiful parks to visit and enjoy. The likes of Hyde Park and St James’ Park are always winners. Be sure also to visit some of the many popular markets at Camden as well as Borough Market, Spitalfields Market and Portobello Road Market.
Stop by at famous landmarks and watch the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, take an iconic Beatles style snap at Abbey Road, explore Harrods, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square.
Food
With a city boasting as many fine restaurants, you’d be forgiven if you want to splash out a few times during your time here. The rest of the time however, you can eat well and on a budget quite easily.
Street food stalls seems to have increased in popularity ten-fold in recent months and there are some fantastically delicious options to be found across the city, and all for the fraction of the price of eating in a restaurant. Here are some super suggestions.
Eat well for less and visit specific food markets such as Borough Market, which is well known for its tasty offerings, or indeed visit the food courts of others. The food court at Camden Market offers a dizzying choice of eateries offering tasty treats from around the world.
If you prefer a sit down affair, check out these budget restaurant suggestions. Alternatively, you could visit some chain restaurants which often have deals and promotions to help you save some cash. Last but not least, you could also pop into a pub or two for cheap and tasty fare.
So, there you have it, our mini money saving manual for London! Do you have any top tips to save some cash during a visit to the UK’s capital?
