Budget London: tips for tourists traveling to the capital of Great Britain
London is a beautiful and historic city that can show and tell a lot about itself. It is interesting to walk and explore the old streets, taste local food and drinks, and admire the vibrant culture of England.
Some tourists may think that traveling to London may require time and careful preparation, but if you know how and where to save money, the city can show you even more without breaking the bank. The Frisky has compiled some tips to help travelers immerse themselves in London with pleasure and without spending too much.
Free entry, events and excursions
These places won't charge you a single penny:
- British Museum
- National Gallery
- Tate Modern
- Changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace
- South bank of the Thames
- Night museums
- Free views of the Sky Garden in the Walkie Talkie or Primrose Hill buildings
In addition, you can always get to some interesting and free events in the city throughout the year. These can be concerts, open-air movie screenings, or art exhibitions in public places. You can also take advantage of free walking tours offered by local guides in London.
Exploring the neighborhood on foot
Covent Garden, Soho, and Shoreditch are the best places to go for a walk. Each has its own unique atmosphere that perfectly reveals the character of the city.
In addition, you can take a walk in the green areas of London, namely Hyde Park, Regent's Park and Hampstead Heath.
Food options
London's atmospheric markets and food stalls offer a wide variety of affordable and delicious dishes from around the world. Borough Market, Camden Market and Portobello Road Market are recommended.
Public transportation
London has quite an efficient public transportation system that will take you exactly where you need to go. You can rent a car or order a taxi, but if you buy an Oyster card or contactless payment card for the duration of your stay, you can get anywhere in London. In addition, it is recommended to use the Citymapper application to find the most cost-effective routes.
Affordable accommodation
You can find cheap accommodation in the UK capital in hostels, guesthouses or budget hotels in areas like King's Cross, Paddington or Bayswater. Compare prices and book your rooms in advance.
Plan your research and use coupons
Be selective about the places you want to visit. Also, communicate for special offers to get a complete and interesting experience.
Many travel and tourism sites offer certain coupons that help you save on entrance fees and tours. In addition, if you are a student or under 26 years old, you can use your ID to get an additional discount on transportation, attractions, and meals.
Off-peak times
It is better to plan a trip to such a metropolis during the off-peak season to enjoy your vacation, find affordable accommodation, and explore the city without tourists. This is best done in late fall or winter.
Reusable water bottle
This seemingly insignificant detail can help you save a lot of money on water. There are many places in London where you can fill up your bottle.
London Pass and Explorer Pass
These cards can offer access to many attractions at a fixed price, without overpaying.
