Are you visiting London anytime soon and have a tight budget to spare? It is still possible to explore London to the fullest without breaking the bank. That’s what we aim to cover in this guide.
Tips on Exploring London Affordably
Here are some tips on how you can see more for less in London:
- Stay outside Zone 1 if you can: Look for accommodation in Zones 2-3 (Clapham, Greenwich, Shepherd’s Bush, etc.) for lower rates while still being 30 minutes away from the city centre.
- Transportation tips: Use contactless debit/credit cards or Oyster cards to tap in/out on the Tube, buses and the DLR. Daily caps apply automatically, thereby making your travel free after a particular number of trips.
- Walkability: Many well-known neighbourhoods like Covent Garden, Westminster and Soho are within walking distance of each other. You can get around on foot in these stretches to save more on public transportation.
- Choose your accommodation smartly: Consider opting for best serviced apartments in London that will be more affordable than hotels, especially for slightly longer stays. They also have kitchens where you can cook meals to save money on dining out regularly. You can also get all-inclusive rates that cover utilities, Wi-Fi, and services for higher savings, not to mention more space and comfort. It works better for bigger travel groups who can avoid booking multiple hotel rooms to save more.
- Free and Affordable Attractions: Leading museums like the Natural History Museum, British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum and Science Museum offer free entry. Skip costly and high-rise observation decks and go to the Sky Garden instead (booking needed but free), Parliament Hill or Primrose Hill.
- Market Visits: Explore the Greenwich, Camden and Borough Markets to find more diverse and affordable street food for as low as £10-£15.
- Green Zones & Royal Parks: You can explore Regent’s Park, Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath absolutely free of cost.
- Street Art: You can take a walking tour of Brick Lane and Shoreditch to view top-class street art without paying a single penny.
- Affordable Entertainment and Dining: Leverage meal deals at supermarkets and visit the local bakeries. Use street food markets to dine affordably when you’re in London. Use the TKTS booth at Leicester Square for discounted last-minute theatre tickets. Seek out special lunch menus at pubs or enjoy the vibe with a drink, minus the full-priced meal.
- Practical Tips for Savings: Carry a reusable bottle to fill up with water for free (this will help you save money on bottled water) when in London. Avoid the weekend for popular and top attractions to enjoy smaller crowds and off-peak rates alike.
Make the Most of Your London Trip without Spending Too Much
You can conveniently make the most of your trip to London without spending excessively. Here are some ways to do so:
- Green Zones: You don’t have to spend money while visiting several green spaces in London. Choose from Kensington Gardens, St James’s Park or Hyde Park to enjoy a pocket-friendly yet wonderful day in the UK capital.
- Key Attractions: While some attractions have entry fees, you can still view their splendour from outside. These include the Tower Bridge, Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Alternatively, when you’re on the South Bank of the Thames, take a short walk to view Big Ben and the London Eye for free.
- Live Entertainment: You can discover several places in London where free live entertainment is available, along with wonderful music. Leicester Square and Covent Garden are worth visiting for street performances, along with the Camden Market, National Theatre or Southbank Centre.
- Food & Drinks: You can still find tasty yet affordable food and drinks in London. Check out areas like Brick Lane, Camden, Brixton and Chinatown for this purpose. Some hidden gems include Pizza from Pizza, Union for its reasonable rates, Hibox for its affordable falafel and G Kelly for its pocket-friendly pie and mash meals.
- Food Markets: Save money by visiting food markets where you can try affordable dishes. Some options include the Maltby Street Market, Borough Market and Broadway Market. You can also go to the Brixton Village and the Camden Market for this purpose.
- Getting Around: Many places have multiple attractions within short walking distances. You can also rent a bicycle for affordable exploration in various parts of London. The Oyster Card is the best way to save money on public transportation, especially if you get the Visitor Oyster Card with its additional discounts and perks.
As you can see, it is still possible to explore London on a budget and see more for less. Explore the London travel guide to know all about the attractions, getting around London and accommodation. Choose budget serviced apartments in London, make a list of free attractions and pre-book landmarks to save both time and money.
You can expect to spend approximately £60 to £80 per day in London if you have street food, visit the markets, get around with public transport and take advantage of free attractions. At the same time, sit-down meals and paid attractions will take this daily budget to about £100 to £150. Budget wisely, and here’s wishing you a memorable trip to London without burdening your wallet.
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