My first London moment was one of the best experiences of my life. I had only just landed in the city when I started to fall head over heels in love. The sights, the atmosphere, the big, American city vibe in a European setting; I just couldn’t get enough. But what hit me pretty much as soon as I got to London was the prices. Oh my gosh, it is expensive! Anyone who has been to London will have a story about how much money they spent and how it is majorly overpriced, just like I have!
Today, I don’t want to focus on the inevitable spending spree. Today, I want to focus on London on a budget. That’s right, a lot of people say it can’t be done and are calling me a fool! But I think that the tips below can slash the cost of visiting London by a big margin. Check them out and see for yourself.
Plan Your Trip in Advance
London is huge and there is a lot to visit. By winging your journey, you run the risk of additional expenses and from experience, I definitely don't recommend that. I know they only seem small and insignificant, but over the space of a weekend, for example, unforeseen expenses can add up to a lot of money. So do your research beforehand, decide on what is too expensive and cross it off your list. Accommodation is probably the big one when it comes to this. My advice is to book as far in advance as possible and don't book breakfast as it's usually very pricey for what you get.
I like to use Free Tours By Foot as a guide because it has information on everything you need, including places to stay and eat, discount tickets, and free things to do.
Buy An Oyster Card
Oyster Cards are London’s travel pass. You top them up at a machine and use them electronically to ride the Tube and catch buses. What makes an Oyster card cheaper than the alternatives is the spending limit. If you don’t go out of zones one to three, you will only spend seven pounds and can ride the Tube all day. Or, I have just found out you can use contactless bank cards, which is pretty much the same.
Walk!
For me, there is no better way to see London than to get your walk on. Okay, it might take a lot longer than normal and isn't possible for everyone. But you see a lot more of the city than you do on public transport. I mean honestly, how much of the city can you see from the underground? Plus, walking is, and always will be, free!
I once walked from London Bridge to Waterloo, for example, and had a wonderful afternoon. The route, you might be surprised to hear, includes all of the following:
* Traditional riverside pubs
* Great views of St Paul's Cathedral
* The Shard
* Tower Bridge
* HMS Belfast
* The Globe Theatre
* The Golden Hinde
* Royal Festival Hall
* The London Eye
Free Attractions
Not all the attractions in London cost money. The best tip I came across when I first visited was the free attractions. And often they are just as good as some of the ones you have to pay for. The Changing of the Guard is amazing. Because I am somewhat of a foreigner, old, British traditions are a love of mine. Plus, among many others, there is the Tate Modern Gallery, the very impressive Natural History Museum as well as Hyde Park, which is a wonderful place to visit when the weather is nice.
Save Your Tokens Or Points For London
If you've got supermarket points, tokens or any discount codes to hand, save them for your next trip to the capital. Last time I was in London I used Tesco Clubcard points I had accumulated on two yummy dinners - one of them at Prezzo, which I love. This meant that I saved a considerable amount on what would have otherwise been either an expensive dinner at some fancy restaurant or at an overpriced pub.
Today, I don’t want to focus on the inevitable spending spree. Today, I want to focus on London on a budget. That’s right, a lot of people say it can’t be done and are calling me a fool! But I think that the tips below can slash the cost of visiting London by a big margin. Check them out and see for yourself.
Plan Your Trip in Advance
London is huge and there is a lot to visit. By winging your journey, you run the risk of additional expenses and from experience, I definitely don't recommend that. I know they only seem small and insignificant, but over the space of a weekend, for example, unforeseen expenses can add up to a lot of money. So do your research beforehand, decide on what is too expensive and cross it off your list. Accommodation is probably the big one when it comes to this. My advice is to book as far in advance as possible and don't book breakfast as it's usually very pricey for what you get.
I like to use Free Tours By Foot as a guide because it has information on everything you need, including places to stay and eat, discount tickets, and free things to do.
Buy An Oyster Card
Oyster Cards are London’s travel pass. You top them up at a machine and use them electronically to ride the Tube and catch buses. What makes an Oyster card cheaper than the alternatives is the spending limit. If you don’t go out of zones one to three, you will only spend seven pounds and can ride the Tube all day. Or, I have just found out you can use contactless bank cards, which is pretty much the same.
Walk!
For me, there is no better way to see London than to get your walk on. Okay, it might take a lot longer than normal and isn't possible for everyone. But you see a lot more of the city than you do on public transport. I mean honestly, how much of the city can you see from the underground? Plus, walking is, and always will be, free!
I once walked from London Bridge to Waterloo, for example, and had a wonderful afternoon. The route, you might be surprised to hear, includes all of the following:
* Traditional riverside pubs
* Great views of St Paul's Cathedral
* The Shard
* Tower Bridge
* HMS Belfast
* The Globe Theatre
* The Golden Hinde
* Royal Festival Hall
* The London Eye
Free Attractions
Not all the attractions in London cost money. The best tip I came across when I first visited was the free attractions. And often they are just as good as some of the ones you have to pay for. The Changing of the Guard is amazing. Because I am somewhat of a foreigner, old, British traditions are a love of mine. Plus, among many others, there is the Tate Modern Gallery, the very impressive Natural History Museum as well as Hyde Park, which is a wonderful place to visit when the weather is nice.
Save Your Tokens Or Points For London
If you've got supermarket points, tokens or any discount codes to hand, save them for your next trip to the capital. Last time I was in London I used Tesco Clubcard points I had accumulated on two yummy dinners - one of them at Prezzo, which I love. This meant that I saved a considerable amount on what would have otherwise been either an expensive dinner at some fancy restaurant or at an overpriced pub.
Check out blogs and vlogs for shopping on a budget tips
There is a wealth of information out there about shopping on a budget in London. There are a number of cool charity shops, markets, bargain shops and vintage stores. Check them out and you can really get a bargain.
Personally, I think London on a budget can be done. What is your London on a budget tip?
Personally, I think London on a budget can be done. What is your London on a budget tip?
Whilst there are some amazing paid-for attractions in London, there are a whole host of places you can visit for free or for minimal cost
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how much in London you can do for virtually nothing, especially if you are willing to or able to walk your way around x
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting my post. London is such an amazing city, and I love exploring it on foot. It's like you always discover somewhere new by literally, walking into it. x
ReplyDelete