Visiting London on a budget can be challenging, because this is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Every year many would-be tourists, people who would have a lot of fun in this city, bypass London because of the high costs.
But it is possible to visit this vibrant and historic city on a budget. Here are some strategies for dealing with the price of a trip to London. Take a look at inexpensive travel tips for airfares, hotels, transportation, things to do, restaurants, attractions, and even a short stopover on the way to another city.
London airfare
It is set up like few other cities for budget travel. There are six main airports in the region serving hundreds of commercial flights a day. With this high volume, there are many more opportunities for the budget traveler to land a bargain ticket. See some strategies to start your search.
London hotels
A typical London hotel room is small and too expensive. But there are ways to save. Consider cheap London hotels, bed and breakfast options, hostels or apartment rentals. Start looking for ways to save money with these tips for London accommodation on a budget.
London transport
What is the cheapest way to get around London? The answer depends on your plans. If you plan to spend most of your time in central London, there is no doubt that The Tube is your most efficient and economical option. Take a look at tips for public transportation and car rental.
Things to do in London
London is a city with famous attractions that are often considered ‘must-sees’. Some of them are expensive. But you can balance those expenses with lots of free or low-cost activities. Attending quality Broadway productions is cheaper in London than in New York. Check out tips for making your London to-do list affordable.
London Restaurants
Many travelers will tell you that London is not known for its food. You will do better in other European capitals such as Paris and Rome. While that may be true of many tastes, don’t discount the variety of budget options London offers travelers. From pubs to the thousands of small ethnic restaurants in the area, you are sure to find satisfying cheap food on a budget in London.
London is famous for Parliament and Savile Row.
For many, it is not a place to visit solely for its cuisine. People who feel this way tend to have critical tastes and budgets for food.
As with all stereotypes, this one fades with each passing year. Excellent food and reasonable prices are not that hard to find. In fact, the cosmopolitan nature of this great city makes it one of the best places in the world to try a variety of dishes.
Let’s start with breakfast.
Bed and breakfast establishments usually offer a morning meal that will lead you through to dinner. Lunch does not need to be more than a snack. If you are staying in a conventional hotel where breakfast is not included, consider this: unlike Paris and many other European cities, here you can find hearty breakfasts in restaurants that will not break the budget.
Lunch and even dinner can be a “picnic” gathered in the markets of London.
London pub crawls have long been a place to enjoy cheap food and an incomparable atmosphere. Beware: the developers are mimicking the real neighborhood pubs all over the city. Imitations are often long on expense and short on authenticity.
London is a great place to employ a solid and inexpensive dining strategy. The idea is to eat a big, free breakfast when possible, take it easy at lunch, and save most of your food budget for enjoyable dinners that expose you to the culture of your destination.
There are a number of guides that provide information based on price ranges, generally using “costly-moderate-inexpensive” or similar designations.
London Dining Guide offers links to restaurants in a fairly wide area.
Other guides are less structured and often put together by students or people interested in helping London visitors.
London Eye – Review
It’s one of London’s most popular attractions, but it can rank among the most expensive when you have a bigger travel party in peak tourist season. What’s worse, it can cost you precious time waiting in line. Carefully consider your interests, budget and time constraints before planning a visit to the London Eye, with the help of this review.
London stopovers on a budget
It happens to many travelers in Europe: you find yourself with a long layover in London or with 10 hours to change from one major airport to another before your journey can continue. It is possible to enjoy a budget if you know how to plan a stopover in London.
Budget travel mistakes in London
In any city that attracts large numbers of visitors, there are traps (both intentional and otherwise) that will cost you money. In London, some first-time visitors feel intimidated when faced with public transport, opting for expensive taxis. Don’t let your initial reactions result in additional costs – avoid these pitfalls when visiting London. You will save money and that other valuable resource of time.
