London is one of the most popular cities for tourists not only in Europe but worldwide. Travellers are impressed by the mix of cultures alongside the typical ‘Britishness’ of the weather and the busy streets. A visit to London can be pricey though, particularly with restaurant and attraction prices on the rise. But there are plenty of ways to see the real London when you’re working on a budget.
- Explore London on a budget@Doug88888 / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA
One of the most unique points of the city is that many of the museums have free entry. Of course, there are special exhibitions going on that will cost a little extra to enter, but if you haven’t visited the museums before, there are loads of things to see for free. The British Museum, one of the world’s oldest museums, is overflowing with collections of everything from Greek antiquities to pieces of more recent art. If you’re travelling with kids, take them to the Science Museum for a fun day out.
If the weather is actually looking bright while you’re in the capital, make sure to wander around some of London’s parks or along the side of the Thames. Head to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens to see the famous Peter Pan statue or take a romantic walk along the banks of the Thames. There is a huge number of sights to be seen just exploring the city on foot from Trafalgar Square with Nelsons Column to Buckingham Palace.
Transport can be one of the more expensive problems you might face in London. Many people opt for public transport, such as buses and the tube, but after your first experience of them, the novelty wears off and you realise that they’re overcrowded and unreliable. If you’re planning to move around the attractions in the city a lot, and considering a trip outside of London into the beautiful surrounding countryside too, it might be a good idea to hire a car with Sixt. You’ll have the freedom to go wherever you want whenever, and you’ll be able to get right up to the doorstep of many big attractions.
Food is another of London’s more expensive commodities. While it might be exciting to visit some of the fancier restaurants, you’ll be left with no money to spend after the first night if you do so. Instead try visiting some of the local markets to pick up some street food. London is a real mixed pot of cultures, so you’re bound to find something to suit your tastes, from Indian to Thai and of course the typical English fish and chips. If you’re staying in an apartment or hostel where you have access to a kitchen, grab some fresh veg from one of the market stalls and cook yourself up something yummy.
