London is one of the greatest cities in the world and it has a huge array of iconic attractions and sights to explore. However, it is also one of the most expensive cities in the world, and if you’re looking at travelling to this thriving metropolis then you could be looking at large expenses. You can sightsee in London on a budget though, and you won’t have to break the bank if you enjoy some of London’s cheaper options.
Travel is one of the most expensive parts of London, with underground train prices being quite high especially if you’re a keen tourist and want to be up during peak commuting hours. However, many sights in central London are very close together, and a far better way of exploring the city is on foot. Winding streets result in you finding something new around every corner and you can miss so much by travelling underground when the sights of London are waiting to be discovered. If you’re into walking then spend a day exploring from Trafalgar Square, down The Mall, through St. James Park, over Westminster Bridge and along South Bank. You’ll be able to take in a huge number of attractions such as Buckingham Palace, The Globe Theatre, the Tower of London, Tate Modern and the Houses of Parliament on this route. In addition, you’ll be able to enjoy the buzz of the city, the red double-decker buses and the black London cabs, which could all be missed on underground trains.
Certain areas of London are very expensive for shopping and whilst you may want to head to Kensington and Chelsea to explore the retail, prices are high. If you actually want to shop, heading to Bond Street and walking back to towards Oxford Circus will offer a huge variety of competitively priced shops to peruse, and you’ll be able to find all your favourite brands on the high street rather than having to go online to find whitestuff deals. Meanwhile, both Shepherds Bush and Stratford have Westfield Shopping Malls, with the latter being the largest mall in Europe. These are also great places to find bargains and get all your British shopping done in one place.
Eating in London can also be expensive if you don’t know where to go so it’s a good idea to do some research first. There is a vast variety of food in London because it is one of the most diverse and multicultural cities in the world. If you’re looking for tea and sweets then Patisserie Valerie is a cheap and scrumptious outlet whilst and for an evening of noodles, Wok to Walk in Soho is ideal. Soho generally has many great restaurants, which offer good food at competitive prices so that you don’t have to break the bank.
Research is important when trying to avoid expensive places, and by highlighting a couple of great spots before you travel, you’ll be able to make the most of your time. Asking locals and consulting the Internet and guidebooks will result in not only a great experience, but also one that isn’t too expensive either.
