Budget Travel London
London isn’t exactly know for it’s low prices.
Before we go on with anything, let me tell you right away that you don’t want to make a major mistake when it comes to booking flights.
Don’t save a couple of bucks for your flight just to arrive in Gatwick - the cab ride into London will cost you 150 bucks.
Don’t change money at the airport - they have really bad rates there. Better change a little bit at home just so you have cash for the first day, and then change the rest in London.
Getfrom Heathrow to London city by underground, costs about $15.
If you don’t mind sharing your room with other travellers you can get a bed for the night for around $30 (check out HostelLondon.com).
You can also rent other peoples empty flats or if you travel in big groups of people rent apartments for several people.
Getting Around in London
If you’re on a budget, renting a car is not an option (car rentals are expensive, fuel prices are expensive and parking is expensive too).
So, what’s left? The Tube! A seven day travel card costs 24.40 pounds ($48). You can get those in the stations.
Things To Do In London (Free)
If you’re into culture and art:
Museums are free:
- Check out some of the worlds finest art at the Tate Modern (for contemporary art) and the Tate Britain (for British Art from the 16th century to the present day).
- National Portrait Gallery
Features portraits of the most famous people in British history. - National Gallery
The National Gallery, London, houses one of the greatest collections of European painting in the world. - The Wallace Collection
The Wallace Collection is home to one of Europes finest collections of works of art, paintings, furniture, arms & armour and porcelain. - Museum of London
World’s largest urban history museum with 1.1 million objects. Includes details of collections, hours, events, current and future exhibitions, & more. - British Museum
The Museum houses a vast collection of world art and artefacts and is free to all visitors. - Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum is the world’s greatest museum of art and design.
- Science Museum
The Science Museum is world renowned for its historic collections, awe-inspiring galleries and inspirational exhibitions. - Natural History Museum
The NHM promotes the discovery, understanding, enjoyment, and responsible use of the natural world. Explore our world-class collections, fantastic exhibitions and cutting-edge research online, or visit our landmark buildings.’ - Geffrye Museum
Collections comprise furniture, textiles, paintings and objects displayed in a series of period rooms from 1600 to the present day. - Horniman Museum
The Horniman Museum is a free, family friendly museum with exhibits from around the world to delight adults and children alike.
Cool Stuff: Street Artists & Performers
Covent Garden is an amazing place to visit, specially if you come on the afternoon and watch the street performers. Most of them are along the South Bank outside the National Theatre.
Street Markets
There are some cool street markets in London too:
- Camden Market
- Portobello Market
- Greenwich Market
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is one of the worlds most breathtaking churches. Entrance is free and if you think afterwards that it was worth it you should donate a little money, but that’s totally up to you.
Parks (like those in Alice In Wonderland…)
- Queen Mary’s Rosegarden
- St. James’s Park
St James’s Park is at the very heart of London and covers 23 hectares (58 acres). With a lake harbouring ducks, geese and pelicans. St James’s is also home to the Mall, the setting for many ceremonial parades and events of national celebration. - Hyde Park
One of London’s finest historic landscapes covering 142 hectares (350 acres). There is something for everyone in Hyde Park. With over 4,000 trees, a lake, a meadow, horse rides and more it is easy to forget you’re in the middle of London.
