There are some cities around the world which are perhaps worth seeing if you have the time, the money and the energy. There are one or two, however, which should be, to put it mildly, must-visits. One of those is undoubtedly London, the capital of the UK and perhaps the most iconic capital on the whole planet.
Many people have so far missed out on the delights of London purely because they were put off by the cost, but it’s important to remember there are ways to keep the spending to a minimum without harming the overall pleasure of the experience. Here are four useful tips that will help you see the city without having to spend a fortune in the process.
Invest in an Oyster Card
Taxis are generally expensive in London, so the best option is to traverse the city by bus and tube, both of which are very affordable. To make even more savings, you should buy an Oyster Card, which covers travel on buses, overground and underground railways, trams, and the Docklands Light Railway. As well as saving you money, it will also mean you no longer have to queue up for tickets every time you travel. There is so much to see and do in London, and public transport is always the cheapest option.
Shop around for accommodation
Many of the hotels in London are extremely expensive, but there are plenty of bargains to be found as well. The best options are to use the web to find the cheaper accommodation deals, and to be prepared to stay outside the centre of the city if necessary. Thanks to the transport infrastructure, you can be in the heart of the metropolis in no time, so if it’s less expensive to stay in suburbs such as Putney, St John’s Wood and Chiswick, that’s what you should do.
Avoid the expensive eateries
Many of London’s restaurants are costly, but not all of them. If you’re prepared to look around before deciding where to eat you can find some wonderful bargains. In a bid to entice diners, many places offer special deals if you’re prepared to accept a restricted menu, or if you’re happy to eat during less busy hours such as before 7pm. In the UK, restaurants display their prices in the window, so you can make an informed choice without having to set foot inside.
Look for discounted attractions
London is home to a vast number of tourist landmarks, many of which are free, but there are some attractions which require an entry fee. While the budget traveller may not be able to afford all of them, he or she will want to see as many as possible. By checking online in the months leading up to the trip, it might be possible to find discounts and special offers that can be used to keep the spending down.
David Showell was born and brought up in London, and is always keen to travel on a budget. He works for www.carhiredirect.co.uk.
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