If you're touring Europe, or even just wanting a fun city break, London is definitely a must-see. The city has as many fun activities and famous sites as it does sprawling streets and bustling visitors. But while exploring the city's hidden gems and top attractions will satisfy your wanderlust cravings, it can also deplete your wallet.
Thankfully, a trip to London doesn't have to be that way. Many tourists don't realize just how many free and cheap options are out there. While it's true that London has some of the most expensive bars and restaurants, there are also plenty of cheap and characterful markets to eat at. And while peak prices can make your eyes water, traveling in the off-peak season has many hidden benefits, including much more reasonable prices.
10 You Can See The City On "Boris Bikes" For Under $4 (Or Even For Free)
Santander Cycles, or "Boris Bikes" as they are more commonly known, are a fun and cheap way to get from A to B in London. Not only are they super easy and convenient to use, but they're also incredibly cheap. There's a £2 daily fee, but if you keep each journey under 30 minutes (which is easy to do given how many stations there are), you won't have to pay another penny all day.
9 Walking Around London Is Not Only Cheaper, But It's Also Much More Interesting
Many tourists get so lost in the web of tube lines that they assume the underground is the best or only way to get to their destinations. But in fact, sometimes journeys take less time on foot and are much more entertaining that way. Don't miss out on wandering the South Bank and seeing all the street performers. But if you must take the tube, be sure to follow these unwritten rules to master it like a pro.
8 Use An Oyster Card Or Contactless To Pay For The Tube
The tube packs an expensive punch however you slice it. But it does pay its worth in convenience for those longer journeys that aren't possible by bike or foot. Paying in cash or purchasing individual tickets is the most expensive and time-consuming option, so make sure you purchase a travel Oyster card or use your contactless bank card for the best rates. You can also use your Oyster on the tram, bus, and train networks.
7 And Try To Travel At Off-Peak Times For Lower Prices
Aside from helping you avoid the sweaty masses cramming onto London's tubes during rush hour, traveling at off-peak times is also a way to save money. The peak fares are charged Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. You can also avoid the higher peak prices if you're traveling into Zone 1 (central London) between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
6 Visit World-Leading Museums And Attractions For FREE
A huge number of London museums are completely free to visit. While donations are encouraged, they are in no way mandatory. Discover dinosaur fossils and prehistoric animals at the Natural History Museum or explore the unique exhibits of the Science Museum. And of course, you can't visit London without learning about two million years of human history and culture at the British Museum (and stopping by its excellent cafe too).
5 Don't Jump At The First Hostel You Find - Many Hotels Are Cheaper At The Weekend
While most cities charge a premium for weekend stays at hostels, London tends to buck this trend. Since most of its visitors come for professional purposes and flock back to their home towns during the weekend, hotels can offer some great rates on Friday and Saturday nights. Try browsing through Booking.com or looking for cheaper-end hotel chains like Premier Inn and Travelodge. They also often come with a free breakfast.
4 Buy Your Lunch From Local Markets Or Choose Take-Out Instead Of Dine In
Even if you don't intend to eat there, you have to pay some London markets a visit just to experience the buzz and the hustle and bustle. There are so many markets that if you wander around the back streets of central London for long enough, you'll probably come across one tucked away in a corner. Try Brixton Village Market or Lower Marsh Market for more under-the-radar spots, or spend an hour or two perusing the stands at world-famous Borough Market.
3 Make Huge Savings By Buying A Dinner And Theatre Ticket Combo
Why splurge on a West End theatre ticket when you could get a better deal that includes a fancy evening meal along with it? Many sites offer theatre and dinner deals that provide great value for money, with a wide range of restaurants and shows to choose from. You can get your dual combo for as little as £25, so a quick Google for relevant deals can prove very fruitful.
2 Find Money-Saving Vouchers In London's Free Time Out Magazine
There is usually someone handing out London's free Time Out magazine at station exits on a Tuesday morning, and there are countless copies available for pick up at cafes, restaurants, museums, hotels, and other establishments around the city. The magazine acts as a great guide to what's happening that week in London and includes some stellar discounts and vouchers, making it every London tourist's best travel buddy.
1 The London Pass Can Give You Huge Discounts On The City's Best Attractions
If you have a few big London attractions on your bucket list, like the Tower of London, London Zoo, or The Shard, then The London Pass could help you make some serious savings. You can choose how many days you want the pass for, and each pass is valid for two years, so there's no need to worry about last-minute changes of plan. The London Pass covers over 80 attractions, so take your pick.