A Day in London on a Budget

So, you’re visiting London, one of the most visited cities in the world; in order to spot some of the city’s most interesting neighbourhood and hidden gems, it’s a great idea to do a little research before heading out. There are plenty of cheap and cheerful alternatives when it comes to finding things to do during day and night, so without further delay let’s take a look at some of the best ways to enjoy a day or two in London without breaking the bank!

Big Ben and London Double-Decker Bus by Kevin Poh

Travelling

First things first: buy an ‘Oyster Card’. With this you can get around the city by bus, tube and boat! You can order your card online from the London Transport website or simply pick one up from a London station. To spot a few more landmarks, jump on the popular number 15 red bus; this authentic London double decker is much cheaper than the conventional sightseeing buses and still packs in many popular attractions. There are many bike docking station located all around London city centre, this allows you to easily rent a bike with minimum effort and fuss and get a good workout while travelling too!

Entertainment

The West end is London’s famous entertainments centre; blockbuster films premier in Leicester Square which often plays host to worldwide-known movie starts and celebrities. Instead of paying top-dollar to see a new release, head around the corner to the Prince Charles Cinema for cheaper showings.

If you fancy seeing a show, The Coliseum is a fantastic venue and as one of London’s largest theatres that offers cheap tickets for certain performances you’re more than likely to be able to get a seat last-minute.

The Coliseum, London, UK by Steve James

Once an old flower market, there’s never a dull moment in Covent Garden. If you are going to check out the street artists, avoid emptying your pockets by skipping outdoor eateries; instead, buy a quick snack and find a comfortable spot on the curb. Next, head to neighbouring Trafalgar Square; here you can find the National Gallery that offers free entry and cheap Saturday cinema tickets. The national portrait gallery is just next door too!

Dining

If you’re after a quick bite before a show in the west end, head down to China town for some affordable treats; for a hearty, authentic meal, find a restaurant with lots of Chinese customers. Head along Neal Street and Neal’s Yard for tasty vegetarian dishes at the modern World Food Café; there is no shortage of stylish boutiques and vintage shops to distract you on the way.

At Borough Market there’s a fresh selection of top quality produce to sample; boasting delicious coffee, smelly cheeses, crispy pastries and roasted meats, Borough Market yields plenty of mouth-watering treats to keep you busy for more than a few hours!  Fill your belly with free samples or purchase some delicious snacks to enjoy later!

So there we are some affordable entertainment and snacks to enjoy whilst out and about in London city centre. Remember, don’t be disheartened by the expensive restaurants you will likely see when researching on the internet, there are plenty of affordable places to spend your time.

Daniel Travis – Brown is an avid traveller and visits London on a regular basis to enjoy all the West end has to offer! He writes travel guides regularly on behalf of Skypark Stansted Airport Parking and shares his articles with his Twitter followers! Find him on Twitter @DanTravisBrown

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Category: Cities, Cities