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London on a Shoestring: Your Guide to a Cost-Effective Trip

The thought of trotting around London’s bustling streets, taking selfies in front of Big Ben, or enjoying The View from The Shard sounds dreamy. But the price tag? Not so much. Here’s the good news: despite the exchange rate, London’s not just for the deep-pocketed globetrotters. With a few savvy hacks, you can experience all of London’s charm without breaking the bank.

2min read

Published 17 December 2023

Flight Centre

From cheaper day-to-day travel to budget-friendly dining – and plenty of bonus tips for saving when exploring ‘The Big Smoke’ – here are some guidelines for visiting London on a shoestring, courtesy of our Flight Centre Travel Experts.

1. Travelling smart in London:

Oyster Card magic: Using an Oyster Card or contactless payment methods can be your ticket (literally) to effortless travels across London, from buses and trams to the iconic Tube. Plus, there are discounts depending on how long you’re in the city!
Get some fresh air and exercise: The best way to soak in London’s character? On foot! Most of the city’s biggest attractions are within walking distance of each other. Not keen to walk? How about cycling? Check out Santander Cycles – the city’s most affordable bike-sharing system, offering both traditional bicycles and e-bikes.
Travel off-peak: Of course, it makes sense to travel outside London’s rush hours (typically 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM) and you could snag your tickets for 20%-30% cheaper!

2. Dining like a Londoner on a budget:

Grab-and-go coffee: Starting the day with a coffee in London is a ritual for locals and tourists alike. Opting for a takeaway coffee, say from Pret A Manger, can be much lighter on your pocket than a sit-down experience. Better yet, make your own coffee before you leave your hostel, guesthouse, or self-catering accommodation.
Be your own chef: Stock up on goodies from a grocery store and whip up a meal in your accommodation. Or how about a picnic in one of London’s lush parks?
Hit the streets: Explore London’s lively food markets, like Camden and Borough Market (one of the city’s oldest and largest). You’ll get a taste of world cuisines and pay a lot less than in conventional restaurants.

3. Stay and save:

Skip central London: By choosing to stay outside of the heart of the city (think Zones 2-6), you could land significant savings and still be just a Tube ride away from all the action.
Hostels and guesthouses: If you’re up for a bit of camaraderie, hostels are a great pick. Want a bit more privacy? Check out guesthouses. They offer private rooms and are still wallet-friendly.
Try self-catering: Self-catering accommodation might seem pricier initially, but cooking your own meals can save you big bucks in the long run.

4. Experience London’s culture without the costs:

Freebies alert: Did you know many of London’s top museums and galleries don’t charge an entrance fee? From the British Museum to Tate Modern, culture doesn’t have to come with a price tag.
Score big with TKTS: Experience the glitz of the West End without the lavish expenses. Head to the TKTS Booth, located in Leicester Square, for last-minute discounted tickets to some fantastic shows.
Bag a discount pass: The London Pass is an absolute must for budget-conscious tourists, granting you discounted access to over 80 of the city’s top attractions, such as The Tower of London, The View from the Shard, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

More saving-savvy hacks from our Travel Experts

Book flights for mid-week: Often, flights and accommodations are cheaper if you book for mid-week dates compared to weekend travels.
Pack wisely: Avoid extra baggage fees by packing only essentials and wearing your heavier items. Remember, London’s weather can be unpredictable, so layer up!
Local SIMs: Once you land, get a local prepaid SIM card. It’s usually cheaper than international roaming charges.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle): Refill your water bottle at numerous public water fountains. It’s eco-friendly and saves you money.
Free events: Keep an eye out for free events like festivals, street performances, and parades. London often has plenty happening in its public spaces.
Student or youth discounts: If you’re a student or under 26, many places offer special discounted rates. Always carry your ID!

Steer clear of souvenir shops: Typical touristy souvenir shops can be pricey. Opt for markets or local stores for unique and affordable mementoes.
Lunch specials: If you must eat out, look out for restaurants offering lunch specials. They’ll give you a taste of gourmet meals for a fraction of the dinner price.
Local libraries: Need free Wi-Fi, a place to relax, or even a bathroom? Local libraries are often overlooked but offer all these amenities.
Theatre lotteries: Some West End theatres hold lotteries where you can get premium seats at a hugely reduced rate. Worth a shot!
Happy hours: Many London pubs and bars offer happy hours with discounted drinks. Perfect for a cheeky pint or cocktail.

London

United Kingdom

Expert tip

Don't just rely on the tube. Much of Central London is flat and walkable, so before you look up tube lines to get to your destination, check Google maps as it might be faster - and much nicer if the sun is out - to walk, or even get a bus there.

Vicki

City Mapper app: This app will guide you on the cheapest and quickest routes around the city.
Use ATMs wisely: Avoid airport ATMs or those in touristy areas as they often charge higher fees. Stick to major bank ATMs for better rates.
Group travel cards: If you’re travelling in a group, look into group travel cards for public transport. They’re cheaper than individual tickets.
Pre-book airport transfers: Taxis from the airport can be expensive. Pre-book your transfers or use airport trains/buses to save cash.
Low-cost walking tours: Many companies offer ‘pay-what-you-like’ walking tours. Get to know the city with a local guide without the hefty price tag.
Discount voucher websites: Websites like Groupon or Time Out often have deals for attractions, eateries, and activities in London.

One more saving-savvy tip from our Flight Centre Travel Experts: Always book your holiday package in advance, and don’t shy away from seeking expert advice. It can mean the difference between a budget-blowout trip and a perfectly-balanced London adventure.

Contact Flight Centre today or find your local Flight Centre store here

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London on a Shoestring: Your Guide to a Cost-Effective Trip

Contents

1. Travelling smart in London:

2. Dining like a Londoner on a budget:

3. Stay and save:

4. Experience London’s culture without the costs:

More saving-savvy hacks from our Travel Experts

London

Expert tip

Vicki

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