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It is widely accepted by those travelling to or staying in London that it is one of the most expensive places in the world to live and visit.
Despite this, London does not have to be that costly. Following these simple tips on how to save money in London, will show you that you can actually enjoy yourself by spending very little.
Save money and book cheap London bed and breakfasts, hotels and hostels from as little as £10.00 per person
Save money on London transport
When buying tickets for London transport, there are really two options which will save you money.
An off-peak travelcard for zones 1 and 2 costs £6.60 and will give you unlimited travel on the tube and buses after 9.30am within zones 1 and 2, which covers most major landmarks.
Purchasing an Oyster Card from any tube station is the second option. You need to pay a £5 refundable deposit (simply return it at the end of your holiday), and these work on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Each journey then costs £1.90 on the tube and £1.30 on the bus. Oyster single fares are the cheapest of all alternatives, as you will never be charged more than the cost of a day travel card no matter how many journeys you make. This makes travelling on the tube cheaper, easier and quicker.
Alternatively, the question you should ask yourself before stepping onto a tube or bus in London is: Can I walk there instead? Most areas in Central London are surprisingly so close together and within easy walking distance of each other!
Check out free London museums and galleries
Most of the main London museums and London galleries are free to visit and make an excellent day out for people of all ages.
There is a huge variety here in London, so it really is worth considering a visit to the National Gallery (Trafalgar Square; Charing Cross), the Museum of London (London Wall; Barbican) or the Tate Modern (Bankside; London Bridge).
Spend a day out visiting free London museums and galleries close to Bankside and then stay in a cheap hotel from £10.00 per person
Save money on evening entertainment
If you plan on going to see some top-class London theatre in the West End when you are in London it is a good idea to head to the TKTS booth in Leicester Square.
Here you will have the opportunity to pick up discounted tickets on the same day of the performance, but be warned there are only limited seats available.
For visitors to London who want to experience some of the world-famous nightlife, an early start is recommended.
Many of the best London clubs will offer revellers free entry if they turn up before a certain time (usually before 10pm). However, don’t expect clubs to be too busy at that time as they usually don’t liven up until later in the evening.
Relax in a London park
There are lots of parks in London which are the perfect place to go to when you want to get away from it all.
London parks are often popular destinations for visitors to London during the summer and can be the perfect place to sit back and detach yourself from city life.
Some of the best parks include St James’s Park (Victoria), which is located just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace in the heart of the city centre.
Alternatively, after a hard day’s shopping on Oxford Street, take some time to stroll around Hyde Park (Marble Arch).
Find a chap hotel close to Hyde Park from £10.00 per person
Take advantage of cheap shopping
Obviously, the easiest way to save money is not to do any shopping at all, but with such a range of shops to choose from we know this can be hard.
However, try visiting some of the many London markets where you can get amazing stuff well within your budget. Camden Market (Camden) and the Portobello Road Market (Notting Hill Gate) are equally popular tourist shopping areas.
Enjoy the cheap and unique shopping in Camden and stay in a hotel from as little as £10.00 per person
Book a budget hotel or hostel
Finding somewhere to stay in London is likely to be your biggest outlay.
However, with over 460 hotels listed here on TravelStay and located all around London, there is sure to be something to suit every budget.
For example, travellers looking to stay in central London have the opportunity to book the Piccadilly Backpackers Hotel (12 Sherwood Street; Piccadilly Circus) from as little as £24.20 per night.
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