Staying in London on a Budget

London can be a very expensive city, but there are lots of options to help you when you are planning on staying in London on a budget. Here are some suggestions for ensuring you have an enjoyable stay in the capital without breaking the bank.

Where to Stay

Good quality budget hotels in London tend to be clustered around the mainline railway stations. It is, therefore, always possible to find a cheap hotel in London Euston. As well as the opportunity to secure a bargain on your accommodation, staying near one of the stations ensures you are at the hub of transport connections to and from other parts of the city.

On the subject of public transport, take a tip from the locals and invest in a travel card covering the two central zones of London. You will find this is much cheaper than paying for each journey.


Things to Do

There is so much to see in London that does not cost a penny. London’s most iconic sights, including Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace, can all be seen, from the outside at least, without paying anything. Central London is quite compact and exploring on foot is good way to see all the main tourist sights, as well as discovering some of the lesser-known but equally intriguing places London has to offer. When the sun comes out, do as Londoners do and relax in one of the London's wonderful city centre parks.

London has some fabulous museums and galleries and admittance to almost all of these is free. If you love art you will enjoy the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery on Trafalgar Square and the Tate Modern on the South Bank. For museums, try the Science Museum and Natural History Museum in South Kensington, the British Museum in Bloomsbury and the Imperial War Museum in South London. Most of London’s museums have hands-on and interactive exhibits to please younger visitors.

No trip to London would be complete without a visit to a West End theatre show. Seats can be expensive, but last-minute bargains are often available from reputable local agents.

Eating Out

Eating out in London can be very expensive, but it does not have to be. Venture away from some of the main tourist streets and you will find that prices are noticeably lower. Ask at your hotel for recommendations.