Stay in a hostel
Transportation is one cost that can set you back in London – the Underground is the most convenient cheap means of getting about, and if you’re visiting more than a couple days, you can reduce your costs by buying an Oyster Card, a refillable card that will save you money on your Underground trips.
Take advantage of free sites – if you don’t think you can afford to tour Buckingham Palace or the Tower of London, visit any of a number of Britain’s free museums and galleries (Tate Britain is my favorite) or have a stroll in the lovely parks of West London. Don’t be afraid to stray out of central London – Brixton and the East End have fun street markets to browse.
Don’t stay north of the river, either – walk across the Millenium Bridge and get a breathtaking view of London from the South Bank. While you’re there you can see the Globe Theater (which also does quite cheap shows, if you’re there in the evening) and perhaps catch a book fair while you’re there.
Finally, if you’re feeling really cheap, stay in a hostel! London’s hostels are quite cheap, and often give you a chance to stay a little of the beaten track. If you’re planning ahead of time and have a group of multiple people, Easyhotel also has excellent rates, although my trips to the city were too last minute to get reservations and try them out.
Tags: Beaten Track, Breathtaking View, Brixton, Buckingham Palace, Central London, Couple Days, Free Museums, Fun Street, Globe Theater, Hostel London, London Hostels, London Underground, London Visit, Millenium Bridge, Oyster Card, Street Markets, Tate Britain, Tower Of London, Underground Trips, West London