Last Updated on August 29, 2022
Learn How To Save Money on Travel in London
London is a popular tourist destination (among many others). It’s a must-see if you travel to Europe. Are you into museums and cultural activities? Do you want to have fun and enjoy the nightlife? Either way, you’ll have plenty to do in London. Are there any downsides to visiting London? Except for the distance, there is another off-putting aspect: the cost.
London is an effervescent and fascinating city, but it is also one of the most expensive capitals in the world. If you live on the other side of the ocean, a trip there can cost thousands of dollars. Don’t fret. How can you save money on travel to London? Here are a few practical tips gathered from experienced tourists and locals.
How to Save Money on London Attractions
There are many major tourist attractions in London you might want to see. If you take sightseeing seriously, you’ll want to see as many of them as you can. A few pounds here, a few pounds there, and the money in your wallet slowly disappears. But with a London Pass, you can get better ticket fees. You can visit many popular locations for free. Some of them include
- Tower of London
- London Bridge Experience
- London Zoo
- Westminster Abbey
- Cruises on the Thames
The London Pass is especially helpful if you plan on visiting lots of galleries and similar attractions that are not free.
Take Advantage of Free Art and History Museums
One great thing about London is the large number of free museums. Unlike many European capitals where museums don’t offer free tours, the biggest museums in London are free. Here are three of the most famous museums in London you can visit for free:
- Victoria & Albert Museum
- Tate Modern
- The British Library
Enjoy Free Tours on Foot
A guided tour in London will take some money out of your pocket, but you could enjoy a guide’s expertise for free. There are guides who offer free guided walking tours. They help you explore parts of the city for free. What’s in it for the guide? Most people who join these tours leave tips, but this is optional. There is no standard tip.
Avoid Spending Money in the City Center
The city center is great for a walk and a few selfies. It is a must. You’ll want to take a photo with Big Ben, but drinking, eating, and shopping in the city center is not the best choice money-wise. Try to do this in less central areas.
London is divided into nine several concentric areas called zones. The closer you are to the central zone, the higher the prices. This applies to every tourist-related service, especially dining and accommodation.
Save Money on Food in London
How can you save money on travel in London? Besides accommodations, food can also cost a lot in London. If you eat out every day, your budget will quickly shrink. Eating out at home might also be one of the reasons why you can’t save money. If you plan ahead, you can eat out and make sure you don’t exceed your budget.
One way to prepare is by using the money envelopes system for your London trip. To apply this budgeting method, take the following steps:
- Set a budget for your trip.
- Make a list of expenses (accommodation, food, etc.)
- Allocate a strict budget to each.
When the plan is ready (make sure to write it down!), stick to it. If you only plan on spending $300 on food in London, go to places where one lunch doesn’t cost $100. Choose affordable options based on your finances. Use websites like Yelp to help you out.
Another trick you could leverage is eating during happy hours. Some pubs and bars in London offer this option. Most of them serve food. Take advantage of eating the traditional fish and chips at a discount price. If it’s not available, at least you’ll pay less for your pint of beer.
If you’re on a limited budget, drop eating out at the restaurant. No matter where you go, it’s expensive. Take advantage of street food. It tastes great and costs far less.
Enjoy Breathtaking Views for Free
Seeing London in all its beauty doesn’t cost a thing. You don’t have to ride the London Eye or pay tickets to visit a tower or eat in a fancy restaurant in a skyscraper. You can go to the Skygarden for free. There, you will enjoy the splendid view of the city from above. A paradise immersed in vegetation and beautiful architecture also awaits you.
The visit is free of charge, you just have to book online. The Skygarden is a truly unique place in London where you can disconnect and relax.
Save Money on Accommodations in London
London is not a cheap city. You’ll see for yourself when you book accommodations. To get an estimate of how expensive it is, think about the following
- As a foreign tourist, you might have to spend a lot on London accommodation.
- The average price for a double hotel room in London for one night is $168 (166 euros).
- A quarter of Londoners spend more than half of their income on rent.
Expect accommodation to be your most significant expense during your London trip. To reduce this cost, try to look for affordable options. Remember that, in essence, there is no cheap accommodation in London, but some accommodation choices are less expensive than hotels. The most popular websites for affordable accommodation are Airbnb.com and Booking.com.
The latter is a booking website. It allows you to look for accommodations in different areas and price ranges. You can use different filters during your search. The price range filter is very helpful. It allows you to set your maximum budget.
You will only get recommended options below the threshold you set. You can find a wealth of choices for all the zones in London and different needs. You can also view the location on the map. This will help you choose a place strategically to save money on transportation.
Airbnb is another excellent opportunity to cut costs on accommodation in London. On this platform, you can find private homes for rent for a short-stay. Instead of booking a hotel room, rent a studio directly from the landlord. You will more than likely pay less.
Also, there is the option to rent a single room in a house. If you don’t mind sharing the house with the landlord, this is a great solution. Generally, Airbnb costs less than hotels. Besides, private apartments and houses allow you to enjoy more privacy.
There are also plenty of hotels in London. You might want to look for good rates for hotel rooms. This applies especially to early bookings or last-minute deals.
In conclusion, to pay less for accommodation in London, do your research. Don’t settle for the first discount you see. Look for different options on various platforms. If you’re the friendly, easy-going type, you could even try couchsurfing. This means you’ll sleep in someone’s home, usually on a couch. In return, you’ll offer your couch to other tourists. There are different platforms where you can subscribe to these services.
How to Save Money on Traveling to and within London
Let us start with the first and most expensive ticket you’ll need to get to London – the plane ticket. Airlines have different pricing policies and offers. You could pay a few hundred dollars for a ticket or less. It depends on the airline you choose. The class and amenities will have an effect on the price. There are a few tips to spend less on London airplane tickets:
- Plan your trip in advance. This will allow you enough time to find affordable tickets.
- Look for deals at different airlines. Compare them and select the best offers.
- If you have any airline miles or special discounts, use them.
- If you travel in a group or with your family, see if any extra discounts apply.
Save Money in London by Cycling
London is a bike-friendly city. A neat way to save money in London is by cycling instead of using public transport. You can rent a bike in London for only a couple of pounds and ride all day. Besides, for rides shorter than 30 minutes, you might not have to pay anything. It is one of the cheapest ways to move around London.
Avoid Taxis
Taxis in London are often out of reach, even for locals. They can cost a lot, even for short-distance rides. If you don’t want to use a taxi, the bus is one of the most affordable choices to move around the city.
Take the Bus
A fun way to see London is riding the bus. The bus might not be the most appealing idea where you’re from, but don’t judge a book by its cover.
London buses are known for their excellent service and don’t cost a lot. They offer a great opportunity to explore the city’s life on the move. Plus, you can’t visit London and not travel in a double-decker. It is one of the most symbolic experiences of London. With a few pounds, you can travel a considerable distance.
Leverage Your Oyster Card
Especially if you plan a longer stay in London, an Oyster card is good to have. This is a card you can use on all public transportation; it allows you to enjoy different discounts. For example, you can pay less if you’re a student. For this, you will need your student identification card.
Other discounts may apply if you travel outside peak hours. These intervals are between 6:30 and 9:30 in the morning and 4 to 7 in the afternoon. There is also the possibility to enjoy unlimited daily rides with your Oyster card. Check out all the available Oyster options and discounts and plan your trips around London accordingly.