London for Less – Smart ways to save money as a tourist in London

London is notoriously expensive; visitors often complain about the lack of affordability.
Even the most well-heeled Londoners could do with saving a quid or 2.
“Luxe for less” is our tagline at LYBL so Buckle up, bold traveller, because we’re spilling some tea on how to experience London for less!

TRANSPORT

• Oyster card magic: Ditch the paper tickets and top up your contactless Oyster card for the cheapest way to travel. Plus, you can score discounts at select attractions! Your contactless debit or credit cards work on Oyster card readers too, simply tap in and out.
• Walk this way: Lace up your shoes and explore like a true Londoner. Many sights are walkable, and you’ll stumble upon hidden gems along the way. There are some great “Mayor of London’ accredited walking tours or Google “London walking doors” for a plethora of them or take yourself on a tour with an online virtual guide.
• Google Maps and Transport for London
  give you all you need to plan your trip via the brilliant Transport for London network.
• Bus bliss: Hop on a double-decker for a cheap sightseeing tour. Pro tip: Route 9 takes you past Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park, while Route 11 hits the City of London and Buckingham Palace.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

• Freebie fiesta: Many museums offer free entry on certain days, like the National Gallery and British Museum. Check their websites below for details.
  – National Gallery
  – British Museum
• Combine your sightseeing with affordable activities. Take a free walking tour, for historical insights and local tips, check out; Free Tours by Foot Or Free Tour of London. You can also have a picnic in Regent’s Park for a green escape.
• Discounts: Do you love the West End? Look for matinee tickets or snag last-minute deals on websites like TodayTix. You might just score a seat to see your favourite show!

SHOPPING
If you’re not averse to preloved items, Charity shops in well-heeled areas like Notting Hill, Holland Park, Chelsea and South Kensington are said to have the odd gem, if you’re willing to trawl through the racks.

RESTAURANTS & CAFES – Foodie Delights Without Breaking the Bank

• Market munchies: Skip the tourist traps and head to Borough Market or Camden Market for delicious and affordable food stalls. There are some good food stalls just before Southbank Centre when coming from Waterloo Station, outside Kings Cross on some evenings, Notting Hill’s Portobello market and Columbia Road Flower Market.
• Pub grub glory: Sample traditional fare at a local pub. Many offer hearty lunches and “early bird” dinners at budget-friendly prices. Think fish and chips and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
• Picnic in the park: Grab groceries from a supermarket and enjoy a scenic picnic in Hyde Park, St. James’s Park, or any other green space. Primrose Hill has a great view of Northwest London if you climb up the hill inside the park. Budget-friendly and oh-so-British!
  – Hyde Park
  – St. James’s Park
• Google farmer’s markets in your area for fresh produce and a great price.
• Itsu often has deals from 8 pm where unsold sushi and salads from their fridge are slashed down to half-price.
• Check out your bottom row of the fridge section at your local Tesco/Sainsbury’s Metro in the evening and at the end of the weekend, reduced items that are due to go off soon will be available in one corner somewhere on the bottom row, to be eaten within the next 24 – 48 hours at a reduced price. Also, look out for freezable items that you can pop in the freezer ahead of the fridge expiry date e.g. sliced cooked meats and other items.
• Tesco and Boots have meal deals where you can get a Main meal, drink and dessert for a fraction of the total price of each individual item.

ACTIVITIES

• Hidden gems: Explore lesser-known neighbourhoods like Hampstead Village or Notting Hill for charming streets, independent shops, and unique cafes. Discover Hampstead Village’s quaint pubs and gardens, or uncover Brick Lane’s street art and trendy eateries.
• Festival fun: London explodes with free festivals throughout the year. Join in the revelry at the Notting Hill Carnival or the Southbank Centre Winter Festival or lose yourself in the music at a summer street fair.
  – Notting Hill Carnival
  – Southbank Centre Winter Festival
• Literary London: Bookworms rejoice! Free literary events and readings happen regularly at Foyles Bookshop and the British Library.
  – Foyles Bookshop 
  – British Library

LUXURY ON A BUDGET

• Afternoon tea twist: Splurge on a traditional afternoon tea experience, but skip the posh hotels and opt for charming cafes like Peggy Porschen Cakes or The Wolseley.
  Groupon and Wowcher have deals for afternoon tea at hotels and cafes such as Caffe Concerto all year round.
• View with a twist: Admire the cityscape from the Sky Garden. While general admission usually requires a paid ticket, you can claim a free ticket by booking it in advance on the Sky Garden website. Free tickets are also available on the first Tuesday of every month between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM.
• Spas with savings: Treat yourself to a spa day at a hotel with a day spa access package. Often, these offer pampering treatments at a fraction of the full price. Look on Groupon and Wowcher for deals (usually available at off-peak times) at nicer hotels like the Baglioni. Read the reviews in advance to ensure you are making a solid choice.

Bonus Tip: Consider purchasing a London Pass or Explorer Pass if you plan to visit multiple paid attractions. These passes offer significant discounts and can save you money in the long run.
– London Pass
– London Explorer Pass

Remember, the best things in London are often free or affordable. Embrace the unexpected, explore hidden corners, and you’ll discover the true magic of the city, all without burning a hole in your pocket. Now get out there and conquer London like a budget-savvy pro!