20 Ways to Save Money in London

London is notoriously expensive… here are some tricks to make it a low-cost city!

London is known as one of the most expensive cities of the world, but a trip to the City may not drain your wallet. With some small tricks, and taking advantage of the many free activities, you will be able to save a lot of money, without missing out on the fun!

Here is our guide to saving money in London!

SAVING ON TRANSPORT

1. An Oyster will help you travel around London: it’s the Oyster Card. London’s public transports system reaches every part of town: get an Oyster card as soon as you land (you’ll need a passport photo): you can load your tickets on the card and save money - every ticket is discounted, from single trips to daily tickets (thanks also to the Price cap, a daily expenditure limit: you will not pay over this limit).

2. Sightseeing bus or double decker? The private sightseeing buses can be quite expensive. You can see more or less the same sights from the many double decker red buses - thus making it a more British and less expensive experience.

3. Travel "off-peak" to save. Public transport is slightly cheaper after 9.30 on weekdays and weekends, so you can save jus by planning your routes.

4. Beware of the black cabs. A ride on one of London’s historical taxis is considered a classic - but it can be quite pricey! If you really need a taxi, call a a minicab, but remember that you can’t just stop one in the middle of the street - you’ll need to book one, ask your hostel’s staff for help!

SAVING ON EATING

5. Have lunch at a supermarket! Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or Marks & Spencer have a wide range of sandwiches, salads and quick bites for all tastes. The price is usually low - but it gets even lower after lunchtime! If you can resist your hunger until 2 pm you might find a great deal!

6. Market + park = Pic-Nic! A great idea to save while eating are the many food markets around London. Borough Market is the oldest and a locals’ favourite, offering a big variety of foods, from French bread to meat pies, from sushi to African cuisine. There’s something for every taste! If the weather is nice, you can grab your lunch and eat it in one of London’s wonderful parks, such as St. James’s Park or Hampstead Heath.

7. More than just a beer in a pub! London’s pub are an institution, and you definitely should try at least one meal in a pub. They usually offer basic but very tasty dishes… and cheap ones, too! Of course, beer is a very acceptable meal, too…

8. Discover ethnic food. London is a real melting pot of cultures and traditions from all over the world. The variety of ethnic restaurants and kiosks is pretty much endless, and the quality is world-famous (especially Indian, middle-eastern and Asian!)

9. Let the jug help! At any restaurant, it is your right to ask for “tap water”. Tap water is free - take a look at the price of beverages and you’ll order water straight away!

10. Prove your cooking skills in your hostel. When looking for an hostel, always check if offers a communal kitchen. Buffet breakfasts are also a good way to stuff yourself with food so you’ll have to eat less during the day.

FREE (OR ALMOST-FREE) SIGHTS IN LONDON

11. Museums in London are free! If you come to London you simply have to see the marbles of the Parthenon, or the Rosetta stone: you can do it without spending a single pound! Most of London’s famous museums are free-admission, such as; the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Tate Modern and the Tate Britain. Only the permanent collections are free – you’ll probably have to pay for temporary exhibitions.

12. Change your guard. Enjoy the changing of the guards at Buckingham palace - a bit of a cliché, but it must be experienced at least once in your life.

13. Save by night in Westminster. You want to visit Westminster Abbey, but you’d rather not pay the £16 admission fee? You can enter for free to see the Evensong, the evening prayer. You might not be able to see the chapels, but you’ll still take in the marvellous views of the church .

14. Voice your opinion! Take part in a debate at speakers’ corner in the North-East corner of Hyde Park.

15. Be in two places at once! Stand right over the Greenwich Meridian, and feel like your feet are in different hemispheres!

16. Feel like a Fab Four! Head to Abbey Road and just watch the tourists recreating the iconic Beatles’ album cover… or do it yourself!

17. Tories or Whigs? Experience the Palace of Westminster, the Houses of Parliament. It is a massive building, but not everyone knows that you can get inside and watch the parliament’s debates! There is also a Houses of Parliament Shop, filled with gadgets dedicated to this temple of democracy.

OTHER WAYS TO SAVE

18. Music! In London you’ll have many chances to enjoy free concerts. The National Theatre has regular free concerts of all kinds of music, from jazz to folk, from reggae to dance. The Royal Opera House has free shows at lunchtime, but you must book well in advance. The National Gallery has free live music every Friday.

19. Please stand up for Mr. Shakespeare! The Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre plays the great classics of “the Bard2, trying to be as faithful as possible to the original. The standing places are only 5£!

20. Discover London’s Hostels! Our last tip may sound ordinary, but it will save you a lot of money! B&Bs and hotels can be extremely expensive - while hostels have great locations, fun atmosphere and cheap prices! Use the form below to find the best hostel for you: all kinds of services are offered, from free breakfast to free Wi-Fi, bar, pool tables, games room…

If you liked this article, find out here the coolest hostels in London!