6 Money-Saving Tips for Your Next Trip to London
Posted: August 30, 2024 | Tagged: United Kingdom | Travel Hacks
London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. It used to be THE most expensive, so reported by some so-called gurus, who obviously never went to Rome, Madrid, Barcelona or anywhere in Switzerland but nitpicking aside, London is freaking expensive.
And whilst finishing up a few pendings in the UK, before going home to Miss CDMX, I spent 4 weeks in the country's capital.
It's an incredible city; the more I explore here, the more I love it.
There is so much history here and this time I have explored and backpacked areas such as Rotherhithe, Canary Wharf, Twickenham and London Bridge.
Sadly, I am still NOT sponsored so I am paying my way and digging deep but with these 6 Money-saving tips you can lessen the blow a little when visiting London whether you are a low-budget backpacker or a tourist on a higher budget.
And whilst finishing up a few pendings in the UK, before going home to Miss CDMX, I spent 4 weeks in the country's capital.
It's an incredible city; the more I explore here, the more I love it.
There is so much history here and this time I have explored and backpacked areas such as Rotherhithe, Canary Wharf, Twickenham and London Bridge.
Sadly, I am still NOT sponsored so I am paying my way and digging deep but with these 6 Money-saving tips you can lessen the blow a little when visiting London whether you are a low-budget backpacker or a tourist on a higher budget.
1. Using the London Underground
Just a quick note for tourists from overseas, it is The Underground or The Tube, Never, never, never call it the Metro or Subway.
Zones on the London Underground
There are 9 zones on the London Underground with Zone 1 being Central London and the most expensive, to travel in or even through. Sometimes you can go from Zone 2-9 on one side to Zone 2-9 on the other side of the city without going through Zone 1. It will take you longer but is much cheaper. You can travel on the Overground as well.
Fares on the London Underground
Avoid travelling on Monday to Friday between 6.30 am to 9 am and on some routes, from 4 pm to 7 pm. These are the Peak travel times and are more expensive.
Buy an Oyster Card or use your bank card to tap in and out
Never buy single-trip tickets from the machine. These are very expensive.
An Oyster card will cost you £7 and you just top it up. Very easy or just, if you trust the system, use your bank card.
An Oyster card will cost you £7 and you just top it up. Very easy or just, if you trust the system, use your bank card.
2. Visiting Museums in London
If museums are your thing, and there are so many of them in London, I am sure there will be a few that will take your fancy, you might want to consider getting yourself the London Pass which gives you free entry to 36 top museums in London.
I have visited the Mail Rail and the Churchill War Rooms which are included in the London Pass. The Tower Bridge Exhibition, The London Transport Museum and The Tower of London are 3 others that are included. Obviously, check the site for full details.
3. Free Wi-Fi
There is no need to buy data for your trip to London unless you suffer from extreme FOMO and if that is the case, get yourself an eSim.
Hostels, McDonald's, Costa Coffee, Pret A Manger (and you are never too far from one of them) and a host of public railway stations/public areas all have free Wi-Fi, just make sure you connect using your trusted VPN.
Hostels, McDonald's, Costa Coffee, Pret A Manger (and you are never too far from one of them) and a host of public railway stations/public areas all have free Wi-Fi, just make sure you connect using your trusted VPN.
4. Eating and Drinking
Eating (and drinking) out is insanely expensive.
If your hostel has an All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet, like they do at St Christopher's Inn, abuse it! Or if you book a hostel like the Palmers Lodge or the YHA Thameside, they have self-catering kitchens. Sainsbury Local and Tesco Express are convenience stores, so try to find the superstores like ASDA or Tesco Direct. Prices are cheaper there, or Aldi or Lidl.
If you have a Family Membership at IKEA, you can get free tea and coffee, Monday to Friday and on Friday they have some half-price deals. Check the deals on IKEA.
Eating Wild Mushroom Risotto at the Borough Market is not so budget-friendly but was so yummy and it did serve as lunch and dinner:
If your hostel has an All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet, like they do at St Christopher's Inn, abuse it! Or if you book a hostel like the Palmers Lodge or the YHA Thameside, they have self-catering kitchens. Sainsbury Local and Tesco Express are convenience stores, so try to find the superstores like ASDA or Tesco Direct. Prices are cheaper there, or Aldi or Lidl.
If you have a Family Membership at IKEA, you can get free tea and coffee, Monday to Friday and on Friday they have some half-price deals. Check the deals on IKEA.
Eating Wild Mushroom Risotto at the Borough Market is not so budget-friendly but was so yummy and it did serve as lunch and dinner:
5. Free Toilets
London is as bad as most European cities in that public toilets are very few and far between and when you find one, it will cost you. Thankfully, Starbucks, Mcdonald's and the other chain cafes have toilets supposedly for customers only but staff don't seem to care. Some train stations like London Bridge have free toilets whilst using the ones in Euston will cost you.
6. Accommodation
The weekend rate at most hostels across Europe will cripple your budget but the YHA Thameside London has a flat fee of just £20, sometimes as low as £15, even on the weekend. Of course, prices can and do vary. Just use the YHA booking site. NOT booking.
