London is an amazing city that offers so much to do and see and experience, which makes it a pretty standard holiday destination for millions of tourists every year. Unfortunately, it also makes it a very expensive city for holidaying, especially if you’re on a budget or travelling during summer or Christmas season.
Still, there are things you can do to make your trip a little more budget-friendly without making it any less memorable.  I thought I’d share a few things that I found helpful when I visited London this past summer.
Accommodation:
Hotel prices easily go way beyond a collegiette’s holiday budget in London, so looking at alternative accommodation options is definitely worth a shot. Staying in a youth hostel or renting a flat or room through Airbnb are cheaper alternatives to a hotel but it’s also possible to find a place to stay for absolutely free. Couchsurfing is a great way to experience new cities – you don’t have to spend money on accommodation AND you get to meet local people who might even offer to give you a guided tour of their home town. Lots of Londoners are ready to open their homes for travellers and staying with a local allows you to experience things like a local, too.
Getting around:
London’s public transport system is great and will get you almost anywhere in no time at all – but like so many good things in life, it isn’t cheap. Figuring out where you’ll be staying, where you’ll want go and how much you’re willing to walk, and browsing the different ticket options beforehand can save you a quid or two – that you can then spend by taking the Tube to Oxford Circus and rushing into Topshop.
Doing the tourist things:
Most iconic landmarks in Central London are within a walking distance (if you’re wearing comfy shoes!) so sightseeing is easy. And if the weather decides to go all traditional British with rain and wind or you’re just not that into walking, there are many bus routes that are great for sightseeing. Number 11, for example, covers most of the attractions that the very expensive tourist buses do and 19 is a personal favourite of mine that also has a very scenic route. If you’re into art, lots of museums and galleries in London have free entry with some of the world’s best art on display.
Eating things:
Britain seems to be the promised land of 2 for 1 offers in everything from makeup to food to books, and especially pubs do that kind of promotions quite often. Free food and drinks, anyone? If you’re couchsurfing, a great way to save money on food is to offer to cook something traditional from your home country at your host’s place.
However, you decide to organise your trip, London has great things to offer to everyone no matter how big or small your holiday budget and it’s a unique, inspiring city definitely worth the visit!