Posts by author Frances Ambler
London is filled with free things do do around every corner. Photo: Craig Nelson
There’s that famous phrase “tired of London, tired of life.” But it’s not that we get tired of London’s countless entertainments and diversions—it’s just that sometimes our wallet does. When that budget starts to bite, it’s worth remembering that the many things that London offers for free, can be every bit as inspiring as all » Read more
A plant-filled lounge at Lisbon Destination Hostel. Photos by Booking.com
From custard tarts and cherry liquor to old-world neighborhoods and historic architecture, the list of Lisbon’s charms is lengthy. Definitely near the top of that list are the many well-priced accommodations, which are a Cheapo’s dream come true. There are loads of brilliant and inexpensive options whether you are looking for an arty boutique or » Read more
A view over Porto rooftops. Photo: Frances Ambler
Travelers often neglect it in favor of Lisbon but Porto — Portugal’s second city — more than justifies its place on an itinerary. While it’s still very much an industrial, working city, it’s got more than enough riverside views, rambling streets and Portuguese charm to be worthy of a postcard home. It’s also a great » Read more
Even simple perks like an elevator make a London stay special. Photo: Meininger Hotel
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the choice when looking for somewhere to stay in London. There are literally thousands of places to choose from. Price and location are important considerations, but what about those little perks that really help to make a stay? Here are five London stays that offer valuable extras, along with » Read more
A pint to wash down a perfect plate of of fish & chips. Photo: Graham Holliday
While Britain may not have the same reputation for food as, say, France and Italy, it definitely has its own distinct dishes. Traditional British food and drink has seen seeing something of a revival over the last ten years and, if you are travelling around the UK, keep your eye out for regional specialties such » Read more
Catching a show in London's West End is fun, but where can you eat for cheap? Photo: Andy Bird
Scored some bargain theater tickets? I’m here to really make your evening complete, and let you know the best place to grab some seriously tasty food before you sit down to be seriously entertained. There are plenty of menus catering to the London theater lovers, and they can offer brilliant value for money. On the » Read more
Make sure you have a ticket or Oyster Card before boarding the buses in London, because they don't take cash. Photo: Duncan Harris
London transport can be complicated. Should I get an Oyster Card or buy single journey tickets? How does the zone system work? And, if you don’t get it quite right, it can be extra expensive as well. Underground, Overground, here are a few questions to help you navigate yourself around London’s transport system. Related: 4 » Read more
A newly renovated room at London Generator Hostel. Photo: Courtesy of the hotel
Mention lounges decked out with designs by the likes of Moooi and Tom Dixon, and you’d probably picture yourself inside a budget-busting hotel or restaurant. But they’re just a couple of the impressive pieces you’ll find in London’s far more wallet-friendly Generator Hostel, which has just undertaken a £8 million revamp. The London Generator was » Read more
Despite a changing industry, Ridgemount Hotel is still going strong as one of the great independent (and budget) options along Gower Street in Bloomsbury. Photo: Courtesy of Ridgemount Hotel
Walk down London’s Gower Street and it’s easy to imagine how it looked 10, 20, 30 years ago—its historic architecture is home to many long established organizations such as University College London and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Then there’s the reason that most Cheapos will be in the area—the abundance of reasonably priced » Read more
Grab a bite and sip a coffee with locals and Harry Potter fans at Elephant House. Photo: Axon Manage
If you’ve travelled straight up from London, the affordability of eating well in Edinburgh will come as a pleasant surprise. It’s a city of cozy cafes where it’s easy to satisfy your stomach with soup and baked potatoes. Evening options are more wallet-friendly too—though if you really want something super cheap, head to a chippy » Read more
The Paddington Tube station is at the heart of this London district filled with cheap stays, eats and bars. Photo: Oliver Mallich
Aside from the convenience the plentiful budget accommodation options around London’s Paddington station, one strength of the Bayswater neighborhood is its diversity. As well as the usual chains, there are plenty of interesting cheap eats to discover: In this article we’ve highlighted a Burmese, an Iranian and a Moroccan restaurant just for starters. And, even » Read more
Lounging in Russell Square, in the heart of Bloomsbury. Photo: Tom Meyers
It’s not surprising why Bloomsbury is so popular with visitors to London. It’s both charming – picture streets of Georgian townhouses with pretty garden squares and cozy pubs – and convenient, being situated in the centre of the city with attractions such as the British Museum just around the corner. There are still lots of » Read more
Aled Rees and his family have run the Ridgemount Hotel in Bloomsbury since the 1960s. Photo: Frances Ambler
The Ridgemount Hotel is a great budget option on hotel packed Gower Street in London’s Bloomsbury neighborhood. In contrast to many of the hotels, it’s definitely a family concern, with the owners around every day to help and pass on tips. I had the pleasure of meeting Aled Rees, the grandson of the original owners. » Read more
The Tate Modern cuts an imposing figure in front of new developments in Southwark. Photo: graziano88.
Arguably nowhere else in London illustrates the changing face of the city as much as Southwark does. It has centuries of history to be explored, whether you prefer to do that in a 17th-century pub or, in the case of Tate Modern, a re-purposed 20th-century power station. Throughout the area, historic warehouses have become cool restaurants, shops and homes, » Read more
The Luna & Simone Hotel has been in Mark Desira's family since 1970. Photo: Frances Ambler
For the next in our series of our favorite hotel proprietors in London, I spoke to Mark Desira of the Luna & Simone Hotel. It’s another hotel that continues to get great reviews for its helpfulness and hospitality. (Indeed as I’m taking my photo of Mark, a couple of hotel guest remark how they’d like » Read more
Walk to Parliament instead of spending for the Tube, and you might be rewarded with a view like this. Photo: Trodel.
First time visit to London? Lucky you! There’s lots to look forward to. What’s not fun to anticipate, however, are the costs involved. Plan ahead and it’ll go a long way towards ensuring a stress-free trip. To save a few shillings without having to scrimp on the sights, here are our EuroCheapo top tips for » Read more
The RV1 is sometimes referred to as the "tourist bus." Photo: Sludgeulper
If you want to get to know London properly, why waste your time being crushed too close to a commuter on the Tube when the London bus offers a far more pleasant way to get around? And it’s also far cheaper. Using an Oyster card, it’ll cost you £4.40 a day at most to get » Read more
The Tube entrance at South Kensington station fits in with the neighborhood's upscale image. Photo: Ewan-M.
London’s South Kensington neighborhood is a funny place. There’s no denying the excellence of attractions such as the museums, Hyde Park and the Royal Albert Hall. There are sweet mews streets and some gorgeous bits of architecture. Unfortunately, the area is fully aware of its own charms and has pushed the prices up accordingly. With members of the » Read more
London's Celtic Hotel is one of the most popular hotels on EuroCheapo.
The Celtic Hotel in Bloomsbury is a long-standing EuroCheapo favorite and continually gets great visitor reviews, thanks in a huge part due to its welcoming staff. I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with one of its owners, Rosanna Marazzi, to find out more about some of the charms of the hotel. Tell me » Read more
The center of London is a simple bus ride away from the Crystal Palace Park campground.
Photo: Berit Watkin
Think accommodation in London and I bet camping doesn’t even enter your head. So it may come as a surprise to learn that there are several year-round camping options available within the London postcode. It’s probably less of a surprise that these are generally found on the outer fringes of the city. (And there’s even » Read more
The Tate Britain is free every day. Photo: Jimmy Harris
After reading the seven things that are always free in Paris article I was inspired to create an equivalent guide to things that are always free in London. I’m not going to dare to suggest that one city does free things better than the other: it’s simply another case of vive la difference. While Parisians » Read more
Room décor at the Stylotel is reminiscent of a spaceship. Photos by EuroCheapo
While London may be justifiably proud of its historic charms, it also likes to think of itself as being at the cutting edge of contemporary design. That’s a claim that’s not always substantiated by the fussy and fusty décor of some of the city’s budget hotels. But it is possible to find more contemporary design » Read more
Soho remains one central area of this expensive city where Cheapos can definitely still be classy. Photo: Rosapolis
Soho is a microcosm for both the very best and some of the least appealing aspects of London life, with plush media offices, chic boutiques and some of the city’s fanciest restaurants rubbing up against sex shops and scruffy bars. And yet, Soho remains one central area of this expensive city where Cheapos can definitely » Read more
