Sightseeing in London: Budget Travel Guide

Eating and drinking in London may not be as easily affordable as in some other European cities, but the city is one of the world’s most generous when it comes to art. Yes, Cheapos, you can gorge on free art in London until your cultured minds can take no more. From the big name galleries » Read more

The British Museum is probably one of the sights you shouldn’t miss when you’re in London. There’s a reason why it’s the most visited tourist attraction in the UK: it has an amazing collection of artifacts, dating back thousands of years and drawn from all over the world. Plus, it probably doesn’t hurt that the » Read more

Summer may have drawn to a close (sob!), but despite the return of early nightfall and grey skies in London, there’s a sure fire way of injecting a bit of color into your weekend—a visit to the Columbia Road Flower Market! Stocking up on flowers In what has to be the city’s most vibrant market, » Read more

There are more opportunities to get cultured on the cheap in London than you’d expect, and classical music is no exception. Whether you’re up for bagging a last-minute standing ticket or booking in at a special concert, London’s classical music scene has something for all pockets. Our “Cheapo Culture” series is exploring ways for budget » Read more

If you found yourself in the position of only having one day to spend visiting London, how would you even know where to start? In many ways it’s an unenviable challenge, as it’s too little time to get more than a fleeting impression of the city. And yet, at the same time, you’re happy to » Read more

Visiting the tourist attractions of any major city can cost a small fortune, and those boasting the best vistas are often the most expensive. London is no exception and the city’s three newest attractions—The Shard, the Emirates Air-Line cable car and The Orbit in the Olympic Park, all pride themselves on offering spectacular views of » Read more

London’s famous art galleries are just half the story when it comes to the city’s art collection. Some of the world’s best street artists come to London to leave their mark, turning the city into a vast open gallery for all to admire free of charge—providing you know where to look of course… Enter Street » Read more

By Nina Derham in London— Once you’ve pounded the streets of London visiting museums and emptying your wallet at the shops, you’ll likely be in need of some fresh air. Cambridge makes for an ideal getaway from the hectic buzz of London and, best of all, it is easily doable in a day. Getting to » Read more

By Nina Derham in London— While London has been known to disappoint during the summer months due to the lack of, well, summer, one thing this capital really knows how to do is winter. As autumn fades away and the temperature drops, London comes alive with sparkling lights, bustling shopping streets, cozy cafes and pubs » Read more

The bitter truth is that London is never short of rainy days, meaning that popular cheapo activities such as picnics in parks and city walks may well have to be called off. The good news is that the city is jam-packed with fun, wallet-friendly things to do under cover! Here are five suggestions for cheap » Read more

By Lara Kavanagh in London— There are many worthwhile child-friendly attractions in London, but when you’re on a budget some of the entry prices can be intimidating. To balance out costs during your visit, consider these four free activities, guaranteed to entertain the whole family. Exploring Hamleys 188-196 Regent Street London W1B 5BT Tel: 0871 » Read more

However morbid it might sound, a stroll around one of London’s historic cemeteries can make a wonderfully atmospheric detour off the usual tourist track. In the early 19th century, several large, elegant cemeteries were commissioned to accommodate the demands of the burgeoning London populace; listed below are three of the best. Highgate Cemetery Highgate benefits » Read more

By Lara Kavanagh in London— London is full to bursting with museums and galleries. Here are three small and unusual choices, none of which charges a penny to enter. Sir John Soane’s Museum 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry 4.30 p.m.) Free entry Tel: 020 » Read more

By Lara Kavanagh in London Even for tourists enjoying a reasonably relaxed vacation, the city of London can be a tiring place. But if you’re out and about exploring Shoreditch and the East End, duck into Hackney City Farm for a welcome respite and a miniature slice of the countryside, all free of charge. The » Read more

If you’re looking for a bit of decadence in London this summer, why not take your tea like the royals do—at Buckingham Palace? From July 27 to September 29, 2010, the recently opened Garden Café will provide visitors the opportunity to enjoy some light refreshment on the West Terrace, located between the State Rooms and » Read more

Blue plate specials Since 1867, London has placed blue plaques on many of its most historic homes and buildings.  Today, there are hundreds of little blue signs all over London. You can make full day trips just touring one neighborhood, like Bloomsbury, trying to locate all the plaques. According to English Heritage, which sustains the signs and decides which buildings » Read more

Do you smell that, Cheapos? It’s the scent of summer, of rubber-soled walking shoes, and of crisp, new, glossy maps. It’s time to set foot in the land of tea and crumpets. Royal weeeeee! Here are five fabulous walking tours in London that won’t cost you a pound. Get moving! 1) For Charles Dickens fans: London is a virtual » Read more

Yes, we hate adding on the extra pounds too. And, in London, it’s easy to do. Thankfully, there are a slew of free things to take advantage of in Her Majesty’s city—and you pretty much only need a good pair of walking shoes to enjoy them. Righty-ho! Water works We think the best fountains in » Read more