London is an expensive city and being a tourist, especially if it is your first time visiting, it can be tempting to delve in and begin splashing your cash in order to experience everything the city has to offer. This doesn’t have to be the case as there are so many cheaper alternatives in London that will give you the same, if not better, experience of the city. This guide will give you a breakdown of things to avoid and money saving alternatives to ensure that you can have a great time without breaking the bank.
London Eye
Now, this may seem controversial, but the London Eye near The Montcalm Club is definitely an attraction that can be missed. The prices are extortionate with adults paying £34.00 each while children are £26.00 so a family of four are looking at a staggering £120 to experience one full turn of the wheel and a view of London from the sky. There are so many places to go where you can get stunning views of the city including the Emirates Air-Line and even The Monument near Pudding Lane. The Emirates Air-Line will take a family of four across the Thames, allowing sky views of London for a mere £10.40 while The Monument at Pudding Lane not only offers lovely views but also a dash of history alongside it as well for £13.60 for the family.
Black Cabs
There is no doubt that you will see hundreds of black hackney cabs on the road while you explore London, they are everywhere, however it isn’t necessary for you to hail one and part with a wad of your hard-earned cash. A 2-mile trip in one of these cabs can cost up to £13.80 and, while this may not seem a great deal, you can save at least half of that travelling on the Underground or, even better yet, just simply walk. London is filled with interesting nooks and crannies that you will only find if you explore the city on foot, you will discover so much more this way than if you were sat in the back of an expensive cab.
Buckingham Palace
Again, this may be another controversial one, but Buckingham Palace is another one that may be best avoided. It is situated near St James’s Park and while it is home to the Royal family, there isn’t anything to do other than stand outside the gate looking in and maybe snap a picture of the Queen’s Guards stood outside. It is an experience that many people have been disappointed by especially as you are only allowed in the palace a mere 10 weeks of the year and for a family it will cost £78 for the privilege.
Kensington Palace is open the whole year around and while it will cost around £69 for the family, it is steeped with history and is enclosed by the beautiful Kensington Gardens, so you get a much more enjoyable experience.
Pamper Yourself
There are many spa breaks London has to offer and some of them, especially in the Mayfair area, can be eye-wateringly expensive. If you’re looking for a little pamper time for yourself, mini spas such as Cowshed offer amazing treatments for a quarter of the price but all of the relaxation. It’s a win-win.