London on a Budget

Touring London for the first time is an unforgettable experience. The famous landmarks, the inimitable atmosphere, the endless energy of a huge living metropolis buzzing around you… and the overinflated costs. It might come as a surprise, but London tour operators have it easy, knowing they can prowl the tourist circuits enticing impressionable travellers. They know that the average visitor is not savvy enough to do a little research; they know they can sell an open-top bus tour on a freezing winter’s day because most people are not aware of any alternatives. You are not the average visitor though, you want to see London on your own terms and you will not pay over-the-odds when you can get the same deal for a much better price. “Nothing in London is certain but expense” said the 18th century poet William Shenstone. We beg to differ and we have you covered with a few insiders’ tips for seeing London on a limited budget.

The Alternative Tour Buses

The classic London tour bus is a common sight for Londoners, but it is hard to be empathetic when the as-near-as-guaranteed rain lashes out at the poor, exposed souls on the upper decks. We cannot help feeling a little sorry when we glide past in the comfort of a heated commuter bus, revelling in the roof above our heads and smirking slightly as we take in the same sights for a fraction of the cost. Many bus services pass through the popular tour routes, but by far and away the best service you can take is the number 11 from Fulham. The fare is only £1.50, so you can happily stop off to take in the sights and hop on another number 11 when you are ready to move on; even if you catch the bus five times you will still pay less overall than the standard rate for London tour services.

Your journey starts off innocuously enough, departing from the Fulham Town Hall just a few minutes’ walk from the Fulham Broadway underground station, before setting off towards an almost handpicked selection of London’s most popular locations. Sloane Square is a pleasant first sight, with its aristocratic aesthetic and grade II listed buildings making it a great spot to stop off and wander around. Hop on again and head towards Westminster, smiling inwardly at the poor unfortunates trapped by the inflexibility of the less scrupulous tour operators.

Westminster needs no introduction of course. See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey church; over a thousand years of fascinating history easily accessed by the number 11 bus. Depart again towards Trafalgar Square, where you can visit the world-renowned National Gallery and marvel at the intimidating Nelson’s Column and the lions that go with it. The final stop on the itinerary is the Bank of England, a truly impressive sight with a fantastic museum just begging to be explored. From here you can travel from the nearby Bank underground station, or continue on the number 11 towards Liverpool Street and check out the food, vintage clothes and antiques of the bustling Spitalfields market.

Views from on high

There is nothing quite like seeing London from the sky. For many visitors the Shard is the best place to go for expansive views of the capital but, at £30 on the door it is among the most expensive. Why pay over the odds when you can get the same experience for free? Introducing the Sky Garden, a 155m building that boasts spectacular amenities and the same incredible views of London. You can book online for free and stay as long as you want, which is made all the more appealing thanks to the diverse selection of bars and restaurants. The ‘garden’ aspect is well worth the visit as well with an interesting variety of rare herbs and trees to see. The balcony overlooking the capital provides views of all of London’s most iconic sights, including the Shard itself and there is something very satisfying about getting the same experience without paying a penny.

Seeing London should always be cheap and cheerful, so we hope our alternative travel tips help you get the most out of your London visit. If you want more information on travelling around London, see the related article for tips on travelcards, oysters and taxis.