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London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is one of the most expensive tourist destinations in Europe and around the world. However, with some insider knowledge, you can cut down on costs significantly during your visit. Check out these helpful tips from Mytour to save money while exploring this iconic city.
London - one of the most expensive tourist cities in Europe
1. Use Public Transport with an Oyster Card
Using public transportation is a great way to save money while traveling anywhere. However, in London, simply taking public transport without an Oyster card won't help you save much. The Oyster card offers discounted fares for tourists, making it a far cheaper option than purchasing single tickets.
Tourists can easily obtain an Oyster card at the airport or any underground station in London. If you plan to primarily use the underground for getting around, make sure to pick up your Oyster card as soon as you arrive in the UK capital.
2. Explore London with the London Pass
London is home to countless attractions, and if it's your first time flying there, you might feel overwhelmed, not knowing where to start or which landmarks to prioritize. Additionally, some of the city's attractions charge an entrance fee, which could eat into your travel budget. This is where the London Pass comes in handy—it's a great way to save both time and money, allowing you to enjoy your trip stress-free.
The London Pass offers tourists the following benefits:
- Choose from over 80 top attractions in London, including Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, St. Paul's Cathedral, and more.
- Skip the lines and enjoy direct access to selected attractions with ease.
- You can either download an e-ticket or exchange for a physical ticket in London, with both options valid for up to 10 days.
- Save up to £430 by visiting three attractions per day with the London Pass, compared to purchasing individual tickets.
With the London Pass, tourists can freely explore over 80 famous attractions in London
3. Book a Hotel in the City Center
You might find this counterintuitive, as many travelers believe staying in a hotel outside the city center will help save money. However, this is actually one of the most common mistakes tourists make. While the room rates may be cheaper, you'll incur additional costs for daily transportation, as major attractions are usually located in the city center, not the outskirts. Moreover, staying far from the center means more time spent traveling, potentially delaying your itinerary.
You can choose a hotel in the city center but avoid the most touristy areas by opting for mid-range accommodations. Websites like Airbnb offer affordable options. Staying centrally allows you to easily walk or take a bus to explore, and using an Oyster card or the London Pass makes it even more cost-effective.
4. Buy Affordable Food at Local Supermarkets
Dining in London is often considered quite expensive. To save on food while traveling in the city, consider purchasing affordable food items from local supermarkets. You’ll find a variety of options, such as sandwiches and salads, perfect for a quick, light lunch, especially when you're on the go during your sightseeing tour.
You can also pick up ready-to-eat meals from supermarkets and enjoy a picnic in one of the parks with friends or take them back to your rented apartment for a cozy homemade meal, rather than spending money at expensive restaurants.
Buying food from local supermarkets is a great way to save on dining costs while traveling in London
5. Keep Tipping Etiquette in Mind
Before visiting any country, it's a good idea to research the tipping culture there. While tipping is a common and positive practice, in London, it may not always be appropriate or expected. Make sure you understand the local customs so you can both leave a good impression on the locals and manage your expenses effectively.
6. Buy a Round-Trip Ticket for the Airport Express Train
When you land at one of London's airports, there are several options for getting into the city center, with the fastest being the Airport Express train. Taking the Airport Express train allows travelers to save both time and transportation costs. Both Heathrow and Gatwick airports have direct express trains to the city center. However, keep in mind that purchasing a round-trip ticket is much cheaper than buying two one-way tickets, so opting for a round-trip ticket will save you money.
7. Take Advantage of Free Attractions in London
Although London is known for being an expensive city, it offers a variety of attractions that are completely free to visit. This can help you save a significant portion of your travel budget. Many of these free attractions are world-renowned museums. If you're a visitor with a passion for history and art, make sure not to miss these stops.
A trip to London no longer has to be a source of stress, thanks to the 7 money-saving tips shared by Mytour above. Do you have any other clever and interesting tips to share? Feel free to share them with Mytour! Also, don't forget to contact our customer service hotline at 1900 2083 for expert advice and assistance with booking your flight tickets to London quickly and efficiently.
T.Sáu, 24/06/2022 14:56
