Budget vs luxury tours in London: Where to spend and where to save

Many people expect London to be splurge-worthy and certainly not for budget travellers.  London may not be as expensive as you think it is. In fact, there are ways that you can save in London and do it on a budget. Contrary to that, you can also splurge in this beautiful city, where you can get luxury experiences and high-end brands. It all depends on how you manage your tour, what sort of things you do there, and the places you visit. Budget vs luxury tours in London: Where to spend and where to save.

Budget vs luxury tours in London: Where to spend and where to save

There are both budget and luxury tours you can do when in London. It is up to you to decide on your budget and adjust your travel plans accordingly. There are some places and attractions in London that you can visit for free, whereas there are others that you have to pay for. The amount you pay could differ, based on the place and the type of experience you are planning to have on the tour.

Budget vs luxury tours in London: Where to save

Use the underground

There is no better, faster, and cheaper way to get around London than the tube. You can step off at memorable places like King’s Cross and Piccadilly Circus. It gives you the chance to ride the escalators, review different newspapers, meet new people, and read posters advertising upcoming London plays. When choosing between budget vs luxury tours, this is the most budget-friendly way to get around London. Moreover, you can get the Oyster Card to top it up and travel around the city.

Stay in a hostel

Accommodation is something that you have to spend a lot on a tour, apart from air tickets. There are great places, not far from the Tower Bridge, with well-maintained rooms and good food. Moreover, you can also meet fellow travellers when you stay at a hostel. These places are affordable and provide decent accommodation options for casual and budget travellers. The greatest advantage is that these affordable accommodation spots are in proximity to popular locations like the Tower Bridge, Tower of London, and more.

Go on a free walking tour

Walking down the streets of London is a unique experience on its own. It is best to experience the city on a walking tour. Some of London’s most popular attractions, like the Tower Bridge, Tower of London, and River Thames, are located close to each other. Therefore, it’s easy to cover all of these iconic locations in a single walking tour. Walking along the streets of London also helps you see the city from a local’s perspective.

Visit Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Shakespeare is one of the greatest writers that the world has seen, and England is his birthplace. So, how can you go to London and miss watching one of his plays? You have the privilege of watching Shakespeare’s plays in his very own Globe Theatre. However, you have to be willing to stand and watch it. It will only cost you a shocking £5. Moreover, it is also a great place to watch the play.

Tour St. Paul’s Cathedral

A tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral may sound as if it costs a lot. In fact, it is true that a full tour of the cathedral on a regular day and time would cost approximately £18. This includes entry to the cathedral floor, the three galleries in the dome, and the crypt. However, there is a way to see the cathedral without spending that much money. If you come for a mass, you can see the magnificent 1673 Christopher Wren masterpiece for free.

Visit the museums

The best way to explore London on a budget is to visit its museums. Many museums in London are free to visit. Below is a list of the museums in London that are free to visit.

• The British Museum: Provides the history of the British people
• The Tate Modern: Contains numerous modern works of art
• The Natural History Museum: Features the wonders of Mother Nature
• The Victoria and Albert Museum: Displays traditional artworks and costumes

Go to Notting Hill

Notting Hill is one of the most scenic and expensive places in London. The environment may seem familiar to you at first sight. This is because it was the location for filming movies like “Love Actually” and “Notting Hill”. If you are a budget traveller, you can simply get on the tube and pretend to be rich while walking down the streets in Notting Hill. You can admire the grand homes and luxury cars in the city.

Go on a hop-on hop-off bus tour

Sightseeing is something that you must do while you decide on budget vs luxury tours in London. There are many iconic landmarks to see in London, such as the following:

• Buckingham Palace
• Trafalgar Square
• Big Ben
• Houses of Parliament
• Hyde Park
• Regent Park

The best way to see these and many other landmarks in London is to go on a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour. You can see all of the major attractions in London in a short time.

Shop at Portobello Road and Brick Lane

Brick Lane and Portobello Road are some of the best and most affordable places to shop in London. There are many hostels located close to these roads, so you can go walking. Brick Lane is the place to go to get fashionable clothes at discounted prices. The markets on Portobello Road are where you’ll find the world’s largest antiques market. Here you’ll find the coolest trinkets and hip shops that sell brands from Dolce and Gabbana to Tommy Hilfiger.

Enjoy the views at Sky Garden

The Shard may provide you with views from the highest level, but Sky Garden is where you should go as a budget traveller. You can book a slot and head to the top for sweeping views of the city.

Budget vs luxury tours in London: Where to spend

Watch a play in the London theatre

London Theatre is the pinnacle of live productions. You can watch professional performances and stage productions at a cost in this amazing theatre. Some favourite productions include The Lion King, Mamma Mia, The King & I, and Chicago.

Explore Westminster Abbey

You can explore Westminster Abbey‘s Gothic design, which is one of the world’s most outstanding churches. More than 3,000 people are buried here, including Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, and King Henry V. Ticket prices to the Abbey start at £20.

Shop at Regent Street, Bond Street, Harrods, and Savile Row

For high-end shopping, you may go to Regent Street, Bond Street, Harrods, and Savile Row. You can just admire the fashion pieces in the shops or throw some money to make one yours. The world’s most popular department store, Harrods, is somewhere you don’t want to skip.

Ride the London Eye

The London Eye is the Giant Ferris wheel located on the South Bank of the River Thames. It is one of the best ways to see iconic landmarks in London, from up in the air. The ticket for an adult starts at £20. However, if you want one of the glass pods for yourself, you have to pay a higher price.

Final Thoughts

This is a guide on budget vs luxury toyurs in London: where to spend and where to save. This guide will help you make your London tour worthwhile, affordable, and memorable.