Over the last 13 years I’ve spent a lot of time exploring London and sampling the restaurants, theatres, museums and as many of the attractions possible. London is heaving with opportunities and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to make the most of them. When I first arrived, I was dependent on tour guide books (always out of date 6 months after they are printed) or referrals.
So, here’s a few of my tips and recommendations for enjoying London without paralysing your bank account. I’ll add to them whenever I find something else of value.
London Duck Tours
Now here’s a unique way to see the highlights of London in a totally different fashion.. Don’t have the energy for a walk? Then go by duck! Yep, sounds weird and wait until you see the vehicle. It’s a modified truck that not only drives the streets of London, but then cruises up the Thames as well. So it’s a two in one tour. Check it out.. The kids (of all sizes) will love it.. Tell the duck people, that the hairy goat sent you 
The Household Cavalry Museum
Are you planning on watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace? Well, here’s the museum for those same guards, and it’s just up the road from the palace. Have a look at the behind the scenes activities, including troopers attending their horses, guard inspections, those incredible uniforms, plus learn about their past and their current duties both here in the UK and in overseas war zones.
Banqueting House on Whitehall
This is all that remains of Whitehall Palace, one of the royal palaces from the time of King Henry VIII up to King James I, and it’s also the site of the execution of King Charles I. Plus, the ceiling was painted by Peter Paul Rubens. If you are interested in history and art, this would have to be one of the cheapest places to visit. It’s also not smothered in tourists.
Want to know where there’s great live music? “Ain’t nothin but the Blues” 20 Kingly Street, West Soho, London, W1B 5PZ
This would have to be one of the friendliest, easiest, grungiest and most basic blues bars around. There’s no need to get dressed up and there’s barely any seats, but the beer is cheap, the music is great, and strangers will actually talk to you. It’s open 7 days a week until late, entry is free (or pretty cheap) and it’s easy to get to. It’s right behind Hamleys (Regent St), the oldest and best toystore. Leave the kids in Hamleys with £20 each while you go to the bar…(just joking!!)
St Martin in the Fields Church, Trafalgar Square.
What a wonderful place this is. Built in 1726, it faces onto Trafalgar Square.. When it was built, Trafalgar Square was still the stables and mews for Whitehall Palace. Anyway, it’s worth going to a classical music concert which are held Thurs – Saturday and tickets are from £6 upwards. Even if you aren’t a classics fan, or have never experienced a concert, give this a try. The lights are turned down, candles lit and the sound is wonderful. You can buy tickets in the crypt, which has been converted to a cafe where you can eat or have a glass of wine, plus there’s a shop selling all sorts of interesting goodies. St Martins has been renovated and like any older building always needs maintenance and they are heavily involved in caring for the homeless in London. So if you can spare the extra, drop some money in the donation box.
Royal Opera House
Students with valid ID cards can attend an opera on a Student Standby ticket for £10.
Threadneedles
This has the most sumptuous entry I’ve ever seen in a hotel. Built in 1856 as City Bank and now functioning as a boutique hotel on Threadneedle St, in the old City area.
On the weekend there are great accommodation deals to be found. And even if you aren’t able to stay there, go to the bar/lobby area for a coffee or a glass of wine. It is sheer class. The ceiling is stunning.
The DoubleTree by Hilton, Tower Hill
What a prime location this hotel occupies. Set back several hundred metres from the main road running past the Tower of London, so you don’t get any of the noise, but what a view. There is a 12th floor rooftop lounge with a massive deck overlooking the rooftops out to the Tower of London andTower Bridge, plus river views to the Shard and behind to the Gherkin. Whether you want to sit down and rest with a cup of tea or a beer, this is definitely one of the best locations to do it. If it’s sunny, sit outside. If it’s not, then the walls are glass so you’ll get the same view without the chill.
I love Spud
The best hot potatoes in town are at I Love Spud on 26 New Row, Covent Garden WC2N 4LA. Slow cooked Moroccan Lamb, Salmon, Chilli Game and diverse vegetarian options for toppings. They are divine. You won’t find the bog standard tuna & corn, beans and cheese on the menu here. This is for connoiseurs of fine potatoes!
The Counting House pub on Cornhill, London
It’s a Fullers Pub. For the best pies in London and a stunning environment, pay this place a visit. It was a bank, established in 1893 and now it’s a pub which has won awards for its renovation. It’s open Monday to Friday.
Getting around London
If you can walk, I’d recommend that you make this your first option. London isn’t as big as you think and most of the major tourist attractions are walking distance from each other. If this isn’t an option, then consider buying either a Travelcard or getting an Oyster Card. With a travelcard you have unlimited use each day for the zones purchased and also qualify for reduced rates on river cruises and special deals on various London attractions. With an Oyster card, you only pay for the journeys you take, up to a set maximum value for the day. But, it does rely on you remembering to scan the card over the readers at train and tube stations when you exit. If you don’t, be prepared to pay extra for the journey.
