London Hotels On The Cheapside
There’s no doubt that London has a reputation for being on the pricey side, and it has often been touted as one of the world’s most expensive cities. Yet, to a certain extent, this reputation might be undeserved. Not only are there some great bargains to be had, it can be argued that some of the best things to do in London are also the cheapest. This was endorsed in 2009 by a survey that found London offered visitors better value for money than the Venezuelan capital Caracas. Finance-denting 5-star hotels on Park Lane and Mayfair might fit the bill for some, but there are plenty of more affordable London hotels for visitors to choose from.
Cheap seats
If you’re on a budget and have got a good head for heights, there’s no need to miss out on the best of the capital’s dance, theatre and opera. The National Theatre, designed by Denys Lasdun, stages world premieres by some of the best living playwrights, as well as a programme of classics. During the Travelex season, which runs throughout the summer, almost half the tickets for the National’s new productions can be picked up for £10 and, if you don’t mind standing, there are some tickets that can be bought for just £5. For opera lovers, tickets for the cheapest (and most vertiginous) seats at the English National Opera and Royal Opera House can be bought for as little as £10 and £12. 50 respectively.
Cheap eats
Trying to keep up with Londoners’ frenetic pace can be hungry work. But if you know where to look, it’s reasonably easy to find both great food and good-value restaurants and cafes in the capital. Fancy a quick bite to eat? The Brick Lane Beigel Bake is a perfect place for breakfast or a lunchtime snack. Producing over 7000 beigels a night, the Beigel Bake is frequented by Jewish old timers and winsome hipsters, functioning as both a bakery and community centre. A bagel is 12p and filled bagels with delicious kosher fillings range up to about £1.50. If you’re prepared to head off the beaten track, Hot Stuff in Vauxhall is a BYO restaurant and local favourite that serves mouth-watering Indian cuisine at unbelievably low prices. Fine dining needn’t be the exclusive right of guests staying at the most expensive London hotels.
Freebies
London is superabundantly blessed when it comes to world-class museums, many of which offer free entry, making them perfect for both bargain hunters and culture vultures. Hop on the tube to Holborn and the British Museum, where visitors can marvel at the Elgin Marbles and the Rosetta Stone. Alternatively, take the clipper down the Thames to Greenwich and the National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory. If you’re interested in finding out about the latest cultural goings-on, pick up a copy of Time Out or ask at the reception of whichever one of the bargain London hotels you end up at.
