So you’re an avid backpacker and many London attractions are in your wish list of “places I want to see”. But London, to be honest, is a test of patience. But that’s what every metropolis is! And remember, you’re a backpacker, not a complaining tourist, right? If your answer is yes, read on. With a little bit of planning, your backpacking adventure in London can be the most memorable you’ve ever had. And doing it on a budget is possible! You can make the most of your trip with easy bargains in London
Travelling Around
If you don’t want to be murdered visually, never board a tube with your huge backpack, especially during rush hours. Although, it’s a budget-friendly option, but don’t consider travelling through the Underground during the rush hours. Travelling through London bus will also turn out to be easy on the pocket; however, if you want to explore London at your own pace, nothing is better than renting a bicycle. Simply hire a bike through Barclays that are free to use for the first 30 minutes. It’s the perfect backpacker style way to transport around London, exploring the attractions one by one without burdening your wallet. Caution: once landed at the airport, you may find it irresistible to get into one of the black cabs and reach the hotel, but it would be your biggest mistake if you’re doing London on a budget. Reaching central London from Gatwick will take you around an hour on a taxi and expect to pay around £60. Beware!
Five Sleeps
London is all about balance, between evil and good, between excitement and expenses! Google top cheap hotels in London and you’ll faint to see the results with prices ranging from £50 to £90. Is that called cheap? If you have to spend £700 on accommodation, you stand nowhere. But some budget hotel chains and hotel finding websites are there to rescue but hidden from Google’s eyes.LondonNights.com, and London30.com are a few newbies on the web that’ll offer you rooms starting from just £25. Feels better, right? Here are the top five backpacker hotels and hostels you can consider for your next trip.
- Airways Hotel Victoria
- Grange wellington Hotel
- Macdonald Hotel
- Hanover Hotel Victoria
- Heathrow Lodge
5 Attractions
Changing of the Guards
A trip to London is incomplete without getting an insight into British royalty. And Changing of the Guards ceremony will give you just a dose of that! A royal traditional parade of guards dressed in ornate costumes is performed at the gate of Buckingham Palace every day in summer at 11.30am and every other day in winter. And it’s completely free!
Street Scenes in Covent Garden
Wherever you roam in London, you’ll ultimately reach Covent Garden at least once during your journey. It’s the cultural hub of the city boasting London’s best street scene. Walking around the streets, you can expect to encounter a street performer ready to entertain you, a quirky sculpture installed to thrill, and plenty of budget friendly restaurants and tea houses too.
The British Museum
British Museum is no less than New York’s Metropolitan Museum when it comes to the collection of antiquities. And when it comes to prices, it is even better! You’ll have to pay for any special shows, workshops, and exhibitions, but entry to this house of history is completely free. Treasures from Mesopotamia, sculptures from Athens, Egypt’s Rosetta Stone, you’ll get to explore a lot for free.
Parks
No city can surpass London when it comes to green spaces. London is home to some 8 royal parks and numerous green spaces.Hyde Park is quite a scenic place to wander around, have a picnic, spend a lazy sunny afternoon, or sightsee on a bike. Another free to visit park in Londons that you just can’t afford to miss is Richmond Park that was a favourite hunting ground for the British royalty.
Markets
London doesn’t seem to be a shopper’s paradise, at least not for the frugal ones’. But surprisingly, London has some quite interesting street markets where you will easily find something for your style and budget. If you have enough time, make sure to visit Portobello Market and Camden Market.
London can be pretty easy on the budget, if you know the tricks and tips. If you’re thinking to plan a backpacking trip, don’t give it a second thought.
Author’s Bio:Emily Hadden is an avid backpacker with a passion to explore the best of world without burdening her pocket. She loves to share her backpacking adventures and tips with fellow hitchhikers exploring the world.