London Hotels For Poultry Sums
London is often touted as one of the world’s most expensive cities, and there’s no doubt that it can be on the pricey side. Yet, to a certain extent, this reputation might be undeserved. With a little bit of savviness it’s possible to find some great bargains in London, and many of the city’s highlights can be enjoyed for wallet-nourishingly small sums. Incredibly, a 2009 survey even suggested that London offers better value for money as a tourist destination than Caracas. There’s more to London hotels than Mayfair and Park Lane, and there are plenty of affordable options to choose from.
Cheap seats
As long as you’ve got a strong head for heights, there’s no need for you to forego the opportunity to catch some best of the capital’s theatre, opera and dance. The National Theatre, designed by Denys Lasdun, stages world premieres by some of the best living playwrights, as well as a programme of classics. Standing tickets can be bought for as little as £5 and during the summer Travelex season, nearly half the tickets for the National Theatre’s new productions are £10. While the cheapest seats at the Royal Opera House and the English National Opera are £12.50 and £10 respectively.
Cheap eats
Trekking around London all day can be hungry work. For those on a budget, it’s relatively easy to find good value and great food in London, although the prices at some of London’s more expensive restaurants can leave an acrid taste in the mouth. Fancy a quick bite to eat? Head to the Brick Lane Beigel Bake in the East End. Frequented by trendy hipsters and Jewish old timers, the Beigel Bake functions as both a community centre-cum-bakery produces over 7000 beigels a night. Bagels are just 12p and ones stuffed full of delicious kosher ingredients are just £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.