The dollar is so weak compared to the pound right now that everything in London seems like a fortune. I already have my hotel but want advice on where to eat and what to see that won't put me in the poorhouse. Any tips will help:)
2007-04-26 08:03:13 · 6 answers · asked by Pam 4 in Travel ➔ United Kingdom ➔ London
You keep travel costs to a minimum by using public transport - get yourself an Oyster Card - see http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/oysteronline/2732.aspx
Then you keep your cost of food to a minimum by using food from a supermarket as much as you can. The previous suggestions were good - you can get ready-made sandwiches in a supermarket at a fraction of the cost of a cafe. Also most supermarkets sell things like packs of cooked chicken, hot rotisserie chickens, tubs of ready made salads.
There are also many take-away food outlets such as fish and chips, kebabs, chinese etc.
Obviously you'll want to go into a cafe or restaurant sometimes - I'd recommend you do that at lunchtime in the middle of the day rather than in the evening when it's much more expensive. Look for the type of cafe that office workers are using - they usually know where the best places are.
Use all the places, such as museums, that are free to visit.
Then get very selective about the places that charge. You'll need to think carefully about what you really want to see, rather than being attracted by the advertising. The Tower of London, Madame Tussauds and the London Eye are all a bit expensive, but if you keep an eye on unnecessary expense you'll hopefully be able to afford them.
Oh, and don't fall into the capuccino trap - £1.80 for a cup of coffee is definitely NOT worth it.
Have fun.
My city is lovely.
2007-04-26 09:18:59 · answer #1 · answered by carina 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is some great advice here that you should definitely take into consideration, including
a) Travel card (must)
b) Groceries (maybe)
My other piece of advice is not to buy anything you don't really need. Don't buy a 'shirt' in London, or an umbrella, or a coat. Save your money for the day to day food and transport and you'll should be ok.
If things are really really tight, you may consider bringing over some food from the US, like a can of tuna, or some candy bars, or some other things to help you save money.
My general view on lower cost things (i.e. things under £20) is that the cost in £ is the same as the cost in $ in the US. You want Mcdonalds? £4 in the UK, $ in the US. A Coke? £1 in the UK, $1 in the US, etc. Figure out your low cost expenses budget in the US, in dollars, and then plan on having an equal number of pounds available every day in the UK.
A rough guide but a good place to start.
2007-04-27 00:49:21 · answer #2 · answered by apleyden 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You probably dont want to her this and you probably know this but going to any capital or near capital city of a country is never cheap. Almost everything in Londons dear!!!! If you want to eat out, depending on how long you stay go out to eat in a ok place once a week or once a fortnight depending on your stay. Also by the food youll think you will need for the week from a popular big store.... E.G asda, tesco.... As its cheaper. Dont go out everyday and by from a corner shop as prices are more expensive considering its the capital. Have fun and visit the London Eye :):)
Bubles36 xox
2007-04-26 11:30:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
several years ago i went to london for a 6-month stay, but i knew in advance that it would be very expensive, as this was my 3rd visit...i think during the 1st week (including accommodation, food, transport, etc.), i spent around $1,500...but i wasn`t on a very strict budget...u can obviously save money by buying your own food in the supermarket as much as possible, instead of always eating out...travel by tube or bus (u can buy daily/weekly passes & such for a set rate, rather than paying the individual fares each time u ride), instead of taking a cab...only take a cab if it`s an absolute necessity, they are horribly expensive!!! i was forced to take a cab from gatwick airport into the center of the city (my friend who was supposed to meet me had a last-minute emergency), by victoria station (about an hour trip because of heavy traffic), & it was 75 pounds!!! there are many parks & museums u can enjoy for free, which will further reduce your costs...check out time out magazine & tnt magazine for info on things to do, etc. while in london:
http://www.timeout.com/london/
http://www.tntmagazine.com/
2007-04-27 03:34:14 · answer #4 · answered by *atomickitty* 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eating out in London is, by definition, not cheap. If you really want to save cash, dont bother going to restaurants...buy the the basics from a supermarket and make yourself a supply of sandwiches and fruit to last you the day.
As regards things to do and see, nearly all museums and art galleries in London are free, and the parks are very pleasant in spring.
2007-04-26 08:36:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just make sure and take enough money with you.
2007-04-26 09:45:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anthony F 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋