Solo Travel London on a Budget: Top Tips
London is one of the world’s most iconic cities. It is such an interesting adventure, I loved it when I went. But anyone who has done some research on how much anything costs in London and you will quickly understand that it is expensive. This should not put you off visiting this fantastic city though. Believe it or not, there are cost effective ways to enjoy the sights of London. I am going to give you some of my best budget tips on how to solo travel in London on a budget.
Budget Accommodation
The luxurious hotels that can be found in London can be alluring but unfortunately, they are expensive. This is why we are going to talk a few things to keep in mind when you are trying to find some great budget accommodation in London. I have heard that there are sites like VRBO.com that rent out apartments at decent prices. Airbnb is also a popular choice for those looking for affordable solo accommodation during their adventures in London.
There are also a whole host of hostels that often provide cheaper rates then conventional hotels. This can be a great option if you are interested in meeting other travellers and don’t mind sharing a room with some strangers. I have done this a few times and so long as you take care of your belonging by storing them in a meaningful way, you will not have any trouble with people stealing your belonging. Most of these hostels provide secure storage options for those who worry about those kinds of things. It is important to do your research on the hostel you might choose though. Reviews are a handy way of gauging factors that could matter to you when you find accommodation.
Getting around London on a Budget
London is well known for its expensive taxis, so even though they are everywhere, I would advise against using them. The issue with trying to get anywhere in London via car is that because London is often congested, it takes a lot longer then you would expect. This is why, I would always recommend using the tube to get around most of London. The tube almost always has regular services running so you will never have to wait too long before you are setting off to your next destination.
This is ideal because when you arrive, you will likely have to go through Heathrow airport. It only costs about 3.10 (at the time of writing this) to get from Heathrow airport to the centre of London via the tube. Be mindful of peak and off-peak times. This will influence how much you are charged at the gate.
Budget Food Ideas in London
Just like everything else we have already discussed in so far, food in London can be expensive. Thankfully, I am going to let you in on a few things to look out for in London if you are looking for a bite to eat. Fish and chip shop are a great way to get some cheap food in you. Fish and chips are also a British classic, so you are embracing British culture and enjoying a well-priced meal at the same time. That is a win-win in my book.
While London has its own cuisine, you will be happy to know that London is also one of the most diverse cities in the world. This means that you will be able to try all sorts of street market food and cuisine. London has many markets dotted all over the place that provide international food at a lower price then a fancy restaurant. When I was in London by myself, I enjoyed a Filipino BBQ for lunch and then had a chicken chow mein for dinner. Not something I would recommend you have daily but since I was walking around so much, I simply had to sample a variety of London’s international delights. So, if you are a food enthusiast, you have the option to try anything of your heart’s content. Be it vegetarian or lebanese food london, this city’s got it all!
In conclusion, even though London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, there are plenty of options for solo travellers on a budget. Travel, accommodation, and food are all reasonably priced if you are willing to shop around for the right prices for your budget. I know I loved my time in London, I was able to enjoy so much British culture without spending half as much as you would think I would have too.
