Now I don’t usually consider myself a materialistic person. I’ve held a job since I was 14 years old, and I’m probably one of the biggest cheapskates you’ll ever meet. But yesterday, I walked into Topshop and it all went to hell. Vintage dresses, worn leather sandals, retro shades, the Kate Moss Collection — if you could dream it, it was there. Luckily, I had the sense to book it out of there after a few minutes, but I was definitely shaken.
London isn’t a city for those on a budget; even the Frugal Traveler had the sense to bypass it on his European Grand Tour. I paid 4 pounds ($9) to travel three stops on the Tube, and 1 pound ($2.20) for every 15 minutes of Internet at my hostel. Despite this, I managed to entertain myself for four days while sticking within the budget. Below, the highlights.
- Sandeman’s New London tours. A godsend — free 3-hour walking tours led by young, over-caffeinated volunteer guides. I strapped on my lone pair of sneakers and took two: Royal London (Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, etc.) and the Old City of London (Tower of London, Financial District, etc.). Tips are voluntary; I shelled over 3 pounds ($7) at the end of each.
- “King Lear” at the Shakespeare Globe Theatre. The dramatic finale was probably the best 10 minutes of theatre I’ve ever seen. I paid 15 pounds ($34) for a seat near the front, but there are also standing-room-only yard tickets for only 5 pounds.
- Tate Modern. The most-visited museum in the world, for good reason. Chock-full of fantastically experimental modern art. Admission is free.
- Any museum, for that matter. Most of the big ones, including the National Gallery, the Victoria & Albert Museum and the National History Museum, offer free admission as well.
- Portobello Market. Antique flea market with phenomenal steals. I had a field day, picking up an ancient Japanese digital watch, a worn leather bag from the ’40s and the most beautiful ring in the whole wide world.
- Tesco’s. Chain supermarket with cheap take-away sandwiches and snacks.
- Leftovers. Portions in Britain are HUGE, so one meal can easily translate to two.
To save money, skip pricey attractions like the Tower of London and the London Eye — and stay out of Topshop.
