Harvard Student Agencies - Lets Go Budget London: The Student Travel Guide

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Most people have a well-defined idea of Londonstaid tradition, afternoon tea, heavy ales, and cultured accents in tweed. People with this notion of London can easily complete their vacation in 3min. by making their way to the banks of the Thames and staring pointedly at the gilded heights of Big Ben, but this would be to miss the true charm of this expansive, diverse place.

Despite its weighty history, the city today is not all ghost tours, beefeaters, and double-decker buses. Beyond Buckingham Palace and the blinding lights of Piccadilly Circus, London is a living, breathing metropolis, home to more people than any other city in the European Union. Comprised of 32 boroughs along with the City, London can seem at times more like a conglomerate of villages than a unified city, but each parts unique heritage and character contributes to the big picture. Thanks to the feisty independence and diversity of each area, the London buzz is continually on the moveevery few years a previously disregarded neighborhood explodes into cultural prominence. Wander between immigrant neighborhoods in East London, take part in a political rally in Trafalgar Square, and watch the Olympics return to the city for a third time. Each day in London brings something new, so finish up your pint and Lets Go!

Dont worry, you dont need to resort to eels to eat cheaply in London.

This punny pie shop offers some of the best English eats in the city at some of the best prices; its sure to leave you satis-pied.

Order an individual pizza at this South London pizzeria. Its just like stepping through a wormhole to Naples.

Vietnamese bnh m is your best bet for a delicious, cheap sandwich in the City.

We used to say it was impossible to find a good burrito in London. Then we found Freebird.

This is one of the best values in London; proof that good French food doesnt have to be expensive.

It can be hard to find budget accommodations in this notoriously pricey city. Good thing weve got you covered.

This refurbished Victorian mansion (once home to a biscuit magnate), is one of the highest-rated hostels in the city.

Ever wanted to sleep in a jail that you could check out of? This expertly renovated old jail and courthouse is a great place to make your dreams come true (though the cells arent for the claustrophobic).

Where else can you find hostel rooms with French windows and domed glass skylights? Aged grandeur and comfort mark this flagship of the Astor chain.

A proud party hostel with lots of amenities, organized activities, and local character.

If you know where to go, its possible to see some of the best London has to offer without paying a pound.

MUSEUMS: Most of Londons famous museums, including the British Musuem, Tate Modern, and the National Gallery, are gloriously free.

Catch some Olympic glory for free at one of the free events, such as the marathon, triathlon, and cycling road race.

EVENSONG: Skip the ticket price and go to during Evensong. Just dont be a jerk and leave halfway through the service.

Instead of paying 15 quid for a tour, see democracy in action at a debate or committee session.

London may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but armed with the right guide (this one) you can experience much of what it has to offer without having to pawn the family jewels.

Unless youre up to walking a marathon each day, the Tube will be your cheapest way of getting around. Plan efficient journeys to save money. The Piccadilly Line, which runs between Central London and Heathrow, is the cheapest way to get to and from the airport.

Get a reusable Oyster Card and save yourself up to 50% on all London public transportation. You can also buy 1- and 3-day passes, or weekly, monthly, and annual Travelcards that give you unlimited rides (within specific zones) for their duration.

SKIP SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS: Londons incredible free museums are big enough that youll have plenty to see without shelling out for the special exhibits.

SKIP TOURISTY SPOTS FOR SIMILAR, FREE ALTERNATIVES: For example, instead of going to the kitschy Tower of London (nearly 20), get your history on at the Museum of London (free).

Luckily for budget travelers, many of Londons world-class museums are completely free. Though there are countless great options, here are four that are unmissable. The will show you all the big names of 20th-century artincluding Duchamp, Pollock, and Warholand have you wondering just what is going on in a lot of the works. And you can simply stroll into all of these museums without paying any admission fee.

Other than admiring the relics in the British Museum, the best way to experience the legacy of the British Empire is to tour Londons many delicious ethnic eateries. The city is brimming with great Indian food, but has the best price-to-quality ratio of East Londons many Vietnamese eateries.

Feel like a challenge? Try counting all the pubs in London. Or, save yourself the time and just visit the best..

Ready to take a break from drinking Newcastle and counting churches? Get more involved with British culture by studying, working, or volunteering in London. You can legislate with a .

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