London is one of the most popular tourist cities in Europe, drawing in around 30 million visitors a year – but it’s also one of the most expensive. With a thriving financial district, international investment and a whopping 1500 square kilometre scale, inflation in the city compared with the rest of the UK has meant that even the minimum wage has to be scaled up for residents of London. Whilst a pint might be a fraction more expensive than elsewhere, this doesn’t mean that you can’t find London hotel special offers, and if you’re strapped for cash, there are plenty of ways to keep your balance, well, balanced during your London trip.
This blog will outline some of the best ways to spend less during your stay at the Grand Royale Hotel London.
Avoid Peak Time Travel
Peak time travel – or rush hour – takes place between 6.30 am and 9.30 am and between 4 pm and 7 pm. Between these hours, prices for public transport in the city can rise by about a third due to the many commuters and school children making their way to and from work and their places of study. Between these hours then, you’ll be seeing far busier tubes, trains and buses, and higher prices for the discomfort as well!
Many Museums Are Free
Whilst attractions like the London Eye and the Tower of London are still ticketed, many of the most prominent museums in London are free to visit. Guests of Bayswater accommodation can visit the nearby South Kensington museum trio for free, whilst the British Museum, National and Tate Galleries have permanent exhibitions that are free to peruse as well. However, if you want to visit touring exhibitions and showcases at these galleries, you’ll have to buy a ticket.
Hackney Cabs Are More Expensive Than Ubers
Though the traditional London taxi is an icon of the city, the black cab does cost more to ride than an app-based taxi service. That being said, apps can rise in price during certain – often unpredictable – times, and public transport is just a fraction of the cost of either.
Alternative Transport
It’s worth remembering that on the weekends, 24 hour tube services run on the Victoria, Piccadilly, Central, Jubilee, Northern and Overground lines, so if you can get back to your accommodation safely without the need for a taxi, then consider those as options. Alternatively, for daytime travel, the Santander Cycle lots number more than 700 across the city centre, meaning that you can rent a bike and cycle to your destination for just £2 per half hour ride.
Download Discount Meal Apps
Though eateries such as the Grand Royale Hyde Park Restaurant certainly provide ample bite for your buck, apps such as TooGoodToGo, MealPal and Embargo offer even more incentives to get out there and enjoy the cuisine of London. London’s foodie scene is one of the best in London, and sampling the many cultures that have set up shop in the city is even easier – and cheaper – when you can save money on them.
