Free London Travel Guide!

London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, a fact that will not go unnoticed by travelers on any kind of a budget.  Luckily, though, there are countless ways to spend your days there, “on the cheap.”

Museums:  Some of London’s best attractions are its museums.  Not to mention that they’re nearly all free.  Visit the National Gallery (Westminster, Piccadilly, or Embankment tubes) just off Trafalgar Square for one of the world’s best collections of classical art across multiple periods.  Or swing by the Tate Modern (Southwark tube) in the ever hip Southbank neighborhood for a vast collection of some of the most modern and innovative art of the last century.  The Natural History Museum (South Kensington tube) competes with the Smithsonian for billing as the best in the world and is always a favorite with both children and adults.

If you’d like to stray a bit farther from the beaten path head north to check out the constant rotation of free exhibits at the Barbican Gallery (Barbican tube), the largest multi-arts venue in Europe.  The Barbican frequently hosts many of the most unique and cutting-edge artists working today and, if that weren’t enough, the building itself is worth a visit.

Markets:  There are an endless amount of unique and interesting markets sprawled across London selling everything from high fashion to fresh fish.  Head east to check out Old Spitalfields Market (Shoreditch tube) in Shoreditch.  This art-deco style covered market is where you’ll find everything from vintage clothes to rare books to up-and-coming designer wares and trendy bric-a-brac, not to mention a few proper Cockney accents thrown in for the ambience.  When you’re finished exploring the market head a few blocks east to Brick Lane, where the scent of curry and samosas will lead you through the dozens of Indian restaurants that have come to characterize the famous street.

On a Sunday morning nothing is more quintessentially local than the Columbia Road Flower Market (Bethnal Green Tube).  Stroll through the flourishing stalls and soak in the scent of freshly grown flowers and plants of every imaginable variety.

For a bit of rock and roll check out the Camden Market (Camden Town tube), where punk rock is king and you’re likely to see more than your fair share of mohawks (or “mohicans,” as they’re known across the pond!).

Neighborhoods:  London is a city comprised of various neighborhoods or “boroughs” that are all unique in their own way, although it’s not surprising that some rate a bit higher than the rest.  Take a jaunt up the winding cobblestone streets of Hampstead (Hampstead tube), one of London’s literary and cultural hot-spots for the last 200 years.  Stroll across the legendary Hampstead Heath to see what Jane Austen must have felt like, then make a small detour and visit the home of poet John Keats, now a museum.

Or head south of the Thames to visit Greenwich (Greenwich tube), one of the city’s best kept secrets.  This marina-esque area boasts the legendary Cutty Sark the world’s most famous tea-clipper ship, now a relic of England’s colonialist past.  When you’re done checking out the docks Greenwich Park is full of wondrous surprises.  The Royal Observatory sits gracefully perched upon a hill and is also the home of the amply signed Prime Meridian, hence the term “Greenwich Mean Time.”

Parks:  London is famous for its vast, well manicured parks.  Take a day-time stroll through one of the eight Royal parks, five of which are in Central London.  Mingle with the Queen’s swans, have a bench-side picnic, or people watch for an assuredly delightful day.

For a truly unique experience check out ‘Speakers Corner’ on the north-east corner of Hyde Park (Marble Arch tube).  This spot has become a famous meeting point for vocal believers from a variety of causes.  On any given day a handful or two of speakers can be found proselytizing on their soapboxes as they speak about everything from religion to politics to the end of the world.  A sight not to be missed.

So go ahead and get yourself an Underground ticket, Day Travelcards are usually the best value, and enjoy this majestic city without having to break the bank.

Author Bio: D Offer, owner of the Facebook Messaging app Chit Chat writes. This Facebook Messaging app makes it possible to login to Facebook from your Windows Desktop.