However, there are some general tips that will make your trip to London go a bit easier (and a bit cheaper, as well). Take note of the following advice for exploring the city and enjoy your trip!

Related: Our favorite London hotels for budget travelers

London tips for a better trip

The Basics

1. Do remember your “please” and “thank you.”

The British sometimes have a reputation for being extra polite. While this isn’t always strictly true, we do like to pepper our speech with “please” and “thank you”. Adopt this habit and you’ll earn our thank yous! And if you bump into someone accidentally, always apologize — even if it wasn’t your fault. (It’s a bit weird, but you’ll see people doing it everywhere!)

2. Do keep it down.

Londoners tend to keep to themselves — and that means also keeping the volume down. You’ll notice that streets, public transportation, and even restaurants are relatively quiet (especially by American standards). Speaking loudly is one sure way to draw attention to the fact you’re a tourist.

3. Don’t block the way.

It’s a busy city, and people are usually on a mission to get somewhere. It’s really appreciated when visitors don’t block the exit of a tube train or stop in the middle of the street to check their map.

The biggest sin for Londoners, though? Standing on the left-hand side of the escalator, thus blocking others from passing. Always, always stand on the right. You’ve been warned!

Clothing

4. Do bring comfortable shoes.

You’ll be doing a lot of walking in London, so bring shoes for comfort. Unless you’re going somewhere particularly high end, dress codes tend to be fairly relaxed.

5. Don’t forget your umbrella.

Chances are it’ll rain while you’re in London (even in the height of summer). Come prepared.

Do… partake in the Full English Breakfast experience. Photo: Ewan Munro

Eating and drinking

6. Do try British favorites.

You’ll find plenty of U.S. chains here, but it wouldn’t be a proper trip to London without sampling dishes such as a Full English breakfast, a Sunday roast dinner, fish and chips or a tikka masala. An equally British tradition is our cosmopolitanism and diversity. You’ll find great cuisine from all over the world in the city. Make like a Londoner and try as many as you can!

Related: Five classic British dishes to try in London

7.  Do spend some time in a traditional British pub.

You haven’t experienced London until you’ve seen it through a pint glass (and you can always have a pint of lemonade if you don’t fancy trying bitter). Here are tips on navigating British pub culture.

8. Don’t tip like you would in the U.S.

The British don’t tip in a pub or a bar, or even when ordering pub food if it’s not table service. Save those pennies for extra drinks! Here’s our guide to tipping in London.

9. Do eat and drink somewhere other than Leicester Square.

The eateries surrounding this tourist zone are expensive and bad, and you’ll only be hanging out with fellow visitors. Check out our London nightlife guide for some pointers to some alternatives.

10. Don’t pay for your water in restaurants and pubs.

Safe-to-drink tap water should always be available for free.

Celtic Hotel is one of our favorite budget sleeps in the heart of London. Photo: Craig Nelson

Accommodations

11. Do pick a centrally located hotel.

There are loads of reasonably priced hotel options listed on EuroCheapo. Being able to walk to more places will save you time and money. Here are our favorite budget hotels in London.

12. Don’t skip your hotel breakfast.

Breakfast is included in the price of many hotels in London and will help you significantly save on eating out costs. If that rate includes an English Breakfast (like at the Celtic Hotel), eat up!

Safety

13. Don’t carry all your valuables on you.

It shouldn’t be necessary to take your passport out with you (leave it in the hotel safe instead). Be sensible about how you carry things around, too, and go for zipped bags rather than trouser pockets. Sadly there are opportunistic thieves in any city—why make their lives easier?

14. Don’t leave your bags or luggage unattended in public places.

Other than the fact that someone is likely to run off with them, they get treated very seriously. One unattended bag may spark the evacuation of an entire train station, so hold on to your belongings tight.

Do get tickets in advance for busy sites like the London Eye to score good discounts. Photo: Phil Dolby

Sightseeing

15. Don’t underestimate the size of London.

This city is huge! And you’re never going to see it all in on one trip. Rather than creating a crazy itinerary where you rush from one sight to the other, take it a bit easier and focus on your absolute must-dos. Check out these budget itineraries for 1, 2 and 3 days.

16. Do book ahead for major sights.

Once you’ve made your must-see list, take a look online and see if you can book in advance. Many places, such as the London Eye, offer discounts for advance booking online.

17. Do make the most of London’s free attractions.

Remember that most of London’s major museums are free, making the likes of the British Museum and the Tate accessible on even the tightest budget. Take advantage of these!

18. Do visit at least one of London’s markets.

Whether you choose to visit the Columbia Road Flower Market or the antiques of Portobello, London’s market offer unique and cheap entertainment.

19. Don’t ignore London’s green space.

Set aside some time to stroll in Hyde Park, or to take a trip up Primrose Hill. You’ll experience a much more relaxing side to the city. These green spaces are great places to have impromptu picnics, too.

Related: 10 Free things that will make you fall in love with London

20. Do get in line.

We Brits love to queue! If there’s a tourist attraction, popular café, or ATM, chances are we’ll be standing in line in front of it. We expect visitors to embrace our love of the queue, too. So apply patience, and definitely don’t think about pushing your way to the front.

Transport

21. Do try walking it.

If you’re staying in central London, most major sights will be in walking distance. It’s a much better way to see the city than crammed into the Tube.

22. Do embrace all forms of public transport.

It’s not all about the Tube. Catching a bus can be a much more pleasant way to get around town. Or there are bikes, river buses and overland trains that all help keep our city moving.

Related: How to save on London public transportation

23. Do get yourself an Oyster card.

Whichever public transport you are taking, an Oyster card will help you get the cheapest fares. (Read more about them here.) Seriously, it can cut the cost of a ride significantly.

24. Don’t ride public transport at peak hours, if possible.

That’s before 9:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the evening. It’s when buses and trains are at their busiest and locals are at their grumpiest. It’s definitely time better spent walking (or in a café or bar!), if possible.

25. Don’t rely on the Tube after midnight.

Night transport in London is completely different to the day, so plan ahead if you’re going to be out late. There’s more detail in our London nightlife guide.

Your tips?

Have a do or don’t for visiting London? Share with us in our comments section below.

The post London: Follow these 25 tips for a much better trip appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

There’s a reason why it’s the most visited tourist attraction in the UK: it has an amazing collection of artifacts, dating back thousands of years and drawn from all over the world. Plus, it probably doesn’t hurt that the price is right (always free admission).

Related: 20 Free museums in London that we love

But with nearly 7 million visitors attending the museum each year, it can get a bit hectic in there. Here are seven British Museum tips to get the most out of your visit.

Tips for visiting the British Museum

1. Try to avoid peak times

Okay, let’s be realistic here — the British Museum is never going to be the quietest spot in London. However, you can visit when it’s a little quieter. Aim to arrive for the 10 a.m. opening, or come later on a Friday, when the museum closes at 8:30 p.m. Check out what special temporary exhibitions are on — if it is a really popular show, the museum gets especially full for the show’s opening or closing weeks.

Don’t be tempted to save your trip for a rainy day — the museum is at its busiest when it’s bad weather outside. Instead, tackle it on a sunnier day: The sun shining through the glass roof of the Great Court means the museum is at its most handsome, as well as quietest.

Related: Affordable hotels near the British Museum

The Parthenon Sculptures are one of the biggest attractions at the British Museum. Photo: Bram S

2. Tackle the biggies first

You’re first through the door at 10 a.m., and your aim is to get to the big sights before everyone else does. First up, the Rosetta Stone, the discovery that provided the breakthrough in understanding Egyptian hieroglyphics. It’s in room 4, the Egyptian Sculpture gallery on the ground floor, which is straight off the Great Court.

Head onward through the galleries to get to room 18, where the Parthenon Sculptures are displayed. Also known as the Elgin Marbles, these were originally part of the Parthenon in Athens and were removed and taken to Britain in the early 19th century. The debate continues whether these should be kept in the British Museum or returned to Greece. Decide for yourself before heading upstairs to room 70 to get a taste of Rome and the Portland Vase, the cameo glass vase that has inspired generations of makers, poets, and scholars.

If you are feeling brave and you’re still ahead of the crowds, rooms 62-63 displays some of the Ancient Egypt collection, most famously the mummies. Finally, it’s back downstairs to room 24, the “Living and Dying” gallery, which includes Hoa Hakananai’a, an imposing Easter Island statue. Then, make your way back out to the Great Court and treat yourself to a cup of tea and a slice of cake from the café — you deserve it.

3. Prepare in advance

That brief tour only skims the huge amount the British Museum has to offer. There’s a great podcast that uses a hundred of the museum’s objects to tell the history of the world. Listen ahead of your visit to be inspired.

Although entry to the museum and the permanent exhibits is completely free, there are charges for special exhibitions. Save yourself time by booking tickets for these online. You’ll be given a timed ticket, so you don’t have to waste time waiting in line once you’re inside the museum.

4. Don’t neglect the lesser-known galleries

The British Museum has beautiful and fascinating objects all over the world, so it’s rewarding to spend time in some of the less famous galleries. After the crowds that fill the Egyptian Galleries, the Japanese Galleries offer a more serene atmosphere in which to appreciate the beauty of their objects. While the British Museum isn’t as well known for its fine art as other London galleries, the Prints and Drawings galleries always show wonderful examples by undisputed masters of the medium.

The massive central hall of the British Museum with a giant glass roof. Photo: Spiros K

5. Take your time

Because entry to the British Museum is free to enter, don’t feel the pressure to do it all in one go. You could spread your visit over a series of mornings, or pop outside to get some fresh air and a change of scenery if the crowds and all the culture are becoming slightly overwhelming. There are plenty of fantastic (and affordable) places nearby to grab some food or a drink.

6. …Or see it all in 90 minutes

If you are pressed for time, the British Museum runs a fantastic introductory tour to its collections called ‘Around the World in 90 Minutes’, which takes place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It does exactly what it says it will, taking in the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon Sculptures, as well as lesser known marvels along the way, and taking up just an hour and a half of your valuable time. Tickets cost £14 and you can book in advance through the museum website.

7. Consider becoming a member

If you are a serious culture vulture and are going to be around in London for longer than a short break, it’s probably worthwhile to become a museum member. Cost start at £74 for a year’s membership (£54 if you are under 26 years old). Perks include a dedicated cloakroom (so no waiting to deposit bags or umbrellas) and free unlimited entry to all special exhibitions as well as special evenings and events. Find out more here.

The British Museum

Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG
Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (8:30 p.m. on Fridays)
Website
Tube: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, Russell Square or Goodge Street

The post London: 7 tips for surviving the British Museum appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

These oh-so-easy to make errors can add up over the course of a trip and make a serious impact on your wallet — not to mention your enjoyment. To make the most of London like a true Cheapo, be sure to avoid these 10 costly mistakes:

1. Not getting an Oyster card

Just getting around town is expensive in London. And, do you know what’s really cruel? It tends to cost tourists more. That’s because Londoners who regularly take the Tube use Oyster cards. These are like travel credit cards, and they charge a cheaper rate for tickets than just buying them as you go. Sometimes an equivalent journey without an Oyster card can be more than double the price!

Oyster cards are easy to get hold of, you’ll just need to pay a small deposit (which is refundable). Find out more about them here.

2. Taking the Tube for every trip

And while we’re on the subject of travel, don’t think you have to travel everywhere on the London Underground Tube network. It’s easy to get between most central London attractions on foot (not to mention a lot more interesting).

If that’s not an option, London buses are considerably less expensive than the Tube and just as user friendly (the name of the stops are always announced and come up on a screen). They’re better for those traveling with wheelchairs and strollers, too. (Here’s a list of 5 bus routes every tourist should know.)

The Tower of London might be an icon, but it also costs £24.50. However, if you do go, make sure to book ahead. Photo: Craig Nelson

3. Trying to do too much

London is huge! And there’s so much to see. You’ll never see it all in one trip, so don’t make the mistake of trying to cram it all in. Rushing from one expensive attraction to another is a sure-fire way to lose money and lose out on some of the city’s fun.

Plan the essentials and leave the rest to chance. Sunny day? Have a wander around one of the city’s great parks, maybe, or check out a market. Rainy day? Pop into a free museum. London is better when you don’t try and keep up with the city’s frantic pace.

4. Not booking ahead for the big attractions

Having said that, for the really big attractions that you know you don’t want to miss out on, it’s always best (and often cheaper!) to book ahead. Many, including the Tower of London, Madame Tussaud’s, the London Eye and London Zoo, are all cheaper when you book online ahead of your visit.

Related: Top budget hotels in London

Celtic Hotel offers an optimal Bloomsbury location with low rates and free breakfast. Photo: Craig Nelson

5. Staying in a hotel way outside the center

We’ve all been there: deciding to go for accommodation that’s slightly cheaper but not so well located. Honestly, in London that’s a false economy. Staying more centrally doesn’t only save you travel time, it means that you can most likely walk, or at least bus it, to the central locations.

For budget friendly, centrally located accommodations, check out our favorite hotels in the Bloomsbury neighborhood, near Victoria Station, or Bayswater, for starters.

Search London hotels now

Know your travel dates? Find hotels for your budget now through our reservation partner, Booking.com

6. Tipping too much

Britain is not a nation of tippers and applying some of British tipping habits will really help your wallet.

• Eating out? Look at the check to see if a service charge has already been added. If not, a tip of around 10% is normal (and that’s only if you have been happy with the service).

• Getting a taxi? Round it up to the nearest pound.

• In a bar? It’s quite rare to tip, although you may offer to buy the bartender a drink.

Of course if you want to reward exceptional service with a more generous tip, it will always be appreciated. However, in the vast majority of cases, tipping is really seen as a bonus.

Victoria & Albert Museum is not only the world’s biggest destination for design and decorative arts. It’s also free! Photo: mk30

7. Not making the most of the free attractions

Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London may leave you feeling culturally enriched – they’ll also leave you considerably poorer. But famous doesn’t always have to mean pricey.

Many of London’s popular museums are free and it’s definitely worth making the most of them, whether it’s hanging out with the Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum, or marveling at the contemporary art and architecture at Tate Modern. Take a look at the list of 20 free museums here.

8. Being ripped off for food

Microwaved meals and soggy pasta is all-too-often dished up to unsuspecting tourists. Finding well prepared, decently priced food in many of London’s tourist areas can be a huge challenge.

If available options look suspect, head to one of London’s better chains. The following all offer tasty food for around £10-15: Wagamama (noodles), Wahaca (Mexican), Franco Manca (pizza), and Byron Burger (as the name suggests, burgers).

Markets are also a good option for foodies (especially for the free samples). Check out this list of our favorite food markets. As well as Borough and Maltby Street, check out many of the street markets such as KERB, a regular near King’s Cross.

Don’t overlook supermarkets for picking up snacks or even all the fixings for a cheap dinner. Tesco Express is a popular choice. Photo: Ewan Munro

9. Not using the supermarkets

Eating out in London all the time gets expensive quickly, but eating in is relatively cheap. Even if you’re staying in a hotel, it’s always worth popping into a supermarket for a lunch or a snack (check out our guide to supermarkets here). They’ll always have a good range of food to go, at a great price.

10. Overlooking discounts

Having an International Student Identity Card can make a huge difference to your stay and can offer discounts of between 20% to 50% on entrance tickets. If you’re not a student but still under 31, an International Youth Travel Card offers similar reductions. Similarly, seniors should ask about discounted admission to most big attractions and museums.

Your tips?

Have a tip to add to our list of mistakes to avoid when visiting London? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Visiting London? Avoid these 10 costly mistakes appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Scotland’s largest city has plenty to offer the budget traveler, whether it’s tremendous free museums or the city’s renowned social life. It’s a working city full of contrasts, by turns gritty, glamorous and generous – and one well worth getting to know a little better.

Here’s how to enjoy this great city while saving along the way.

Budget Guide to Glasgow

How to get to Glasgow

Air
Glasgow’s International Airport handles most of the flights and is well served by the budget airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair (with a £10.50 shuttle bus into the center of town). If you’re traveling within Europe, check out Ryanair flights from Prestwick Airport too. Slightly farther out, but it’s an easy and inexpensive journey into the city by bus.

Train
Traveling within the UK? Getting to Glasgow by train is probably the most convenient option: Make sure to book your journey well in advance for the best fares, or consider buying a BritRail pass before you go if you’re planning to do a lot of travel. Edinburgh is also just over an hour away by train. There are regular departures and tickets cost around £10-13.

Bus
Getting the bus is by far the cheapest option — although going by bus from London, for example, will take at least double the time than the train. Check out the MegaBus and National Express for prices starting at around £15 going all the way from London to Glasgow (book well in advance) and just £3.50 from Edinburgh.

What to see and do

There are plenty of tours that will help you get your head around the city’s rich history, although many, unfortunately, will leave your budget a little poorer. However, there are some great free downloadable options to be explored here, with self-guided walks covering everything from an “obscure history guide” to a tour celebrating Glasgow’s musical heritage.

Mackintosh, with a great view

The works of architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh are among Glasgow’s main attractions (you can read more about it in our Glasgow Art Nouveau guide), but many of the Mackintosh attractions do charge admission.

A happy exception is the Lighthouse building, which was Mackintosh’s first architectural commission. It now hosts displays and exhibitions, including one about Mackintosh himself. For an added free bonus, climb its spiral staircase to the top of the tower for a fantastic view over the city.

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery is one of the most visited museums in the country. Photo: Gordon Chirgwin

Free galleries and museums

There’s an amazing array of free museums and galleries in Glasgow, which often comes in handy in a city not blessed with the sunniest of weather! This is just a taster of what’s on offer:

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of most visited museums in the country, with a collection that caters to all tastes, and encompasses everything from Salvador Dali to Spitfire planes, stuffed animals and armor.

The Hunterian, part of the University of Glasgow, is the oldest museum in Scotland. Head here for its archaeological and ethnographical displays.

The People’s Palace offers an excellent overview of the social history of the city, while the Gallery of Modern Art does exactly what it says it does. Take note of the statue of the Duke of Wellington outside and his alternative headwear: It’s actually a proud Glasgow tradition that he wears a traffic cone! 

Parks

Glasgow is blessed with lots of parks, perfect for relaxing. Pollok Country Park in the south of Glasgow is the city’s largest green space. It’s also the site of another excellent free museum, the Burrell Collection. Housed in a distinctive 1970’s-era building, this gallery includes medieval and Gothic art, Chinese ceramics and masterpieces by the likes of Degas, Manet and Rembrandt.

You’ll find the Botanical Gardens in the west end of the city. Established in 1817, it’s home to many rare and valuable plants, as well as being a lovely place to escape the bustle of the city. Don’t miss the magnificent Kibble Palace glasshouse.

Glasgow Cathedral

The building of this impressive cathedral was begun in the late 12th century, making it intrinsically linked to the history of the city. It’s still in use for Christian services today and is open for free visits.

Adjacent is the imposing Victorian Necropolis. More than 50,000 people are buried here, and although you may not have heard of its most famous “residents”, it’s still well worth a look. Take one of the free guided walks to find out more about its fascinating stories.

The Horse Shoe is a classic with a gigantic bar and plenty of Scottish ale. Photo: Adam B.

Affordable restaurants and bars

You are spoiled for choice for both eating and drinking in the city. Often you don’t have to decide between the two activities, as many bars and pubs also serve tasty and reasonably priced food. It’s also definitely worth seeking out a traditional fish and chip shop (although whether you want to test out the Scottish habit of deep-frying everything is up to you) — let your nose guide you to the best!

Bread Meats Bread

One for the carnivores. This no-bookings restaurant attracts rave reviews for its burgers. Prices start at £6.50 for a classic Scottish beef burger, but there are many variations on offer. See how Scotland tackles North American classics such as Poutine, hot dogs and pulled pork. Tempting extras include caramelized sweet fries.

Stereo

To atone for all that meat, pay a visit to this vegan restaurant, which — in true Glasgow style — also doubles as a late-night bar, gig and club venue. The food is reasonably priced but especially worth checking out on a Monday when you can indulge in five tapas dishes for £12. Like this? The 13th Note is another vegetarian (and arty!) option to consider.

Saramago

Another late night license bar/veggie restaurant in yet another great free gallery. It’s housed in the Centre for Contemporary Arts, a venue specializing in film, music, literature, and spoken word. A particular bargain is the theater menu, served between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., where a three-course meal is priced at £12.95. At other times, expect to pay around £10 for a generous main.

The Horse Shoe Bar

More of a traditional pub, this is named for the shape of its bar – all 104 feet and three inches of it! Its dark wood and antique-tiled interior (topped with an ornate ceiling!) gives a taste of what drinking in Glasgow was like in the past. It’s far from being a museum piece however: you’ll be drinking from its great range of Scottish drinks alongside sports on the TV and the pub’s legendary karaoke sessions!

Where to Stay

Booking.com

Like most of the UK, it can be hard to find super cheap accommodations, but Glasgow does offer a few budget gems in good locations.

Sandyford provides a full Scottish breakfast (eggs, meat, mushrooms, beans, the whole deal) and is within easy reach of good shops, museums and galleries.

The family-run Argyll Hotel is close to Kelvingrove Museum and rooms are equipped with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.

For more options, search over 900 Glasgow hotels.

The post A budget guide to Glasgow, Scotland appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

8 Debunked London Travel Myths

Like many places, London has many popular misconceptions about it. We’re debunking the top eight London travel myths, with additional travel tips along the way, to make your next trip the best (and most budget-friendly!) it can be.

1. Londoners are rude

The first unveiled truth in our list of London travel myths is that Londoners aren’t rude. Of course, London can be a frantic city, with so many people rushing to get to places and seemingly no regard for the lone, lost tourist in their way. Or what’s perhaps more spooky: the ghostly silence on a rush-hour tube as nobody speaks to each other, despite being pushed closer to each other than you’d probably want to get with your best friend. Like Paris, we’re a mixed bunch of people, but the average Londoner is usually more than happy to help if asked.

And we’re shy. We’ve got that reputation for a stiff upper lip for a reason. Strike up a conversation, and chances are we’ll join in—we’re just waiting to be asked.

2. Londoners are unfailingly polite

On the other hand, decades of period dramas have given us a reputation for politeness that we perhaps don’t deserve. Admittedly, it can be hard to work out when we’re being rude, as it’s hidden under so many levels of niceties, unfathomable to anyone who is not British born and bred. But we’re used to no one understanding us: learn to play the rules, and you’ll get along just fine.

That includes, if you crash into someone with your rucksack by accident and they say they’re sorry, that’s your cue to apologize profusely. And do remember to get on our right side, literally, by obeying the “stand on the right/walk on the left” rule on tube escalators. You’ll soon be embraced like you’re one of our own (i.e. we’ll happily ignore you).

3. London is busy

Well, there’s undeniable truth in this one. But with a population of around 8.3 million (compared to 2.21 million in Paris and just under 800,000 in Amsterdam), what would you expect? You can, however, do yourself some favors in how you approach the city. Visit around British holidays—Christmas, Easter, the “Bank holiday” weekends at the beginning and end of May—and you’ll find a much calmer city: basically because a large number of London residents use the time to leave town.

If that isn’t an option, be savvy about when you move about the city. Why squeeze yourself onto a Tube full of grumpy office workers at 8 a.m. or 6 p.m., if you’ve got the freedom to travel later? And there are plenty of opportunities to seek out some quiet spots in the city, such as its many beautiful, peaceful parks. In fact, there’s an entire book devoted to “quiet London”.

4. The Tube is the best way to get around London

Speaking of the Tube, it’s undoubtedly an easy and convenient way to get across the city. But it’s not the best way to see the city for many reasons. The first is in that word “see”: Exploring London is much more fun if you can see the sights when walking, taking a bus, or perhaps using one of the “Boris bikes”.

The second reason is that, with the exception of taxis, it’s the priciest way to see London (a single fare in zone one is £4.70 without an Oyster card, compared to £2.40 on a bus).

Finally, it’s often not the quickest way to get about in central London—the Tube from Covent Garden to Leicester Square takes nine minutes, compared to only two minutes if you walk it.

5. You must visit the Tower of London and London Eye

You really don’t. London is a large city, and it’s an old city. It’s stuffed full of attractions, where you could merrily spend your time and money, not to mention the hundreds of nice cafes, bars and shops that keep its residents happy and amused.

Instead of seeing “the sights”, seek out what really interests you instead: whether it’s Charles Dickens, street art or an overstuffed walrus. London has got something for every taste. Have fun exploring that, rather than standing in line for hours to get a glimpse of a wax Princess Kate (unless wax really is your thing…).

6. London is very expensive

Another London travel myth is how costly it is to travel here. Sure, it can be: transport and entrance fees all add up. Not to mention accommodations, if you don’t stick to our suggested affordable hotels.

But there are ways to make it cheaper: London has some great street food to keep you full and in pocket (check out our market guide for starters). We’re also immensely proud that so much of our culture is free: You can walk straight into Britain’s most popular tourist attraction, the British Museum, and soak up thousands of years of history without paying a penny. Same goes for the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum, the V&A, the Science Museum and many more. (Here’s our full list of free museums to help you plan ahead). Visit London and you can come back smarter, and not necessarily that much poorer in the process.

7. Londoners are either cockneys or lords of the manor

Perhaps sadly for us all, London no longer represent a scene from Mary Poppins. The cliché of the salt of the earth cockneys, compared to the upper crust gents living in their grand piles, simply no longer applies (if it ever did).

London is astonishing for its mix of people and cultures and how it welcomes people from all over the world. And, perhaps compared to a city such as Paris, how it all exists right alongside each other: old and new, rich and poor. Traditionally cockney areas of East London are now home to some of the most fashionable restaurants in town, as well as more long-standing traditional businesses. This invigorating blend is one of the reasons why visiting London can be so supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

8. It’s a city of football hooligans

The behavior of a small minority of English soccer fans has given us an unsavory international reputation. This just isn’t true for the vast majority of fans, or indeed the vast majority of English people for whom football is, basically, the national sport.

There’s no better time than now to try and understand the always hopeful/always-prepared-to-be-disappointed English footballing psyche. Football will be dominating the screens of our pubs and clubs, and there are plenty of ways to get involved in a relatively civilized manner. We’ll even allow you to cheer for your own team (as long as they aren’t playing England, obviously).

The post 8 travel myths about London to stop believing appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

If English people seem uptight on the tube, the pub is where we kick back and relax, catch up with our friends and put the world to rights.

Needless to say, a visit to the pub comes with its traditions and customs we’ve been learning since we’ve been old enough to drink. You can’t go home without experiencing this classic British tradition.

A guide to visiting a classic London pub

Drinks can be expensive, so we compiled some tips on how to enjoy a British boozer on a budget. Cheers!

The legal bit

You need to be 18 to purchase alcohol in the UK. However, people under 18 are allowed into London pubs depending on the licensing agreement of each pub, and 16 and 17-year-olds are allowed to drink wine, beer or cider with a sit-down meal as long as someone over 18 accompanies them. Picture ID might be asked for: a passport or driving license will both do the job.

The cozy exterior of a classic British pub. Photo: Edmund V

Where to go

Now you know if you can go, where should you go? Sadly, London is expensive for drinking, and you’ll find that a pint is cheaper outside the capital. Wealthier areas of the city, such as Knightsbridge, Chelsea and Fulham, are likely to be more expensive too. Try and seek out places a little off-the-beaten-track for better prices: the pub guides on the Londonist website are a great place to start.

Related: Our 10 favorite local pubs in central London

There are a couple of chains that always offer lower prices: Wetherspoons and Samuel Smith. Wetherspoons can be a bit hit and miss, and some Londoners are very sniffy about them, but you’re almost guaranteed to meet an interesting cross-section of people drinking in one.

There are over 20 Samuel Smith pubs in London, and they often win praise from locals. As well as their inexpensive, own-brand drinks, the pubs are notable because they always have very traditional appearances. Well worth seeking out is their Princess Louise pub in Holborn. Not only does it have a great location close to the British Museum, but it’s also got a gorgeous mirrored original Victorian interior, as well as the cheap beers. Unsurprisingly, it’s often very busy!

Solo traveler?

There’s no reason to miss out on a pub visit, even if you’re traveling alone. If you fancy a chat, install yourself at the bar, if you want to sit back and survey the scene, take a seat at a table instead. Female travelers are fine going in by themselves, although they may feel more comfortable at less busy times. Read more about traveling solo in Europe.

When to go

Again, opening hours depend on individual pubs: although theoretically, they can be open 24-hours a day, many pubs stick to the traditional closing hour of 11 pm. Often “last orders” will be announced by a member of staff or the ringing of a bell about twenty minutes before the pub will close. Friday and Saturday evenings are usually a pub’s busiest times.

How to get served

If you’ve been spending time in Europe, you’ve probably got used to being served at your table. Not so in a traditional British pub, where you’ll need to go up to the bar to place your order. Calmly waiting and trying to catch the bartender’s eye is the best way to get served.

No matter how busy it is, don’t be tempted to wave your money around. Another key difference is that we don’t tip at the pub. If you want to extend gratitude for some superb service, you could offer to buy the bartender a drink but, other than a simple “thanks” as you pay for your drinks, that’s the most that would be expected.

A selection of beer on tap at a traditional pub. Photo: trombone65

What to drink

Budget drinkers should always stick to what’s on tap, rather than opting for bottled beers. English ales are almost always cheaper than foreign lagers. Be sure to check the price of ordering something such as Peroni first. Don’t be afraid of asking about the different options, because most bartenders will be happy to advise and may even let you sample before you buy.

If you’re not sure what you kind of drink you’ll like, you can always order a half pint, a cheaper way of trying things. Want a longer drink, but not sure if you can handle a full pint? Try a shandy: lager mixed with European-style lemonade. It’s a refreshing drink that’s lower in alcohol content.

Be slightly wary of house wines — they tend to be cheap and undrinkable or highly expensive. Again, your bartender should be able to advise.

It’s also worth checking the price before you order soft drinks. Sometimes they can be almost as expensive as alcoholic drinks. Tap water, however, should always be free. Pub-served coffee, however, is generally not worth your time or money.

What to eat

A traditional pub is bound to have some snacks on offer, whether bags of peanuts or crisps or typically British fare such as Scotch eggs, sausage rolls or pork scratchings. The majority of pubs now serve more substantial meals too, but they range hugely in quality from microwaved meals up to “gastropubs”, where prices can be higher than in a regular restaurant! Good pub food is probably quite basic and hearty: burgers, pies, fries and the like.

Pubs can also be the perfect place to try out a Sunday roast. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites for under £15.

Related: 10 ways to save on dining in London

Your favorite pub

Where do you like to sip pints in London? Tell us in the comments.

The post London: A guide to visiting a traditional pub appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Londoners may frequently grumble about the Tube, but there’s lots to love about it — including that it makes this big city much more navigable.

However, before you hop on board, there are a few written (and unwritten) rules that you should know about, so you can ride the Tube like the locals do.

London Tube tips to ride like a local

These tips will save you money, time and gain you the unspoken appreciation of your fellow passengers.

1. Don’t use the Tube in central London

Locals know that in central London it’s often easiest not to take the Tube. Getting the bus or even walking may be quicker and more direct — not to mention cheaper. This is a handy list of stops where it’s quicker to walk than to change tubes. Take note of the Covent Garden/Leicester Square/Piccadilly Circus/Charing Cross and Embankment one to feel extra smug around fellow Tube-reliant visitors.

Related: Top budget hotels in London

Use an Oyster card wisely and you’ll save a plethora of pounds. Photo: Mikey on Flickr

2. Play your Oyster or credit card right

Visitors may want to get an Oyster travel card for the cheapest Tube fares. You can read all about our guide to Oyster cards here.

Another option is using a contactless payment card to travel on the London transport network for the same price as an Oyster card. Just check with your card provider first that you can do so without incurring a transaction fee.

3. Don’t rely on the Tube 24/7 (on most nights)

The Tube doesn’t run 24 hours a day, so don’t rely on it to get you to that early morning train. (Note: A “night tube” was launched in September 2015 for certain lines on Friday and Saturday nights.)

Times vary from line to line, but most open shortly after 5 a.m. and close again before 1 a.m. The time of the first and last train should be displayed at each tube station. For public transit outside these hours, you’ll need to rely on the night bus services.

Related: How to save on Tube and bus tickets in London

Don’t even try to get on during the morning scrum on the Tube. Photo: Ted Sullivan

4. Avoid traveling during rush hour

Why on earth would you want to squeeze yourself into a carload of grumpy Brits during morning rush hour if you have the leisure of waiting a bit? Need another reason to wait to jump on board? It’s cheaper to travel after 9:30 a.m., too. Relax — have a coffee, then travel “off peak.”

5. Let everyone off before boarding

The train has pulled into the station. We know you’re eager to get onto the train, but don’t push your way in the second the doors open. Let everyone who wants to exit the train get off before getting on (admittedly this principle gets a little stretched at very busy times).

6. Be prepared to give up your seat

You shouldn’t need us to tell you, but consider this a gentle reminder to give up your seat on the Tube to someone who looks like they need it more than you — most expectant mothers will wear a “Baby on Board” badge — and take a look around before you throw yourself onto the last remaining seat in a carriage.

This being Britain, we’ll just glare, and perhaps mutter under our breath rather than simply saying if someone really does need a seat. But we always appreciate being offered one.

7. Move down!

Try not to stand by the doorways of the trains. Chances are there are plenty more people who’ll want to get on at the next stop. The same goes for the station platforms, too. The entrance to a Tube platform is not the best place to stop with your case and pull out your Tube map if you want to make new London friends. And when you get off, keep an eye out for directional signs to show you the nearest exit.

8. Everybody always gets off at your stop

It’s really busy and they announce your tube stop. You leap to your feet and start trying to make your way to the door so you don’t miss it, right? Rookie error. Chances are half the carriage will also be getting off at your stop, and trying to get there in advance is not only pointless but the pushing required will also wind up and frustrate most of the car.

Wait until the train gets to the station, then try and make your way to the exit (and then any pushing is, of course, fully justified).

9. Stand on the right. Walk on the left.

Perhaps the London Tube’s most sacred rule: When standing on an escalator, stand to the right; if you want to walk up or down it, do that along the left-hand side. Sorry, suitcases/friends/loved ones you want next to you will not be tolerated — it’s single file only. Londoners are so well-trained that you’ll probably catch us doing this on department store escalators too.

10. Keep it down

Shhh…  for a place that’s so busy and vital to the city, the Tube can be eerily quiet. Don’t take that as your cue to fill the void with noise. It’s not that we’re unfriendly; it’s just easier this way. Playing loud music, of course, is definitely a no-no and probably goes without saying. And going without saying is definitely one of a London tube traveler’s favorite things…

Your tips on the London Tube?

Do you have any tips for riding the Tube like a local? Share in the comments below.

The post London: 10 tips for riding the Tube like a local appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

With its university, literary links that stretch from Alice in Wonderland to Harry Potter, and its quintessentially English pursuits, such as punting on the river, it’s easy to see why Oxford has charmed many.

The city is small enough to explore on foot but large enough that you can spend a few days without getting bored.

More UK tips:
• How to visit Stonehenge on a budget 
• When (and when not) to tip in Britain
• A London seaside escape: A low-cost guide to Margate

Oxford budget tips

What’s the downside? Well, because of its popular attractions and proximity to London, Oxford is not always a cheap city to visit. But we’ve pulled together a few tips so you don’t have to lose out and to help make a stay a bit more affordable.

How to get there

Oxford is well served by public transport. You can take the airline bus from Heathrow (£23 single) or Gatwick airport (£28 single) directly to Oxford. Services run throughout the night too.

If you are traveling from London, there are regular trains from Paddington station, which take about an hour. However, a cheaper option is to take a bus. The Oxford Tube picks up from Victoria, Marble Arch, Notting Hill and Shepherd’s Bush, while the X90 picks up from Victoria, Marble Arch and Baker Street. Both take around 1 hour 40 minutes and cost around £15 for a round-trip ticket.

When to go

Oxford is charming all year round. But, for the cheapest deals, try and avoid the boom months of July and August and, whenever you go, book your hotel well ahead of time.

What to see

The great news for budget travelers is that Oxford historic center is best explored on foot. There’s a lot of pleasure to be had from wandering its twists and turns. Keep your eyes open for the Bridge of Sighs, so named because of its supposed resemblance to the Venetian original.

Free walking tours
Learn more about Oxford by taking one of the free walking tours available from Footprint Tours. Running several times every day of the summer months, they take about two hours. Even better: once finished you get a sticker entitling you to discounts in several Oxford places.

Visiting the colleges
Another must-see is the colleges that form Oxford University and give the city its unique feel. With 38 in total, you’ll never see them all, so pick carefully. Only some colleges allow entry to tourists and many charge admission. Christ Church is the most well-known — especially as its dining hall and grand stairs inspired the look of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films — but it’s also the most expensive to visit, costing £10 entrance at peak times (July and August).

If you want to get a sense of an Oxford college, but aren’t so fussed about which, All Soul’s, Corpus Christi and Lincoln College are all free to enter and have gorgeous buildings and grounds. You can see a full list of colleges, opening hours and charges here.

Books, books, and more books
The Bodleian Library is one of Oxford’s star attractions and a bibliophile’s dream, containing over 11 million printed items. You need to take a tour to enter, however, and a standard 60-minute tour is £9, with no concessions available. Taking the 30-minute ‘mini’ tour for £5 instead is a slight saving or you can upgrade for a 90-minute tour for£15. All tours are first come, first served.

Missed out on the Bodleian? Booklovers can seek consolation in Blackwell’s bookshop. It stocks over 200,000 titles – browsing is free, but we won’t be accountable for the amount spent on books!

Visiting free museums
A boon for budgets travelers is Oxford’s excellent free museums. The Ashmolean Museum has an amazing collection, spanning everything from Anglo-Saxon discoveries to modern Chinese art. For a more esoteric experience, check out the Pitt Rivers Museum, a unique collection of archeological and anthropological items. Modern Art Oxford caters for more contemporary tastes.

Where to eat

Head to the city’s historic covered market for top budget eats. There you’ll find Pieminister selling deliciously filling British pies. A traditional steak and ale treat costs £5; sides such as mashed potato and mushy peas are extra.

Order up a pie with minty peas, mash and gravy from Pieminister. Photo: Dani Lurie

Another option is the takeaway-only Alpha Bar, where it’s possible to grab lunch for around £5. Specializing in sandwiches and salads, they also have daily warm specials like a tasty-sounding lamb shoulder.

Finally, for those with a sweet tooth, swing by Ben’s Cookies for generous cookies, priced by weight. Warm from the oven, they’re at their best eaten fresh and gooey.

Outside of the market, Mission Burrito has a couple of locations in Oxford, and a satisfying burrito costs under £6. Also worth checking out is The Companion Café and Bread Bar. It’s slightly pricier but does delicious breakfast and sandwiches using the local Natural Bread Company’s own sourdough.

Where to drink

For a drink in a pub that has plenty of stories to tell, seek out the Turf Tavern — its foundations date back to the 13th century and, rumor says it’s where Bill Clinton famously didn’t inhale. The pub itself is a charming, low-ceilinged affair, with a large outside area. With a well-priced selection of drinks and free Wi-Fi, it’s a definite winner.

The Jam Factory’s previous life was as a factory where Frank Cooper’s marmalade was made. It’s now an arts center with its own restaurant and bar and has a happy hour on drink every day from 3 pm until 7 pm. As a bonus, take one of the many classes or even join the scrabble group that meets here regularly.

Where to stay

Just like finding a cheap room in London, Oxford can be a bit tricky to find a good hotel at a good price. But there are several options, from affordable bed and breakfasts to popular hostels with dorm beds and private rooms. Search over 80 hotels in Oxford to find the best rates. Just remember to book as far in advance as possible, as the best deals fill up fast.

A few of our picks include:

Golden Cross Guesthouse
This charming stay is a nice choice for those Cheapos willing to share a kitchen and a bathroom. Select rooms come with views of the city, and the hospitable owners make for a friendly stay.

Lake Street Accommodation
These family-run apartment-style rooms score high with visitors. The neighborhood location puts you close to a lovely footpath when you want some fresh air. A double room with a private bathroom goes for just over $100 per night.

Central Backpackers
If you don’t mind sharing a dorm room, you can stay at this popular hostel for around $20. It’s located in the city center and has a rooftop terrace.

Another way to get a taste of Oxford life is to stay in a college overnight. Many rooms in Oxford colleges are available outside term time, at prices starting at £30 a night. Book in advance and avoid the weekend for the cheapest stay. Check out University Rooms Oxford for more information.

Have you been to Oxford? What are your budget tips?

The post Budget guide for visiting Oxford, England appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

If you’re thinking of making a day trip from London, you have several options, from using a tour company to going on your own. We’ll help you get there, book your admission tickets, tell you how to get up close to the stones, and save a few British pounds along the way.

The cheapest ways to visit Stonehenge

Basics

Address: Wiltshire, England (8 miles north of Salisbury)

Admission: £17.50 (advance booking required)

Hours:
March 16 – May 31: 9:30 am to 7 pm
June 1  – August 31: 9 am to 8 pm
September 1 – October 15: 9:30 am to 7 pm
October 16 – March 15: 9:30 am to 5 pm

What exactly will you see?

Ancient Stonehenge is a mixture of constructions from different periods: an outer circle bank and ditch, and an inner circle of stones, and the distinctive Stone Circle itself, assembled around 2,500 BC. It’s been estimated that it would have taken around 600 people to carry each of these stones (in contrast to the Spinal Tap version!).

No one knows why these stones were assembled like this, but there are all sorts of theories, from it being for healing, burial, or astronomy — along with a few UFO conspiracies thrown in for good measure.

Yes, you will stand behind a rope with many other tourists, unless you get a special after-hour access pass. Photo: Adam P

To protect the site, there’s a rope between visitors and the stones (unless you apply for “special access” or visit at equinox — see below for details on both), but a new visitor center (opened in 2013) provides context to how these stones have been viewed over their thousands of years of history.

Should you go?

Visiting Stonehenge is an easy day trip from London. But, even with the tips below, it’s not super cheap. Furthermore, some visitors are slightly disappointed when they see the stones in real life — mainly becaus ofe the fact that it’s a busy tourist sight can kill the mystical atmosphere somewhat.

Bearing this in mind, I still find it to be a very special place to visit. Even without knowing why it was made, it’s amazing to realize that you’re standing somewhere that has symbolized so much to so many different people over thousands of years, and that it still has secrets waiting to be discovered.

Stonehenge is located southwest of London.

Getting there by coach: The cheapest option

By far the cheapest way to visit Stonehenge from London using public transportation is to go by coach. There are lots of competitive offers for these organized bus tours. Premium is the cheapest coach I’ve found, offering a half-day trip to Stonehenge — including entrance fees — for £53 (£43 ages 3-16). They, like many other tour companies, also offer the visit in a combination trip that also includes visiting Oxford and Bath. This would make for a really busy day but could be worth it if you don’t have much time to spend in the UK.

There is always competitive pricing between coaches, but be sure to check the small print carefully when deciding, and note that some of the coach tours don’t actually include the Stonehenge entrance ticket in their price.

What if I want to make my own way?

It is possible to get to Stonehenge independently, but it can be more expensive and also requires a bit of planning. Read on…

Ticket options

First, you need to book your ticket before you set out for the site. Entrance tickets for adults are £17.50 and must be purchased in advance.

Free admission: Members of English Heritage and National Trust (the national organizations that help manage the site) get in free with their annual membership. At £49 or £58 a year respectively, it’s probably not worth it unless you are a history buff planning on hanging around the UK for a while.

However, an English Heritage overseas visitors pass might be worth it. At £33-35 (depending on the time of year) for nine days, it allows free entry to many of the different historic properties managed by the organization, including Stonehenge.

One of the Stonehenge buses you can take from Salisbury. Photo: Ed Webster

Getting there by train, bus & taxi

To get there using public transportation from London, you’ll first need to book a train to Salisbury and then take a bus or taxi to the site. The train is about a two-hour journey from London’s Waterloo station and will cost about £25-40 per person depending on the date and time of day (book online in advance at thetrainline.com for the best deals).

However, that only gets you to Salisbury, and Stonehenge is located about eight miles away in an isolated spot. The easiest way to make this journey is by bus — the Stonehenge bus costs £15 (entry not included) or for £36.50 you’ll get the transport from Salisbury plus entry to Stonehenge and Old Sarum, a former Iron Age hill fort that was the original site of Salisbury.

If your group includes four or more people, it might be cheaper to share a taxi from Salisbury instead.

Walking is possible, but you need to cross a really busy road en route. If you want to follow in the steps of our ancestors and arrive on foot, see details here for a five-mile circular walk.

In short, this train-and-bus combo (plus ticket price!) all adds up to a more expensive trip than the coach option, and it includes a lot of pre-planning. But Salisbury also has a lovely cathedral, so if you do want to travel independently, it may be worth considering spending a night there instead of heading straight back to London.

Related: Search for cheap hotels in Salisbury

Getting there by car

If you plan to rent a car in the UK, then you don’t have to worry about the bus or train schedules at all. Stonehenge is located about 85 miles southwest of central London and could take two to three hours to make the drive (more during rush hour).

Stonehenge offers free parking for ticket holders on the grounds next to the visitor center. From there, you can catch a 10-minute shuttle ride (frequent departures) that takes you right up to the stones. If you want a little more fresh air, you can also get off the shuttle early, and walk halfway to the site.

Check out this handy map to see the layout of the facilities.

Getting up close to the Stones

During normal visiting hours, you have to view the stones from behind ropes. However, it is possible to get “special access” to go beyond the ropes, when visitors are restricted to only 30 at a time. You can arrange this through coach companies (for a premium price) or book it yourself (using the form here), although you’ll need to apply well in advance.

Remember that if visiting outside normal visitor hours, there will be no access to visitor facilities, including the gift shop and visitor center, and no hot tea after you’ve been out looking at the stones (so wrap up warm!). But that might make the whole experience even more special.

The Solstices: Free admission for all

Another option for visitors looking for easier access to the Stone Circle is to visit on the summer and winter solstices in late June and late December. On these dates, everyone is free to gather at the stones and communally witness the sunset and sunrise. This draws an eclectic mix of pagans, druids, and those who just like to celebrate this freedom. In the summer it can see crowds of up to 35,000 — another reason to work out how you’re getting there well in advance!

Your tips

Have you been to Stonehenge? What are your tips for doing it on the cheap?

The post Budget tips for visiting Stonehenge from London appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So once you book your London hotel, you’ll be ready to start exploring. Here’s the EuroCheapo guide to the main supermarket brands that are fighting it out for your pounds.

Tesco

Website

Tesco is the UK’s biggest chain of supermarkets — it’s estimated that £1 from every £10 spent in Britain is spent in a Tesco store. They carry a wide range of brands but seek out the ‘Tesco Everyday Value’ range for the cheapest prices (the biscuits especially win praise from customers).  While some Tesco stores are huge, selling everything from tomato ketchup to TVs, in central London, you’re more likely to encounter a smaller Tesco Express store. Catering to workers, these stores are open late (usually until 11 pm) but carry a much smaller range of stock. Prices will also be slightly higher.

Related: Best outdoor food markets in London

Sainsbury’s

Website

After Tesco, Sainsbury’s is the UK second biggest chain of supermarkets. The two chains are very similar, although Sainsbury’s has a slightly better reputation for quality. The stores often include fish and cheese counters so you can pay for exactly what you want to buy, rather than having to buy off the shelves. Sainsbury’s Locals are smaller stores, an equivalent to the Tesco Express, while ‘Sainsbury’s Basics’ is its economy range. It’s also worth checking out the ‘by Sainsbury’s range’, usually cheaper than branded products.

The German chain Aldi has been opening more London branches in recent years. Photo: Alan Stanton

Aldi

Website

Just as the German chain Aldi is spreading across the US, it’s growing in popularity in the UK too, thanks to its wallet-friendly pricing. In fact, it was voted the country’s favorite supermarket earlier this year. You’ll tend to find Aldis outside of central London so — if you do spot one — we recommended stocking up on its excellent value own branded goods. Look out for Lidl too, another German brand proving to be a hit with British shoppers.

Asda

Website

Asda is now the UK division of Walmart and stocks a wide range of products at reliably low prices. As with Aldi, most of the larger stores are found away from the center of London. It’s worth tracking down an Asda if you’re looking to stock up your trolley with anything other than groceries: its George range is known for selling reasonably priced, fashionable clothing and homewares.

Marks & Spencer

Website

As you’d expect from a grocery store favored by David and Victoria Beckham, shoppers at Marks & Spencer (commonly known as “M&S” or “Marks and Sparks”) like to think of themselves as being a bit posh. Marks & Spencer is actually more of a department store, selling clothes as well as groceries, but — especially at railway stations — you find ‘Marks & Spencer Simply Food’ shops that (as the name suggests) specialize in food. M&S is a pricey option for a full supermarket shop, but look out for ‘Dine In” specials offers for a cheaper evening meal option. Their readymade sandwiches and salads are equal in taste and sometimes beat on price, Eurocheapo favorite Pret a Manger.

Related: 10 ways to save on dining in London

The most upscale supermarket chain in London, Waitrose also offers free daily coffee for those who sign up for a loyalty card. Photo: Paul M

Waitrose

Website

Waitrose (and its smaller version, ‘Little Waitrose’) is the UK’s most upmarket supermarket chain, the kind of place that prides itself on its range of organic olive oils and artisan chutneys (there’s even a Facebook page devoted to some of its snobbier customers). Needless to say, I’d shop there all the time if I could afford it. If Waitrose is your only supermarket option, seek out their Essentials range for more affordable basics. Staying in the UK for a longer period? Apply for a Waitrose card — amongst many other deals, it entitles you to a free daily coffee from the store.

The post Budget food shopping in London: A guide to the city’s supermarkets appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.