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.

Sure, it’ll be a little chilly but with average temperatures of around 37 to 50 degree Fahrenheit, it’s nothing a good coat, gloves and a few warm layers won’t cope with.

For budget travelers, there’s also the advantage of securing cheaper airfares and hotel rooms (if you avoid the holidays). Once you’ve made it over here, try these suggestions for enjoying London in winter on a budget.

Christmas and New Year

1. Take in one of the Winter Festivals

A whole array of mini festivals pop up in the weeks before Christmas and generally stay open until the first week of January. Entrance is free, although you’ll probably pay a premium for the mulled wine. Try the South Bank or Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.

Or head down to Trafalgar Square in the evening to take in the impressive Christmas tree—a gift from Norway each year, in gratitude for Britain’s support in the Second World War. There are carols in the Square too, performed by charity groups to raise money, which never fail to raise the festive spirits.

2. Head to festive Somerset House

This impressive neoclassical building on the Strand is at its most picturesque in the run-up to Christmas, partly because of the hugely popular courtyard ice rink. But Somerset House has a whole range of run activities. Skating is quite pricey, but the surrounding buildings are full of free treasures to be explored. There are often free photography exhibitions, while the Courtauld Gallery, housed within Somerset House is renowned for its collection of Impressionist and Post-impressionist artworks.

If you do fancy a skate, London has several rinks to choose from— book your tickets online in advance for the best discounts.

3. Make the most of a quieter city

London is a lot quieter than usual between Christmas and New Year when lots of its residents leave the city for the holiday, or simply don’t leave their houses. Now is the time to check out the major attractions, such as the British Museum, without the crowds. Or else to simply enjoy having a bit of breathing space on the Tube.

Holiday lights along Oxford Street. Photo: Magnus D

4. Check out the Christmas lights

The main shopping streets, Oxford Street and Regent Street, are transformed with elaborate lighting schemes for Christmas, while the window displays in department stores, the likes of Selfridges, are always spectacular. It can get extremely busy with shoppers however, so come prepared.

And, if you really like a challenge, head down this way for spectacular discounts in the January sales: although you’ll really need to get your elbows out to make your way through the bargain-hunting masses.

During the rest of winter

5. Dig into some hearty grub

Traditional British food tastes at its finest in the winter months. Tuck into a bargain roast or a full English Breakfast, knowing that you’re bound to burn off the calories in the cold. Probably.

And fish and chips definitely taste at their finest when eaten straight out of their paper on a wintery evening. Then you’ll need to walk it off…

6. Go for a beautiful winter walk

Whether a stroll by the Serpentine, in Regent’s Park, or admiring the deer in Richmond Park, bright blue skies and a layer of frost can make London’s many parks look at their prettiest. For a walk in a real winter wonderland, head out to Epping Forest. It feels like the English countryside but is accessible on the tube. Plus there are pubs and restaurants close by for refueling your energy after a vigorous walk.

7. Get active outdoors

If it’s a bit too chilly to walk around, and you don’t fancy getting onto a stuffy tube train, why not get the circulation moving with a quick ride on a Boris Bike? We’ve got a guide to getting around town on this very reasonable option here. Many Londoners will be on a fitness kick after the excesses of the holiday season, so why not join us on a Park Run? It’s a free 5k run that takes places in parks all over London and the UK.

8. Shop at a local market

While London is known for its street markets, an indoor market can be easier to explore in the winter months. Alfie’s Antique Market is set over several floors and has an amazing array of antiques and collectables, available at all price points. Or the covered Brixton Market Row and Brixton Village in south London combines a long-established market with bargain eateries and vintage stores.

9. Make like a Londoner and head indoors

If we’re not at home, we’re probably in the cinema or the theatre. We’ve got a guide to bargain cinema tickets here, and how to sample London’s theatre on the cheap here.

Or perhaps we’ll be enjoying a pint in a cozy pub. Before you drink all your traveling money away, check out our guide to budget pub going.

10. Or head out for deals or a night on the town

Shops and restaurants are usually so eager to woo customers in the January slump that there are often discounts to be had. Check out Moneysavingexpert.com for the latest money-off deals, or pick up a free copy of Time Out on a Wednesday for the latest listings.

The post London: 10 tips to enjoy winter on the cheap appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Stocking up on flowers

In what has to be the city’s most vibrant market, every Sunday East London’s Columbia Road comes alight with exotic and locally grown flowers, plants, bulbs and planters. The ideal place for anyone who likes a spot of bartering, there is always a fantastic atmosphere among traders and shoppers alike.

Even if you’re not looking to buy, the different types of flowers are a truly magnificent sight and really good fun to photograph. But I would be left openmouthed by anyone who manages to walk away completely empty-handed—even the most frugal of Cheapos is bound to be seduced by the vast array of blooms on offer—on a recent visit a German friend of mine was even seen heading home on Easyjet with a bunch of hardy semi-dried flowers that last forever!

A vendor with his flower displays at the Columbia Road Market. Photo: Jerome Yewdalll

Get there as early as you can if you want to avoid the crowds (the market opens at 8 AM and closes at 3 PM every single Sunday of the year) or, if you’re on the hunt for a real bargain, arrive around 2 PM when you’ll get the best prices.

Related: 4 weekend markets in London for bargain hunting (and people watching)

Eating and drinking on a budget

While London’s East End continues to become more and more trendy, sometimes it’s a real treat to stumble upon a traditional “caff” or a proper local pub that have stood the test of time. Columbia Road’s increasing popularity means that there are plenty of cool bars and beautiful but pricey vintage shops lining the street, but you’ll get the best value for money if you stick to the more traditional no-frills options.

After some flowering shopping, stop in for a freshly brewed cup of tea at Cafe Columbia. Photo: buttongrrrl

Head to Cafe Columbia (138 Columbia Road) for some breakfast or lunch and you’ll be biting into a bit of an institution. This family-run cafe has long been serving up tasty bagels, sweets and warming cups of English tea to market traders and busy shoppers and it’s cheap as chips! There is even a miniature garden out the back – ideal for when the sun is shining.

If you’re after something a bit more hearty then a Sunday roast at the Royal Oak (73 Columbia Road) is sure to hit the spot. A beautiful, wood paneled old “boozer”, this is the kind of pub Londoner’s miss when they go on holiday.

Related: Affordable Sunday roast meals around London for under £15

A bit of free culture

These days there’s a lot more to do around Columbia Road than buy flowers. Once you’ve been fed and watered, why not explore some of the free independent galleries and art shops, many of which only open their doors to the public on Sundays. The Columbia Road Gallery, located in The Courtyard on adjoining Ezra Street, mainly showcases the work of Cornish artists and boasts an ever changing portfolio of new and emerging talent. Meander round the corner to The Yard and you’ll find yourself surrounded by vintage clothes and furniture, as well as plenty of tasty food and drink stalls (many of which offer free tastings).

Nelly Duff is a good shop for artsy fun along Columbia Road. Photo: Julian Walker

In stark comparison, wander into Nelly Duff (156 Colombia Road) and be treated to street, tattoo and graphic artworks. This eclectic mix and constantly evolving mish mash of old and new, traditional and quirky, is really what makes this little corner of London so enticing and always worth a peek, even if you’ve been a hundred times before.

Columbia Road Flower Market

Every Sunday 8 AM-3 PM
Neighborhood: Tower Hamlets
Tube: Bethnal Green or Old Street Station
www.columbiaroad.info

The post London on a Budget: Sunday at Columbia Road Flower Market appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

While there are ways and means to enjoy cheap food and excursions, I’ve always been stunned at how much you can be charged for a simple haircut in the city. So if your tresses are in need of some TLC, be brave and check out these excellent value options.

Sassoon Academy

56 Brook Street
London, W1K 5NE
Website

If you’re after something cutting edge, then opt to be a model at the Sassoon Academy, and you’ll get high style at a fraction of the normal price. Appointments are taken from 9:30AM-1:30PM Monday to Friday at the luxurious Bond Street salon, and a cut and blow dry will set you back just £12, while a half head of highlights will cost £30. While your cut will be carried out by a trainee, they are always fully supervised. What’s more, contrary to model haircut horror stories – you will always get to choose what kind of look you want. Phew!

Hob Academy

Unit 38, 28 Jamestown Road
London, NW1 7BY
Website

Located in Camden Town, the Hob Academy is a well-respected training school that offers free haircuts and color from just £15 throughout the week. You need to be willing to let them decide on the kind of cut that will suit you, and then you’ll be set to work on by a qualified stylist under supervision from Hob’s creative team. To sign up, you need to register as a model and send some snaps of your hair as it is now.

Hari’s

Three locations:
Parsons Green (183 New Kings Road)
305 Brompton Road
233 Kings Road
Website

This famous institution offers free haircuts from junior staff on Mondays and Tuesdays at the Kings Road branch, and Mondays in Parsons Green. If it’s color you’re after, you can get a very discounted rate (from £25) at the Brompton Road salon. All services are carried out by third year trainees and, of course, are fully supervised. Plus, you’ll get to tell them what you want so the whole experience doesn’t have to be quite so nerve-racking!

TotalBarber

71 Leonard Street
London, EC2A 4QS
Website

One for the boys—the Total Barber academy, one of the capital’s most established barber training schools, offers free cuts and shaves from 10:30AM Monday to Friday. Located in trendy Shoreditch, they promise to give you the cut you want, but are also on hand to make suggestions if you’re not totally sure what kind of style to go for.

This international franchise that originated in the UK has been giving low cost cuts since 1963. Photo: ambernectar

Toni and Guy Academy

71-75 New Oxford Street
London, WC1A 1DGT
Website

This high profile salon has seen many a Londoner on a budget head through its doors over the years. Get you hair cut by a supervised trainee hairdresser from Monday to Friday at either 9:30AM or 13:45PM and pay just £5 for a cut or £20 for color—an absolute bargain when you take into account that normal color starts from around £90 and a cut will set you back £50.

The post London budget tips: How to get a cheap (or even free!) haircut appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Cheapo’s counting those precious pences will be relieved to hear that London is also full of amazing views that aren’t accessed via a turnstile and ticket booth. Here’s my list of the best free views in London:

1. Waterloo Bridge

Tube: Embankment / Waterloo

Of London’s 33 bridges that cross the River Thames, Waterloo definitely has the most impressive views. Looking east you can take in St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Gherkin, the Oxo Tower, Somerset House and the National Theatre. Look westwards and you can take in the bustle of busy shoppers and street performers along the South Bank, the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Visit during the day to take photos and in the evening to admire it all lit up at night.

Looking out from Parliament Hill. Photo: Duncan Harris

2. Parliament Hill

Tube: Hampstead

Hampstead Heath’s famous “Kite Hill” has featured in TV commercials and films aplenty over the years, as its wonderful juxtaposition of rolling fields and greenery backed by London’s iconic cityscape is so unusual. Many visitors to the capital don’t know that you can escape the madness of the city with such ease (and without actually leaving the city).

A brisk walk through Hampstead Heath is enough to revive any weary tourist and a stroll to the top of Parliament Hill is always rewarding. Join dozens of dog walkers and kite enthusiasts at the top of the hill, and enjoy an elevated view of the city from afar. Canary Wharf used to be the focal point, but The Shard’s recent appearance is certainly stealing the limelight on London’s skyline today.

Relaxing on Primrose Hill. Photo: Peretzp

3. Primrose Hill

Tube: Chalk Farm

Tucked away behind Chalk Farm and Camden Town, Primrose Hill is on the northern edge of Regent’s Park. From the top of the hill you’ll get an incredible panorama of central London and it’s the perfect spot for a picnic on a sunny day. Heading down Regent’s Park Road towards Chalk Farm you’ll also find a pretty selection of boutique-y shops and some lovely pubs.

4. National Portrait Gallery

Tube: Charing Cross / Leicester Square

A trip to the National Portrait Gallery isn’t just for the exceptional artwork. Make sure you don’t leave without stopping for a drink at the very swanky rooftop Portrait Restaurant and Bar. Admire everything from Nelson’s Column and Trafalgar Square in the foreground, to the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye in the background.

Also in our guide: If you’re heading to London and looking for an affordable place to sleep, be sure to read our reviews of budget hotels in London. Our editors have hunted down the best values in the city’s accommodation scene. Read more in our London guide.

The post The best views in London… for free! appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Even for tourists enjoying a reasonably relaxed vacation, the city of London can be a tiring place. But if you’re out and about exploring Shoreditch and the East End, duck into Hackney City Farm for a welcome respite and a miniature slice of the countryside, all free of charge.

The farm

Strolling down the rather mundane Hackney Road, you really wouldn’t expect to find such a charming and rural little patch, but beyond the gates of the Hackney City Farm there’s a cute little paddock full of pecking chickens, various shelters full of chinchillas, rabbits and guinea pigs, and even a shed full of huge snoring pigs (plus a large mud pit for them to wallow in.) Nearby, a small field hosts a couple of lively goats and other four-legged friends. It’s a real treat to be a few steps from a busy bus route, yet feel completely surrounded by animals and greenery.

Needless to say, Hackney City Farm is a family-friendly space, so if you’re travelling with children you could time your visit to coincide with feeding time at 4pm. Besides the daily chow downs, there is a small garden to wander in, tended by locals and their children, and if you don’t want to return to the traffic, hop over the stile at the northern end of the farm and have a wander in Haggerston Park. Bonus tip: If you’re staying at a Cheapo hotel or pension that offers a kitchenette, consider purchasing some duck or hen eggs hatched on site that morning.

Hackney Farm cafe. Photo by ana gasston

The café

Now onto the refreshments. It’s safe to say that this little child-friendly café has earned itself a bit of a reputation for its Italian chefs and simple wholesome cuisine, winning a Time Out award for best London family restaurant. If you’re hungry stop by for a traditional fried breakfast, Sunday roast dinner, healthy salad and Mediterranean vegetable dishes, all at reasonable prices.

More info:

Hackney City Farm
1a Goldsmiths Row
London
E2 8QA

Phone: +44 (0)20 7729 6381

Hours: 10 am to 4.30 pm. (Tuesday to Sunday, including bank holidays). Free entry; donations welcome.

More urban farms in east London:

Spitalfields City Farm

Mudchute Park and Farm

Stepping Stones Farm

Surrey Docks Farm

The post A touch of the countryside in London’s East End appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Lunchtime concerts at St. Martin’s in the Fields

However, an oft-overlooked freebie occurs several times a week at the nearby church of St. Martin’s in the Fields. On most Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, St. Martin’s offers its guests free lunchtime concerts. Music ranges from classical to experimental, often featuring special performances.

Doors open at 12:30 pm and the concerts begin at 1 pm. (Although the concert is free, St. Martin’s suggests a donation of £3.50 to cover costs.)

Find a list of schedule of concerts, including the (more expensive) evening and jazz concerts, on the St. Martin’s in the Fields website.

And, when the concert culminates, hop over to the National Gallery and get your art on! Stay tuned tomorrow, Cheapos, for more free tips. Next stop: Madrid.

The post London: Free concerts at St. Martin’s in the Fields appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.