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.

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.

Our advice is to visit your top picks on the free or reduced price days, or even better, stick to the many galleries and collections that are free and open to the public all day, every day.

More tips for visiting museums and attractions
• Tips for beating the crowds at top sites in Paris
• 10 Free museums in Stockholm
• How to save money and time at the Prado in Madrid

10 Free museums in Europe

You are probably familiar with the big-name museums, so we came up with a list of 10 favorites that you might not expect. From Paris to Berlin, add these free museums to your to-do list for your next trip.

Free Museums in Paris

Paris hosts a few of the world’s most beloved collections  — among them the Louvre and Musée de Orsay. We’re not at all suggesting you should skip these gems if it’s your first time exploring the City of Light. That said, if you’re not a first-timer or you’re a museum-lover with excess time on your hands, 14 of the City of Paris Museums are free to the public throughout the year. Want a couple of more specific suggestions? Here are two of our favorite free collections in the French capital.

1. The Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris

11 Avenue Du Président Wilson
website

MaM, located in the east wing of the Palais de Tokyo a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, is an excellent free option to get a look at contemporary art. The collection contains more than 8,000 works of art including pieces by Picasso and Matisse.

2. The Musée de la Vie Romantique

Hôtel Scheffer-Renan – 16 rue Chaptal
website

Located in the former residence of the painter Ary Scheffer, this 1830 home in Paris’ Pigalle neighborhood gives visitors the chance to relive life in Paris’ romantic period. The artwork by George Sand and Ary Scheffer is set amid furniture, portraits and jewelry from the 18th and 19th century.

Check out our full list of free museums in Paris and book a cheap hotel for your trip.

Virreina Palace in Barcelona is home to art and photo exhibits. Photo: Katherine

Free Museums in Barcelona

Spain’s second-largest city, Barcelona boasts noteworthy collections you simply won’t find anywhere else. Beyond everything Gaudi, there are also museums dedicated to Spanish and Catalan artists like Picasso, Miró, and Tàpies. While most major museums have at minimum, a free afternoon during the week and free first Sundays, there are a few always-free options in the Catalan capital as well.

3. Museo de Carruajes Fúnebres de Barcelona

Carrer de la Mare de Déu de Port, 56
website

While it may be a bit out of the way, Barcelona’s collection of funeral carriages is worth a visit as it features everything from the carriages themselves to funerary ornaments and artifacts. Besides, it’s in Barcelona’s most famous cemetery (Montjüic), which should be on your itinerary for while you’re in town anyway. It’s more than just funerary art — it’s a great place to get sweeping views of Barcelona and beyond.

4. La Virreina Centre de la Imatge

Palau de la Virreina, La Rambla 99
website

Perched near the top end of La Rambla, this 18th-century baroque and rococo palace hosts temporary photo exhibitions and is always free of charge. Even folks who aren’t particularly interested in photography should take a few moments to explore this relatively peaceful space amidst the hubbub of Barcelona’s most boisterous street. You can also see Barcelona’s massive puppets that are used in parades housed on the ground floor here.

Related: Tips for saving at Barcelona’s top attractions 

The Natural History Museum in London. Photo: mapa mundi

Free Museums in London

Keeping more of your pounds in your pocket can be a tall order in the British capital. There are loads of things to see in London, and most of it can cost a pretty penny. But don’t despair. If there’s one thing London has more of than most European capitals, it’s free museums open to the public. Near the top of your list should be the British Museum, aka, the magical place where the Rosetta Stone lives. Sure, there’s usually a suggested donation, but you don’t technically have to pay it. Here are two other world-class spots that are always free.

5. The Natural History Museum

Cromwell Road London SW7 5BD
website

Learn about the natural world in one of the world’s best science museums with an extensive collection of fossils (including dinosaurs and stuffed animal specimens, many of them now extinct) and interactive exhibits on volcanoes and earthquakes.

6. The National Gallery

Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
website

Gawk at over 2,300 pieces of artwork in Britain’s National Gallery, free of charge. There’s something for every type of art-lover here from masterpieces by Italian greats like Titian to impressionists like Cézanne.

Looking for even more freebies? Read our guide to 20 free museums in London. If you need a place to stay, check out our top budget hotels in London.

Chester Beatty Library in Dublin. Photo: shadowgate

Free Museums in Dublin

While comparisons between Ireland and England aren’t typically welcomed by either party, there’s one good thing that these two countries have in common — the wide range of free national museums that are open to the public. In Dublin, this means visitors can see all of the artifacts at the National Museum’s collections around town and all of the art at the National Gallery of Ireland without paying admission. The National Gallery even offers free tours on weekends. Meet at the information desk at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm or 1:30 pm.

7. Irish Museum of Modern Art

Royal Hospital, Kilmainham
website

A former hospital, this museum is considered Ireland’s most important modern art gallery. Add to that the fact that it’s surrounded by gorgeous gardens perfect for a leisurely stroll, and it’s worth a visit even in a city like Dublin with a multitude of free museum options.

8. Chester Beatty Library

Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, Ireland
website

Head to Dublin Castle for a look around book-lover Alfred Chester Beatty’s worldly goods and explore his collection of ancient scrolls, books and art objects.

Walking through the Topography of Terror Museum in Berlin. Photo: Craig Nelson

Free Museums in Berlin

Good news! Almost all of Berlin’s regional museums and memorial sites charge no admission, no matter the date. But unfortunately, gone are the days of free admission on Berlin’s famous Museum Island, unless of course, you’re a minor (admission is free for folks under 18 years of age). That said, if it’s your first time in town and you’re much of a museum buff, you probably should shell out the €18 for entry to all five museums. You can also look into picking up a Berlin WelcomCard for discounts. But for everyone else, or folks that have already been, here are two free options we highly recommend.

9. Topography of Terror

Niederkirchnerstraße 8
website

This museum near Potsdamer Platz stands on the historical site of Gestapo offices and SS leadership headquarters in Berlin. It’s the place where the persecution and extermination of political opponents to the Nazis, as well as the coordination of the extermination of Jews, Sinti, and Roma, was organized and managed. The emotional exhibition examines this dark history in a very open and honest manner. Parts of it are outdoors, so bring a jacket.

10. Museum der Unerhörten Dinge

Crellestrasse 5
website

The Museum of Unheard Things is above all things about the story. This curio cabinet — in museum form — showcases a wide range of curious objects (everything from a letter written by Freud to a cowpie), and more importantly, tells the story of their significance.

Are you headed to Berlin soon? Add these 15 free museums in Berlin to your to-do list and browse our top cheap hotels in the city.

Your picks

What are your favorite free museums in Europe? Are there any places you’d add to our list? Let us know in the comments below.

The post 10 Free museums in Europe to visit on your vacation appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

While hotels near to some of the city’s biggest landmarks are often more expensive, if you’re short on time, it’s worth weighing up the cost of traveling when you stay further out of town. You may find it’s just as well to stay nearby the places that are top of your to-do list. Here are five hotels that combine comfort with wallet-friendly prices—all within walking distance of London’s most popular sights.

Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace

Guests enjoy cute rooms, a great location and a full English Breakfast included at Luna & Simone. Photo: EuroCheapo

Hotel: Luna & Simone Hotel
Doubles from £100 per room per night

Accommodation right next to these most iconic of London landmarks does not generally fall into a Cheapo’s budget, but if you’ve got your heart set on living near the Queen for just a few days, check in at the Luna & Simone Hotel in nearby Pimlico and you’ll be just a 15-minute stroll away. The hotel is basic and, while not the world’s cheapest, it’s definitely good value for this part of town. The rooms boast simple décor, en suite bathrooms and flat screen TVs and are all immaculately clean.

Kensington’s Museums

The rooms are simple at easyHotel, but the prices make up for any lack of perks. Photo: givingnot@rocketmail.com

Hotel:  easyHotel South Kensington
Doubles from £30 per room per night

If you’re willing to totally scrimp on luxuries (and a window), grab a room at the easyHotel in South Kensington and you can explore one of London’s most well-heeled areas without splurging. As with the low-cost airline from the same family, easyHotel will charge you extra for just about anything, but its unrivaled location means that savvy travelers can spend their days exploring the city’s best museums (The V&A, Science Museum and Natural History Museum are just around the corner), while Hyde Park and the Royal Albert Hall are also just a short walk away.

Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge

This location near Borough Market and Tate Modern is hard to beat for the price. Photo: EuroCheapo

Hotel: Premier Inn London Southwark
Doubles from £100 per room per night

If dipping into beautiful Borough Market for breakfast, lunch and dinner is your idea of London heaven, book in at the brilliantly located Premier Inn London Southwark. Being an affordable hotel chain means that, while you miss out on the quirks of an independent B&B, you will get comfort, cleanliness and a great price in a fabulously iconic location. So drop those bags and get exploring—you’ll have everything from Southwark Cathedral and a lovely stretch of the River Thames, to bustling Borough Market and London’s newest skyscraper, The Shard, all on your doorstep.

Related: A Cheapo’s Guide to Southwark’s restaurants, hotels and bars

British Museum

A hostel for ages 18-35, Astor Museum Inn is just around the corner from the British Museum. Photo: EuroCheapo

Hotel: Astor Museum Inn
Doubles from £70 per room per night

If getting a firsthand glimpse of the varied artifacts on show at the British Museum is a must, you can’t get much closer to the door than the Astor Museum Inn. This laid back hostel does have a guest age limit; 18-35, but if you pass that initial test you’ll find you can get a really good value bed for the night. Private twin rooms are available, or spend even less and opt for a dorm room bed. The communal kitchen means you can save on food costs too (check out our guide to London supermarkets for inspiration), but do be prepared for noise resonating from the popular TV lounge.

West End

Stay close to all of the theater action at this cozy and friendly hotel. Photo: EuroCheapo

Hotel: Seven Dials
Doubles from £105 per room per night

If you’ve come to London to explore the West End and plan to catch some shows while you’re there, the Seven Dials Hotel is the perfect place to stay. The hotel squeezes a fair few beds and rooms into its vertical town house layout (there are lots of stairs!), but when you step outside onto lovely Monmouth Street, you’ll soon realize you couldn’t get a much better or more buzzy location in the capital for this price. The shops and restaurants of Covent Garden are all around and you can take your pick of London’s best theaters, all just a few minutes’ walk away.

Related: How to find free and cheap theater tickets in London

For more ideas on where to stay in London, check out our London hotel guide.

The post London: Affordable hotels close to the city’s top attractions appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Once thought of as pretty seedy, Kings Cross has cleaned up its act, and its central, canal side location make it a real winner when choosing a home base for your trip. The many connections from the train station (including the Eurostar to Paris) make it extra convenient for traveling, as well.

Location aside, the area’s offering when it comes to nightlife and dining is also vastly improved from what it once was and definitely worth spending an afternoon or evening exploring. Here’s where to start:

Where to stay

YHA St Pancras
79-81 Euston Road
Doubles from: $76 to $126

When compared to other YHA properties, the Kings Cross branch feels much more like a smart budget hotel than a sprawling hostel. Choose from dorm accommodation or a two, four, five or six-bedroom—perfect for couples or groups. Rooms are decorated simply but inoffensively, and they’re perfectly comfortable for relaxing in after a long day of sightseeing. As the hotel is located on quite a busy road, light sleepers may wish to request a room at the back. There’s a modern cafe/bar, where you can get food at very reasonable prices and a great TV lounge—a real draw for sleepy travelers.

The Princess is a friendly, low-cost place to stay with free breakfast that puts you very close to the Tube and St. Pancras train station. Photo: EuroCheapo

Princess Hotel
35-37 Argyle Street
Doubles from: $93

For something with more character and privacy, check in at the pretty Princess Hotel. This 32-room guesthouse is family run and perfect if you’re after a traditional B&B experience. Rooms are simple with hints of floral, and you get breakfast included in the room rate, so you can fuel up at the start of the day. All rooms come with a flat-screen TV, hairdryer and you can opt for either a shared or private bathroom.

Related: See the complete list of EuroCheapo’s budget hotels in Kings Cross.

What to see

Kings Place: Music + Art + Restaurants
90 York Way
London N1 9AG

This modern arts centre is worth a visit just to see the beautiful building and canal views, and if you have time to stay awhile, you won’t be disappointed. There is an ever-changing program of events ranging from contemporary art exhibitions and masterclasses, to live music and spoken word. The space houses three galleries—Pangolin London sculpture gallery, Kings Place Gallery and the Guardian Gallery, which is linked to the offices of the Guardian newspaper (also housed in the building) and is free to enter. Many of the other activities do have an entrance fee, but these are often greatly reduced if you buy online in advance, so do check the website.

Wellcome Collection
183 Euston Road
London NW1 2BE
Admission: Free

This unique space prides itself on being a destination for the “incurably curious”, and it certainly sets itself apart from other galleries and exhibition centers. Founded by Sir Henry Solomon Wellcome, it aims to present science in a totally new way by exploring the connection between medicine, life and art in the past, present and future. Check out the Collection’s free events, tours, exhibitions and special collections.

Note: The space is currently undergoing renovations, so not every room is open to the public, but there is still plenty to see and do.

Related: Another major attraction in the area is the British Library, the largest in the world holding over 150 million volumes.

Eating and drinking

Kerb – Food trucks and stalls
Granary Square,
London N1C

If the sun is shining head to one of Kings Cross’ newest public spaces, Granary Square, and feast on the array of lunchtime bites on sale from the Kerb food trucks and stalls between midday and 2 PM Monday to Friday. In the summertime, Kerb will also be setting up shop on the third Saturday of each month until October from 11 AM-5 PM, so grab a spot on the canal side steps and tuck in. Choices range from life changing burgers and tasty tacos to spicy curries and comforting mac and cheese.

Somers Town Coffee House
60 Chalton Street
London NW1 1HS

A lovely pub with secret private rooms accessed via a bookcase, Somers Town Coffee House offers a relaxed afternoon sampling cask ales and incredible British tapas—anywhere that offers pigs in blankets is a winner if you ask me! If you’ve got room, give one of the lovely cakes a go too; they are pure sugary goodness and a great opportunity to try some traditional British desserts.

Caravan
1 Granary Square
London N1C 4AA

I could eat at Caravan any time of day, but if I had to choose just one meal I’d go for brunch. On the weekends you’ll have to fight for a table (or sip a cocktail patiently at the bar) as they don’t take reservations, but I promise you it’s worth the wait. During the week you’ll find yourself rubbing shoulders with the arty students from Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design, as their swanky new school is housed in the same building. The menu is truly original, with more traditional breakfast favorites flavored up with soutsouki sausage or fresh sourdough bread. It’s also one of the best places in London to have a coffee, all of which is roasted onsite (and smells incredible).

Camino
3 Varnisher’s Yard
London N1 9FD

For tasty tapas and lovely cocktails, Camino is my top pick. The courtyard out front is a fun place for an outdoor drink in summer, while indoors the lively tapas restaurant and bar are buzzing all year round. There are also some great value deals—head down for lunch on a weekday and get two tapas for £6.75, while weekends welcome in a cocktail, wine and beer happy hour from 5-8 PM. If you fancy a dance, there are live DJs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and you never have to pay an entrance fee.

Treat yourself to a drink at the spectacular bar inside the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel. Photo: Gary J Wood

Special treat

Booking Office Bar
Euston Road
London NW1 2AR

While it’s unlikely any Cheapos will be resting their heads for the night at the five-star St. Pancras Renaissance hotel, you’ll thank yourself forever if you afford yourself a drink in the bar. This beautiful gothic masterpiece was originally a hotel designed by George Gilbert Scott and opened by Queen Victoria in 1873. When the hotel closed in 1935 the space was used as station offices until a huge restoration project began in 2011 to turn it into what it is today and restore it to its luxurious former glory.

If you’re just visiting, head to the Booking Office Bar (housed in the original station booking office) and prepare to be wowed by the space and the truly fabulous Victorian-inspired cocktails and punches. You’re looking at £8.50 and £9.50 for the cheapest glass of wine or cocktail, and if that proves too much, you can always opt for something softer while you drink in the surroundings.

The post London: A cheapo neighborhood guide to Kings Cross appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. Get an Oyster!

First things first, don’t even think about stepping on a Tube or bus without an Oyster card. Fares are high enough without having to fork out extra for a full price ticket. You can pick up your Oyster at train or Tube stations for £5, which is refundable if you return the card at the end of your stay. Then top up your card on a pay as you go basis or go with a weekly or monthly travel card, depending on how long you plan to stay. For more information, read our post on public transport in London.

2. Eat in when you stay at self-catering hotels

Sometimes it works out to be a better value to opt for self catering accommodation, such as the Stylotel Suites or the Royal Court Apartments in Paddington, and doing a bit of your own cooking. Shop at the larger supermarket chains as opposed to local convenience stores for the best value food. Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda and Morrisons all have lots of good prices, and you can snap up everything from simple breakfasts and sandwiches or soup for lunch, to excellent value dine in “banquets” for dinner complete with a bottle of wine.

3. Very cheap (and sometimes free) entertainment

You don’t need to pay full whack to catch a West End play or see the latest release at the cinema, but it does pay to plan ahead and do your research. Check out our guides to getting free and cheap theater tickets and discounted cinema seats for lots of savings across the capital.

4. Experience the great outdoors at no cost

Rain or shine, London’s parks offer a great retreat from the madness of the city, and they won’t cost you a penny. If you’ve already wandered the grounds of Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, then head for something a little more local. Every area has its green spaces where you’ll find picnicking locals in the spring and summer, and dedicated joggers in the colder months. Hampstead Heath is high on the top of my list, as it is a million miles from the manicured gardens found in many parks. Instead, get lost in the rambling parkland and climb to the top of Parliament Hill for fantastic (and totally free) views of London. Alternatively, a trip to Richmond Park will whisk you away from the hustle, and bustle and you can even spot wild deer roaming around.

5. Free culture, free culture and more free culture

London’s museum offering is second to none, and there are no excuses for not losing yourself in a museum for a day or two as entry is completely free. You may find you have to pay for special temporary exhibitions, but there’s nothing to stop you perusing the permanent collection at the British Museum, playing like a big kid at the Science Museum or going back in time at the Natural History Museum, to name but a few. The same rule applies to art galleries, check out our guide here.

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