Ready to start sipping? Here is a guide to Irish beer and drinks. And remember: if you order at the bar, there’s no need to tip the bartender. Keep your change.

Guinness

Ireland’s most famous stout, Guinness Draught, is brewed right in the city center of Dublin. Often called the “milkshake of beers”, Guinness is known for its rich, creamy head and hint of chocolate flavor. Remember to be patient when ordering a pint — the perfect Guinness takes time to pour, but it’s worth the wait. Walk into any pub in Dublin, and you will see a lot of locals drinking the black stuff (and they always wait for it to settle before taking that heavenly first sip).

Smithwick’s is older — and lighter — than Guinness. Photo: ach10

Alternative Irish stouts: Beamish stout, Murphy’s Irish Stout

Smithwick’s

Smithwick’s Irish Ale is even older than Guinness and other one of the most famous Irish beer and drinks. This smooth ale dates back to the 14th century and is produced in the oldest operating brewery in Ireland. While many of the best known Irish beers are stouts, Smithwick’s is the biggest ale producer in the country. If you find Guinness a little heavy (especially after the first one or two), switch to Smithwick’s for something lighter, but still flavorful.

Harp Lager

On a sunny day in Dublin, grab an outdoor table at a pub and sip on a refreshing Harp lager. This crisp beer is a light alternative to heavy Irish stouts. This smooth, light beer doesn’t have the same history as Guinness or Smithwick’s — it’s only been around since 1960 — but it’s a tasty Irish alternative to other foreign lagers on tap.

Irish Coffee

If you happen to be in Dublin on a rainy day, there is nothing more satisfying than an Irish coffee. This mix of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and brown sugar topped with a thick layer of cream will warm you up on more than one level. Don’t over-stir the concoction; simply sip the coffee through the cream.

Irish Whiskey Punch (or a Hot Toddy)

Another traditional drink — often enjoyed when you have a case of the sniffles — is an Irish Whiskey Punch or Hot Toddy. Irish Whiskey is mixed with hot water, brown sugar, cloves, and lemon, resulting in one steaming, soothing drink.

When in Dublin, go local. Drink Irish beers and whiskey, eat Irish cheese, and don’t leave without sampling local smoked salmon and roasted lamb (preferably with a pint of Guinness on the side).

Your favorite pour? What do you order when you cozy up to the bar at a Dublin pub? Share your favorite Irish beer and drinks in our comments section.

Also in our guide: Heading to Dublin and looking for a great affordable hotel? Our editors have hunted down the best cheap hotels in Dublin, from hostels to three-star hotels, all centrally-located, clean and cheap. Read more in our Dublin hotel guide.

The post Dublin: A quick guide to Irish beer and drinks appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Today, many London pubs have been turned into trendy gastropubs, whilst other more modern watering holes have gone to great lengths to achieve an old-fashioned look.

Nonetheless, those pubs that have been carefully preserved for hundreds of years make the perfect spot for any visitor to soak up a bit of traditional English culture and see day-to-day London life in action.

London: 5 classic pubs that we love

Before you head out, read our guide to drinking at a traditional pub in London. Ready to sip a pint? Here are five of the best to kick-start your London pub-crawl:

The Prospect of Whitby

57 Wapping Wall
E1W 3SH

This Docklands pub marks the spot where fishermen, sailors, smugglers and pirates used to stop off right back in 1520. Sadly, all but the flagstone floor was destroyed in a fire and the pub was rebuilt in the 1770s. In the seventeenth century, Samuel Pepys used to frequent this watering hole, hence the aptly named “Pepys Dining Room” upstairs. In more recent years the pub has attracted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Richard Burton and Kirk Douglas.

The Prospect of Whitby is perfectly positioned on the edge of the Thames making it an ideal spot to gaze out at the river and admire the city of London whilst enjoying the comforts of a real local pub.

The George Inn

77 Borough High Street
Southwark, SE1 1NH

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Borough Market and flanked by some of London’s most iconic modern buildings, the George Inn is a perfectly preserved little chunk of old London. The earliest reference to the inn is on a map dated 1542, however, the George had to be rebuilt after the Southwark fire destroyed the original building in 1676.

Today, the George is famous for its wooden galleries that characterize the front of the building. The simple, wooden interior boasts plenty of cozy corners to escape the cold and enjoy a good ale and in the summer months, the enormous outdoor terrace is popular with city slickers and market traders alike.

The Argyll Arms

18 Argyll Street
Soho, W1F 7TP

Ever popular and ever special, the Argyll Arms is strategically located just off Oxford Street, making it the pub of choice for office workers, theatergoers and West End shoppers. Built in 1742, the Argyll received a makeover in 1897 when “snugs” became fashionable and the bar was split up into several ornately decorated little compartments so that punters could drink privately. Several years later regulators demanded that some of the partitions were removed to prevent “unsavory” goings-on and so the Argyll took the shape it has today.

The beautifully etched glass partitions and mahogany bar and paneling even survived the Blitz and the Argyll remains one of London’s most atmospheric pubs. Lovers of ale are also in for a treat as the Argyll boasts some of the UK’s finest cask-conditioned real ales and the selection is constantly changing, giving punters another reason to keep coming back.

The Holly Bush

22 Holly Mount
Hampstead, NW3 6SG

A real treat hidden away in one of London’s oldest villages, The Holly Bush is one of those rare urban locals that manages to transport you far away to a rural countryside hideout. The pub opened in the early nineteenth century but is housed in a building that dates back to the 1640s and the original fireplaces, wooden booths and oak paneling are all still intact and beautifully preserved.

The warm, inviting ambiance of the pub draws you in, as do the many different dynamics going on as you meander in and out of the rabbit warren of rooms. From romantic whisperings on intimate tables by the fire and walkers refueling after a brisk stroll across Hampstead Heath to family get-togethers on long tables in the back rooms, this is a special place that embodies what a traditional pub should be.

The Dickens Inn

Marble Quay
St Katharines Way, E1W 1UH

A wonderful way to enjoy the calm of St Katharines Dock, the Dickens Inn is actually a relatively new arrival on the London pub trail. However, this inn has an interesting story to tell and is certainly worth a visit! The timber frame that houses the Dickens Inn was built as a spice warehouse in 1775 and was sadly encased in brickwork in the 1820s to fit in with the modernization of the dock.

Almost 150 years later architects discovered what lay beneath and, in order to save the building, they had to transport it 70 meters across the dock to make way for a new housing development. The timber frame was painstakingly restored in the style of an 18th-century balconied inn and was opened by Charles Dickens’ grandson in 1976.

Your favorite pubs in London

If you need even more ideas, check out our list of 10 favorite bars in central London. Do you have a favorite pub you’d suggest adding to our list? Tell us about it in the comments section.

The post 5 Traditional pubs in London worth a visit 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.

If you’re traveling on a budget, there’s no time like the present to hop a flight to Dublin (with cheap airfare, of course!) and discover this fun city.

Once you’re on the ground and you’ve booked your Dublin hotel, use these five tips to keep your money where it belongs: in your pocket.

Dublin budget tips

1. Don’t waste money on transportation

It can be tempting in Dublin just to hop in a cab, but this is one way to empty your pockets very quickly. Instead of cabs, check out the local bus schedule. Dublin Bus is very affordable, and routes connect all different areas of the city.

Alternatively, Dublin’s bike share program, called Dublin Bikes, is a cheap and easy way to get around the city. And remember, Dublin is very small and manageable on foot, too.

2. Eat your dinner early

With Dublin’s current boom, there are more and more gourmet restaurants opening in the city. These same restaurants do have deals if you know where or when to look. One strategy to fill seats is offering heavily discounted “early bird” or pre-theater specials.

Take one of my favorite restaurants in Dublin for example — The Winding Stair. A meal here is usually a splurge, but early birds can enjoy an incredible 2-course meal for just €29. You will leave stuffed and your wallet won’t be nearly empty.

Related:  Five ways to save on dining in Dublin.

3. Make friends with the half-pint — And keep your change!

There’s no such thing as a discount on alcohol in Dublin — you won’t find any “happy hours” in the city. If you’re trying to keep your costs down on beer, order a half pint instead of a full pint. This way you can spread your money a bit farther between different pubs.

Also remember, if you order from a bartender, there is no need to tip. Keep all your change!

4. Seek out free entertainment

While you’re sipping on that half-pint, how about some entertainment? Many Dublin pubs are known for their live music, so check out pubs that provide some entertainment beyond the Guinness and Jameson.

For traditional music, check out O’Donoghue’s on Merrion Row. Another great option for live music is Doyles, right across the street for Trinity College. If you happen to be in Dublin on “match day” (whether it’s rugby, soccer, or the Gaelic games) be sure to grab a seat in the pub — both the game and the locals will provide the entertainment.

5. Research your ride to the airport

If there’s one thing visitors complain about when it comes to Dublin — it’s the lack of airport transportation. You won’t find a train or a subway system that connects Dublin Airport to the city center. Some visitors resign themselves to taking a taxi (this costs at least €20) but Cheapos will want to check out the buses.

There are two options: the local bus that is very cheap (but stops frequently, seriously lengthening your journey into Dublin) or taking the Aircoach, a 24-hour express bus service into the city. Purchase a return fare to save a few euros instead of paying for a ticket each way. (Read more on Dublin’s airport transportation.)

A little airport research ahead of time could mean a lot of money saved during a trip to Dublin.

Your Dublin tips

Do you have any favorite ways to save? Share in the comments below!

The post Dublin Budget Tips: 5 simple ways to save appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But warning: Without proper planning, you could easily blow your entire budget on a couple of nights out on the town. But you don’t need to spend a lot to have a fun and memorable night. To prove it, we’ve compiled this Cheapo guide to some of our long-standing, wallet-friendly favorite nights out in London.

London transport at night

Transport needs to be factored into any night out in London as, sadly for late-night revelers, the Underground closes relatively early. The exact time varies, but last tube trains are generally between midnight to 12:30 a.m. (check in the tube station for the exact time of its last train).

A highly-anticipated “Night Tube” was meant to start this past September, but the project has been postponed, leaving the huge network of night buses as the cheapest way to get home after the Tube  closes. You can check out Central London routes here. Use your Oyster card to travel at night, as you would during the day. If you’re using a day travel card, it’s valid until the Tube starts running again the following morning.

Related: London Public Transport: How to save on Tube and bus tickets

London’s famous black cabs are expensive, though you might save as a group by booking a licensed mini-cab in advance. And, as with other cities, many Londoners are dedicated Uber users.

Yo Olde Cheshire Cheese is a classic, and yes, very old London pub. Photo: George Rex

Drinking: Pubs, bars and coffee shops

You’ll find places to drink all over London (navigate your way around a London local with our pub guide), although areas with a reputation for the best nightlife include Soho and Shoreditch. Further afield—and likely to be slightly cheaper—Brixton and Dalston both have great reputations for their bar scenes.

Pubs

• City wide, Samuel Smith and Wetherspoons pubs both offer cheaper than average drinks. The former are especially worth checking out for their historic interiors.

• Other traditional pubs that won’t break the bank include the wonderfully named Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street—dating back to the 17^th century and boasting an amazing history.

• Also check out the Jerusalem Tavern in Clerkenwell.

Cocktail bars

Fancy something a little more fancy than a pint? Seek out some of the capital’s finest happy hours.

• The Barrio chain—with four branches around London—has daily £5 cocktail Amigo Hours (times vary between branches).

• The fun London Cocktail Club venues host regular discounts on their delicious drinks, too.

Cafes and coffee houses

London is somewhat lacking when it comes to evening drinking options that aren’t alcohol-focused. However, for a late-night coffee you could try Soho’s legendary cafe Bar Italia, which serves up the black stuff 24 hours a day.

Waterloo’s cute Scooter Caffe—open until midnight on weekends—puts as much emphasis on its coffee as its beer (if not more), as does Shoreditch’s The Bridge Coffee House and Lounge, another late-night favorite.

There’s usually free admission to the fun blues bar Ain’t Nothin’ But. Photo: Vlad

Nightlife: Clubs and live music

London has something for all tastes and budgets. The nightlife scene is constantly changing, so pick up a free copy of Time Out magazine for the up-to-the minute latest.

Clubs

While London’s dance clubs are so diverse that it’s hard to state hard and fast rules about them, in general you’ll probably pay less if you get to the venue early. Look out for fliers or try to get on the guest list online for cheaper entry fees. Here are some favorite clubs:

• For central London cheesy music, you could try The Roxy (take note of their happy hours).

• Heaven is one of London’s most famous gay clubs. Note that it’s worth making a pre-club outing to the G-A-Y bar to try and pick up free entry fliers first.

• Shoreditch’s Catch, meanwhile, is a late night DJ bar/club. As they describe themselves on their website, it’s “always free, always fun!”

Live Music

Larger concert venues tend to sell out well in advance, but there are a few last-minute options:

• King Cross’ Lexington and Shoreditch’s Old Blue Last are both pubs that specialize in hosting the best new guitar bands.

• Ain’t Nothin’ But is an atmospheric and lively blues bar, found near Carnaby Street. It offers free admission most nights, and is free before 8:30 p.m. on weekends.

• Jazz more your thing? Take a look at Soho Jazz Wednesdays—sign up on the website for discounts and special offers on some of London’s best jazz joints.

Related: A Cheapo’s guide to free music in London

Snag a cheap ticket to a show at the Old Vic. Photo: Peter Morgan

Entertainment: Theater and culture

London is filled with evening culture options. From the big shows in the West End theatres to late nights at museums, you’re certain to find something culturally rich to do in London once the sun goes down.

Theater, cinema and comedy clubs

Free (or at least seriously cheap) theater tickets? Yes, it’s true. Score yourself free and cheap theater tickets with our guide to free tickets. (And don’t forget, if buying tickets to a big West End musical or play, head straight for the official TKTS discount theatre booth at Leicester Square — and not from the dealers surrounding it!)

We’ve also got some invaluable money saving tips on cinema going in the capital.

Or chortle your way through an evening at one of Angel Comedy’s impressive array of free events, or the New Act Night at the Comedy Café. That also costs nothing, and who knows what up-and-coming talent you’ll spot?

Museums and galleries

First of all, remember that national museums are open for free to visitors. To enjoy them after-hours, attend a Museum Late—evening openings at the museum, often with music and additional talks, tours and workshops.

Arty types will also enjoy First Thursdays, where over 150 east London galleries open their doors for free events and private views.

Something different

And for something completely different, check out the range of activities at Drink, Shop and Do. You can take part in evenings involving everything from making Lego robots to adult coloring in—many for free when you buy a drink.

And, after all that craftiness, be sure to round off your night by hitting their downstairs dance floor!

The post London Nightlife Savings: How to save at pubs, clubs and culture appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

London is famed for its pub culture of pints and conversation, and many of these taverns also serve good food. Sunday afternoons is when the kitchen creates a tasty feast that brings out locals of all ages. Best of all, you can get a filling plate at Cheapo-approved prices. Most pubs charge around £10 to £15 for a roast with all the fixings.

Here’s a rundown of the history, what to expect, and where to enjoy a delicious Sunday roast in London.

History of this culinary tradition

There are many different beliefs as to when this tradition started. The original idea of feasting on a joint of beef on a Sunday is said to date back to Medieval times, when village serfs were rewarded with a hearty meal by their masters each week. The tradition continued into King Henry VII’s reign, when his royal guardsmen used to feast on roast beef every Sunday after church (which apparently earnt them the name they still carry today—Beefeaters!).

But the version of the Sunday Roast most similar to what we find on our plates today has its roots in the 18th century, during the industrial revolution, when families in Yorkshire would leave a joint of meat in the oven before going to church every Sunday. On returning home, families would sit together and tuck into the best meal of the week.

What’s on the plate?

So what to expect of a modern day Sunday roast? While a tender joint of roast beef teamed with spicy horseradish sauce and sweet redcurrant jelly continues to be popular, equally common today is a juicy roast chicken, roast lamb with mint sauce, or roast pork with apple sauce (and plenty of crackling!).

A good roast should always be accompanied by crispy roast potatoes and parsnips and steamed vegetables such as carrots and broccoli. If you want to try a Yorkshire pudding (beautiful and highly calorific side dish made from batter), you’ll normally find this served with beef, although it is becoming increasingly normal to find them served with other meats as well. To complete the dish, drizzle over some delicious gravy—a flavorsome sauce made from the juices of your roast meat.

The Crown Pub in Islington serves Sunday roasts every weekend. Photo: Ewan Munro

Where to enjoy a Sunday roast

Today most British pubs and restaurants serve Sunday Roasts, eager to fulfill demand from friends and families who want to keep the tradition alive but can’t spare the time to cook one up themselves. So if you don’t have a local family home to gatecrash on a Sunday, you’ll have no problem finding a restaurant to sample one in. Do be warned though that they vary in quality, so take our advice and veer away from the cheap as chips offerings in a Wetherspoons pub and spend a few more pounds on a better quality plate of food.

Our list of top pubs for a Sunday Roast in London is a good place to start. Oh and don’t forget to save room for a traditional British dessert… Bon appétit!

The post A London Pub Tradition: The Sunday roast appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

However, if you’re like me, and enjoy a more low-key but still very fun experience in the city, you don’t need to bring a suitcase full of cash. In fact, for a recent five-day visit, I spent just a little over £200 (around $300) for all of my non-hotel expenses, from the time I reached Victoria Station to the moment I left for Paris on the Eurostar. Throw in four nights at a budget hotel for another £244, and you have a surprisingly affordable trip to one of the world’s most expensive cities.

Related: How I scored a $298 airfare to Europe

Before you start thinking this is impossible, there are a few key points to remember. First you need to score a cheap hotel in a central location and an affordable airfare.

But don’t forget all of the savings that automatically come with traveling abroad. As a New Yorker, I’m used to throwing down a handful of dollars for a round of beers, 20% on top of a $80 meal, and even a dollar tip if I pick up a nice cappuccino. In London, you can throw all of these rules out the window. The money you save on tips really adds up fast over the course of five days.

Plus, with free museums galore, cheap food easily available, and no need for spendy cabs in a very walkable city, you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a memorable London experience. Still need proof? Read on for all the details.

Celtic Hotel is charming, cheap and centrally located. All photos by Craig Nelson

1. Book a budget hotel in a great spot

EuroCheapo has plenty of great London budget hotels to choose from, but Cheapos are especially in love with the Celtic Hotel. I reserved four nights here for £244 (about $90 per night, tax included), an incredible bargain for the posh Bloomsbury neighborhood in central London. Not only do you get friendly service from owner Rosanna, but  you also get a number of excellent and money-saving perks, like free WiFi and…

The full English breakfast at Celtic Hotel is the perfect way to start your morning.

2. Fill up with a free breakfast

Speaking of perks, the breakfast at the Celtic Hotel is legendary. And for good reason. Each morning you sit down to a hearty and delicious meal with juice, coffee or tea, cereal, yogurt, fresh fruit, as well as eggs, toast, and British favorites like mushrooms, grilled tomatoes and beans. Even bacon and sausage are available for the meat lovers. If you plan your meal right, you won’t be hungry until at least early afternoon or even dinner time!

A number of other London hotels on EuroCheapo also feature a complimentary full English breakfast like Luna & Simone and Arosfa Hotel.

Celtic Hotel is just around the corner from the Russell Square Tube station.

3. Choose your location wisely

Another benefit of the Celtic Hotel is that you can get to a lot of the top attractions in no time. The British Museum is only a five-minute walk through beautiful Russell Square. And when you do need to hop on the Tube with your luggage, Russell Square station is just around the corner. There’s no need for a taxi when you stay here.

St Pancras station is only a 15-minute walk from Celtic Hotel.

4. Walk, walk, and walk some more

I love to walk. It’s by far my preferred way of getting around when I’m traveling. You see so much more than cruising by in a taxi or underground on the subway. And even though the weather is usually a little grey, London is one of the finest walking cities in the world. Best of all, it was easy to walk across huge swaths of the city from where I was staying in Bloomsbury.

Most of the places I visited including Borough Market, Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Millennium Bridge, British Library, Islington, Camden Town, and Tower of London were only a mile or two away. When it was time to head to my next destination (Paris), I was even able to hike up to St Pancras train station in about 15 minutes. Total cost of all these wonderful walks: £0.

Riding the bus is more fun and a lot cheaper than taking the Tube.

5. Hop on a double-decker city bus

In New York, I never leave home without my unlimited MetroCard, so it was a challenge to resist jumping on the Underground every time I walked by a station. However, I quickly learned that I didn’t have to give up on public transit altogether. Instead I just hopped on a famous double-decker bus. Not only can you grab a sweet view from the top deck, but you’ll save a little bit when compared to the Tube. When you use an Oyster Card, bus rides cost only £1.50 compared to at least £2.90 on the Tube.

Speaking of the Oyster Card, I was able to get everywhere I needed to go in five days with just £15 on mine. You have to pay a small fee to buy it up front, but then you can save the card for future trips to London.

A nice view of the ancient Roman city walls from the free Museum of London.

6. Go to free museums

Another big money-saver in London: You can see some of the world’s best collections of art, history and culture for FREE. During this trip I took in the British Museum, City of London Museum and the British Library.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the free museums in London, but it still provided me with hours of entertainment at absolutely no cost.  You can spend days staring at cultural treasures like the Rosetta Stone and original Beowulf manuscripts. One day, I did pay a €10 supplement to see a fantastic exhibit called Terror and Wonder: The Gothic Imagination at the British Library.

Seeing the Tower of London is impressive from the outside. And cheaper than the pricey admission fee.

7. Admire pricey attractions from the outside

You don’t always have to go inside of a pricey landmark to have a memorable experience. I happened to be in town when the Tower of London poppies display was in full bloom. This tribute to World War I veterans was a stirring sight with the bright colors of the ceramic flowers contrasting with historic stone walls of the tower. Instead of shelling out €22 for an admission ticket, I joined the huge crowds that were there to remember their fallen soldiers. Refreshingly, it was mostly locals who were out to see the poppies, and I was able to chat with some Brits to get their take on this emotional scene.

An evening stroll across Millennium Bridge was a (free) highlight of my trip.

8. Stroll across Millennium Bridge

After a few pints and some fish and chips, an evening stroll is just what you need to end the day in London. My advice is to head to the river walk along South Bank and then cross over the Thames on the Millennium Bridge. It lights up when the sun goes down, and you don’t have to worry about squeezing onto a sidewalk with hundreds of other tourists — it was virtually empty around 8 pm. With the gorgeous St. Paul’s Cathedral hovering in the background, this Sunday night walk was a highlight of my trip.

Columbia Road Flower Market offers a bright splash of color on a grey Sunday morning.

9. Spend Sunday at the Columbia Road Flower Market

I’m not usually an early riser, but the Columbia Road Flower Market is a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning. This year-round market in East London offers a dash of local color to your weekend. Grab a coffee at one of the small cafes and listen to the vendors hawk their plants. Sure, you can’t bring fresh flowers back home on the plane, but a few colorful photos make sweet smelling souvenirs.

Take a weekend walk along Regent’s Canal to Camden Lock Market.

10. Explore the canals

If you get tired of walking the city streets, hop onto the trails that hug the city’s canals. Regent’s Canal is a hidden path where you can experience the city from a very different angle. Not only will you see hundreds of cute houseboats and interesting public art, but you’ll be free from any cars zipping by. Along the canals, there’s no need to make sure you look right instead of left!

Taking a scenic break at the top of Primrose Hill.

11. Chill out in a park

London is famous for its large swaths of open green spaces, and few cities can compare to its park-to-concrete ratio. Make sure to spend at least one afternoon or morning relaxing in a famous London refuge like Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath, or Greenwich Park. For extra bonus points, climb to the top of Primrose Hill (adjacent to Regent’s Park) for stunning skyline views.

Related: Best London views for free

Spending a quiet Sunday night at the Lamb with the ghost of Dickens.

12. Spend a night writing postcards

Instead of spending money on a show or concert, I chose to spend a quiet evening at the historic Lamb pub. I found a cozy table, ordered a pint and dashed off some cards to friends and family back home. It’s one of the benefits of getting out on the road and disconnecting from your gadgets. I met a few locals and had some time to reflect on my trip and plan what else I wanted to do before I left. This relaxing night on the town cost a whopping £4.

Roaming around Borough Market is rewarded with tasty snacks and free samples.

13. Fill up on free samples

Wherever you may wander in London, try to plot a course for one of the many food markets across the city. After a lovely walk to Primrose Hill, I strolled the canals to Camden Lock Market on a Saturday where the Global Kitchen vendors offered an incredible selection of international eats. The next day I trekked across the Thames to Borough Market, which was celebrating the annual Apple Festival.

There was no need for lunch on either day, because I tried free tastes of everything from cave-aged English cheese and local smoked meats to Jamaican jerk chicken and Indian naan wraps. Some of the samples were huge!

Diwana offers a delicious special of Indian meals every night of the week.

14. Feast for £6.60

You might not find four-star atmosphere, but the Indian food served up at Diwana is fantastic. This busy spot near Euston Station offers a daily £6.60 dinner special, even on the weekends. I was very happy with my Sunday night meal of Muttar Paneer (pea and cheese curry), fresh paratha (grilled flatbread), raita and salad. Plus, it scores extra cheapo points for its BYOB policy.

15. Save on an upscale lunch (by sitting at the bar)

Since my mission was to spend wisely, I didn’t hit up any fancy restaurants for a blowout dinner. But that doesn’t mean I still didn’t eat well. For a more upscale lunch, you can visit St. John Restaurant, and sit in the bar section that’s open all day. Order a couple of small plates (£6-9 each) from the bar, and chow down on their famous roast bone marrow and parsley salad, or the mussels, leeks and salsify. It won’t be your cheapest meal of the trip, but it just might be your tastiest.

Wenlock Arms is a neighborhood favorite in Hackney for great cask ales and homemade food.

16. Get to know the neighborhood pubs

I love a good drink, and there’s no place like the pubs of London to enjoy a sip of ale. Surprisingly, the beer was not only bigger (20 oz.) than in New York bars, but it was also cheaper, even with the currency conversion! Many pubs offer lovely stouts, bitters and brown ales for around £3.50 ($5.25). Not bad at all since you don’t have to throw in an extra buck or two on top for the tip. I ventured outside the city center to local gems like Wenlock Arms and King’s Head Pub & Theatre.

Cittie of Yorke pours cheap pints of cask ale all day and night.

17. Grab a Cheapo pint in an historic tavern

I also found a great deal on pints in some surprising places. Two popular landmark pubs, Cittie of Yorke  and Princess Louise, were both serving special €2.90 pints of Samuel Smith pulled from wooden casks. That’s a tiny price to pay for a pint of excellent beer that you can enjoy in a marvelous historic interior.

Keep an eye out for unique snacks when exploring local markets.

18. Satisfy your snack attacks

Keep an eye out for local delicacies that make the perfect afternoon snack. Since I started each day with a huge breakfast, lunch was usually an afterthought. But when my stomach started to rumble I’d grab some homemade pasties or scones for (£2-3) or keep an eye out for something tasty.

For example I found a local shop named Lee’s Seafood near the Columbia Flower Market that was selling a special Sunday sandwich. It was packed with two delicious Cumbrian sausages, caramelized onions and rocket (“arugula” back in the States) for only £3.

19. Stock up at the supermarket

Supermarket prices at big-name chains like Sainsbury are very fair, especially when compared to New York. A huge bottle of sparkling spring water was going for 90 pence, and most of the scrumptious chocolate bars could be had for anywhere between 35 – 60 p. I dare you to try to buy a bottle of Perrier and two gourmet chocolate bars for $2.50 back in the States!

A crispy plate of fish and chips at Golden Union in Soho.

20. Don’t forget the classic fish and chips

To keep my budget in check, I stuck to classic British fare. Of course you can find British fare the world ’round, but somehow fish and chips just tastes better in London. For takeaway, you can try local shops like Kennedy’s where you can get a “small” (which could easily feed two) for about £6 or £7.

For something a little more fancy then your typical chip shop, Golden Union in Soho offers a range of fish from rock salmon, haddock and cod that are all local and sustainable. They even bake homemade pies. You can get either with a huge pile of chips for about £11.

21. Bring home unique cheapo souvenirs

Instead of typical tourist souvenirs, I tend to pick up a random assortment of items when I travel. In London I found a sturdy shopping bag at Borough Market, a bag of tea from a local shop, and a book at the newly renovated Foyle’s. Even if you don’t buy anything at the bookshop, it’s a great place to browse and escape the rain or hustle and bustle of the city. There’s a beautiful cafe on the top floor, and the public restrooms come in handy when you’re in and around Soho.

5-day budget

Transport: €20
Museums: €10
Food: €105
Drinks: €25
Coffee: €10
Souvenirs: €20
Postcards & stamps: €10
4 nights at Celtic Hotel: €244
TOTAL: £444

Your tips? How do you save in London?

Now you’ve seen the ways that I saved on my trip. How do you save when visiting London? Share with us in the comments section below.

The post 21 simple ways I saved on my trip to London appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Yet the area is still relatively undeveloped in terms of places to stay. As indicated by the recent opening of CitizenM, this has started to change. Even without its fascinating history, it would be well worth investigating Southwark for convenience alone: London Bridge allows easy access across the city, and—with direct trains to Gatwick—out.

Although hotels in the area are mainly geared toward business travelers and sometimes lack the convivial atmosphere of elsewhere in the city, that does mean there’s a good chance of picking up a room on a last minute deal. And that means more money to spend on the area’s numerous attractions.

The brightly decorated bar at the CitizenM Bankside is open ’round the clock. Photo: Rosapolis.

Where to Stay

CitizenM London Bankside
20 Lavington Street
Doubles from $180 to $330

It’s illustrative of the kind of changes going on in the area that Southwark was selected as the first London location for this rapidly expanding contemporary chain. The formula remains the same here as in other branches: pristine but tiny space age-style rooms equipped with swish technology. Downstairs is devoted to a sociable communal area complete with designer chairs, quirky interior touches and a 24-hour bar.

ibis Styles London Southwark Rose
47 Southwark Bridge Road
Doubles from: $162 to $550

With an abundance of museums, galleries and independent shops in the neighborhood, Southwark is known for its sense of style. That’s probably why its been earmarked for both CitizenM and ibis Styles branches—the latter’s offering being the Southwark Rose. This hotel offers the reliability of the ibis chain with a just a little bit more pizzazz, and is a clean and comfortable base from which to explore the delights of the area. Décor is bright and bold and beds are reassuringly  comfy.

LSE Bankside House
24 Sumner Street
Doubles from: $112

If you’re after the location but are less bothered about the frills, LSE Bankside House offers a great budget summer alternative. Essentially it’s college accommodation made available to visitors over the summer vacation. There are 560 rooms available, all decorated in a uniform student style. Facilities are basic, but the rooms are very clean and offer  great value for London.

Chorizo and rocket sandwich? Yes, please! Photo: peripathetic.

Where to Eat

Borough Market
8 Southwark Street

You’ll be spoiled for cheap eats with a visit to London’s famous foodie paradise, Borough Market. It’s open every day of the week except Sunday, though you’ll encounter its full force if you visit on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday.

Be guided by your taste buds, but a firm favorite from the market’s huge number of stalls is Brindisa’s Chorizo sandwich: juicy chorizo, piquillo peppers and rocket served in a ciabatta roll for £3.95 (you’ll be able to spot the stall from the ever-present queue). Another pick is Roast—an upscale restaurant within the market—which offers their tasty fare through a takeaway booth for a fraction of its usual price. Their succulent roast pork and crackling roll comes highly recommended for £6.50.

Leon
7 Canvey Street, The Blue Fin Building

Leon is one of London’s best-loved food chains. Their slogan is “naturally fast food” and they feature healthy salads and hot dishes at lunch (all priced at around £5 to £7), with slightly more substantial food on offer each evening. Food is speedy and tastes indulgent but contains enough fresh ingredients and vitamins to keep your mom from worrying.  This spacious branch scores extra points due to its great location behind Tate Modern and its striking semi-industrial décor. It looks expensive but your check will tell you otherwise.

El Vergel
132 Webber Street

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys chumming up next to your neighbor at communal tables with your wine served by the tumbler, this unpretentious Latin American eatery could be the perfect place for you. It’s open for breakfast and lunch and serves up enticing specials each day alongside the traditional tacos and tortillas. The most popular item on the menu remains the generously portioned £7.50 Latin American breakfast, including scrambled eggs with salsa, chorizo, kidney beans and village bread, all washed down with tea or coffee.

The George Inn gives a taste of Dickensian London. Photo: Jon’s pics.

Where to Drink

The George Inn
75-77 Borough High Street

While not the cheapest pint in town, you do get a free tourist attraction thrown in with your drink at the George Inn. Dating to the seventeenth-century (even having been mentioned in novels by Charles Dickens), this remarkable coaching inn is now owned by the National Trust. Inside is as “olde worlde” as you might expect, with low oak beamed ceilings and quaint nooks to hole up for the evening in. There are plenty of tables set outside in the cobbled yard too, which are ideal for watching the world go by—as people have been doing in this spot for over 300 years.

The Lord Nelson
243 Union Street

It doesn’t look so promising from the outside—it’s a pub on the corner of a modern housing estate. And the décor—English eccentricity at its most kitsch—certainly won’t be to everyone’s taste. But it would be foolish to let those things prevent you from paying The Lord Nelson a visit. It has a great location close to Tate Modern, but not on the usual tourist trail, it’s got some of the friendliest service for miles around, and some of the cheapest pints too. Take time to enjoy their menu, which offers great home-cooked food at very reasonable prices.

A night at the Roxy might include dinner, drinks and a movie. Photo: STML.

Bonus: Roxy Bar & Screen
128–132 Borough High Street

Roxy is a nice enough bar in its own right but, on weekdays and Sundays, it’s also a great place to catch a cheap movie. For only £4 (about a third of the price of most London cinema tickets), you can sit back in one of their comfy sofas and enjoy a screening. There’s usually a varied program of movies each week, including recent releases, special themed double-bills, as well as sing-alongs and artier offerings.

With a sociable atmosphere and tasty food alongside the drinks menu, it makes an enjoyable and wallet-friendly alternative to the multiplex.

Interested in other neighborhoods?

Check out our Cheapo guides to Soho and South Kensington.  And for a look at the whole city’s hotel scene, take a look at our London listings!

The post London: A Cheapo’s Guide to Southwark’s hotels, restaurants and bars appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

However, what we tend to shout about less are the homegrown recipes we locals grew up with, the tastes that punctuate British cooking. While most visitors to London try to seek out a traditional fish and chips, English breakfast or Sunday Roast during their stay, one thing I think Britain does very well are desserts. And happily for Cheapos, these are almost always quite affordable!

Here’s a run down of my favorite desserts to look out for on any pub menu during your stay. I’m sure you won’t regret giving them a try.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

The absolute dream dessert for anyone with an ultra sweet tooth, Sticky Toffee Pudding is about as traditional as it gets. Nobody is quite sure when the recipe was really invented, but some believe it is as early as the start of the 1900’s. The pudding itself is a lovely steamed sponge with a dark, toffee color due to presence of dates and black tea in the recipe. The sponge is topped with a thick, rich, warm toffee sauce.

It’s normally served with cream, custard or vanilla ice cream, all of which make a welcome addition when matched with the intense sweetness of the dessert. Your teeth will hate you for this one, but your stomach will love you!

Fruit crumble is a summertime staple. Photo: rukakuusamo

Fruit Crumble

A summer favorite, crumble has been a staple British dessert since the 1940’s and you’ll find it made with lots of different fruit combinations on dessert menus across London. Traditionally, a fruit crumble is made with stewed apples, blackberries, rhubarb and sometimes sharp gooseberries. The delicious sweetened stewed fruit mixture is then covered with a crunchy “crumble” topping of sugar, flour and butter. It’s best eaten hot with a dollop of cold vanilla ice cream.

A trifle is nothing to overlook. Photo: Brooke Raymond

Trifle

One of the oldest British desserts, and one that highlights the nation’s love of custard, Trifle has been a traditional sweet since the 1500’s. Trifle isn’t found as regularly as other desserts on restaurant menus and tends to be a more nostalgic dish that everybody’s mum “used to make.” If you do spot it being sold somewhere, then it’s well worth a try, or alternatively you can pick one up in supermarkets like Marks & Spencer for a few pounds.

The main ingredient is thick custard, which is layered with sweet sponge cake, fruit jelly, fresh strawberries or raspberries, cream and a bit of sherry to give it a kick.

Eton Mess is a popular sugary mix of goodness. Photo: Curns

Eton Mess

This simple summer dessert is said to have been invented at Eton College in the 1930’s. It’s a sugary mixture of crushed meringues, fresh chopped strawberries and whipped cream that continues to be a popular choice with Brits today.

Bread and Butter Pudding

Very English and ever traditional, while Bread and Butter Pudding may sound like a strange way to end a meal, it really is delicious, with a surprisingly delicate taste. This dessert has been a staple dish since the 1700s at least, and is made by layering buttered bread and raisins with cream or milk, cinnamon and nutmeg. The dish is baked in the oven so that it is crispy on top and and gloriously soft underneath. It’s normally served warm with ice cream.

Where to try them

Good pubs in London will always offer a wide selection of traditional desserts, so check out our post on the best pubs in London and traditional British restaurants for some ideas.

Other locales of note include London’s oldest restaurant, Rules in Covent Garden, where they serve up a mean Sticky Toffee Pudding, if not a little on the pricey side at £7.95. Canteen is also worth a look – this small chain has restaurants on the South Bank, Canary Wharf, Baker Street and Spitalfields, and specializes in reviving classic Brit dishes. The desserts are delicious and start from a more palatable £4.50 each.

Roast in Borough Market and Market in Camden Town also offer a mouthwatering selection of typical desserts starting from around £7 each.

Have a favorite British dessert?

Did we miss one of your favorite British desserts? Have a suggestion for a great place to try any of those listed? Share with us (please!) in our comments section below.

The post London: 5 classic British desserts found on most pub menus appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Do be warned that those big chain pubs promising to serve a Sunday Roast for under £10 are not the real deal. A sloppy roast with chewy meat is not how this important meal should arrive on your plate. Take my advice and head to one of these trusty locales for a guaranteed tasty feast:

The cozy and historic Highbury Barn pub. Photo: Ewan-M

The Highbury Barn
26 Highbury Park
London, N5 2AB
Tube: Highbury & Islington
Website

Located on this little stretch of foodie heaven just at the end of Highbury Fields, this historic, cozy pub draws on its gourmet surroundings, with all meat sourced from the award-winning Godfrey & Son’s butchers across the road and an impressive list of wine and ale. Choose from lemon and thyme roast chicken, pork with cider gravy, sirloin of beef with Yorkshire pudding or roast leg of lamb, all served with seasonal veg, roast potatoes and gravy.

Prices aren’t too bad either, ranging from £14 to £18.50 each. While you enjoy your lunch you can also be sure you’re tapping into a little piece of London history – the Highbury Barn started serving cakes and ale right back in 1740 and first became a tavern in 1770!

The Three Crowns
175 Stoke Newington Church Street
London, N16 0LH
Buses: 73 (from Victoria), 476 (from Euston)
Website

“Stokey” Church Street is the ideal place to spend a Sunday afternoon. The village-like feel of this pretty street takes you miles away from the madness of London’s city center, and there are endless pubs, cafes, restaurants and tea shops to explore. The Three Crowns is located at the end of the street and is a comfy gastropub with a lively atmosphere at any time of day.

Roasts start at £14.95 and the choices vary from a vegetarian nut roast and chicken breast with rosemary and apricot stuffing to a roast loin of pork with crackling and roast sirloin of beef. All these delicious options are served with Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, greens and gravy. Delicious!

Inside the Charles Lamb, a quirky old-fashioned pub near the Regent’s Canal. Photo: Ewan-M

The Charles Lamb
16 Elia Street
London, N1 8DE
Tube: Angel
Website

There’s something about this quirky little pub that makes me feel like I’ve stepped back in time to an old fashioned London. Perched on a corner amidst quiet residential streets, just a few yards from the Regent’s Canal and a couple of blocks away from the bustle of Upper Street, it feels like the Charles Lamb has acted as a well respected local watering hole for a very long time. And rightly so – this pub was originally opened in 1839.

They don’t take bookings and there are only a few tables, so get here early on a Sunday for a fantastic lunch. The offering is smaller than in some pubs – they tend to stick to just pork and beef – but they do them to perfection. Prices are competitive, costing £16 or £16.50 each. Once they’ve cleared away your plates, you can even enjoy a game of Scrabble at your table.

Floripa
91-93 Great Eastern Street
London, EC2A 3HZ
Tube: Old Street / Shoreditch High Street (overground)
Website

If you’ve already tried and tested a traditional Sunday lunch, then why not sample something new and give Floripa’s Brazilian take on a British favorite a go? This trendy hotspot in East London serves up a seriously scrumptious roast every Sunday from just £14. Choose from char-grilled slow-roasted Picanha (beef), roast chicken with coriander, chipotle, coconut and garlic butter, or vegetable and Brazil nut roast.

All these delectable dishes are served with Brazilian-style Yorkshire puddings (you need to try it to believe it), roast potatoes, seasonal veg, corn on the cob and sweet potato mash. What’s more, you can enjoy free live jazz from the house band from 5 p.m. every Sunday. It’s an excellent way to end the week if you ask me!

The post London: 4 delicious Sunday roasts for under £20 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.