Making the Most of Your Pounds

Making the Most of Your Pounds

Property prices in London reached an all-time high in 2007, although the global credit crunch that swept over Britain in 2008 slowly brought these prices back down to a reasonable, although still elevated, price. The capital still remains the world's second-most expensive city, but remember that saving can give you a richer experience—you can live like a local if you save like a local.

Although your pocket might feel the pinch, greenbacks can punch above their weight with a few well-chosen tips. Travelers posting on the Travel Talk forums at Fodors.com recommend the following budget-saving tips:

Travel wisely

"The Oyster card is your best bet. You can get the visitor one and use it whenever you come back to London, as they never expire."—genabee6

"To qualify for the 2for1 offers listed at www.daysoutguide.co.uk you must buy a National Rail paper travelcard at any mainline train station. That travelcard will be good for the Tube, Docklands Light Railway, and National Rail trains within the zones covered plus the entire London bus network. Travelcards bought at Tube stations do NOT qualify."—TimS

Thinking with your stomach

"Renting an apartment and cooking your own food is much less expensive than staying in a hotel and eating every meal out."—nytraveler

"For inexpensive eating we would pick up a premade sandwich and crisps from Tesco Express. We also went shopping for dinner supplies at Sainsbury's like rolls, meat, and cheese for sandwiches. Round it out with some fresh fruit. Much cheaper than sitting down in a restaurant. Pub meals and fish and chips can be a good way to go as well." —trvlgirlmq

It's theater, but not as we know it

"Many pubs have tiny theaters in back rooms that show small, edgy plays that are really good, but they tend to be pubs outside of the West End. It is SO much better than I had anticipated."—BearsGrl8

"You can attend sessions at the Old Bailey and have a dose of 'reality' courtroom—British style."—rickmav

Sight-see, don't site-spend

"Along with many, many others, www.walks.com does a walk called Legal & Illegal London. The walks guides meet the groups at different Tube stops. They cost £7 and are excellent."—carolyn

"Have just purchased the Historic Royal Palaces family membership, as it gives us free admission to Hampton Court, the Tower, Kew Palace, Kensington and Banqueting House—we will certainly be visiting at least three of those places during our trip, so it seemed like a good deal. Plus, you skip the queues."—needsnow

Shop, but don't drop

"For antiques and collectibles (as well as some more modern creations), Greenwich market is always worth a look."—Jay_G

"The Notting Hill Housing Trust seems to have particularly interesting clothes. Clothes often go to specific, mildly quirky, local charities. There's a store finder at www.charityshops.org.uk."—flanneruk