Exploring London on a Budget

1. Book a free walking tour

A free walking tour is a perfect way to explore a city, especially one with as rich a history as London. Booking a tour is simple, and the best part is that you don’t need to pay upfront. The concept is as clever as it is flexible: after the tour, you pay what you feel it was worth - usually between £10 and £20, which is still cheaper than a pre-booked tour. LSE Summer School even offers their own free walking tour as part of its events programme – a great opportunity to meet fellow Summer School students and see the highlights of London.

Most tours start at Westminster and run daily in various languages. Opt for an English tour to familiarise yourself with local vocabulary, making it easier to chat about your experience with your Summer School friends. Not a big history fan? No worries - there are plenty of themed tours focusing on music, art, and more.

 

2. Book Last-Minute Tickets for Musicals or Theatres

London has been the entertainment capital for centuries—just think of Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre. Even today, you can enjoy a huge variety of plays, musicals, and shows across the city. LSE is perfectly located near the West End, London’s theatre district, making it easy to access the many theatres nearby. I walked past Mamma Mia! and Tina: The Musical every day on my way to class.

However, tickets can be pricey, especially if you want a great view. If you’re feeling spontaneous, check out the show’s websites for discounted last-minute tickets. Here’s a special tip: visit The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie. It’s the longest-running play in London and a classic British crime story. At 10:00 on the day of the show, the box office opens for first-row tickets at just £22 (as at summer 2024). You'll get good seats and be close enough to hear every word - it's a very British experience!

 

3. Use Santander Bikes

Take advantage of Santander bikes to get to campus! While biking on the left side of the road might feel tricky at first if you’re not from the UK, you’ll quickly get used to it. I commuted from Sidney Webb, one of LSE’s accommodation options, every day, and the morning view from Waterloo Bridge made it totally worth it.

Cycling is also a great way to explore the city on weekends. I’d suggest exploring Hyde Park, as it is a great green space!

 

4. Grab Lunch in Chinatown

Explore the area around LSE, and you’ll quickly realise you're in the heart of London. Covent Garden is just a stone's throw away, as is Chinatown - especially convenient if you’re biking (see tip 3!). Chinatown is the perfect spot for a quick bite or dinner with friends.

For a quick and tasty lunch, try a bao bun, a steamed rice bun stuffed with delicious fillings like beef or chicken. At around £3.50 each, they’re warm, soft, and a delicious budget-friendly option to satisfy your cravings!

 

5. Visit Free Museums

Did you know that many of London’s museums are free? Some, like the National Gallery, require advanced booking or have long lines. Instead, I recommend visiting the National Portrait Gallery - it's often less crowded and offers incredible exhibits.

If you're an art lover, you don’t always need to visit a museum. London is full of street art, and you can find amazing works just by exploring the city. A perfect, budget-friendly way to enjoy art and culture!

 

This blog was written by one of our 2024 Student Ambassadors, who are here to share their stories and help you understand the summer school experience at LSE.