My footsteps take me past classics like Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Covent Garden and London Eye, and I see it all without spending a penny. It is possible to do London on a budget, and staying at the Travel Joy Hostels might give you more days to explore.
Setting off to explore London on a budget I found a place to stay on this map of London Hostels . The metropolis of London is a huge contrast, having spent two months on the west coast of Wales. I just stare out the window of the bus, as it slowly makes its way through traffic and pass by posh neighbourhoods. The mansion like houses with white columns and black painted fences are far from my world, but I enjoy contrasts when I travel, and London is full of them.
I make my way from Victoria Station and immediately feel more at home, when I reach my destination and check in at the TRAVEL JOY HOSTEL. A proper backpackers hostel near the bank of the Thames. The reception/pub area has a welcoming and laid back lounge atmosphere, and for me this is a perfect base for exploring London. (Editors Note. Unfortunately Travel Joy Hostel closed in November 2017. However there are other good hostels in London here.)
This isn’t my first time in the English capital – if so, a single night would be far from enough. First time you have to spend more time visiting all the highlight spots, touristy or not. But second or third time around, it’s nice just to take in the city by foot. It is possible to do London on a budget, there are also endless of free pleasures to be found – not at least if you are interested in architecture.
”Check out the M16 building nearby. It’s the one they blow up in Skyfall” suggests the young receptionist at the hostel. And Skyfall being one of a few James Bond movies I’ve actually seen, I decide to do so. After just a few minutes walk along the river, I spot the unique looking building on the opposite bank. Next to the arched Vauxhall Bridge and the a residential complex that seems to be topped by five gigantic owls. The architectual features are endless.
Further down the road a better known classic appears. The Palace of Westminster, with the world’s most famous clock – Big Ben. An iconic photo opportunity both day and night, as well as the new take on the classic red London Bus – in a slightly more slimlined version. It doesn’t get more ‘Londonish’ than this – and the streets are full of treats for a passionate photographer. Even when doing London on a Budget on rainy days.
By night Piccadilly Circus is lit up by bright screens, and the puddles create some colourful reflections underneath determined footsteps.
My own footsteps also take me past classics like Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Covent Garden and London Eye, and I see it all without spending a penny. To find out more about the cost of attractions you can look on the London Hut website. It is possible to do London on a budget, and staying in one of Londons Hostels like Travel Joy Hostels might give you more days to explore.
London on a budget – Travel Joy Hostels View.