How to save money in London for tourist attractions
London may be the fourth most expensive city in the world, but you don't have to burn a hole in your wallet for it!
June to September are the best months to visit London if you like dry, balmy weather and being able to experience London beyond the cloudy and dreary reputation it gets. Exploring the city and checking out the myriad of theatres and entertainment options is also much easier on foot.
But, like many major cities in the Northern Hemisphere, London is known to be expensive. In fact, it's the fourth most expensive city in the world, no thanks to its status as the financial hub of Europe. As a traveller, you'll want to maximise your savings to enjoy all the city can offer, and thankfully, city passes are an undisputable way to do so.
How city passes work
There are plenty of passes in the market, but we will talk about a specific London Pass, a digital sightseeing credit package that gives you access to 80+ attractions in the city. Simply choose a duration for your credits package, download it to the official London Pass app, and scan it at the attraction gate to enter.
Wondering how much you can save? Here's an example!
Pro tip: Your credits package is valid for consecutive days, not 24-hour periods, so start early in the day to make the most of all the incredible London attractions at your fingertips.
With more than 80 attractions from Go City to pick from, you won't miss out on the most important attractions in London. Based on data gleaned from tourists using the pass, here are some of the most popular attractions you should visit when in London!
1. Tower of London
One of the world's most famous fortresses and home to the crown jewels, explore the Tower of London's long and storied history while getting a chance to view the Crown Jewels. You may even meet the Beefeaters on a tour of the highlights at the Tower of London!
2. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
See London from another angle, in the comfort of an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. The River Bus service stops at 23 world-famous London landmarks every 20 minutes, making sightseeing easy. Take a look at the route map of the stops where you are free to embark and disembark at your leisure!
3. St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral has played a major role in London’s history, from royal weddings and state funerals to famous burials and more. Step inside and discover the cathedral’s spectacular interiors, architectural design, and breathtaking panoramic views across London from the Stone and Golden Galleries.
4. Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge has stood over the River Thames since 1894. It is one of the most visited attractions in London and remains a working bridge to this day. Don't miss the unique viewing experience of the River Thames from its iconic Glass Floors in the 42-meter-high walkways.
5. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre tour
Step into history and Shakespeare's world with this reconstructed open-air theatre in a 50-minute guided tour. You'll hear stories of the original Globe, learn about its reconstruction process in the 1990s, and find out how the building works today as an experimental theatre space.
6. Old Royal Naval College
Steeped in over 500 years of history, the Old Royal Naval College is the centrepiece of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the 18 acres of beautiful buildings and grounds in the original birthplace of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.
7. Cutty Sark
What in the world is Cutty Sark? It's actually the name of a ship built in the 1840s by American shipbuilders in response to booming commerce and the need for faster cargo transportation. Her three masts made her one of the fastest ships on the sea in the 1870s. Follow in the footsteps of those who sailed her, explore interactive displays that evoke the sights, smells, and sounds of life at sea, enjoy sweeping views of the Thames, and walk right underneath the ship’s gleaming hull to touch a piece of world history.
8. Royal Observatory Greenwich
For the dreamers who look up at the stars at night, don't miss the Royal Observatory Greenwich. This structure stands on the Prime Meridian, the planet's centre which means you can stand astride the world-famous Meridian Line, with one foot in the east and the other in the west. Beyond this fun little experiment, you can also learn how great scientists first mapped the seas and stars, see pioneering inventions and the UK’s largest refracting telescope, and touch a 4.5 billion-year-old asteroid.
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