4 Days in London: Big Ben, Royals & Hipster Heaven

London on a budget: experience the magic without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Exploring London on a limited budget is entirely possible with proper planning and research. To save money, opt for budget-friendly accommodations like hostels or Airbnbs and take advantage of the city's excellent public transportation system, which will allow you to visit major attractions like the British Museum, Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey. Additionally, indulge in some street food and visit local markets for delicious and affordable meals.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Big Ben and Beers

  • Check into The Z Hotel Shoreditch, a modern and affordable hotel in the heart of East London.
  • Head to the iconic Big Ben and take selfies with the world's most famous clocktower.
  • Walk over the bridge to Southbank for a pint of ale at The Anchor, an old-fashioned English pub with a rich history.
  • Visit the Tate Modern gallery to admire some of contemporary art's finest works.
  • Finish the day with a curry at Tayyabs, a legendary Pakistani restaurant known for its delicious kebabs and naan bread.
Day 2

Royals and Retail Therapy

  • Take a walk around Buckingham Palace, the residence of the Queen of England.
  • Visit the National Gallery to see the works of artists like Van Gogh, Monet and da Vinci.
  • Stop by iconic department store Harrods for some window shopping and high-end retail therapy.
  • Take a break for afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, a posh tea room that has been serving royalty since the 18th century.
  • End the day with a nightcap in one of Covent Garden's trendy rooftop bars.
Day 3

Hipster Heaven in Shoreditch

  • Explore the bustling Brick Lane market, a colorful hub of street art, food and vintage fashion.
  • Check out the street art in Shoreditch, a mecca for hipsters and creatives.
  • Visit the Boxpark retail park, which features pop-up shops, street food and live music events.
  • Stop by the Rough Trade East record store and bar, where you can browse vinyl and CDs while sipping a beer.
  • For dinner, try Dishoom, a popular Indian restaurant that serves classic Bombay dishes with a twist.
Day 4

History and Harry Potter Magic

  • Visit the British Museum to see iconic artifacts like the Rosetta Stone and the Egyptian mummies.
  • Take a walking tour of Oxford Street, one of London's busiest shopping districts.
  • Head to King's Cross Station to snap a photo at Platform 9 3/4 and visit the Harry Potter Shop for souvenirs and memorabilia.
  • Finish the day with a pint and pub grub at the historic Lamb & Flag pub, which dates back to the 17th century.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to London by plane is to fly into London Heathrow Airport, which is one of the major airports in the city. Other good options include London Gatwick Airport and London City Airport.

Car

Driving to London is possible too, but you will need to consider the heavy traffic and parking issues in the city. The best way to get there by car is to take the M25 motorway, which circles around the city, and follow directions to the city center.

Train

If you prefer to travel by train, the best option is to take the Eurostar from Paris to London, which arrives at London St. Pancras International Station.

Boat

There are no direct boat services to London, but you can take a ferry or cruise to a nearby port and then take a train or bus to the city. Southampton port is the closest port to London that has good transport links.

Bus

To reach London by bus, you can take the National Express coach service, which operates from various cities throughout the UK and arrives at Victoria Coach Station in London.

Destination

London

Welcome to a city where the weather is a mystery and so is the pronunciation of Leicester Square. Get ready to experience a land of accent confusion and tea obsession – welcome to London!

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Type of trip

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