London for Pence

Tip 6:  Flatten Entrance Fees
Although London is noteworthy for its many free museums, free admissions only cover the permanent collection, which, at places such as the Tate Modern, aren’t that special. So be prepared to spend $18 to see the current special exhibition. If that’s not worth it to you, choose museums with extraordinary and deep permanent collections, such as the Victoria & Albert Museum or British Museum.

One way around these fees is the London Pass, which will get you into a number of attractions, such as Kew Gardens and the Tower of London. The pass is pricey, and priced by duration. I would avoid the one- or two-day versions, in favor of the three- or six-day pass (starting at $127), but do first spend some time online determining if it syncs with your sightseeing agenda.

Another savings strategy: Skip it! When my son wanted to tramp through the touristy London Dungeon, with its $32 admission, I peeled off and visited something free—no wasted time, less wasted cash.

Finally, be efficient. You can do a lot more in a day if you plan your sightseeing in a reasonable geographic progression. Or, quicken your pace or extend your day. You can experience as much in a five-day visit as in a week.

Tip 7: Save on the Show
In summer, there is a plethora of free outdoor concerts and festivals. Year-round, you can queue up at the half-price ticket booth at Leicester Square for same-day seats. But be prepared to waste some time in line and not get perfect seats or tickets to the hottest shows.

Tip 8: Saving Doesn’t Mean McDonald’s
If your game is visiting some of the city’s best restaurants, go at lunch. We had a superb three-course lunch at Gordon Ramsay’s Boxwood Café for a set menu price of $37, including tax and tip. A three-course dinner there would easily run $100 a person. If you’re not willing to set aside two hours of sightseeing for luxe lunches, then stop at Pizza Express, London’s delicious and ubiquitous whole-foods pizza chain, or Pret a Manger, the equally ubiquitous sandwich/salad stop. The food at both is cheap, quick, high-quality, and delicious.

Shy away from expensive hotel breakfasts (unless you’re skipping lunch) and bottled water at meals. If you’re parched, a table of four can easily drop $25 on water in a better restaurant. London’s tap water is fine.

Tip 9: Shop Warily
London’s January sales are not what they were before the days of year-round discounting, and most of what you’ll find is available far cheaper in the United States. The exception is one-of-a kind goods, including art, crafts, and antiques, but due to the exchange rate, expect final prices well above similar stuff in the United States.