London – Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
London is a vast, sprawling, diverse and ever surprising city and one of most expensive places in the world to stay. So a backpacker hoping for a value for money break in this city needs to do some serious planning.
The public transport system in London ceases functioning just after midnight. This also applies to public transport links from the airports. Any backpacker arriving after midnight at one of the five main London airports – Heathrow, Gatwick, City, Stansted or Luton – may face five hours sleeping on an airport bench until the first morning bus or train to the city centre. Ensure that your arrival time in London is 10pm at the latest.
Tower Bridge London
There is lots of cheap accommodation in London that is bookable in advance online. Eating out in London is expensive at any budget. The best course for backpackers is to buy food in major chain supermarkets. Central London street markets have high quality food, at a high price.
When travelling around the city, it’s best to leave your backpack in the hostel. Londoners always moan and never more so when facing a backpacker on the Tube, the underground railway system. The cheapest option for a visitor to London is to buy an Oystercard from railway, Tube and bus stations as well as newsagents. This card enables cheaper travelling on all of the public transport system.
Red Busses in London
The best views in London can be seen on foot. From the centre of London, head for Trafalgar Square. Take a break en route to see the treasures of the National Gallery and head down Whitehall to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.
Cross Westminster Bridge and walk along the southern Thames embankment past the former County Hall and the South Bank arts centre. Climb to the walkway of Hungerford Bridge for one of the best city views across the Thames. Fit backpackers can continue walking along Bankside past the Tate Modern art gallery, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the retired frigate, HMS Belfast, to Tower Bridge. Cross over the bridge to the Tower of London and continue through the City of London business district – the route of the London Marathon- to St Paul’s Cathedral.
Trafalgar Square London
The Smithfield and Clerkenwell areas (Dickensian London) are just west of St Paul’s. There are many cafes and restaurants here where you can at eat on a budget. Take the tube to Camden Town and experience London’s cultural mix at Camden Market. Stores here offer cheap takeaway meals of numerous national cuisines and any necessary apparel at bargain prices.
London Tube – Waterloo Station
Take a train from London’s Waterloo station to Hampton Court to see England’s Tudor and later heritage at Hampton Court Palace. It has art galleries, chapels, kitchens, original lawn tennis courts and a maze. Buy some food from a local store and enjoy a picnic on the calm banks of the Thames in London’s suburbs.
After you return to London, book an evening show at boxoffice.co.uk to round off an enjoyable day.
 Westminster Abbey London  London Eye |
 Victoria Station London  The Gherkin (London Dildo) |
 Bank Station – London Tube  Madame Tussauds London |