London’s iconic skyline holds all manner of historical and cultural marvels. With well over a thousand years of history within the city limits, it’s no wonder England’s capital is one of the most visited places on the planet.
With so many London attractions to see, costs can add up. Thankfullsy, we’ve got some great ways for you to save money while you see the very best of London. From forward-thinking tips to city passes, we’re covering it all! Find out how to pay the lowest cost for the top London attractions down below!
The Tower of London
The Tower of London has worn many hats over the past millennium: Fortress, prison, even a family home. Nowadays, it’s one of London’s top attractions, hosting countless tourists every year. Come for the Crown Jewels, stay for the Beefeaters, birds, and ghostly brides. Good stuff.
One of the best ways to save money on entry is to look at the myriad ticket options. While there are too many to mention by name, various concession tickets are on offer, allowing everyone to visit. Children, students, and seniors all get money off their tickets, and there are also savings for people living with disabilities and carers. Plus, if you receive Universal Credit or other benefits, tickets are just £1!
The London Eye
One of the most eye-catching landmarks in London is arguably The London Eye. Effectively a giant, slow-moving Ferris wheel, it’s something everyone who visits London should experience at least once. And, at over 440ft tall, you’ll get some great snaps of the city’s skyline as you ride!
Tickets for the London Eye can be a pain point, with each ride costing £42 per person.
However, if you plan to see the capital’s best bits over a few days, a great way to save is with a London city pass. That way, you pay one low fee and see as much as you want. Many offer tickets, itinerary-building, and much more in just a single app, so you’ve got everything you need in one place. Just make sure you pack your phone charger!
The View from The Shard
Another top London attraction, another great way to see the city from on high, is The Shard, London’s premier really tall building. At over 800ft tall, it dwarfs The London Eye. But it also doesn’t move, so there’s that. You won’t find better views of the city’s skyline anywhere else. Plus, there are bars and restaurants at the very top, so if you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can do so in style.
Again, tickets can be on the dearer side, but if you’re in town for a day and only want to see a handful of London attractions, some sites offer bundle deals, where you can see 2 to 3 landmarks at a reduced price. Your best bet is to shop around online and see which sites include the places at the top of your list.
Westminster Abbey
Arguably one of London’s most recognisable landmarks, Westminster Abbey is an absolute must-see for history buffs and really anyone looking to explore London’s past. It has seen many royal coronations, including that of William the Conqueror way, way back in 1066, as well as royal weddings, most recently that of ol’ Wills and Kate. The Gothic architecture is a sight to behold, and you’ll also see the tombs of English legends such as Charles Dickens and Charles Darwin.
If you’re traveling from out-of-town, National Rail offers 2-for-1 on many of London’s top attractions, effectively saving you 50% on entry if you travel in pairs. It’s worth looking online to see if these deals apply to the attractions you want to see, but it’s a great way to save!
ZSL London Zoo
And finally, let’s find something a bit more family-friendly! London’s best -and only – zoo is a great place for people of all ages to come face-to-face with many of the world’s most weird and wonderful creatures! From big cats to bigger tortoises, you’re bound to find your favourite animals within. And, when you’re done, you can explore Regents Park, which is easily one of London’s best green spaces!
If you’re a conscientious shopper, you probably have a reward card you scan after every grocery shop. If you don’t, you should! For those in the know, these points can be put towards a tonne of things, like money off your next shop. But did you know you can also use them to get money off tickets – and sometimes even free entry – to some of London’s best attractions? No? Well, you can! And you should. Check the corresponding shop’s website to see what’s on offer, and then save while you sightsee!
And those are our tips on how to pay the lowest cost for the top 5 London attractions! So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and see it all!