text and photos by Nina Sarmiento

I enjoy going to London, if only because I can't get enough of the museums, galleries and taking photos of the London Eye. But it can be hard on the budget, this being one of the world's most expensive cities.

Fortunately, there are some cheap but chic ways that gypsygals like us can do that will let us have fun in London:

1.) Walk your way: It's not only a good exercise, but it's also the best way to explore some of London's renown sites including Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and Tower Bridge. 

2.) Hop on a bus: Red tour buses are all over London, and you can always hop in and take a tour of a city for the price of 25 pounds (the ticket is good for one day). Alternatively, you can buy a map, plan where you want to go, and take the tube. You can buy the Oyster card which you can use to ride a bus, tube, train, tram and even a riverboat for the price of 12 pounds. 

Hop on a red bus and travel London on the cheap

3.) Book a room in a hostel or in any London bed and breakfast: Most hostels or bed and breakfast hotels are not only cheap, clean, safe and accessible. They have all the facilities that any traveler might need including wi-fi, kitchen, hot and cold shower and washing machine. One of the hostels that I can personally recommend is YHA London Central .

4.Feed on some cheap and yummy eats: This is London, the land of fish and chips, a meal for those who want to load up on carbo and protein. 

I also like gong to the popular sandwich chain Pret-a-Manger for bagels and sandwiches. They also sell salads, smoothies and cakes. A meal can cost 10 to 15 pounds. Also, do try some scones which can be found in every cafes and tea shops here.

5. Shop at Oxford Street: If you're into High Street fashion, this is the place to be. The street is lined with shops selling labels like H&M, Top Shop, Zara, Primark, Uniqlo, TK and Maxx. The nearest tube stops are Oxford and Piccadilly Circus. you can also head to the Camden Market, a weekend market, where you can shop for some knickknacks, alt fashion garb, musical instruments and artworks. The nearest tube station is Camden Town.

6. Go for art tripping: London is filled with some of the world's best galleries and museums, which you can enter for free or for a small fee. So immerse yourself looking at some paintings and sculptures. They can both feed the mind and the soul. Trust me, this is better than wasting your time (and money) shopping in a mall.

Resources: 

2. Want to know more how to travel alone as a woman? Then grab this solo female travel guide and start crafting your own journeys now! *