London has attracted tourists from across the world for decades. But what are the sights actually worth seeing? I uncover them all here - even if you are on a budget.
Waterloo Pier and South Bank.
Exit Waterloo at exit 2. From there, go left, cross the road and walk under the underpass. You will find a bar called Waterloo Tap on the right. This is a must for beer lovers to visit. Carry on walking, and you will get to Royal Festival Hall. If the rooftop bar is open, take the elevator and enjoy the views. Alternatively, carry on walking along the river, taking in the sights of Westminster Bridge and Big Ben.
The great thing about Waterloo is that it is on several London Underground lines, as well as having trains connecting south-west London and many buses. See how you can reach Waterloo here or buy a one-day travelcard giving you access to London Zones 1 to 6.
Looking for more travel tips on a budget? See my advice here.
Shopping in Camden Town.
Whilst Sunday is the best day to visit the markets, to avoid crowds, you can visit on other days and check out the food stall sellers. From the tube station, walk towards the canal and you will then find a commercial centre with entertainment options and toilets as well as free Wi-Fi.
Explore London bus routes for a free city tour.
The top routes for enjoying scenic views of London whilst only paying a single £1.75 bus fare are 9, 24, 139 and 453. Sit on the upper deck and take in the amazing views whilst being guided by audio announcing stops and key landmarks. Most of these routes run frequently, so if you see a stop that looks interesting, simply alight to explore then wait for the next bus. You will pay a maximum of £5.25 for a day’s bus travel provided you always use the same card to touch in.
Explore St James’ Park and Victoria Street.
St James’ Park is a spacious park with ponds and wildlife. There are cafes and toilet facilities within the park, as well as play areas for children. Despite being in central London, the park is very secluded and you do not hear any traffic noise. You can easily walk from London Victoria, whilst taking in the shops of Victoria Street. Why not stop by Rubens Hotel? It is a lovely five-star hotel that offers fine dining including for those not staying at the hotel. However, it is recommended to book in advance.
Have a day out at Westfield.
If you are looking for luxury, Westfield Shopping Centres are the place for you. There are also more mainstream shops and food outlets, all in one place. You will also find a cinema and some other entertainment options. There are 2 locations - London W12 and Stratford E20.
The London W12 location is easily reachable from Shephard’s Bush tube and bus station which is connected to the central line as well as London Overground (MildMay line.) Stratford Westfield is clearly signposted when exiting the DLR/Elizabeth line or Central Line.