"London costs more than almost any city on earth to sleep and eat in — and contains more completely free world-class culture than anywhere else. That paradox is what makes it one of the best value destinations if you plan it correctly. I had Rovago build my week around the free museum circuit and neighbourhood walks, keeping paid experiences to a handful of things I couldn't miss. The result was six days in one of the world's great cities for significantly less than I expected."
"The British Museum, the National Gallery, the V&A, the Tate Modern, the Natural History Museum — all free, all extraordinary. I spent an entire morning in the British Museum's Room 4 (Ancient Egypt) and another in the Elgin Marbles room, where the 2,500-year-old Parthenon sculptures are displayed with a directness that is either thrilling or troubling depending on your position on repatriation. The Tate Modern's Turbine Hall permanent commission changes every year and is always worth the visit."
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"Borough Market on a Thursday or Friday morning is the best food market in Britain and possibly in Europe. I ate a salt beef bagel from Monty's Deli, a Scotch egg from a stall whose name I didn't catch, and a slice of Montgomery cheddar that made me rethink cheese. The market is directly under London Bridge station — one of the most atmospheric locations possible. It's crowded by noon; go early and graze slowly."
"For the classic sights I booked a GetYourGuide walking tour of Westminster that covered the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey exterior, St James's Park, Buckingham Palace and Green Park in 2.5 hours with a guide who explained the political history of every building. Tower of London is worth the entry fee (£33) for the Crown Jewels alone — the Cullinan Diamond is incomprehensible in person."
"The pub is London's great cultural institution and should be taken seriously. My favourites: The Lamb in Bloomsbury (Victorian 'snob screens' still intact at the bar), The Dove in Hammersmith (17th century, Thames views, the smallest bar in Britain according to the Guinness Book), and The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping (the oldest riverside pub in London, where Dickens and Turner both drank). A pint of bitter in a proper London pub is €5–6 and comes with history."
"I stayed in a guesthouse in Bermondsey — south of the river, 10 minutes from Borough Market, significantly cheaper than anything equivalent in Covent Garden or Marylebone. I found it through Expedia for £85/night. Before I left I made sure I had travel insurance from SafetyWing — London's healthcare is theoretically free for EU visitors but having coverage for trip cancellation and baggage is always worth it when flying long-haul. Ready to experience it for yourself? Let Rovago plan the trip of a lifetime for you."