A Guide To London Vacation On A Shoestring Budget

London, the capital city of England and the United Kingdom, with its rich history, aesthetic architecture and dynamic, multicultural present is a poet's refuge, a shopper's paradise and a lover's dream. Albeit, one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in, it has something to fulfill everyone's taste and there's little wonder as to why every soul should visit this constantly evolving and astounding city to visit at least once in lifetime.

While most people would think that a luxurious city like London would have few accommodation options for those with a slightly less budget, the truth is far from that. There are a variety of hotels, apartments and hostels that one can choose depending on their pocket size and tastes.

Among the swanky hotels are Blakes Hotel, Cadogan Hotel, The Lanesborough, The Ritz, The Savoy Hotel, The Regency and Claridges. Each of these guarantee a quintessentially English experience rich in history with subtle touches of modernity. With stunning décor and flawless service, each promises to make your stay unique, memorable and magical.

For those who cannot afford a royalty's lifestyle, there are hotels that offer an unforgettable experience at a more affordable price. These hotels include, The Gore, The Beaufort Hotel, The Zetter, The Ibis Hotel and The Hampstead Guest House.

However, if these hotels do not cut the deal for you, more wallet friendly options include The Mayflower Hotel, Fullers Hotel, Reubens At The Palace, The Arriva Hotel and Hotel 167. You could also stay in one of the many hostels offering dorm rooms for extremely affordable prices. Ashlee House, Holland House Youth Hostel and Wake Up! London are just a few of them.

One of the key tourist destinations in the world, London is full of world famous landmarks, museums, shopping streets, theatres and restaurants. To truly enjoy this majestic city and its wonders, one not only needs plenty of money but ample time as well!

No trip to London is complete without visiting the Buckingham Palace. Sadly, it is open to the general public only from July to September. It is however completely worth the wait. The public are allowed access to the Queen's Gallery and the 19 State Rooms including the Throne Room and the Ballroom. The queen's private apartments, swimming pool and garden are unfortunately off limits. The Westminster Abbey is one of Britain's finest gothic buildings. It has played host to coronations, funerals and marriages of British monarchs and is a must see tourist location. Other architectural landmarks that you cannot miss are The Clock Tower also called the Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral and The London Eye, the world's largest observation wheel which allows you to view the city in all its glory.

London is full of museums and art galleries including The British Museum which exhibits works from across nations and time, The National Gallery which houses one of the greatest collections of European paintings, The Tate Modern which houses modern art, The Science Museum which is dedicated to the scientific developments of the past 300 odd years or so and of course Madame Tussaud's, the world's largest wax museum housing wax statues of prominent personalities from across the world.

London offers one of the best shopping experiences in the world. One can choose from the 2km long Oxford Street which is probably London's busiest shopping area to Regent Street to the more upscale Knightsbridge, Mayfair and Chelsea area. Harrods and Harvey Nichols are undoubtedly the most popular departmental stores here, Soho the area to shop in for music related products and New Bond Street for designer clothes and other expensive items. London is also world famous for its markets, where people go not only to find rare, genuine bargains but also just for the experience. Camden Passage, Chapel Market, Leather Lane Market and Portobello Road Market are just a few of the many markets that this city is filled with.

After a day full of exhausting sight-seeing and shopping, you need some rest and one of the best ways to do this is to party in one of London's many clubs and bars including Fabric, Turnmills, 93 Feet East and Cargo. But if partying is not your style, you could spend your evening watching a performance in one of London's many theatres or laugh your guts out in one of the many comedy clubs here or simply enjoy a quiet meal in one of the restaurants across town.

London truly offers a multifaceted experience. Its streets merge the past and the present into a beautiful, rich fusion. Vibrant, exciting and beautiful, London is THE place to be.