This article is written by Sneha Divakar, an Indian internet professional based in Boston, USA

After I bragged about my backpacking expeditions, I was faced with this question from a close acquaintance “Whats the cheapest and best way to enjoy London?”
My answers to the question:

• As soon as you reach London, buy an Oyster Card for public transport. It comes at a 3 pounds refundable deposit and you can use it for Tube and the famous red bus.
• Use Tube only between stations more than 5 hops away. If it is 1 or 2 hops away, take the red bus and sit on top. Better, walk! Or even Oyster card wont work if you use it for 1 hop tube stations. You will walk more within stations than end to end destination

• Walk the South Banks of Thames. You will cover most of London’s sightseeing spots. Start at Trafalgar square, walk upto Big Ben, walk around London Eye just across the road and walk along the South Banks. Dont forget to stop by the Tower Bridge and Millenium Bridge. You could spend a half day and you would have enjoyed a good part of London’s attractions.
• To finish off the day, head to Leicester square for the best night life.

• Leicester Square

• For a cheap Place to crash, try Youth Hostels. For the friendly neighborhood traveler, there is always the Indian YMCA.
  which costs upto 25 pounds for a twin sharing room and the cost includes breakfast and dinner.

Sneha Divakar

1 Nov 2009

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