London can be an expensive place to live. After paying your rent, it might seem that there is no money left to do anything fun. But don’t worry, we’ve found all the best things London has to offer – for just a tenner.
By: Susanna Flore, Nike Onabanjo and Emma Hati
1. Forget Odeon, here are London’s cheap movie theatres!
Seeing the latest blockbusters doesn’t have to be expensive. London’s independent movie theatres bring you all the movies you want with a side of homey atmosphere.
East: Genesis (Students £4.50)
North: Rio Cinema (Students £79)
Central London: Prince Charles Cinema (£48)
West: Coronet Cinema (Tuesdays £3.50)
2. Get your drink on during happy hour
Happy hour doesn’t get any better than in Simmons. A bottle of beer, glass of wine and spirit + mixer are all £2.50 each! So with £10 you can get a nice buzz on. The best part is, you can find Simmons in Camden, Fulham, Kings Cross, Fitzrovia, Soho, Tower Bridge and Liverpool Street.
3. Sophisticate yourself
One of the benefits of living in London is having access to a lot of museums for free, or with convenient student discounts. But if you’re up for some ballet or a play without breaking the bank, the Young Barbican is the thing for you! Under 25 -year-olds can get cinema tickets for £5 on Mondays and Thursdays, but it’s not just movies they’re offering. For £10 you can see a theatre play (don’t miss Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest) or a classical music concert.
4. Fill your stomach without emptying your wallet
Start with these places:
Mem&Laz: Situated in Angel Islington, offers any two courses for £8.95… Bargain!!
Smack Deli: If you find yourself in London’s prestigious Mayfair, don’t be intimidated by the rows of high end shops. Head down to Smack Deli where you can get a taste of luxury: a Lobster roll for only £7
The Rib Man: Roll down to The Rib Man in East London’s Brick Lane for a juicy Pork Rib Roll, just £7
Tokyo Diner: Located in China Town, this authentic Japanese food is suitable for vegetarians. Prices from £6.50
5. Discover London
Fly over London without stepping on a plane. Emirates Air Line’s cable car will show off London in a totally new perspective for just £4.50. Don’t miss this opportunity.
6. Lose yourself in the beautiful parks of London
Sometimes it’s good to escape busy city life and immerse yourself in nature. For £9.90 visit London’s oldest botanic garden, Chelsea Physic Garden, and enjoy this green oasis. If the weather is nice, swim in Hyde Park Serpentine Lido for £4.80 or rent a sun lounger and get tanned for£3.50. If you’re a sports enthusiast, join other Londoners in the Fulham Palace parkrun and run for 5km for free.
7. Scout Groupon, Wowcher and Vouchers
Today you can can wake up your inner assassin and shoot some paintball for £5. Or take part in a climbing lesson for just £10. You can even find yourself on a Singles’ Pub Crawl for just £9.
8. Take part in free sport
Cycling: Why not enjoy the scenes of London and couple it with exercise? Hire a “Boris Bike” for just £2.
Tennis: Regent’s Park encourages people to turn up and play! It’s as simple as that.
Guerilla Yogis: Southwark Park hosts free yoga sessions every Saturday morning as long as the weather is pleasant.
9. Laugh it up
Nothing cheers up a day like free standup comedy. Go check out Comedy Cafe Theatre on Wednesdays. Funny new acts every time and the drinks are reasonably priced.
10. Shop at a local market
You don’t have to go to Harrods to find “All Things for All People, Everywhere”; sometimes a trip to one of London’s markets is just as good (and definitely cheaper). If you’re looking for vintage clothing and quirky stuff, have a look at the Brick Lane Market, Alfies Antique Market or the Old Spitalfields Market. If you would like to immerse yourself in a movie atmosphere, go to the Portobello Market and feel like Julia Roberts for one day!
By: Susanna Flore, Nike Onabanjo and Emma Hati
Images from Creative Commons
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