A visit to London can put a serious strain on your bank account, but if you are travelling on a shoestring budget it doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of your trip. There are plenty of things you can do for free or a small fee.

London’s reputation as a city of culture is legendary and envied the world over. Not only can some of the most sought after paintings, precious artifacts and statues be found in England’s capital, but the admission price to see them is free of charge.

The British Museum is a must for culture vultures visiting London. The permanent collection is free to allcomers and boasts an impressive collection that includes the Rosetta Stone and the now controversial keeping of the Elgin Marbles.

The National Gallery overlooking Trafalgar Square boasts one of the finest art collections in the western atmosphere with a number of masterpieces on show including, Botticelli’s ’Venus and Mars,’ Claude Monet’s ’The Water-Lily Pond,’ and the most famous of all, Vincent van Gogh’s ’Sunflowers.’

Both Tate Britain and Tate Modern offer several guided tours for nothing and the National History Museum and neighbouring Science Museum are also well worth a visit.

Another massive expense to consider is food. Most of the restaurants, particularly in tourist areas are expensive and not always great quality. Look hard enough however, you will find meal deals in reputable restaurants. Yo Sushi have Blue Mondays where every dish is £2.20. For pan-asian cuisine try Jom Makan in Trafalgar square. The offer main meals for £5 before 7pm, or if your taste buds have a flavour for award-winning French cuisine the Cote Brasserie along Queens Walk offer a two course meal for £9.95 between 3-7pm. Alternatively there are plenty of pubs offering reasonably priced food, though quality can’t always be guaranteed.

By the way I just checked out the new enigin digital blog that Sue recommended to me. It’s alright if you have the time to check it out.