Are you someone who can’t resist the urge to see as many things as possible in a short space of time?

Whenever I am in a new place, I yearn to see and visit as many places as I can for as little money as possible. After all, I don’t know if I’ll ever get the opportunity again.

Traveling can be expensive and London is no exception. But if you look in the right places, you’ll discover a side of London filled with cheap, and sometimes free, things to do.

If you’re anything like me, and visiting London for a short on a budget, then this guide will hopefully help.

Let’s do this!

1) Wander through Borough Market

To kick-start the day, I’d head to Borough Market. Open 10am – 5pm Monday – Saturday, Borough Market is London’s oldest market, dating back to 1014. With more than 100 stalls, this is the place to find artisanal produce from meats to cakes. You can try free samples before you buy. Look out for the truffle stall which is my favourite! You don’t have to buy anything, of course. But wandering around and soaking up the bustling atmosphere is a real London experience. It won’t cost you a penny to visit, and if you’re feeling peckish, there are hundreds of gourmet food stalls to satisfy your appetite.

2) More London, Tower Bridge & Towers of London

From Borough Market, take a short walk to More London where you can admire the iconic Tower Bridge and City Hall, the egg shaped Mayor’s office.

Often mistaken as London Bridge because of its majestic design, Tower Bridge finished construction in 1894 and gets its name from nearby Tower of London. Take it all in and Instagram it before crossing the river via the bridge where you’ll see the Tower of London, once a fortress/prison/armoury and now home to the Crown Jewels.

Of course, you can pay to enter both the Tower of London and Tower Bridge and find out more about both landmarks. However, the price can be steep and is a whole day trip in itself. For this guide, we’ll leave it but for now. But that’s 2 major landamarks you can say you’ve seen in the space of 30 minutes.

2. Cruise along The Thames with to Central

Our next destination is in Central London. But rather than taking the Tube, we’re taking a boat. Yes, we’re going on the Thames! Once you’re done uploading your Instagram your selfie with #TowerBridge, walk the extremely short distance to Tower Millenium Pier and purchase a ticket to board a City Cruise boat to Westminster Pier.

Cruising along the Thames is a great way to sightsee a large part of London in a short space of time not to mention a relaxing way to travel around the city and really get to feel the curve of the city. Along the way, you can cross off London landmarks such as HMS Belfast, The Walkie-Talkie (real name 20 Fenchurch Street), The Millenium Bridge, St Pauls’ Cathedral and much more off your  ‘to see’ list. There’s also an onboard guide who’ll point out key attractions to you and talk you through its history.

3) The Southbank

Alight at Westminster pier, cross Westminster Bridge, and prepare to take in the sights and sound from London’s Southbank. From here, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament stands proudly before you, and the London Eye towers majestically over you.

By this point, you’re probably thinking about lunch and luckily The Southbank is a hive of activity, brimming with cafes, bars and restaurants, ready to refuel you for the afternoon ahead. If you’re lucky to be here in the summer when the Southbank is at it’s best, you’ll find street performers and buskers out in their numbers to entertain you while firm favourite popups, The Underbelly and Wonderground is a bastion of fun and entertainment.

4) Museums in South Kensington

Hop on the tube and make your way to well-heeled South Kensington where 3 of London’s best (and free museums) live. Come face to face to dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum, admire the intricate decorative collection of art at the inside The V&A Museum, the world’s largest decorative and design museum, or satisfy your curious mind at the Science Museum.

There is so much to explore around inside these enormous world-class museums and you could easily spend the rest of your afternoon there. Big kudos if you manage to visit all three museums in one afternoon! It’s incredible that they are completely free. My personal favourite is the Natural History Museum. I’ve been a visitor ever since I was a child and it never ceases to amaze me with its vast collections and exhibits.

5) Theatreland and Chinatown

By now, the day is coming to a close and you’re probably thinking about calling it a day. But if you still have energy left in the tank, then you won’t regret spending the last part of your day in London’s theatreland and Chinatown.

From South Kensington tube station, hop back on the Tube and back to Piccadilly Circus/Leicester Square and prepare for a feast of mouth-watering authentic Chinese dinner in London’s lively Chinatown. There are so many restaurants to choose from, and you can’t leave without trying the famous aromatic duck. I hear “4 Seasons” are quite the specialists.

Finally, what better way to end the day than a show in one of London’s famous West-End? I realise this might not come cheap, but with careful planning, it is still possible to find tickets at discounted prices. I use TodayTix for the best deals and to book ahead of time. But if you’re going on a whim, the best place to try your lucky for relatively cheap, last minute tickets is at TKTS in Leicester Square. Tickets sold here will be discounted as theatres try to sell the last few remaining tickets before. An American Paris is one of favourite as is The Lion King.

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London is a massive place with so many things to do, to see, to experience, to eat. I’ve hardly mentioned the restaurants, the parks or the shopping! But this personal guide will hopefully help you cross off many must-see landmarks and areas in London without spending a fortune.

Have I missed anything? Would you change/add anything, or am I talking complete rubbish? Let me know in the comments below. And let me know you if you found this useful, and would like more guides!

Other reads: St George’s Day in Trafalgar Square; Swinger’s” A Tale of Fun and Tragedy; Top Hidden Gems in London.

Carrying on from where I left off, here are my next five hidden gems waiting to be discovered in London.

Eltham Palace, Eltham

This has one helluva history but cutting the long story short, Eltham Palace started life as a royal medieval manor before being saved by the glamorous Coulthard family and converted into a stylish art deco home of the 1930’s.

Despite the renovations done over the years, many of its medieval pasts have been preserved. In fact, it has one of the best preserved medieval halls in England going back as far as the 15th century. There’s even a moat around the palace too.

The moment you enter the building you’re transported back in time (just in time for cocktails in fact). The art deco reflects the cutting-edge design of the 1930’s and the artistic and intellectual interests of its owners, Stephen and Virginia Courtauld. It’s remained that way now and you get a feel for the glamorous lifestyle the 1930’s. You have a handy audio guide in different languages that talk you through the history of the building. It’s an impressive home with so many rooms to explore and secret passageways to discover.

Eltham Palace is huge, inside and outside, and even has an ornamental garden,  a picnic and play area. It even has a bunker to protect the owners from the London bombing during the great world war.

It is a ticketed attraction which at the time of writing is £13.60 (without gift aid) but it is worth every penny and beautiful to visit in the summer. It may be far out in Eltham but with Severndroog Castle nearby, there’s enough in Eltham to justify a visit.

The Bowling Alley at Royal Naval College

I’ve visited the Old Royal Naval College a million times. It’s one of my favourites places in London. But when I was first told of this bowling in Greenwich I was a little perplexed. Where is this bowling alley you speak of?! How could I have missed it?! It just goes to show just how secret this place is.

The Skittle Alley is an underground Victorian Bowling Alley. Once an old infirmary, it was then converted into a bowling alley to relieve the boredom of naval pensioners in the times when the royal naval college was in active use by the navy.

Hidden beneath the grand building of the Old Royal Naval College, under St Peter and St Paul chapel opposite the Painted Halls, you can see and even impress your mates (or date) your game with the wooden cannonballs. It’s a proper challenge. Not only are they heavy but there are no holes likes you’d find at every bowling alley to hold and release the ball with your fingers. Man up – you’re going to have to bowl it under-arm!

It’s free to enter but sadly, opening times to the public is very limited, open only at certain hours. If I were you, I’d keep an eye on their website to find out when it does.

Dennis Severs House

By now, you can probably tell I’m a huge fan of history. In fact, it was my favourite subject at school. Carrying on with the history theme, Dennis Severs House is a time-capsule attraction in Spitalfields which I enjoyed  immensely. The moment you step through the threshold, you’ve warped back in time to the 17th and 18th century England.

I was amazed and still am as to how very immersive and how very real it felt, right down to the last detail from the creaking floorboards, the haphazardly arranged items, the hissing teapots, crackling fireplace, the unmade beds and the half-eaten food. It’s like the family who lived here and had just left a few moments ago.

Only a few minutes walk away from Liverpool Street station, there are five floors to explore from the basement all the way to the top to the master bedroom.

The only source of light is from candle lights which all casts dancing shadows along the walls everywhere you go, and the entire is conducted in deathly silence. It is a bit creepy inside and feels a little haunted. I found myself all alone in the attic at one point. I’m not on to scare easily, but I was then.

It’s an intimate portrait of an English family and life in Spitalfields going back more than 300 years. I noticed that even the facade of this street around Dennis Severs still looks out of place in these modern times.

Sadly, no photography is permitted inside. But it’s unlike any other place in London you’ll ever find and it’s the most immersive experience I’ve ever been through. The best days to visit are on Monday lunch time and all-day Sunday when entrance fees are at it’s cheapest at £10 and they only accept cash. There’s a small queue but on a Sunday, but I waited for no more than 15 minutes.

Thai Temple

Wat Buddhapadipa (let’s just call it the Thai Temple, eh?) is a traditional Thai Buddhist temple in Wimbledon South East London. Not far from the famous Wimbledon Tennis Association, it’s a home for the monks and nuns but welcomes everyone of every faith. It’s also the first of such temples to be built in the UK apparently. It’

There’s a zen flower garden and the Uposotha that houses the golden statue of Buddha. You’d think you are actually in Thailand. The best time to go is in the Thai new of Songkran which takes place over 2 days between 13-15 April. It will be busy but this truly is a slice of Thailand and London will feel a long way away.

Barbican Conservatory

Not many people know, but behind the monolithic facade of the Barbican is an exotic oasis on the 3rd floor of the Barbican Centre.

Covered by a glass roof, the Barbican Conservatory is one of the biggest in London and a home to tropical plants, trees and even marine life. There’s even a greenhouse humid climates are recreated and where plants typically found in the dessert grow including cactuses.

Opened only on Sunday, you can even book yourself a luxurious afternoon tea inside this leafy sanctuary. There’s no better way for a Sunday stroll than in this hidden gem.

Tell me, have you visited any of these hidden gems? How did you find it? Have I missed any? Let me know!

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Think you’ve seen all there is to see in London? Think again. Beyond the touristy guidebooks is another side of London laden with more hidden gems that even a genie might struggle to conjure up that many. So hidden, in fact, that even many Londoners won’t have heard some of them.

There are hundreds of them. Some quirky, some unique. But all amazing and all waiting to be discovered by you. I’ve been lucky to have stumbled across many and as someone who enjoys sharing awesome stuff with you all as much as Donald Trump likes to spit out complete and utter rubbish, here are my top hidden gems in London which you must absolutely see and explore. I’ll be revealing five at a time!

1) 2 Temple Place in Temple/Embankment

A tour around London’s legal establishment is a surprisingly fascinating trip in its own right with all the traditions and historical buildings. Perhaps I am bit biased in saying so given my legal background 😂 But did you know that right next door to the right honourable society of Middle Temple Inns of Court lies a hidden architectural gem that is 2 Temple Place?

A bastion for culture and philanthropy, 2 Temple Place showcases publicly owned galleries and collection from around the UK, as well as hosting numerous events and exhibitions. Mere minutes walk away from Temple/Embankment station, this amazing neo-gothic mansion has all the grandeur of a state house but has the feel and intimacy of a private house party. The interior decor is just as amazing as the exhibition they hold with dark wood everywhere, intricate carvings and a fireplace. I was extremely lucky to be invited to an after-hours Egyptian event to back in 2015. It’s basically a mini British Museum without the massive crowds. Sadly, it’s only open to the public for only 4 months of the year between January – April. But it is free.

2) Severndroog Castle in Eltham

Way back in the early days of my blog, I said Severndroog Castle as one of London’s best-kept secret. More of a tower than a castle if truth be told, the best part is the top of the castle which offers an incredible 360-degree view of London. I am told that you can see as many as seven counties from this viewpoint. SEVEN?! Landmarks such as the majestic arches of Wembley Stadium 16 miles away are also visible. You can explore the rest of the castle which is spread over three floors where you’ll learn all there is know about the castle and how it got its strange name. It may not free but it’s a measly £3 entrance to see inside. There’s also a nice little coffee area with outdoor seating to freshen up.

3) The Masonic Room in the Andaz Hotel in Liverpool Street station, City of London

Perhaps one of London’s best-kept secrets, The Masonic Temple in the depths of the Andaz Hotel is an opulent room of Italian marbles. It’s like you’ve stumbled into an Illuminati hideout. The temple is mere seconds away from Liverpool Street station in the City of London. How I’ve not known about this till now is incredible! Nowadays, The Masonic Temple plays the perfect host to all kinds of events from cinema screening to weddings. I discovered it for the very first time after I was invited along to watch a screening of ‘Guillermo del Toro’s dark fantasy film ‘Pan’s Labrinth’. To see this hidden gem yourself, check their website to see what events are being held and book a ticket. It’s unlike any venue you’ve visited before.

4) Point Hill in Greenwich

By now everyone will have heard of and seen the incredible views from the top of Greenwich Park. But not many will have heard of little known Point Hill nearby.

The tranquillity and lack of human presence is a clue as to how well the locals has kept this gem away from the crowd! In fact, it’s so secret that there is still a sign that shows you how London’s skyline looked from that viewpoint in 1983! The journey to the top may feel steeper than Everest, but for those who succeed, the view you’ll  be greeted with and the calm of it all makes it worthwhile. I had the entire place t myself from which I can admire the view without muscling around people for the best spot.

Alas, I can’t find my images from my visit but if you are ever in Greenwich and have time to kill, I suggest you visit this peaceful (and hidden!) gem to discover a new vantage point of London. It’s not far from Greenwich Park at all.

5) BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in Neasden

Also known as Neasden Temple, BAPS was built entirely using traditional methods and material as prescribed from the ancient Vedic manuscript. Take a moment to admire the intricate carvings and gleaming marble walls and stairs when you’re inside. Neasden Temple is said to be first Hindu temple in Britain and one of the largest Hindu temples in the world outside of India. As a place of religious worship, photography is not permitted inside, sadly. Also expect to pass through airport security style checks before you enter. Bags are not allowed inside either but luckily there is a storage room nearby guarded by the temple’s keepers. Neasden may not be the most attractive side of London, but this temple is worth visiting. General admission is free. However, if you wish to find out more about the Hinduism, there is an exhibition with an entrance fee inside. It’s cheap, though 🙂

Have you visited any of these hidden gems? Which is your favourite? Which would you like to visit the most if you’ve not been? I’d love to see your pictures too! Where would you recommend next?

Next week, I’ll reveal five more hidden gems to see in London 🙂

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