Part II of London on the cheap counts down with the top 12 things to do in the city that attracts more international visitors than any other in the world.
12. Rough Trade
London’s West End Portobello Road district is home to the most famous independent music store in the world. The Rough Trade Shop is a legend and welcomes scores of music pilgrims who come to peruse eclectic vinyl collections and hear local bands blow the roof off.
11. Covent Garden
The retail and entertainment district of London known as Covent Garden is home to the Royal Opera House but most notably for budget travelers, a market and piazza that supports a wide range of superb performers and buskers.
As part of a movement to educate urban youth on animals, Hackney City Farm is a great resource and destination with free access throughout the year. The farm operates a restaurant, caf? and grocery and offers workshops and special events.
Just off Trafalgar Square, the National Portrait Gallery is impossible to miss. The museum features 10,000 portraits of the most famous and influential figures in British history and admission is free.
From A Tale of Two Cities to V for Vendetta, the Central Criminal Court of England has been the backdrop for many a novel and film. The Old Bailey, as the court is known, has held trials since the 17th century and with some exceptions, the public gallery is free.
Hampstead Heath is London’s premier ancient park and covers just under 800 acres. A wonderful place for a hike and picnic, the Heath features ponds, summer concerts, beautiful Kenwood House and scenic Parliament Hill.
At over 900 years old, Southwark Cathedral is a major landmark in London. Yet the more glorious duo of Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral get all the love. Still, Southwark is worth a visit and offers very affordable audio tours.
5. St. James’s Church
Another church in London, this time St. James on Piccadilly, offers free concerts on a regular basis. The late 17th century church is rather historic, most notably as the baptismal site of William Blake.
4. Victoria and Albert Museum
The V&A is the foremost decorative arts museum on the planet, with a collection of more than 4.6 million objects, some of which date back 5,000 years. Thanks to a recent renovation and expansion, the museum is better than ever and like so many in London, is completely free of charge.
3. Kew Palace
Built in 1663, Kew Palace has been home to members of the Royal Family since 1734. Over the course of a decade before 2006, the grand manor underwent a full and meticulous restoration and is now open to visitors for a small fee.
A near-replica of the original Globe Theatre of 1599, Shakespeare’s Globe has been open on the south bank of the Thames since 1997. The late American director and actor Sam Wanamaker was the force behind the recreation, which remains faithful to the design of the original theatre that first put on plays by The Bard. The current Globe’s season runs from late April to October and as was the case in the 17th century, cheap tickets can be had in the “groundlings” section. Be sure to book ahead however as the Globe’s total capacity is under 1,900.
If there ever was a doubt that opera is a musical genre for the masses, look no further than the Royal Opera House in London. In a trend similar to some of the best opera houses in Europe, where cheap tickets can be bought at the last-minute or for seats with slightly obstructed views, the Covent Garden landmark offers standing room access for ?4. Tickets are incredibly popular however and should be reserved well in advance.
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