Quirky Sightings at Spitalfields Market
Where to Stay and What to Do in London
London is a fabulous capital. I lived and worked there for many years before escaping the British winter to relocate to Los Angeles. Like most capital cities around the globe it continues to reinvent itself, and while that just adds to it’s charm, it also add to the cost of a visit. Check out any list of Europe’s Most Expensive Cities, and you’ll find London listed.
London has the potential of damaging your travel budget, but it doesn’t have to. We’ve found the ideal accommodation, transport, shopping, and dining opportunity on a budget, with a secret (and free) bonus happy hour thrown in for good luck.
Places to Stay in London
A few years ago we discovered The Z Hotel, in the heart of London’s Piccadilly. Back then there were only a couple of hotels in the chain, and even though there’s a wider selection of Z Hotels across London, the Piccadilly location is our favorite. It’s centrally located, and easy walking distance to the varied nightlife of Soho. This former office building was converted into 112 room hotel, with a choice of rooms to fit different budgets.
We’ve stayed here a number of times, and the bed’s are extremely comfortable and the linen’s ooze quality. Each room has it’s own en-suite shower, a HDTV and free Wi-Fi. Admittedly you don’t have a lot of spare space (as you can see below from our last trip) where we had to move our bags each time we wanted to leave the room), but I’d rather pay a lower price for a smaller room, than double the price for twice the size.
A Secret Happy Hour
All of that for £60 for an inside double room. Excellent quality for a central London hotel. But I want to let you into a secret that they don’t advertise—each night they host a free happy hour with unlimited wine, and an amazing selection of cheeses.
Imagine going out to a London bar for a quaffable bottle of wine and an expansive cheese board—you could easily drink and eat your way through £60. So this happy hour is an budget friendly way of meeting fellow residents, and having a few drinks and a snack before going out to explore the neighbourhood, or after you’ve been out for a day of sightseeing.
Visiting Old Spitalfields Market
If you want a glimpse into Britain’s past, but don’t fancy wandering around a museum, head to one of London’s flea markets instead. There’s different markets held in the Old Spitalfields location each day of the week, but each Thursday they host their Antique and Flea Market. Even if you don’t have much room in your luggage, you’re bound to find a little trinket that will capture your imagination and each items will give you a glimpse into the lives of people from previous centuries.
Get Around London by Bus
Yes you can jump in a taxi or ride the tube to get from Piccadilly to Old Spitalfields Market, but the cheapest option is to hop on one of the many buses that pass through Piccadilly Circus. Not only is this one of the cheapest modes of transport, you get to experience and explore the London like a local.
From the Z Hotel, it’s only a short walk to Trafalgar Square, where you can catch the number 11 bus to get you within a brief stroll to Spitalfields Market.
There’s plenty of potential purchases to catch your eye at Spitalfields, so leave yourself plenty of time to meander around.
Brick Lane for a Curry
Once you’ve got your fill of retail therapy, head to the nearby Brick Lane for a curry. Did you know that a Chicken Tikka Masala is considered to be the UK’s most popular dish? We Brits love our curries, and if you’re in London you need to head to Brick Lane where there are Indian restaurants shoulder to shoulder along Brick Lane. You’ll get hassled to come inside, so bear in mind that you’re in the driving seat and don’t just step inside the first one you stumble across.
The hosts at the Brick Lane Brasserie enticed us inside for an early cut price meal deal and a free beer. The restaurant was already pretty packed and we questioned the deal which seemed too good to be true, but we decided to roll the dice and go inside. We weren’t disappointed. The meal was beautifully presented and mouthwateringly delicious, and we watched in anticipation as the waiters delivered sizzling and aromatic dishes to the diners at neighboring tables. Dinner was unhurried and relaxed and the staff were friendly and welcoming. We’d come back here again, even without the meal-deal. Here’s a list of every curry house on Brick lane to help you decide with restaurant to try.
- Location of Brick Lane Brasserie: 67 Brick Lane, E1 6QL
- Here’s a link to the Brick Lane Brasserie menu to give you an idea of costs.
We ate so much that we could have rolled our way back to the Z Hotel. Instead we jumped on a bus and got back in time for Happy Hour. We sank a few red wines, and nibbled our way through a few plates of cheese, while chatting to an ex-professional Swedish footballer, who looked and sounded like he was the first to arrive for happy hour, and was determined to be the last.
The reception at the Z Hotel is located in the corner of the cafe where breakfast and the happy hour are hosted. There’s always a good social vibe here because the constant coming and going of guests, or people popping in for a drink and snack. So if you’re traveling on your own you’ve got a good opportunity of mingling and meeting fellow travelers.
Our One Day London Itinerary
We were only in London for a quick overnight stay, but we didn’t have to deprive ourselves of the experience of staying in one of Europe’s most historical and multi-cultural cities. We may have visited on a budget, but the accommodation, shopping, and food was first class. Next time you have the opportunity of spending a night in London, grab it with both hands.
Coming to London doesn't have to cost a fortune. There's budget places to stay, cheap ways of getting around, and inexpensive shopping and restaurants. You just have to know where to look. Click To TweetPIN THIS IMAGE
I love the idea of finding ways to explore cities without the price tag. Although we’re not city people, we do make the effort to visit as I think it’s part of the whole travel spectrum. We often use the Hop on Hop off buses, which give you a glimpse of the bigger picture whilst saving the blisters on your feet. And hey, what a great tip about the Z Hotel. I’ll pin this for our next visit there in April. Kx
Karen recently posted..Travel’s Lessons – Joys and Shadows
Yep I’m a big fan of taking the bus. Even though the tube is quicker you miss seeing so much of the city.
Roving Jay recently posted..20 Questions to ask before you begin your Pet Sitting Assignment
Great tip about the Z hotel and of course the Happy Hour, thank you! We never really spend much money on accommodation, after all we are only looking for a place to drop our bags and clean sheets to sleep on.
Jennifer Mostert recently posted..Captivated by Cappadocia.
The Happy Hour is a real find .. where is London (or any capital city) do you get something for nothing anymore?
Roving Jay recently posted..Glamping in Turkey to visit Tlos
We are planning a trip to London during the peak season in 2020 and this post couldn’t come at a better time. Thanks for the tips. I hope it will help us explore the city well without burning a hole in our pockets.
Enjoy your trip .. there’s so much to see in London, and it’s such a cosmopolitan city.
Roving Jay recently posted..Mandala Wall Mural to quiet the mind
Brick Lane for curry is a MUST for any visit to London! I admit I do like to splurge when in London, but there are so many less expensive activities and places.
I always crave curry when I come back to the UK Jen. We can’t get a good one in Turkey, and there’s something about those Indian spices that get your taste buds dancing. 🙂
Roving Jay recently posted..Our Turkish Return and Too Many Clothes
The London in your story is nothing like the one I met. Mine had me running a high fever and a clever cold that would not leave for nothing, so it kept my trip quite sour one might say. But maybe one day I will get to go back, and meet your more friendly London 🙂
Yes don’t let that bad experience put you off … my friendly London is waiting for your return trip with open arms!
Roving Jay recently posted..A cheap and easy way to get from Barcelona Airport to the City Centre
Wow, I love the idea of wandering around the flea markets, compared to Australia there is so much history!
Natalie recently posted..River Murray Kayak
It’s so tempting to buy a little bit of history when you’re wandering around those flea markets. We had a passion for buying old cutlery for a while – but now our kitchen draws of full! So now we look and don’t buy!
Jay Artale recently posted..Roundup of the best Travel Writing Articles, Books, and Podcasts
Wish I had seen this before I went to London. Those Z hotels sounds amazing value, never heard of them before and a secret happy hour too. Almost worth considering a return trip to London LOL.
We’ve been multiple times now … and the draw is definitely the happy hour … the Z hotels know how to show you a good time!
Jay Artale recently posted..How Travel Writers Self-Publish Podcast Ep#25: Using your Five Senses to improve your travel writing
Thanks for sharing this info Jay! The hotel tip is awesome! London is rising to the top of our list, so hopefully we’ll be able to get a room there when we go.
Anytime of year is great for visiting the Capital … but if you happen to have an opportunity to go during the festive season (and can put up with the chilly weather) the city transforms into a magical wonderland of lights and festive spirit.
Jay Artale recently posted..A-Z of Travel Writing Tips: E is for Editing and Entertain
This is so timely. I am headed there in a couple of weeks and I also have only 24 hours in the city. I was wondering how to fit everything in but your post broke it down nicely. I am very very curious about the curry in Brick lane. I am Indian but somehow curry in England seems like a must do!
Oh yes! Head to Brick Lane, you’ll love it. Of course there are Indian restaurants all over London, but Brick lane is the mecca…
Roving Jay recently posted..Day trip to Vathy on the Greek Island of Kalymnos
Lovely tips for keeping costs low in London! We love London and always look forward to returning (especially since we often have layovers there when traveling to Europe from the USA), but it is always pricey to visit. I will look into the Z Hotel for our next visit. Thanks for the recommendation!
Leah recently posted..Creative Ways to Capture Travel Memories
You’re welcome. Whenever I get an opportunity for a short layover I always jump a the chance to stay at the Z … especially as it’s so central.
Roving Jay recently posted..Return of the Velcro dog
As a Londoner, I could not agree with you more! Great tips here – yes explore using the bus. Brick Lane definitely for a curry. London is beautiful at any time of the year and there’s so much to see and do. You have done really well for a day!
I always like to make the most of my short trips to London. I used to live there years ago, and the city has changed so much – for the better.
Jay Artale recently posted..How Travel Writers Self-Publish Podcast Ep#24: Travel Writing Tips and Advice from Writing Coach Gillian Culff
Pinned your post for travel planning! London can get pricey, but you’re right — it doesn’t have to be. I love taking in the free museums, too!
Sharon recently posted..Visiting the D-Day Beaches: Gold, Juno and Sword
One of the reasons I have never considered travelling to London is the cost of traveling. Saved your post as these suggestions may just make a trip to London possible.
Thanks Sharon.
Never thought of visiting a flea market while sightseeing a city. But I think it’s a great idea. It’s real life, great for people watching and finding rare treasure. Next time I am in London, I must try that curry everybody is talking about.
Slavka recently posted..16 THINGS YOU’LL LOVE ABOUT THE HIGH TATRAS
You may end up just browsing and not buying anything because of space constraints in your luggage, but it’s an interesting way to get an insight into a culture.
I am always looking for good places to stay in the centre of London and I will check out The Z Hotel next time I am staying over. Spitalfields is also a haunt of mine and have picked up loads of quirky items!
I think wandering around markets is my favorite tourist past time – no matter what city I’m visiting.
Roving Jay recently posted..Day trip to Vathy on the Greek Island of Kalymnos
Thanks for these great tips! We were in London in October and stayed in an AirBnB and unfortunately I was not that impressed. I appreciate your tip about the Z Hotel–we might check that out next time. We did eat Indian food a few times while in London and loved it! You are right that Brits love their curries.
Yes we do Wendy! I’m coming back to the UK in December, and we already have a trip to an Indian restaurant planned.
Roving Jay recently posted..Why you should visit the UN next time you’re in New York
Thank you for all of your tips, especially the accommodation recommendation. I’ve been to London once and was not in a hurry to get back, due to the price tag. BUT, posts like this make it seem doable- LOVE the tip about free wine and cheese at happy hour!
Catherine recently posted..Easily Accessible Pacific Beaches in Olympic National Park
Yes UK as a whole is pricey, but there’s bargains to be had, you just have to know where to find them.
Roving Jay recently posted..Quirky places to eat Vegetarian Tapas and Pintxo in Barcelona
As a Londoner, there’s some good budget saving ideas here. Great shout about Z Hotels happy hour, I’ve been there for that and it’s honestly enough food and wine that you dont really NEED to do dinner after if you don’t want to!
Hi Roma … yes if I was to write a travel guide about London’s best kept secret haunts.. the Z hotel happy hour would be at the top of the list.
Roving Jay recently posted..Glamping in Turkey to visit Tlos
I visit London often, but have never been to Brick Lane! A taste of the curry in the Brick Lane Brasserie sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the heads-up on the Z Hotel deals and the happy hour. That will top my things-to-do on my next visit! 🙂
Jan recently posted..Blue Mountains – A Weekend Getaway from Sydney
I can see where you’re heart is … food! 🙂 Yes Brick Lane for a curry is a must.
We have visited London twice now and enjoy this city. Next time we are looking for hotels we will check out Z hotel = thanks for the recommendation!
Z is the way to go. Great place.
Great tips, next time I’m looking for accommodation in London I’ll definitely check out the Z hotel. I went to London for the weekend just before Christmas and stayed at the Premier Inn hub hotel near Westminster for under £40 for a nice, smallish room with breakfast. My top tip for repeat visits to London is to try and stay in a different area each time so you always see a different part of the city.
Even if you stay in the same area, it’s so easy to get around the city. I prefer taking the bus to the tube, so that I can see more, and spot neighbourhood areas that look like they’re worth visiting. Once you’re on the tube, you’re blind to the city, and that’s such a shame. But walking through the city is good – just takes a lot longer!
Have a love hate relationship with London. I come from there but escaped overseas in 2002, but my American partner loves to visit. It always seems grey, and lots of grumpy people but I do love a Brick Lane curry!!
Yes I lived in London for years before escaping to the States in 1989 … I find it so much fun to come back to London. It’s changed so dramatically, and there’s lots more eating options now that London has a more international and global feel — I hope that continues, even with the nightmare that’s Brexit! 🙁
A great insight into how you can enjoy London on a budget. I have stayed in the Z hotel (with no windows) in Picadilly and loved its design – how did they get so much into such a small area!! I also stayed in the Z hotel in the City, again a really good choice. I used to go to the markets in Brick Lane back in the early ’80s when it wasn’t such a “destination spot” no-where better for curries!
We were due to go to London in April, and I had a night booked at the Z hotel in Soho. So disappointed we had to cancel it, was really looking forward to exploring another of their hotels.