London too expensive

[Val_2]

My neighbours went to London last week for four days mainly because it would enable them to take their first ever airplane flight via Ryanair and they had been saving for ages to go anyway. They found a very cheap bed and breakfast hotel via the internet in Earls Court for about £30 per night with breakfast each BUT couldn't afford to buy much else because they found it so expensive regarding clothing,eating out and entrance fees to tourist attractions,they bought food from a supermarket and ate it in their room or on the hoof walking round. That said, they loved it and had no problems getting the bus from Luton to Victoria and back even though they speak very little english and would like to go again when they have saved enough. It certainly bought home to them the difference in money that british people have to spend compared to here.

[Baz]

Whilst, I agree that London can be expensive, I have found it is about the same as many European Capital Cities. I wondered if the had gone to Paris how they would have found the costs, as it is also expensive. I have often thought how French people from the provinces can afford to stay in Paris, but it good to know that your neighbours would like to visit London again. All said and done London is a magnificent City.

Baz

[Richard-R]

With all cities can can be very expensive if you do not know them. London is no worse than Paris/Rome/Madrid. Prices aound tourist ares are always ott. I saw a burger van in London selling a can of coke for 1.70 pound on my last visit there.

[Cjb]

Ever been to the Côte D'Azur?? I agree London's a great city, but just too expensive for bringing up a family in.

[Anton Redman]

We have found Paris very cheap compared to London for a couple of nights in a clean Hotel where the cliental does not change every hour on the hour. Last experience of New York was that it was hard to find a room in B & B but cheaper when you did.

We had out French neighbours to stay in Surbiton some years ago  and had explained that we thought UK TV was better then French TV. Monday was OK with Jeremy Paxman and University Challenge, Tuesday was not to bad with Robert Hardy on Azincourt but Wednesday had Robert Holmes on Great Battles about Azincourt. We just  abour redeemed ourselves on Thursday night with Prof Vic Gammon and the Blacksmith

[Fontremy]

Some Parisian friends of ours come to London quite regularly and comment on how expensive it is in comparison. Not relevant in their case, but property prices alone are 30% more on average in London (one reason why Paris is still touted as a good place to buy for investment).

[Coco]

It's a shame your friends had such problems finding cheap food Val.  One thing I did notice in the year or so before I left London for France permanently was that the cost of a midday meal had really come down dramatically and the standard was pretty high.  Unfortunately, it is still a little strange to see a single person sitting in a restaurant alone for lunch in London, unlike most French restaurants, so I still got ripped off with London priced sandwiches. However, I was in quite a touristy area - bang next door to the British Museum, and within a ten minute walk I could have had a two-course Indian or Thai meal for a fiver, several pretty good pub lunches for not much more and an excellent Greek restaurant where you could get a three course lunch for £7.50.

I wonder whether perhaps your friends fell into the trap of thinking that sandwiches would be cheaper.  I frequently spent far more than the above on a sandwich, coffee, brownie and orange juice from one of the many chain coffee shops around!

[letrangere]

Having lived in both, I can honestly say that with the exception of utilities Paris is far cheaper.  Everything from buying a city centre apartment (or renting), public transport (no comparison), local taxes (no comparison), taxis (ditto), even food and drink.  And at least Monoprix delivers free of charge, can you imagine that in London???  M

[zeb]

Yes, London is expensive but those of us who have lived and worked there have got to know how to stretch the pounds!!

Maybe before anyone's French friends go to London it might be a good idea to post here for good deals!

Some hints: Weatherspoons for meals/coffee/hot chocolate, Tescos or Asda for cheap clothes (!!!), China Town for cheap lunch;Tate Modern is free; the walk from Camden Lock along the river past Regents Park Zoo is free; sitting on the hill outside Alley Palley or Hampstead Heath and looking at the view is free! Actually there is loads to see and do for free in London and Paris (1st Sunday of the month most of the museums incl the Louvre are free)

[Hoddy]

Entry to the V & A is free and they do a very reasonably priced lunch !

Hoddy

[Teamedup]

Like everything really isn't it and a bit of research always comes in handy first. We have always eaten well and reasonably in London. We stay away from obvious tourist eating places, apart from those Mr Woo type places where there is as much food as you can eat for around 6 quid and frankly have enjoyed what we have had in them.

We always buy appropriate London transport tickets for the number of days we are going to be there and get good deals on them. And true some things are expensive to visit, but we always know in advance and budget accordingly.

In my varied career, at one time I dealt with expense forms for a mulitnational  and London and Tokyo were always the most expensive cities in the world to stay in and I don't imagine that that has changed that much.

 

 

[Miki]

"And at least Monoprix delivers free of charge, can you imagine that in London??? M"

No I couldn't, imagine how expensive it would be if Monoprix did deliver to London Margaret

[Deby]

Was in Paris the weekend and paid 7 euros for a Grande Creme, I nearly fell off my chair!  Was in the 5th mind you but even so!

London, well you really have to know the place, but I guess that is the same as Paris, I am sure if some friends had shown me the right place my coffee would have been much less.  Hubby paid 20 Euros for a choucroute (yuk!) near Place Notre Dame. 

I think all major tourist cities are similar, you've just got to stumble upon the gems!

Back to Val2's original comment, I am sure Londons' prices seemed outrageous, but I wonder would the UK rural set be the same as the french rural set, I do not honestly know.  All I know is the rural French I know seem to be happy to eek out a living  and are happy enough.  From my British counterparts I do not believe this is the same - their belief is you have be successful (lots of dosh) = happiness.  This is the great contradiction of why so many of us are attracted to France, we like the easieness, basicness, savoir vivre of French Life but struggle with the forces of English culture which we all bring over and wonder why the French do what they do.  How many times have we all questioned "Why don't they do it this way it is better/makes more money, blah, blah!

ok off my soap box now, just in case any castouts are listening!!!!!

Deby

[letrangere]

Entry to the V & A is free and they do a very reasonably priced lunch !

Ah, now you're making me homesick.  There are very few things I miss about London but the V&A is definitely one of them.  Must try the restaurant next time, we usually eat at the Royal Academy, also highly recommended.  And, it reminds us of course that Paris is more expensive in one aspect (tho' my OH wants to add CDs, books and all electronic equipment):  museum entry.  Admitedly certain galleries are free on certain nights at certain times of the year but when you consider the treasures in London that you can oggle at for nothing, incomparable. 

And don't people find eating out in Paris still better value in general than in London?  I think Deb's grande creme was a bit on the pricey side but did you enjoy it somewhere nice, and perhaps outside on the terrace?  Incidentally, I can picture where your hubby had his choucroute, there are lots of Alsace restaurants just across the bridge.  It's supposedly incredibly good for but I share your sentiments of yuk!

M

[GRT17]

I can recommend a free booklet The London Planner which is published monthly and available at tourist centres in and around London. It gives listings of all sorts of events in London, includes current exhibitions, restaurants, (where to eat cheaply / or more up-market) concerts, shows and details about lots of "two for the price of one" tickets / vouchers.

Another booklet is Where to stay on a budget (think that's the name) cheap (er) accommodation in London such as rooms at universities available during vacation time.

Check the website www.visitlondon.com

Happy visiting

Gill

(17 / 99)