What it actually costs
When to go
Grey, dark by 4pm, cold rain. December is festive but extremely crowded and expensive.
British Museum at opening (10am) is fine. By noon it is overwhelming. Tower of London: book Ceremony of the Keys (free, evening) instead of daytime visit.
What locals know
Most major museums are FREE (British Museum, Tate Modern, Natural History, V&A, Science Museum). Budget zero for these.
Oyster card or contactless bank card on the Tube — never buy paper tickets (they cost 2-3x more).
Borough Market on weekday mornings is the real experience. Saturday is shoulder-to-shoulder tourists.
Theatre tickets: TKTS booth in Leicester Square sells same-day West End shows at 50% off. Queue from 10am.
Brick Lane on Sunday morning is the best market experience in London. Combine with Beigel Bake (24hr bagel shop, £1.50).
Honest warnings
Pubs stop serving food at 9-9:30pm. Eat early or find a restaurant.
The Elizabeth Line is new, fast, and gorgeous — use it instead of the Tube for east-west travel.
Tipping: 10-12.5% at restaurants is standard. Check if service charge is already added (it often is). No need to tip pubs or taxis.
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