A Local's Guide to Finding a Deal in London

I’ve spent the last six years navigating this expensive city. The cost of living has jumped significantly over this period of time, but I have never tired of finding a deal!

How to be a "home" tourist

Online discount sites are all great sites to find entertainment activities. I feel like it's always best to take a bit of time to be a tourist in your own city and this is a great way to see the city and take advantage of new experiences. Hint - don't forget to read the T&Cs. It's not uncommon for companies to limit the dates available or require booking in advance to hold a spot.

www.groupon.co.uk

www.wowcher.co.uk

www.Lastminute.com

www.timeout.com

The winter months offer discount entries to a number of typically tourist activities. January is theatre month and you can find some great offers on East End shows during this time. However, be sure to pay attention when tickets go on sale because they sell out quickly!

www.getintolondontheatre.co.uk

www.discounttheatre.co.uk *offers deals all year round

Travelling by train? Many sites offer 2-for-1 deals with your train tickets. This is true for spots outside of London too.

www.daysoutguide.co.uk

The Shard periodically offers a year long pass to the top for anyone with a London post code. This is a great deal and a perfect opportunity to save some moola when friends come into town and want to see the views.

But if it really is a view you're after, I personally think the Walkie Talkie is a better photo shot and it's free to go up! Spend an afternoon in the gardens and taking in this amazing city!

www.theskygarden.com

How to eat cheap at some pretty great spots

Get out of Central and check out some of the up and coming "foodie" areas. For example, Tooting is becoming a rather trendy foodie spot and the restaurants are totally affordable. Here are a couple of my favorites South of the river.

Meza Resturant Tooting Bec

Cah-Chi Korean BBQ Earlsfield

Olives and Meza Clapham Common

Zoe's Ghana Kitchen Brixton (Box Park)

The Joint Brixton Market

Brixton Market Grill Brixton Market

Zeret Kitchen Camberwell

Discount cards are also available and a great way to save a few pounds.

Taste Card

This offers discounts on food and drink at a number of locations all over London. However, in the last few years there are been a number of restrictions Beware of the restrictions, most places require you to book in advance!

South London Discount Card

This is a new deal and very reasonably priced. Definitely worth checking out if you spend time in the South

Square Meal and Open Table provide a number of great offers each month. So sign up for the newsletter and just wait until the right opportunity comes along!

www.squaremeal.co.uk

www.opentable.co.uk

Last but definitely not least, GrubClub is a great way to eat fabulous 5 star meals from some of the best chefs in the world in their own home for very reasonable prices!

www.grubclub.com

How to steal a deal on beauty and wellness treatments

Treadwell is a great online site for finding beauty deals (spa days, mani/pedi, waxing, etc). And who doesn't want to save on those basic needs like haircuts, waxing, nails and more?

www.treatwell.co.uk

Groupon offers some great deals on teeth-whitening and everyday dental services, which we all know are needed but not offered on the NHS.

How to find that discount concert ticket

Live music is always a good night out; but the disappointment can quickly set in at the shocking price tag to see your favourite band in the flesh. Personally, I’m a huge country music fan - a requirement of my Southern American upbringing. However, the cost of the Country to Country festival at the O2 Arena was keeping me away from geeking out on whiskey and twang. I’ve discovered travelling acts playing at the bigger venues will often pick a smaller, more intimate stage to play on another evening during their London stay. The smaller venues typically offer tickets at a third of the price. Some of the places I follow include Brixton Academy, Shepherd’s Bush Empire, The Roundhouse, Brixton Electric and that’s just a short list. So, make sure to check around before buying that expensive ticket.

How to save money on the shopping

Markets are a big part of the London culture and they seem to pop up everywhere. Don't be afraid to haggle. This also goes for food stalls in the market, especially in Camden Town. Saving a few coins here and there can go a long way.

Some of my favorite hidden markets include