Edinburgh Hotels Can Save You Money on Holiday

Although when city breaks are short, the costs can still add up quickly and they can end up being unexpectedly expensive. Evening meals, hotel bills and entry fees can stretch the finances when visiting some of the most famous – and expensive – European cities. But a little savvy and research can help cut costs, even in cities as expensive as notoriously expensive as London and Rome. Start as you mean to go on by taking advantage of the various internet deals available on Edinburgh hotels and London hotels, for example. Here are a some suggestions as to how to save money in a few of Europe’s most popular cities.

Edinburgh is a thriving, cosmopolitan city that offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. Scotland's capital is dominated by Edinburgh castle, which is perched imposingly on an ancient volcanic plug in the heart of the city. But the £11 entry fee might deter some. Entry to the National Museum of Scotland is free, and the striking sandstone building houses many of Scotland’s most important artefacts, including eleven of the famous Lewis Chessmen. The Fringe is arguably the best known and most affordable of all Edinburgh’s festivals; last year there were an incredible 40,245 performances of 2,453 shows, so there’s sure to be something that jumps out at you. Lastly, although Edinburgh hotels in the Old Town can be expensive during festival season, there are still plenty of affordable options.

Home and abroad, London is known for the fact that it can sometimes be on the pricey side. Yet this reputation might be undeserved. With a bit of savviness it’s possible to find some great bargains in London. The National Theatre, designed by Denys Lasdun, stages world premieres by some of the best living playwrights, as well as a programme of classics. Standing tickets can be bought for as little as £5 and, during the summer Travelex season, nearly half the tickets for the National Theatre’s new productions are £10. Also, entry many of the capital’s world-class museums is free, making them popular with culture vultures and bargain hunters. Hop on the tube to Holborn and the British Museum, where visitors can marvel at many of the world’s most important artefacts, including the Rosetta Stone and Elgin Marbles.

In the guidebooks and brochures, Rome is often marketed as the world’s ‘largest open-air museum’; a claim the facts endorse. For the budget-conscious, this means it’s possible to tick off many of the sights without having to spend a cent. Dominating the Piazza della Rotonda, the Pantheon, famous for its seemingly impossible dome, is one of the most complete Roman structures in the city and, like many of Rome’s churches, entry is free. And if you’re looking to save money when eating out in the evening, it’s best to avoid tourist traps such as Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps. Head instead to small trattorie or up-and-coming areas such as Ostiense. Finally, it’s surprisingly easy to find affordable Rome hotels and B&Bs, especially if you look for places off Piazza dei Cinquecento and near Stazione Termini.