If you're like me and want to soak up a little culture during your holiday, London has oodles to offer, and much of it at bargain prices or even for free!

Unlike many other cities, most of the big art galleries, including the National Gallery, Tate Gallery and Tate Modern; and museums, such as the Science Museum, Natural History Museum and British Museum, to name a few, are free to the public. You can visit as many as you like, as often as you like during your stay. For further information about London’s museums and exhibitions visit www.netlondon.com

For a glimpse into the annals of history, a visit to some of the palaces in and around the city is a must. Although you can't get inside Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the Queen, it's impressive position at the end of the Mall make it worth a visit.

Kensington Palace, alongside the wonderful Kensington Gardens, is probably my favourite of the royal residences — the gardens are magnificent and the palace, which has been a royal residence for over 300 years, is simply lovely. Parts of the palace, once home to Diana, Princess of Wales, remain a private residence for members of the Royal Family today.

The Greatest Palace in Britain

Situated just outside London in the county of Surrey, Hampton Court is hailed as 'the Greatest Palace in Britain' and is definitely one of my favourites. Visits to the Tudor Kitchens (set up as if preparing food in the 16th century), the Georgian Rooms and Henry VIII’s State Apartments are included in the tour and give a wonderful insight into the life of pomp and splendour of England’s past Kings and Queens.

The palace gardens are also well worth a visit — there are over 60 acres of gardens to explore, including the world-famous Maze and the recently restored Privy Garden.

Back in the centre of London, if there's one historical sight you simply can't miss, whatever the cost, it's the Tower of London. According to official Tower of London literature, the Tower "has been the setting for many great events during its 900 year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, arsenal, mint, menagerie and jewel house". You can see the real Crown Jewels, take a tour with the world-famous Yeoman Warders, known as the 'Beefeaters', and visit the Scaffold Site and Tower Green where three British Queens were executed.

Although you will need to pay an entrance fee for both Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London, each costing £10.80 at the gate, you can buy a joint ticket to both for £17.50. Visit Historic Royal Palaces for further information.

Take a walk
Almost every street in the capital is of historical significance, which makes a walking tour a great, and inexpensive, way to see the city. London’s oldest walking tour company, The Original London Walks, offers — among others — the following walks: Shakespeare’s London, The secrets of Westminster Abbey, Darkest Victorian London, Ghosts of the West End and Jack the Ripper Haunts.

Most walks last around two hours, cover roughly two kilometres and cost £5.50. There is also a discount walkabout card if you're planning on doing more than one walk. However, if you're really watching the pennies you could also do a free, self-guided walk with the help of www.london-footprints.co.uk.

Hallowed ground The city's abundant churches offer a wonderful (and usually free) insight into the history of England. Churches you shouldn't miss include St. Martin's-in-the-Fields on Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral and All Hallows London Wall.

Another good way to get a feel for the city is to use the London bus network. Despite the traffic it's a great way to see how the city is laid out, and after travelling undergound on the tube you'll be surprised to realise how compact the centre of London actually is.

Travel cards can be bought at all London Underground stations and selected newsagents (cafés to South Africans) and are for use on both the Underground and all public transport busses. To save a few extra pounds buy daily, or even weekly, travel cards. You can find out more information about getting around from Transport for London.

The city’s numerous markets are a great way to experience the diverse cultures of the city, or to perhaps pick up a bargain souvenir. The most well-known and eclectic markets include the world famous Portobello Road antiques market (which also offers food, vegetables and clothes); the chaotic Brick Lane; foodie-heaven Borough market and the Spitalfields fashion market. For more on these markets and others, visit www.londonfreelist.com.

While London is undoubtedly the most expensive city in the European Union, your holiday doesn't have to break the bank. There are numerous 'bargains' to be had in London — all you'll need to find them is a bit of diligent searching and the determination to enjoy all the city has to offer.