London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom. It is located near the Thames Estuary in the southeast of England. The City of London or "City of London", shortened to City, or "Square Mile" in reference to its 1 square mile area, located in the heart of Greater London, is the historical definition of London. It is the birthplace of the modern city and is now the oldest part of the capital. It is also a district in its own right with a special status. The City of London and the rest of Greater London form two different "lieutenancy areas". The vast metropolitan area of London can be described as the London urban area, which is the area occupied by the suburbs, and which occupies a territory roughly similar to the Greater London area, but with a slightly larger population. Beyond the urban area is the London commuter belt or London Metropolitan Area, which includes the territories inhabited by people who commute to work in London on a daily basis. The London urban area expanded considerably during the Victorian era and again during the interwar period. Expansion stopped in the 1940s due to the Second World War and the Green Belt policy, and the area has not changed significantly since then. The boundaries of the Metropolitan Police District and the London Transport Area have changed over time, but now roughly correspond to the boundaries of Greater London.
History
Londinium was founded by the Romans almost 2,000 years ago. The City of London, the historic core of London with an area of only 1.12 square miles or 2.9 km², retains borders that closely follow its medieval boundaries. The city of Londinium, the origin of the city of London, capital of the United Kingdom, was founded by the Romans around the year. It soon became the capital of Roman Britain and served as a major imperial center until it was finally abandoned in the fifth century. Londinium was founded by the Romans following the invasion of 43 AD led by Emperor Claudius, although archaeologists now believe that the most accurate date is around 50 AD when the city was established as a civil colony or civitas. The choice of location was made where the banks of the Thames were closest to allow the construction of a bridge, but where the river was deep enough to let ships pass. Remains of a Roman bridge were discovered in 1981 near the present London Bridge. Although it is accepted that the city was a civilian settlement, there is some scant evidence that a Roman fortress existed there. Excavations by the Museum of London since 1970 have failed to provide physical evidence of a military occupation at the site, so many archaeologists now believe that Londinium was founded by private enterprise, the city being in an ideal location for trade.
Administration
London is governed by the Mayor of London and the London Assembly. Knowing what to do in London is not too complicated. Without ever having set foot in the capital of England, almost everyone knows its main attractions. It is also known that London is not a very economical destination.
Going to museums
One of the best cheap plans to do in London is to visit its museums. Not only is this a low cost plan, but it can be free. Many of the capital's museums are free. For example, admission to the British Museum is completely free, as is admission to the National Gallery, the Tate Gallery of Modern Art, the National Portrait Gallery. Choose the one that suits you best.
Don't miss the free events
If you're a little smart, you'll find plenty of things to see in London without having to pay. For example, another inexpensive thing to do in London is to attend the traditional Changing of the Guard in front of Buckingham Palace. Every day between April and July, at 11:30 am, this special event is celebrated in front of hundreds of people. If you are visiting London from August to March, you will need to check when it takes place, as it only happens every other day. You can see how the Queen's Guard, perfectly dressed in their red suits, make change without spending a pound. This is why many people still come, so we recommend you to go as early as possible and get in the front row so you don't miss anything. You can also visit the imposing Parliament building inside if you go when the House of Commons is in session or if you hear the bells of the famous Big Ben ringing at noon.
Pedal through London
Public transportation in England's capital city is not the cheapest in the world. However, if you're a little fit, you can opt for another way to get to know the city and organize your own cheap plans to do in London. In recent years, the capital's cycling network has improved dramatically, so it's not uncommon to see a good number of cyclists using the cycle path. Santander Cycles is the public bicycle rental network. You can use it even if you are not a resident and take it wherever you see a rental station, as well as leave it wherever you find a suitable space. Prices start at 2 pounds for short trips.
Have an impromptu picnic in one of their parks
Londoners are very proud of their city's parks. They are right, some of them are a real gem. When the good weather starts, it's normal to see many families enjoying it by having a picnic. Imitate them and discover that free London you've been looking for. Take a walk in Hyde Park, Regent's Park or St. James's Park, then sit back and enjoy a well-deserved rest. To feel a little more British, why not grab a plate of fish.
Browse your markets
Okay, this one has a twist, but one of the cheapest things to do in London is to wander around the ten markets you have in the city. Camden Market every weekend, Portobello Road Market every Saturday and Covent Garden which is busier on weekends, are the ones you can't miss. Walking and looking are free, but it's another thing if you can't stand your compulsive desire to take a souvenir of London with you.
