Sunday, April 1, 2007

It's possible to experience classic London moments on a budget, even with the current exchange rate of one pound to $1.96. Here are examples of ways to experience the city on two very different budgets:

Splurge: $71 for tea, sandwiches, scones and pastries at the Ritz.

Budget: $17 for tea, sandwiches and scones at the British Museum. $19.50 for tea, a sandwich, scone and sponge cake at the Orangery at Kensington Palace

Splurge: $35 for Original London Transport Sightseeing Tour.

Budget: $2 for a double-decker city bus ride.

Splurge: $117 for an orchestra seat for "Billy Elliot" at the Victoria Palace Theatre.

Budget: $20 for an innovative modern play at the Chelsea hot spot Royal Court Theatre.

Splurge: $47 for the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican.

Budget: Free Royal College of Music concert series at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Splurge: $145 for the Laduree Couture Hamper from Harrods.

Budget: $7 for olives, bread and brownies from Spitalfields Market.