The favorable exchange rate makes shopping mekka London even more attractive: Despite the credit crunch, London is experiencing a real stampede of shoppers from Europe in the beginning of the new year. New West End Company, representing the retailers of West End, for instance, observed more than 10 million shoppers from Europe over the past weeks. An end is not currently in sight.
London has always been a very special shopping destination with its lively markets, traditional men’s boutiques, trendy designer outlets and large department stores. But the strong pound used to make many European visitors gape in amazement, rather than snatch at the offers. This is now a thing of the past, for in the new year, the British capital attracts visitors with winter sales, inexpensive hotel offers and various free attractions.
All this comes with an unbeatable exchange rate, euro and pound are currently at virtually the same level. 100 British pounds come at the price of 105 euros, compared to 140 euros as in 2007.
Price cuts of up to 75% lure in January and February. Even names such as Christian Dior, Harvey Nichols or Laura Ashley are joining the ranks of Harrods and Selfridges this year, offering their quality goods at inexpensive prices during the sales.
Those who worked their way through the offers of the newest theater movies at £3 per DVD could use a break – if possible with background music. No problem in London: On January 26, 2009, cult band Franz Ferdinand will be playing live at HMV video shop in Oxford Street and sign autographs afterwards.
Of course, no trip to London can pass without sightseeing, but attractions do not always need to be expensive. The changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, the entrance to Tate Modern or the street artists in Covent Garden – all this and much more comes for free. Alternatively, one can book a London Walk for a mere £7, which passes through the East End from the times of Jack the Ripper, for example.
Restaurants, cafes and pubs in London, have similarly realized that the times are getting tougher and the competition does not sleep. Terms such as ‘Credit Crunch Munch’ or ‘Meal Deal’ are to be found all across the city. Shepard’s pie or a beef burger, along with a glass of wine for only £10 can be enjoyed at National Café or above the national gallery, for instance, and with a view of Trafalgar Square to boot.
Attractive hotel offers complete London’s low-cost phase: Why not stay at a Radisson Edwardian 4-star hotel right at Leicester Square once, when all of a sudden it costs no more than a 3-star hotel?
Romantic weekends in London for Valentine’s Day can be tied conveniently to a shopping tour, as well. Threadneedles Hotel offers a Valentine’s offer for lovers for as low as £115 per person, including a stay in a luxury room, champaign, rose petal decoration, chocolate, bathing ceremony and breakfast in bed.
More information on the shopping paradise of London and travel suggestions for lower budgets at www.visitlondon.com.
