2 weeks in the UK: my honest experience
Megan Carter3 min read11 views
Rated 4 out of 5
Last month I spent two weeks in the UK: eight days in London, three in Edinburgh and three in Manchester visiting a friend. I live in Barcelona now, so it was my first trip there as a US citizen living in Europe. Here is what worked, what did not and what it cost.
Before I went
As a US passport holder, I needed an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. I applied on the official app, paid the fee and had approval within a day. Do not use unofficial websites that charge more.
London: 8 days
I stayed in a small hotel near King's Cross for 145 pounds a night, which was on the cheaper end for a central private room with a bathroom. London is expensive, but the free museums balance it out. I spent full days at the British Museum, the Natural History Museum and Tate Modern, and paid nothing.
Getting around was simple. I tapped my contactless card on the Tube and buses, and daily fare capping meant I never paid more than around 8.90 pounds a day in zones 1 and 2. The Elizabeth line was fast and air conditioned, which I appreciated in July.
Highlights:
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