How to explore London's cultural scene on a budget 

Digital Ambassador Jim shares money-saving tips for exploring London's vibrant cultural scene, from free gigs to cheap cinema tickets and surprise theatre shows.

Each and every day in London, there is an infinite array of theatre performances, exhibitions, concerts and events right on your doorstep. With so much going on, it can be difficult to afford it on a student budget. However, there are lots of money-saving techniques to enjoy all London has to offer on a budget. Here's what I have found useful. 

Download Dice 

If you’re looking for great deals on concerts and gigs, take a look at Dice. Dice is an events website with a feature which allows you to toggle the price of tickets. If you select the free option, you’ll find all sorts of interesting free concerts, comedy shows and more to check out around London. It's a great money-saving tactic and a clever way to find obscure little events you might not be expecting. 

Find live pub nights

Another way to save a little while having a great time is to go to live pub nights. These are usually free and a lot of fun. You can get a pint, talk with friends, and enjoy some good music at the same time.  If you're looking for an easygoing listening experience, this is the right environment (maybe not so much if you expect an orderly sit-down kind of a concert) as pubs generate a friendly atmosphere for music, even if you can't always hear it all over the chatter. 

Check out offers at the cinema

If movies are up your street, then consider looking at the BFI (British Film Institute) website. The BFI have £3 tickets for anyone under 25, a bargain not to be missed. You can see all the latest highly acclaimed films, both old and new, from around the world at their Southbank location. Checking out the BFI is definitely a great idea if you’re looking for a nice night out with friends at the cinema for only £3. 

See theatre shows for free

If you’re a theatre lover, the Audience Club is worth looking into. Audience Club is a subscription-based service, and for an annual fee of £5, you will find access to over 117,000 plays, comedies, operas, concerts and more. The Audience Club partners with event organisers and provides them with discreet audience members, so you get free tickets to shows and events in return for your feedback. 

This one's a massive no-brainer if you want to check out obscure theatres in London; you might not always get as much choice in what you see, but if you’re open to surprises, check this option out. I’ve used Audience Club a few times now, and I thoroughly enjoyed each event. It’s a lot of fun because you don’t always know what you're in for, but if you go in with an open mind, you’re sure to have a good time. 

Here are just a number of ways to find great deals in London. There are endless money-saving tips to learn whilst exploring London’s cultural scene, but Dice, live pub nights, the BFI, and The Audience Club are great places to start.