One Museum After Another--Free

Touring London can be a real challenge to budget travelers, considering that this year even a bed in a youth hostel will usually run between $32 and $44 a night. Entertainment, souvenirs and even food can add up too fast. There are, however, a number of ways to take advantage of what this world-famous gateway city has to offer without having to dig too deep into your pocket.

One of the best aspects of sightseeing in London is that a number of the key museums are free. You can wander into the British Museum to see the Rosetta Stone, Magna Carta, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Elgin Marbles at no charge, then head for the National Gallery to gaze at the works of Michelangelo, Monet, Rubens and Rembrandt. When you’re ready for more, there’s the National Portrait Gallery, where the famous faces range from Shakespeare to members of the royal family, or the Tate Gallery, where you can study the works of Dali and Matisse.

There are also famous sites and museums that you can visit for no cost if you go at the right hour. For example, technically, Westminster Abbey is free at any time, but a fee is charged to enter the most interesting areas--the royal chapels and the Poet’s Corner. That fee, however, is waived if you schedule your visit on Wednesdays between 6 and 7:45 p.m.

The Natural History Museum is free weekdays after 4:30 p.m. and weekends after 5 p.m., but you’ll have to rush because the museum closes at 5:30. Both the Science Museum and the Museum of London are also free after 4:30, and they stay open until 6 p.m.

For low-cost accommodations, reservations can be made through American Youth Hostels (there is a $5 booking fee and you must prepay the first night). You can contact them at (800) 444-6111.

But in order to stay at any of the Hostelling International facilities you will need a membership in your national association, or you will be charged a guest fee. This year, an adult (ages 18 to 54) annual fee in American Youth Hostels is $25. Senior and child memberships are also available.

The London hostels offer accommodations in modern bunk-bed rooms, lounges with TVs and self-catering kitchens. Full English breakfasts are served for $4.35 and three-course evening meals are available for $6.45. The hostels also have theater and transportation booking services, currency exchange and a reservation service. With the exception of Highgate Village Hostel, all are open 24 hours a day.

For more information, contact the British Tourist Authority, 551 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10176-0799; telephone (800) GO2-BRIT.