Bang for your bucks

Jamila Gordon, Contributor

For those who have not booked their rooms for the Olympics, there aren't many options available in a 10km radius of the Olympic Park in Stratford. However, all is not lost because all the exciting sights, restaurants, shopping will be in the city centres that will be hosting events or athletic training camps. If you want a unique experience on a budget, I would recommend you stay in University dorm rooms. Cambridge University is about 50 minutes outside of town by train. Rooms are currently at £150 for a single.

If you aren't up for long commuter train rides to the Olympic village, then I will recommend you check out a Holiday Inn, the official hotel provider of the games. I heard form a little birdie that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will be releasing blocked rooms at the end of January 2012, making plenty of space available. Rooms are currently starting at £209.

The Mayfair London is my number-one pick for luxury accommodation in a prime location. Rates are currently starting at £695 for double occupancy.

Best Place to Dine

There are too many great places to dine in London; it only depends on your budget and how adventurous you are. At Masala Zone's colourful restaurants, you can experience tastes from all over India at very little cost. The chain is famous for Indian street food, serving an array of small plates. Open for lunch and dinner daily; expect to pay about £12 for lunch and £15 for dinner

If you are really strapped for cash, go crazy at Wagamama on Old Broad Street, with a healthy range of noodle dishes, soups, and rice-based meals. This noisy canteen is perfect for all occasions, from Friday night out to a weekend lunch with the kids. Don't forget in Asian noodle restaurants it is an insult to the chef not to slurp, the louder the sound, the bigger the compliment!

For ideas on the low-cost places to eat, check out www.visitlondon.com/attractions/eat/.

Places for Sightseeing

I must recommend, however, enjoying a free lunchtime recital at the Royal Opera House, which happens only on Mondays and be sure to call in advance: www.roh.org.uk/recitals

The Museum of London will offer you an unforgettable journey through the capital's turbulent past, then venture into the galleries of Modern London where you can walk the streets of Victorian London and take a stroll in recreated pleasure gardens. Admission is free.

Explore Richmond Park which is the largest Royal Park in London with over 650 live deer. The park boasts playgrounds for children and moms and two golf courses for dads. Check out: www.royalparks.gov.uk.

On Sunday, you must make your way to Hyde Park's Speakers Corner to hear London's most vocal orators share their opinions with the world. Admission free.

The Best pub/nightclub

If clubbing is your main interest, I would recommend you visit Birmingham. This city is notorious for its vibrant nightlife.

The Best Place to shop

Enjoy street theatre, music and window shopping at Covent Garden. The central piazza has a thriving café culture and is buzzing with outrageous street entertainers and fun events all day, every day.

Non-Ticketed Events

There are five events that are free for the Olympics and will take cover a vast area of the capital. Road cycling will take in some of London's premier locations, including the Natural History Museum, Richmond Park and Hampton Court Palace. The marathon route will provide many oppurtunities to watch as the competitors make their way past landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Admiralty Arch, St Paul Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament. Race walk, triathlon and marathon swimming are other events visitors can enjoy at the games-time atmosphere in downtown London.

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