14 min read
City Nest Team
Hey, Welcome to London! 🎉
You've started a brand-new adventure! You're now in one of the most special cities in the world: London. With its red buses, historic buildings, colourful streets and never-ending energy, it's ready to give you a big “hello”.
Of course, you haven't come here just to learn English; you'll make new friends, meet different cultures and collect memories you'll never forget.
We wanted to be with you during your first days in London, so we've put together a little tour guide for you. In it you'll find the best places to visit, student-friendly tips and handy little tricks to help you explore the city more easily. In short, unpack your suitcase, get your raincoat ready and start exploring!
Places to Visit & Things to Do in London
Free Places to Visit in London
British Museum
Free entry. A treasure trove of history, art and culture. Be sure to book online so you don't have to queue in the crowds. The quietest time is around 10:00 in the morning.
National Gallery
Works by famous painters await you. Open until 21:00 on Fridays – an evening visit is a real treat.
National History Museum
Dinosaur skeletons, the blue whale “Hope” and the rock and mineral collection. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds.
Science Museum
Space capsules, scientific experiments and interactive exhibitions. There are lots of fun “hands-on” sections for students. Free, but some special simulations are paid.
Victoria and Albert Museum
A treasure trove of fashion, design, jewellery and decorative arts. Collections that will inspire students. A short break in the garden courtyard is a real pleasure.
Tate Modern
A museum of modern and contemporary art. Picasso, Warhol, Hockney… Free entry. The view from the terrace on the banks of the Thames is superb.
Trafalgar Square
Sit in the square, listen to the musicians and soak up the London atmosphere.
Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
You can have a picnic, go for a walk and watch the swans on the lake.
Camden Market
Street food, vintage clothes and alternative music. It gets busy on Saturdays and Sundays; weekdays are more relaxed.
Canary Wharf
London's modern business district. Famous for its skyscrapers, maze-like underground shopping centres and cafés/restaurants along the Thames. It can be busy at lunchtime on weekdays and is quieter at weekends. Careful – it's the one area of London where you might actually get lost.
Shoreditch
London's hub of art, design and street culture. Famous for its graffiti, vintage shops and hipster cafés. At the street food market, Brick Lane Market, you can try all kinds of cuisines. Be sure to stop by Boxpark Shoreditch – its pop-up shops built from shipping containers are fascinating.
Little Venice
One of London's hidden gems. Known for its colourful narrowboats, cafés and peaceful walking paths. From here, a boat trip along Regent's Canal to Camden Town is a real pleasure. It's lovelier in spring and summer; in winter it's rather quiet.
Greenwich Park & Prime Meridian
Don't forget to take a photo at the “zero point”! The park can get very busy on sunny days, so go early in the morning.
National Maritime Museum (Greenwich)
Discover Britain's maritime history and see ship models and maps. Go early in the morning, as it can get busy, especially at weekends. It's close to the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Park, so you can combine it with a walk.
Covent Garden
Street performers, boutique shops, little cafés. The live performances are more enjoyable in the late afternoon. Tip: at Whittard Tea House, taste special teas from all over the world and try different blends. The colourful tea packets and stylish interior make for great photos. You can try small portions and pick your favourite; it's quieter if you visit in the afternoon.
Paid but Worth-Seeing Places in London
London Eye
See the city from above – but on a sunny day. Online tickets are 20% cheaper, and the sunset view in the early evening is stunning!
Madame Tussauds
Selfie time with the waxworks. The busiest time is around midday, so go early in the morning.
Tower of London
See the Crown Jewels. There's a student discount!
Kew Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens) UNESCO
One of the largest and most diverse plant collections in the world. Paid, but student discounts are available. Go early in the morning or in the afternoon; weekdays are quieter. Wear comfortable shoes – there's a lot of walking in the gardens. Ideal for plant and nature photography. You can also have a picnic and relax on the lawns.
The Shard
One of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe. Go up at sunset and you'll see the city lit up. Be sure to book online at least 2 weeks in advance.
St. Paul's Cathedral
Climb up to the dome for a breathtaking view. Early in the morning, it's quieter and more peaceful inside.
Iconic Must-See Sights in London (Free)
Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
The best photo is from Westminster Bridge.
Tower Bridge
You're in luck if you catch it opening and closing!
Buckingham Palace
Watching the Changing of the Guard is great fun. It takes place around 11:00 in the morning, so you need to get there early.
Piccadilly Circus
London's Times Square. Much more beautiful with its lights at night.
Oxford Street
London's shopping paradise. Go on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds.
Notting Hill
Pastel-coloured houses and Portobello Road market. It isn't crowded in the morning.
One New Change Mall – Glass Lift
A glass lift experience with views of London's cathedral (St. Paul's). The best view is just before sunset.
Chinatown
Colourful streets, Chinese restaurants and shops. Colourful lanterns and street signs. Very lively with its evening lights.
Westminster Abbey
A historic royal church. Visit early in the morning.
Carnaby Street
Boutiques, street art and a lively atmosphere. Quieter on weekdays.
London Bridge & Borough Market
A historic bridge and a food market. Views of the bridge plus the colourful food at the market. Be sure to try the Spanish paella! You can also discover all kinds of street food at the market.
Sky Garden / Horizon 22
Free panoramic views of the city. Be sure to book online at least 2 weeks in advance.
Richmond Park
London's largest royal park, where you can be at one with nature. A chance to spot deer, plus walking, cycling and picnic areas. Early in the morning you can see the deer and take nature photos. The wide meadows and ponds also make for great shots.
Entertainment & Culture in London
Soho
Live music bars and nightlife. It comes alive after 19:00 in the evening.
The Afternoon Tea Experience
One of the sweetest rituals of British culture. A delightful break with little sandwiches, scones and a variety of teas. Although it's expensive in luxury hotels, you'll find much more affordable options in small cafés in Soho and Covent Garden. You can also join afternoon tea tours on sightseeing buses, so you can see the city while sipping your tea.
Roof East – Stratford Film Club
An open-air cinema on the roof of a car park in Stratford. Watching a film on the giant screen on a summer evening is a real treat. There are snack stands and a bar, and it's more fun when you go with your own group of friends. Tickets are usually around £10–15. Go early to grab a good spot and enjoy the view of London at sunset.
West End Theatres / Musicals
London's famous musicals: shows such as The Lion King, Hamilton, Wicked, Stranger Things and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Live stage, stunning costumes and performances. Choose weekday evening shows – they're less crowded.
Ticket Tip:
Student Rush Tickets: Up to 50% off on the day, at the box office or online.
TKTS Stand (Leicester Square): Daily cheap ticket deals.
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London for Harry Potter Fans
A Journey into Magical Worlds… Be a Hogwarts Student for a Day!
Even if you're not a Harry Potter fan, seeing how films are made is very impressive. The production techniques are also inspiring for film students.
Take the train from London Euston to Watford Junction (~20 min). From there, free shuttle buses take you to the studio.
What's Inside?
• The Hogwarts Great Hall
• Diagon Alley (Ollivanders, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes)
• Platform 9¾ & Hogwarts Express
• The Gryffindor Common Room, Dumbledore's office, Snape's classroom
• Giant models, special effects, costumes and film sets
Butterbeer: The famous magical drink you can only taste here (non-alcoholic).
Tickets & Booking:
• You must buy online in advance (it often sells out weeks ahead).
• Student discounts are limited, but group bookings get better prices.
Timing:
• Allow at least 3–4 hours for the tour.
• Early mornings are quieter and it's easier to take photos.
Places That Don't Usually Spring to Mind When You Think of London
Freud Museum
Freud's house, study and psychology collections. Early morning is less crowded. Paid entry! Book in advance for guided tours.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum
Sherlock's home at 221B Baker Street. Paid entry! There's a small gift shop, and the collections are fascinating.
The Wallace Collection
European painting and sculpture collections. Free entry!
Tate Britain
The most important works of British art. Mornings are quieter. Free entry (special exhibitions are paid).
Kenwood House
A magnificent 18th-century historic mansion and gardens, with classic English architecture. Sunset in the gardens is wonderful. There are ideal spots for a picnic.
Handel & Hendrix in London
A journey through music history, from Baroque to rock. Quieter times are mornings and weekdays. Paid entry! Student discount available.
National Portrait Gallery
Britain's famous portrait collections. Free entry, special exhibitions are paid. Right next to the National Gallery.
Sir John Soane's Museum
Architecture and antiquities collections. A unique museum that the architect John Soane designed as his own home, displaying his drawings and his collections of antiquities. Free entry!
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
A digital, interactive Van Gogh exhibition. The light shows and projections are very impressive. Paid entry! It pays to buy tickets online in advance.
Moco Museum
Modern and contemporary art: a museum where you can see modern and digital works by artists such as Basquiat, Banksy and Kusama. Paid entry! Check for online student discounts.
Design Museum
Exhibitions of modern design and innovation. Quieter on weekday mornings. Free entry!
Queen's House
A 17th-century historic building with classical art collections. Free entry.
Painted Hall
Britain's Sistine Chapel. Wide-angle shots are recommended inside. Paid entry! Inside the Old Royal Naval College, within walking distance of the Queen's House.
Short Getaways Outside London
Cambridge
Train: 1 hr 17 min (fastest ~48 min)
A lively city with a historic university atmosphere. See King's College Chapel and go punting (a small boat trip) on the River Cam. Be sure to try Fitzbillies' famous Chelsea Buns. Worth visiting in any season.
Oxford
Train: 1 hr 5 min
Historic university buildings, the Radcliffe Camera and boat trips on the Thames. The libraries look just like film sets. Worth visiting in any season.
Brighton
Train: 1 hr.
A city that makes you feel young, with its colourful streets, beaches, graffiti and fun atmosphere. Funfair rides on Brighton Pier. Best seen in spring and summer.
Bath
Train: 1 hr 20 min
The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge and a fairy-tale atmosphere with its Georgian architecture. It has been the filming location for many TV series & films. With its festivals, it's one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Lovely all year round, but especially romantic in autumn.
Canterbury
Train: 1 hr 45 min
Canterbury Cathedral, medieval streets and historic city walls. You can take a romantic boat trip on the river. Spring is beautiful but can be busy.
Whitstable
Train: 1 hr 40 min
Famous for its seafood and pebble beach. A quiet seaside town. It can be visited on the same day as Canterbury; it's easy to get between them by bus. Spring is the best time to visit.
Windsor
Train: 40 min
The Queen's Windsor Castle, walks along the Thames and the atmosphere of a charming English town.
Cotswolds
~1.5–2 hours from London by train (e.g. from Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh). England's picture-postcard villages. Stone cottages, winding lanes, lush green hills. Spring and summer are the best time. There are also day tours if you want to go by train and explore the villages.
Bibury
Known as the most beautiful village in England. The stone cottages of Arlington Row are a must-see. Very lively in spring and summer, but quieter early in the morning.
Castle Combe
Famous for its medieval atmosphere. It has been a location for films such as Harry Potter and War Horse. Bus connections are limited, so going on a tour may be easier.
Seven Sisters Cliffs
White cliffs for nature and scenery lovers. You can get there from London by train + bus – a breathtaking day trip.
Paris
By Eurostar from London St Pancras → Paris Gare du Nord in 2 hrs 20 min. Ideal for a weekend getaway. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Montmartre, a Seine river cruise… Tickets are much cheaper if you book early. Don't forget to bring your passport!
Transport, Shopping, Apps and Events in London
Transport & Oyster Card Guide
National Express
Britain's largest coach company. There are affordable services from London to many cities. Cheaper than trains – book early and you can find tickets for £5–£10. You can book via the app or website, and a QR-code ticket is all you need. An economical alternative to the train for day trips.
Oyster Card
The key to public transport in London. Valid on most transport, including the Tube, buses, trams, the DLR and Thameslink. Get an 18+ Student Oyster Card and you'll save 30%. You can also pay with your regular bank card (a single daily cap applies on the same day). Travel outside rush hour (07:30–09:30 & 16:30–18:30) – it's both cheaper and emptier.
Daily Cap System: However much you travel during the day, you won't pay more than a set amount.
Budget Shopping & Affordable Supermarket Tips in London
Supermarkets
Lidl, Aldi and Iceland offer affordable options. Supermarkets' own-brand products (Tesco Value, Sainsbury's Basics) are very cheap.
Meal Deal: The Student-Friendly Menu
The most economical meal option you can buy at supermarkets in London (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Boots, etc.). It usually includes 1 sandwich / wrap + 1 snack (crisps, chocolate) + 1 drink. On average between £3 and £4.50. A quick, practical and budget-friendly option, especially for lunch.
Charity Shops (Oxfam, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK): You'll find second-hand books, clothes and homeware very cheaply.
If you love vintage, explore the affordable second-hand shops in Camden & Brick Lane.
Primark: The most affordable clothing. Go on a weekday morning, when it's quieter.
Check for student discounts – many shops offer 10–15% off.
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Useful Apps for Students in London
Citymapper
Shows Tube, bus, cycling and walking routes in real time.
Trainline
Find the best prices for train tickets within the UK.
Too Good To Go
Buy leftover food from restaurants and cafés at half price.
Unidays
Exclusive online & in-store discounts for students.
Get your guide
A secure platform where you can buy tickets, tours and events.
Eventbrite
Discover free workshops, concerts and events.
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Free Events & Festivals in London
Notting Hill Carnival (August)
Europe's largest street festival: Caribbean culture, music, dance and costumes.
Chinese New Year (January/February)
Dragon dances and performances in Chinatown.
Thames Festival (September)
Free performances and street entertainment along the River Thames.
Open House London (September)
A chance to visit historic buildings that are normally closed to the public, for free.
Southbank Centre
Free exhibitions, concerts and street performances all year round. Check event dates in advance on Eventbrite or the TimeOut London app, as you sometimes need to book a free ticket.
London is your city now – get ready to explore!
With its history, culture, entertainment and endless opportunities for discovery, London will surprise you with something new every day. From free museums to enchanting getaways outside the city, from student-friendly transport and shopping tips to unforgettable experiences, you'll now feel much more prepared in London.
Remember: this city isn't just for seeing, it's for living! Get out and about, explore, meet new people and, most importantly, enjoy every moment.
Get in touch with our expert advisers today and let’s plan your UK adventure together!
