The best things to do in London

If you've just moved to London you might be wondering how you can spend your free time, and as you'd expect from a capital city, London has plenty of things on offer to keep you entertained during your stay here at LSE. 

Whether you enjoy a stroll in the park, a visit to a museum or hopping from bar to bar, there's sure to be something that's right up your street in England's largest city. 

So if you'd like to know what you can get up to in London, read on...

Explore Westminster

There's so much to see and do in Westminster, including some of London's top attractions! If you're interested in the city's history, Westminster Abbey is a must-see as a World Heritage Site with more than a thousand years of history.

You'll also come across the Houses of Parliament here, take a moment to appreciate the incredible architecture as you walk along the River Thames. You might even make it at the right time to hear Big Ben chime. 

Don't miss out on wandering across the iconic and bustling Trafalgar Square. Whether you want to look at the statues and fountains or explore the surrounding cultural spaces, this a great spot to get to know your new uni city!

Buckingham Palace

Without a doubt, Buckingham Palace should be one of the first places to visit on your London to-do list. As the royal residence of the British monarch, people from across the globe come to see the palace in all of its glory. You can even catch the Changing the Guard ceremony during the summer months so schedule this into your diary when you arrive. 

The London Eye

Looking for the best views in the city? The London Eye gives you just that, take a ride to the top and take the city's unforgettable skyline. At 135m tall, it is the world's largest cantilevered observation wheel so you won't be able to find panoramic views like this anywhere else! 

Tower Bridge

If you're trying to tick off all of the popular London landmarks, the Tower Bridge should not go amiss. Built over 125 years ago, it is one of the most recognisable structures in the world. Not only do you get amazing views across the water but you can even see the bridge lifting below your feet under the glass floor 42m above the river! 

Piccadilly Circus

If you're looking for the perfect London Instagram pic, look no further than Piccadilly Circus. Lined with huge screens and surrounded by restaurants, bars and theatres, this is the epicentre of entertainment in the city. Whether you're going to get a picture in front of the Eros fountain during the day, spend the night partying or want to see the bright neon screens light up the dark streets on a night, Piccadilly Circus is a busy and stunning scene at any time of day!

The Shard

For a luxurious activity, why not visit one of the bars or restaurants in The Shard? This is a great place to organise a catch up with friends or go on a date with stunning views of the city below. It's also home to the UK's highest viewing gallery, The View, with 360-degree views of London. 

The Royal Parks

Located across the city are London's eight royal parks which cover more than 5,000 acres of parkland! Although London is a busy metropolitan city, these green spaces lie in the heart of the capital so you can take a break from the busy streets. Keep an eye out for the all of the events on at Hyde Park, the herds of deer at Richmond Park and the wealth of sports facilities at The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill. 

Sky Garden

Are you a fan of plants and eagle-eye views? London's Sky Gardens combines both with the city's highest public garden. Designed by award-winning landscape architect Gillespies, here you can appreciate lush green terraces home to Mediterranean and South African plants. Even better, the social space has 360-degree views of London's beautiful skyline! 

This really is one of the most spectacular spots in the city - and it's completely free - so make sure you book in advance. 

The British Museum

For an educational day out, why not head to The British Museum? Filled with over two million years of human history, you can experience cultures from across the world without leaving London. Home to over 50 galleries, the museum has collected artefacts from across six continents exploring the world from Ancient Egypt to today. With free entry, this is a great spot if you're on a tight budget. 



Tate Modern

If history isn't your thing and you're searching for something a little more abstract, you're sure to enjoy the art at the Tate Modern. Wander around the displays of modern and contemporary art that covers artistic forms from the early 1900s to today's creations. You never know, it might even give you some inspiration...

P.S. Don't forget to checkout other incredible areas like Covent Garden, Soho and The South Bank! 

As a student in London, you definitely have to make the most of your time in the big city. So start clearing your calendar and planning some amazing days out!