This detailed guide is designed for London-based college students who want to explore the city and experience everything it has to offer. Whether you are new to London or just want a structured itinerary to roam around, this step-by-step plan will help you make the most of your trip!
🔹 Day 1: Iconic London Landmarks & Historical Sights
Start your trip with the most famous landmarks in London!
Morning: Exploring Westminster & The Heart of London
📍 Buckingham Palace (Nearest Station: Green Park / St. James’s Park)
- Arrive early (by 10:30 AM) to watch the Changing of the Guard (on select days at 11:00 AM).
- Take pictures outside the gates and admire the royal architecture.
📍 St. James’s Park
- A beautiful green space next to the Palace, perfect for a quick morning stroll.
📍 Westminster Abbey & Big Ben (Nearest Station: Westminster)
- Walk towards Westminster to see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
- Visit the historic Westminster Abbey (student discount available).
Afternoon: Trafalgar Square & Museums
📍 Trafalgar Square & National Gallery (Nearest Station: Charing Cross)
- Take photos at Trafalgar Square (Nelson’s Column, street performers).
- Visit the National Gallery (FREE entry) to see Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Da Vinci’s artwork.
📍 Covent Garden
- Enjoy street performances and shop for souvenirs.
- Grab lunch at Shake Shack, Honest Burgers, or a classic British pub.
Evening: London Eye & South Bank
📍 London Eye (Nearest Station: Waterloo)
- Take a ride on the London Eye for panoramic city views.
- If you don’t want to pay, walk along Jubilee Gardens for great photos.
📍 South Bank Walk
- Explore the South Bank: street artists, book markets, and food stalls.
- Dinner at Giraffe, Wagamama, or a riverside pub.
🔹 Day 2: Museums, Shopping & Markets
A mix of culture, shopping, and food markets.
Morning: Museums & Science
📍 British Museum (Nearest Station: Holborn)
- Explore history, including the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian Mummies.
📍 Natural History Museum & Science Museum (Nearest Station: South Kensington)
- Visit the Dinosaur Gallery and the Earthquake Simulator at the Natural History Museum.
- Check out the interactive AI & space exhibits at the Science Museum.
Afternoon: Oxford Street & Shopping
📍 Oxford Street & Regent Street (Nearest Station: Oxford Circus)
- Shop at Primark, H&M, Nike, Zara, and Selfridges.
- Visit Carnaby Street for cool independent brands.
📍 Piccadilly Circus & Soho
- Take photos at Piccadilly Circus (London’s version of Times Square).
- Explore Soho for quirky cafes and vintage stores.
Evening: Camden Market (Alternative Scene)
📍 Camden Market (Nearest Station: Camden Town)
- A great spot for street food, alternative fashion, and music culture.
- Enjoy live performances and explore the Stables Market.
- Dinner at Honest Burgers (famous Camden burger spot) or try vegan street food.
🔹 Day 3: Harry Potter & Riverside Walk
Perfect for Harry Potter fans and scenic Thames River walks.
Morning: Harry Potter Studio or Leadenhall Market
📍 Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour (Pre-booked tickets needed)
- Explore real movie sets, costumes, and props.
- Try Butterbeer and walk through Diagon Alley.
📍 Alternative for Free Harry Potter Experience:
- Visit Leadenhall Market (used as Diagon Alley in the films).
- Stop by Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station for a photo.
Afternoon: Tower of London & Tower Bridge
📍 Tower of London (Nearest Station: Tower Hill)
- See the Crown Jewels and learn about medieval British history.
- Student discounts available.
📍 Tower Bridge Walk & The Shard
- Walk across the iconic Tower Bridge.
- For great city views, visit The Shard’s Skydeck or go to Sky Garden (FREE but book in advance).
Evening: Borough Market & Nightlife
📍 Borough Market (Nearest Station: London Bridge)
- Try amazing street food (must try: Duck Confit Burger, Paella, or Cheese Toasties).
- Visit The George Inn, one of London’s oldest pubs.
📍 Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
- Watch a Shakespeare play for a unique London experience.
🔹 Day 4: University Tours & Day Trip Outside London
Ideal for students considering further studies.
Morning: University Visits
📍 University College London (UCL) / King’s College London (KCL) / Imperial College London
- Book a campus tour to explore student life.
- Visit university libraries and student hubs.
Afternoon: Optional Day Trip
- Windsor Castle (Royal family’s residence).
- Oxford or Cambridge (Explore historic university towns).
- Stonehenge (Prehistoric monument & mystery site).
Evening: London Pub Culture or Rooftop Bar
📍 Best Student-Friendly Pubs & Rooftops:
- The Churchill Arms (Kensington) – Beautiful floral-covered pub.
- Sky Garden – Free entry with great skyline views.
- Bussey Rooftop (Peckham) – Cool student hangout with live DJs.
🔹 Day 5: Relaxed Final Day & Hidden Gems
A chill day before wrapping up the trip.
Morning: Notting Hill & Portobello Market
📍 Notting Hill (Nearest Station: Notting Hill Gate)
- Visit the famous colorful houses and antique markets.
- Explore Portobello Road Market for unique souvenirs.
Afternoon: Greenwich & River Thames Walk
📍 Greenwich Park & Prime Meridian Line (Nearest Station: Cutty Sark)
- Stand on the 0° Longitude Line at the Royal Observatory.
- Walk through Greenwich Park for amazing city views.
📍 River Thames Boat Ride
- Take a Thames Clipper boat back towards the city (student discounts available).
Evening: Final Dinner & Chill
📍 Shoreditch or South Bank for one last meal
- Shoreditch for cool street food and hipster cafes.
- South Bank for a relaxed riverside dinner.
🎯 Bonus Tips for a Perfect London Trip:
✅ Use Student Discounts – Many places offer reduced prices with a student ID.
✅ Public Transport – Get an Oyster Card or use Contactless payment for cheaper travel.
✅ Free Attractions – Museums, galleries, parks, and Sky Garden don’t cost a penny!
✅ Eat Cheap – Borough Market, Camden Market, Wetherspoons, Greggs for budget-friendly meals.
✅ Be Safe – Stick to well-lit areas at night and be aware of pickpockets in crowded places.