What to do in London – Your Ultimate Guide

If you ask us, London pretty much has it all. It’s one of the world’s top destinations for students, it’s a business and commercial hub, and it’s also an iconic destination for travellers from all over the world.

Now, London has so much to offer, especially for those who have decided to pursue their studies in the UK.

We’ve curated some hot spots to help you maximise your time. From historical buildings to famous commercial districts; we’ve even ordered them in a sequence that’s easily walkable.

So, make sure you’ve got your essentials (Oyster card, umbrella, bottled water, and smartphone), and get ready to explore London!

#1: Start Out To The London Eye & Stroll Along The Thames

You know how they say that the Singapore Flyer is a copy of the London Eye? Well, you can now see the real deal for yourself.

To start off your day, head to the London Eye and snap a few pictures. Then stroll down South Bank, an entertainment and commercial district that’s next to the Thames River.

While you’re at South Bank, keep your eyes (and ears!) open for the skilled street performers in the area. If you’re heading there in the summer, South Bank also regularly hosts festivals and other fun events.

#2: The Big Ben & Houses Of Parliament

From South Bank, make your way to the Big Ben - this is one of London’s best-known landmarks, and a definite must-see in London. Fun fact: not many people know this, but the Big Ben refers to the 14-ton bell that’s housed in the Elizabeth Tower, and not the tower itself.

Once you’re done here, head to the Houses of Parliament, including the Palace of Westminster, which is the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Regardless of whether you’re into architecture, these historical buildings are both awe-inspiring and intriguing.

#3: Buckingham Palace & Trafalgar Square

Next, move on to the Buckingham Palace, which is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II. There are actually specific dates in which the Palace is open to the public; if you’re keen on checking it out, you may find the dates on the Royal Collection Trust’s website.

From Buckingham Palace, your next pit stop will be Trafalgar Square, a lively place where locals and tourists congregate to shop, eat, and sight-see. Here, you’ll see Nelson’s Column, a monument that was built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson who died in the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar.

#4 - Piccadilly Circus (London’s Shopping District)

After all that history and culture, it’s time for a bit of shopping! Head to Piccadilly Circus, and knock yourself out.

If you want to get some souvenirs for your friends, we recommend hitting The Cool Britannia, which has pretty much anything you could possibly want or need.

#5 - End The Evening At Leicester Square

To end the day, walk to Leicester Square, which is a glitzy area with a myriad of movie theatres.

Here, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and eateries to fit any budget, so sit down and grab a bit before heading back to your hotel.

London in a Day: Yes, it’s possible!

While hitting up the major sites of London in a single day IS doable, this is really just the tip of the iceberg, and there’s plenty more that London has in store.

Want to study in London, so you can take your time to get to know this magnificent city?

Get in touch with IDP, and we’ll walk you through the process of applying to study overseas. This time next year, you could very well be studying in London, and having the adventure of your lifetime!

Book a free counselling session today!