16 cheap things to do in London for students

NEWSFLASH: There’s more to London than Big Ben, stalking the corgis at Buckingham Palace and holding up traffic while trying to re-enact that album cover on Abbey Road.

Whether you’ve just moved to the city to study or you’re visiting for a short time, there are plenty of cheap things to do in London for students.

On your next visit, skip the super-touristy stuff and experience London like a (sort of) local. Here are 21 of the city’s best bits.

Cheap attractions in London

Not everything in the capital has to cost a fortune, there are plenty of cheap attractions in London that are definitely worth visiting. For students, we recommend spending some time in the quirky places and fun attractions that make London such a vibrant city.

Stroll around the Portobello Market

Take your pick from vintage clothes, kinda crappy souvenirs or ye olde car parts. You never knew you needed that hood ornament for a 1920s T Model Ford – until now.

Keep your eyes peeled for royalty at Kensington Palace

The current abode of Kate and Wills, the palace has been home to a bunch of royal residents since it was built in 1605. During the swinging 60s, Princess Margaret and her ex, Lord Snowden, would throw wild celeb-studded parties; legend has it The Beatles were frequent guests.

Affordable places to eat in London

After all your exploring, food will definitely be on the agenda. Thankfully, London offers an abundance of affordable places to eat where you can still enjoy a good meal. Whether you opt for street food, a coffee shop, or something with a little culture, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Gorge on cakes in Ottolenghi’s Islington Café

Three quid will get you the best chocolate croissant this side of Paris. Money well spent.

Head to Leather Lane for a good coffee

London has a rep for making bad coffee and it’s pretty deserved, but Farringdon’s Prufrock café blends brews that are actually delicious.

Eat the best bagel on Earth in Brick Lane

Get thyself to Beigel Bake post haste and order the salt beef bagel, complete with huge chunks of pickle and a big dollop of mustard. You can also pick up a rainbow bagel (yup, a rainbow-coloured bagel) with a schmear of cream cheese. Magic.

Thrifty pubs and bars in the capital

A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of the many pubs and bars across the city.

Find a feline friend at Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium

London’s first cat cafe, yes you read that correctly, is a home for the rescued cats of London. Unwind with a cuppa and get to know the residents at this Shoreditch hotspot.

Get cosy at Ye Old Cheshire Cheese

As Charles Dickens’ regular, this pub off Fleet Street has become a London institution. Sit back with a pint or explore the tight passageways and cosy corners that connect the many rooms here.

Fun cheap things to do with friends

If you’re heading into the city with a group of friends, you’ll find a variety of fun cheap things to do in London. From small circles of friends to large groups on an adventure, there’s always something fun going on.

Strike at All Star Lanes

Trade in your shoes and bowl your little heart out at this super cool bowling alley in Bayswater, Brick Lane and Holburn. The kitchen churns out American-style nosh and the bar’s kitsch cocktails will (literally) bowl you over.

Channel your inner Federer

Forget Wimbledon, we’re all about ping pong! Bounce (in Farringdon and on Old Street) has a bunch of tables, booze and food, and is the venue du jour for all your table tennis needs.

Grab bargains shopping in London

A trip to London just isn’t complete with a little shopping. Despite what you may think, there are plenty of bargains to be found in the city, you just need to know where to look. And don’t forget, you can use your UNiDAYS discount across hundreds of retailers.

Go shopping at BOXPARK

A shopping centre of shipping containers in Shoreditch? How’s that for alliteration?? The pop-up park is home to a stack of cool boutiques, bars and workshops (anyone for taxidermy?).

Free outdoor spaces in London

No matter what time of year you’re visiting, London’s outdoor spaces are well worth visiting. From city centre parks perfect for picnicking to inspirational settings where you can relax with a good book, the options are endless.

Have a picnic on Hampstead Heath

Rumour has it C. S. Lewis was inspired to write The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe after a stroll through this epic London park. Get the tube to Hampstead Heath, pick up some supplies from Marks & Spencer, find a sunny patch of grass (there are over 800 acres to choose from) and soak up the sun with the best of them.

Get a bit zen in Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden

After all that gallivanting about town, you’ll need some downtime. A few minutes in this chilled-out garden – complete with stone lanterns, tiered waterfalls, enormous goldfish and a rogue peacock – will provide guaranteed bliss. For reals.

Cheap indoor activities in London

We know the weather doesn’t always do what you want it to in London, but there are tonnes of indoor activities that provide plenty of fun for a cheap day out. With many attractions spread across the city, it’s worth checking your account for UNiDAYS discounts on travel and transport.

Uncover London’s eerie past at The Clink Prison Museum

If dark history is your thing, you’ll love it here. Located in Bankside, you can explore one of England’s oldest and most infamous prisons complete with creepy installations and original memorabilia.

Delve into the world of Charles Dickens

The Charles Dickens Museum at his former home houses the biggest collection of Dickens-related items. Immerse yourself in the place where Oliver Twist was written as you explore the carefully resorted rooms.

Wallet-friendly culture in London

London is a city renowned for culture, but it’s not always accessible on a budget. Thankfully, we know just the right places to get your culture fix either for free or for a small donation.

Catch a flick at the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill

You’ll be offered the choice of couch seating or a BED, which may sound creepy but is actually very comfortable.

Pay tribute to Amy in Camden

Beehived Amy Winehouse was a common sight in Camden Town until her death in 2011. In 2014, a life-like statue of the Back to Black singer was erected in the Stables Market; fans may like to pay their respects before wandering around the eclectic Camden Market.