London

London isn’t just Big Ben and red buses, it’s the ultimate remix of royal history and instagram trends. It’s a city where the buses and the tube are nearly always late, but the vibes are always on time.

Street food, vintage shops, and rooftop views? London’s got them all on speed dial.

**Food and drink **

London’s food and drink scene is like its people, wildly mixed, always changing, and never boring. From £3 Tesco meal deals to vegan feasts, neon cocktails, and pub pints with live music louder than your group chat. Culture here isn’t just in the museums, it’s in the grime beats blasting from Camden, the vintage markets of Brick Lane, and the late-night curry houses where stories taste better at 2 a.m. London’s food and drink scene is messy, magical, and always worth the queue.

**The Noodle Inn - 4.4/5 **

A buzzing hotspot where hand-pulled Xi’an biang biang noodles meet fiery chilli oil in a no-frills, canteen-style setting.
Menu must-tries: Chilli oil spill noodles with braised beef rib, shredded duck burger with hoisin sauce and their deep fried popcorn chicken.

Sushi Joy- 4.7/5

If you’re after quick, grab-and-go sushi that’s both tasty and wallet friendly (some pieces under £2!), Sushi Joy is the spot. Tucked away in a tiny Chinatown nook, it’s so easy to miss but once you find it, the flavor is totally worth it.

Spitalfield Markets 4.5/5

A foodie playground where street eats meet artisanal treats. From spicy dumplings and gourmet burgers to craft coffee and cheeky cocktails, there’s a flavor for every craving.
Must-try food stalls: Dumpling shack, crunch and bleecker burger

**Ave mario 4.8/5 **

A vibrant Italian spot serving up hearty meat, pizza, and pasta dishes, with eccentric, bold décor that’s totally Instagram-worthy.
Menu must-tires: Burrata papa Al pomodoro, crab pasta, lemon pie

**Dawat in tooting 4.6/5

**Your go-to spot for insanely delicious kebabs that won’t break the bank. With tasty wraps and plates all under £3 it’s perfect for late-night cravings or budget-friendly bites. Cheap, filling, and full of flavour. What more could you want?

**Things to do & culture **

London’s got a little bit of everything from world-class museums, buzzing markets, and nightlife that doesn’t quit.
You can wander from historic landmarks to street art alleys in the same afternoon.
It’s a city where tradition and trend collide, making every day an adventure.

Tate Modern 4.5/5

The Tate is perfect for young adults with inspiring modern art, engaging spaces, and plenty to explore. Even better, they often run free exhibitions, so culture doesn’t have to cost a thing.

Skygarden 4.6/5

Sky Garden, nicknamed the “Walkie Talkie” for its unique shape, is a skyscraper with a top-floor restaurant and stunning views. Visiting the Sky Garden is completely free, but you’ll need to book a ticket in advance online.

**Columbia road flower markets 4.6/5 **

Open only on Sundays, the street bursts into colour with flower stalls lining every corner. It's surrounded by independent fashion boutiques, cosy coffee shops, bakeries, and homeware stores, making it the perfect Sunday stroll.

**Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew 4.7/5 **

A breathtaking escape from the city, home to over 50,000 living plants, tropical glasshouses, treetop walks and endless green space. Whether you're a nature lover or just in it for the photo ops, Kew is pure botanical magic.

**Camden Market 4.6/5 **

London at its boldest, a maze of vintage shops, global street food, handmade goods, and offbeat fashion. From punk vibes to canal views, it’s a must for anyone craving something cool, creative, and a little chaotic.

Warner brother: Studio Tour 4.7/5

A magical behind-the-scenes journey into the world of Harry Potter. Walk through iconic sets, see real props, and discover movie magic up close. It’s a must for any wizard or Muggle alike!

Crypt Gallery at St Pancreas church 4.5/5

A unique art space tucked beneath a historic church. It hosts contemporary exhibitions in a cool, atmospheric setting that blends old-world charm with modern creativity. It’s a hidden gem worth exploring.

Leake street arches 4.7/5

Also known as The Graffiti Tunnels, is London’s ever-changing outdoor art gallery. Filled with vibrant street art and graffiti, it’s the perfect spot to soak up creative vibes and snap some bold photos.

**Going out & Nightlife **

London’s nightlife is as iconic as the city itself. From rooftop bars and underground clubs to historic pubs and live music venues tucked into old churches, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're into dancing until dawn, sipping cocktails with skyline views, or catching late-night gigs, the city has it all.

Bermondsey beer mile 4.8/5

One of London’s must-do pub crawls, a buzzing stretch packed with craft breweries, wine and sake bars, and quirky themed spots from skate bars to cricket pubs. There’s even a chalkboard bar where you can doodle to your heart’s content. Good vibes, great drinks, what more do you need?

Amazing Grace 4.4/5

A live music venue and bar set inside a stunning 150-year-old deconsecrated church near London Bridge. With stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, street food, and live DJs, it’s where history meets a seriously good night out.

Friendly Society Soho 4.4/5

One of Soho’s quirkiest hidden gems. A basement bar filled with fairy lights, Barbie dolls, and eclectic vibes, it’s laid-back, LGBTQ+ friendly, and always fun. The perfect spot for drinks with a twist and a crowd that knows how to party.

**Northcote records 4.4/5 **

Known for live music, creative cocktails, and a buzzing atmosphere every night of the week. With DJs, dancing, and a crowd that’s always up for a good time, it’s a go-to for South London nights out.

Pergola Brixton rooftop bar 4.6/5

A vibrant rooftop bar bringing tropical vibes to South London. With colourful decor, street food stalls, cocktails, and DJs, it’s the perfect spot for sunset drinks and weekend parties high above the buzz of Brixton.

**The faltering fullback 4.6/5 **

A charming North London pub with a beautiful vintage interior, a leafy beer garden, and a buzzing live music scene. Perfect for relaxed drinks, weekend brunch, or catching local gigs in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

**Happiness Forgets 4.6/5 **

A cosy, award-winning cocktail bar known for its expertly crafted drinks and intimate vibe. Tucked away in East London’s Shoreditch, it’s the perfect spot to escape the crowds and enjoy seriously good cocktails in a chilled setting.

Hidden Gems

St Dunstan in the East Church Garden 4.7/5

A hidden gem in the heart of the City, where the ruins of a bombed-out church have been transformed into a peaceful public garden. Ivy-covered walls, gothic arches, and quiet corners make it a magical spot to relax and escape the bustle of London.

The Mayor of scaredy cat town 4.5/5

A hidden speakeasy tucked behind a fridge door inside a breakfast café in Shoreditch. With dim lighting, playful cocktails, and a secretive vibe, it’s one of London’s most fun and quirky spots for a late-night drink.

Pop Brixton 4.5/5

It is considered a vibrant community space made from shipping containers, packed with street food stalls, indie shops, bars, and live events. It’s a go-to spot for creative energy, global flavours, and good vibes in the heart of Brixton.

**Portobello road market 4.5/5 **

It might not get as much hype as some of London’s other markets, but it’s one of the city’s most underrated gems. With its mix of antiques, vintage fashion, street food, and Notting Hill charm, it’s perfect for a more laid-back, local experience.

**Pophams 4.6/5 **

Known for its incredible pastries by day, but come nightfall, it transforms into a low-key, intimate restaurant that's still one of East London’s best-kept secrets. With a focus on seasonal dishes, natural wines, and a cosy vibe, it’s a hidden gem worth discovering after dark.

The Churchill arms Kensington 4.5/5

London’s most eye-catching pubs, covered head to toe in flowers and bursting with character inside. Behind the floral facade, you’ll find a traditional British pub that also serves some of the best Thai food in the city. It’s a true London original.

Study Spots/Student Essentials

London is full of perfect study spots for students, from peaceful libraries and inspiring museums to cosy cafés with reliable Wi-Fi.

The British Library 4.5/5

A dream spot for students looking to study in peace, with endless quiet corners, free Wi-Fi, and access to millions of books and research materials. Whether you're cramming for exams or just need a calm place to focus, this is one of London’s best study escapes.

The National Art Library at the Victoria and Albert Museum 4.7/5

A quiet and inspiring study spot for students, especially those into art, design, and history. With tons of unique books, archives, and free Wi-Fi, it’s the perfect place to dive deep into your research or find creative inspiration.

**The Wiener Holocaust library 4.8/5 **

One of the world’s oldest archives on the Holocaust and modern genocide. It offers a quiet, focused space for students researching history, human rights, or social justice, with extensive collections and expert staff to help you dive deep.

The London Library 4.4/5

A stunning and historic private library founded in 1841, home to over one million books across all subjects. It’s perfect for students who want a peaceful, inspiring place to study surrounded by classic architecture and endless reading material.

**Public Transport **

Getting around London is easy once you know the basics. The Tube, buses, and trains connect almost every corner of the city, and using an Oyster card or contactless payment keeps fares simple and cheap. Students can apply for travel discounts to save even more. Apps like Citymapper make navigating routes super easy

**Cycling **

Cycling around London is easy with Lime, Forest, and Santander bikes. Just unlock it with an app and ride. Lime and Forest are electric and dockless. Santander bikes, also known as Boris bikes, use docking stations and are super budget-friendly. Quick, eco-friendly, and perfect for students on the go.

Top 5 Student Neighbourhoods in London

**Camden **
Where creativity never sleeps. From live music and quirky markets to vintage vibes and street food, Camden’s perfect for students who want culture and buzz right outside their door

Stratford
Modern, affordable, and mega-connected. With huge shopping centres, green spaces, and top transport links, Stratford’s a smart choice for students who want convenience without the city price tag.

Finsbury Park
Laid-back meets lively. Enjoy huge parks, diverse eats, and easy access to central London. Ideal for students who want chill vibes with city perks close by.

Clapham
Your go-to for outdoor fun and nightlife. Big green spaces, buzzing bars, and a welcoming community make Clapham great for balancing study and social life.

Bermondsey
Foodie heaven meets artsy cool. Famous for the Beer Mile and a creative scene, Bermondsey is perfect for students looking to mix study with great eats and culture.

**Local Quirks **

Living in London means mastering the art of queuing like a pro, knowing that "just a minute" really means at least ten, and accepting that everyone’s secretly obsessed with complaining about the weather. It’s where you’ll find endless inside jokes about the Tube delays, dodging tourists, and shouting “Mind the gap” like a local legend. If you can survive the hustle and love the quirks, you’re officially part of the London crew.

London's a big place, so here's a map to help you get around.