The capital of England, London, is a lively metropolis known for captivating tourists for centuries. Featuring cultural diversity, rich history, and iconic landmarks, the city offers something for everyone – does not matter whether you are a history buff, an art aficionado, or a foodie. It is also one of the many fashion capitals of the globe while harboring two of the most successful clubs in world football, namely Arsenal Football Club and Chelsea Football Club.
Some of the notable and most recognizable landmarks in London include the Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the Tower Bridge. And despite its bustling urban environment, the city boasts a surprising number of green spaces, such as Regent’s Park and the Kensington Gardens. London also features a vibrant nightlife, courtesy of its trendy pubs and cocktail bars, allowing endless options to have a truly unforgettable experience. Having said that, if you are a student who is traveling to London for the first time and want to know the places where you can effectively use your student status to get discounts, then by all means continue reading our comprehensive guide.
1. British Museum
Situated in the Bloomsbury area of London, the British Museum is a public museum solely dedicated to preserving human history, culture, and art. Featuring a permanent collection of over eight million artifacts, which is the largest in the world, the museum properly documents the story of human culture from the beginning to the present day. Every year, more than six million tourists grace its floors, making it the most popular tourist destination in London.
The British Museum’s most notable works include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, the Mummy Rooms, the Islamic Middle East galleries, and the Sutton Hoo Ship Burial Site. Students are highly recommended to visit the venue, primarily because of the sheer exposure to the history of humankind that the museum provides. Also, entry is free for everyone, including students. To purchase tickets, click here.
2. London Eye
Overlooking the River Thames is London’s most prestigious landmark, known as the London Eye. Having featured in countless movies (especially Ian Flemming’s James Bond series) and video games, this majestic Ferris wheel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. It currently stands at an impressive 135 meters above land and conveniently attracts millions of tourists around the globe every year.
Talking about its construction, the London Eye’s sleek and modern design is carefully crafted using 1,700 tons of steel. And it has 32 capsules in its ring, and each capsule offers comfortable seating for 25 passengers. Apart from enjoying a memorable viewing experience, visitors can also help themselves to some drinks or snacks from the capsule’s bar. Ticket prices start at 25 pounds sterling – which is reduced to 18 pounds sterling for students – and the discount process is handled by a third-party service provider known as Student Beans. To book your tickets today, click here.
3. National Gallery
Touted as one of the most renowned museums in the world, the National Gallery in London houses a vast collection of more than 2,300 paintings that date from the mid-13th century to the 1900s. Conveniently situated in Trafalgar Square, the venue attracts more than six million visitors every year, where travelers can wander through its galleries that are organized chronologically and regionally.
Each painting showcased inside the gallery offers an artistic as well as cultural insight into the era in which it was painted, ultimately providing a thorough documentary of Europe’s art history. Some of the celebrated artists whose works are most popular inside the gallery include Sandro Botticelli, Rembrandt van Rijn, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh. And the good news is that – entry has been made free to everyone – including students. Click here to book your tickets.
4. Churchill War Rooms
Alternatively known as the ‘Cabinet War Rooms,’ the Churchill War Rooms is a museum that housed Britain’s command center throughout World War II. Situated underground, these top-secret war rooms were utilized by then-Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his staff to direct Britain’s war efforts. And now, the public has access to the whole area, offering everyone a unique opportunity to see the rooms where all the successful history was created.
As a student, if war-related venues interest you, then visiting the Churchill War Rooms is a no-brainer. Also, students fall under the concessions bracket, which means that you have to pay reduced ticket charges, which are 24.50 pounds sterling (without donation) and 27 pounds sterling (with donation). Usual ticket prices are 27.25 pounds sterling and 30 pounds sterling, respectively. To get your tickets right away, visit here.
5. Westminster Abbey
Being a collegiate church in London, Westminster Abbey is one of the most recognizable Christian landmarks across the globe. Since 1066, the venue has been the coronation church for English and British monarchs. The place is also home to the tombs of numerous English monarchs, most notably Sir Isaac Newton, William Blake, and Charles Dickens.
It should be known that the monument is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to the public for various tours and services. Visitors are allowed to bask in the building’s beautiful architecture, stained glass windows, and sculptures, which is why students get a special discounted ticket price of 26 pounds sterling (the usual price is 29 pounds sterling). And lastly, you can purchase your tickets here.
