Student Ambassador and MSc Development Studies candidate Nihal Sherif suggests seven places in London where you can soak up the capital’s culture for free!
A very good morning from one of the most exciting cities in the world!
My name is Nihal Sherif, MSc in Development Studies student and LSE International Development Ambassador. As you approach your arrival to London and the LSE, your mind might be racing in a million directions. Between visas, and packing and finding accommodation, it can be pretty stressful. If it helps, when you get here there is so much to explore beyond the LSE campus that can help restore a sense of calm and remind you why London is a cultural hub.
‘’£0 London’’ is a visual series dedicated to the wanders, the art appreciators, the explorers of cultural venues and activities – just anyone, really, who wants to get to know this beautiful city without breaking their wallets. Below is a brief list of wonderful places to explore – more to follow!
1. St James Park, Postcode: SW1A 2BJ
One of the royal parks and just next to Buckingham Palace, this is one of my personal favourites. You can go there for picnics, observe the flowers bloom and the leaves fall. The ducks and squirrels are pretty friendly there as well.
2. Hyde Park, Postcode: W2 2UH
One of the most famous parks in London and home to the Serpentine, it is perfect for biking, sitting in the café there and working, or observing its breath-taking nature.
3. Portobello Road, Notting Hill, Postcode: W10 5TY
If you are a vintage/ thrift shop lover, or just a huge fan of Hugh Grant in the famous movie, this place is worth seeing. Along Portobello Road, you will find charity shops (such as Oxfam, Save the Children, Royal Trinity Hospice) where you can find good buys for a charitable cause! You can also walk along the road, take a look at the colourful houses, and take a picture next to the famous Blue Door!
4. Tate Modern, Postcode: SE1
Contemporary and modern art lovers, this place is for you! A breath-taking collection of installations, paintings and photography from artists all around the world, telling human stories of hope, suffering, activism and nostalgia. You will most probably find me there 99.9% of the time 😊.
5. Tate Britain, Postcode: SW1
A fascinating museum that tracks British art from the Tudor times to the present day. A feast for the eyes and the mind – there is so much to learn.
6. The Natural History Museum, Postcode: SW7 5HD
Dinosaurs, Mammoth skeletons – Ice Age and Jurassic Park comes to life! This museum also raises awareness about climate change, human destruction and exploitation of nature, and how both intricate and fascinating our Planet Earth is. 100% recommend!
7. The Barbican Centre, Postcode: EC2Y 8BN
Quite an eccentric but interesting place to be. You can find work spaces, libraries and art exhibits. You never run out of things to do!
The views expressed in this post are those of the authors and in no way reflect those of the International Development LSE blog or the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Image Credit: Nihal Sherif
