London is a diverse and vibrant city, perfect for your 20s. In this big city, something’s always happening – you’ll never be bored. What’s best is that there are so many completely free or relatively cheap options, it’s possible to have a lot of fun on a student budget.

Explore this list with the best ideas for a weekend in London.

Panoramic view of London from the Sky Garden

You don’t have to pay for a ride on the London Eye to get the best view of London’s skyline. Enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the Sky Garden. You just have to book your free ticket to be guaranteed entry.

A cultural trip to public museums

London houses some of the most important national museums. Explore the treasures, cultural artifacts and iconic works of art in the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Britain, Natural History Museum. The list doesn’t end here.

Sightseeing London’s landmarks

Give yourself a chance to explore London from the tourist’s perspective. Visit Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and Big Ben. Go to Greenwich and stand on the Prime Meridian Line, take a photo with the Tower Bridge in the backgroun. London is full of iconic tourist attractions.

Take a walk in one of the parks

You can choose some of the most popular ones such as Hyde Park and Regent’s Park or those lesser-known, off-the-beaten tracks. Some of the most unique ones include the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park in which you’ll be transported to Japan and the Crystal Palace Park where you can spot some dinosaurs.

Take a theme-trip through the city

London has been the location of many famous films. If you’re a fan of Notting Hill, Harry Potter or James Bond, get creative and discover where your favourite scenes were shot. There are many guides on how to do that online.

Enjoy the rich cultural scene

London’s West End is full of countless world-famous shows and musicals. While this isn’t necessarily a budget-friendly option, the experience is worth it. I know what I’m talking about – seeing the Phantom of the Opera was definitely the highlight of my first term at LSE.

Browse the street markets

What’s a better way to experience London’s vibrant culture and diverse communities than through food, markets and festivals? Some of the most popular and regular street markets are the Camden Market, Borough Market or Columbia Road Flower Market. They’re ideal both if you’re looking for a unique gift for a friend and if you just want to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the buzz of the city.

Local and seasonal events

Last but not least, there are some great, though less popular events. There are open mic nights, seasonal parties in local clubs, dance nights, etc. Keep your eyes and ears open for such events. For example, in November I had a chance to see a spectacular lights show in the Tower of London for free because I saw a poster about it near my flat. In London, you will find opportunities at every corner.