Budget-Friendly 1-Day Itinerary for a Student in London
Updated as of: May 18, 2025
Best For: New students, backpackers, or anyone wanting to explore London without breaking the bank.
Estimated Total Cost: £15–£20 (excluding transport if using an Oyster card or Travelcard)
Morning: Explore Central London on Foot
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Start Point: Trafalgar Square
Begin at Trafalgar Square — completely free and always buzzing with energy. Snap a few photos with the lions and fountains.
Walk down Whitehall to Downing Street (just for a peek, it’s gated).
Stop by Horse Guards Parade — catch the Changing of the Guard at 11:00 AM if you can (free to watch).
Head to St. James’s Park for a peaceful stroll with ducks, swans, and an unbeatable view of Buckingham Palace across the lake.
🕐 Time Needed: 2 hours
💰 Cost: Free
🚇 Nearest Tube: Charing Cross / Westminster
Lunch: Cheap & Tasty Eats
Time: 12:00 PM
Where: Head to Chinatown (just a 10-min walk from Trafalgar Square)
Try a filling meal at Jen Café or grab some pork buns from a bakery (around £3–£6).
Vegetarian or halal options available at Rasa Sayang or Tao Tao Ju.
💰 Estimated Cost: £6–£8
Afternoon: Free Culture & Views
Time: 1:30 PM
Where: Southbank (walk across the bridge from Embankment)
Visit the Tate Modern (free entry!) and explore modern art from around the world.
Walk along the South Bank — you’ll get great views of the London Eye, Big Ben, and more.
End with a peaceful visit to The Garden at 120 (near Monument station). It’s a free rooftop garden with panoramic city views!
🕐 Time Needed: 3 hours
💰 Cost: Free
Nearest Tube: Blackfriars / Southwark / Monument
🌇 Evening: Cozy & Affordable
Time: 5:00 PM
Grab a hot drink from Pret or Greggs on the way back (£2–£4).
Optional: Catch sunset from Primrose Hill (take bus/tube) — one of London’s best free viewpoints.
💰 Cost: ~£4
🕐 Time Needed: 1–2 hours
✅ Tips & Notes
Use an Oyster card or contactless for cheaper transport. A full day of travel in Zones 1–2 is capped at £8.50.
Bring your own water bottle (free refill spots available all over the city).
Avoid weekends if you want less crowd at the museums.