London Classical

There are several large organizations that supply the city with some of the most renowned classical performances in the world. For free chamber and classical music, check out some of London’s churches, where students from famous music schools often give free, professional-quality recitals.

Royal Opera House, Bow St. (020 7766 1100; www.roh.org.uk) Though the glorious glass facade of the Royal Opera House makes it look more like a train station than a theater, patrons of the opera enjoy all of the great works of opera and some of the more contemporary pieces too. Though no discounts are offered, students can try and get standby tickets by going online and selecting "student standby" from the website. Top price seats are available for £10 if you get lucky. Booking opens around two months before each performance, so try and book early. The ROH also sponsors free outdoor film screenings, so look out for those on their website. Covent Garden. Right onto Long Acre, then right onto Bow St. Tickets £5-150. Booking office open M-Sa 10am-8pm.

Performances at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Trafalgar Sq. (020 7766 1100; www.smitf.org ) Every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 1pm, they have a 45min. "lunch-time concert" in which conservatory students perform classical recitals. In the evening, more renowned artists perform in the space. Known as the "Church of the Ever-Open Door" because of its use as a place of refuge for soldiers en route to France in WWI, St. Martin-in-the-Fields is a must-see for any music lover. Charing Cross. To the east of Trafalgar Square. Jazz night W 8pm. Reserved jazz ticket £9, unreserved jazz ticket £5.50. Open daily 8am-5pm, but it stays open later on off-concert days. Gift shop open M-W 10am-7pm, Th-Sa 10am-9pm, Su 11:30am-6pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.

Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore (0845 401 5045 for box office; www.royalalberthall.com) Deep in the heart of South Kensington, the Royal Albert Hall was commissioned by Prince Albert in order to promote the arts, and has been in continuous operation since 1871. Offering some of the biggest concerts in London, the famous BBC Proms classical festival, and a range of other phenomenal musical events, the hall is an experience in history and culture that's not to be missed. Knightsbridge. Turn left onto Knightsbridge and continue onto Kensington Rd. From £10. Open daily 9am-9pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.

The London Coliseum, 33 Saint Martin's Ln. (087 1472 0600; www.eno.org) Home of the English National Opera, The London Coliseum shows opera in English translation. Showcasing mostly new, cutting-edge ballet and opera, the Coliseum is a must for anyone who's ever wondered what exactly the fat lady is singing when she closes out the show. Charing Cross. Go along the east side of Trafalgar Square up Charing Cross Rd., turn right onto Chandos Pl., and left onto Saint Martin’s Lane. Sometimes students and other concessions can get discounted tickets 3hr. before the performance. Tickets £15-90. Open on performance days M-Sa 10am-8pm, non-performance days M-Sa 10am-6pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd. (084 4847 9915; www.southbankcentre.co.uk/classical) The gorgeous classical music played at the riverside Southbank Centre may clash with its Brutalist design, but that's no reason to skip it. The Queen Elizabeth and Purcell rooms provide much more intimate spaces, while the Royal Festival Hall aims for a grander, classically classical experience. Waterloo. Right onto York Rd. and left onto Waterloo Rd. Call 084 4847 9910 for disabled access. Tickets £9-45. Students can get 50% off all sorts of tickets to some concerts. Available by phone daily 9am-8pm. Royal Festival Hall Ticket office open daily 10am-8pm. Wheelchair access.