Don’t Miss These Non Touristy Things to Do in London – From a Local!
This is your guide to non touristy things to do in London – from a local! Do you love exploring the hidden gems of a city you visit? I sure do! When I travel, I want to do what the locals do, not what the tourists do.
In fact, the first time I went to London in 2012, I didn’t like it so much because all I did was go to the main attractions like London Eye, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. I’m not saying they aren’t worth seeing but I wanted to show you a different side of London – the side that made me fall deeply in love with the city.
I moved to London 7 years ago from America, and since then, I’ve explored so much of it, and these are my recommendations. If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path things to do in London, then this post is for you!
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Read our Affiliate Disclosure here.
- Secrets of London Walking Tour
- Notting Hill Walking Tour
- Off the Beaten Track Private City Tour
- Landmarks and Gems Bike Tour
- Discover Camden with a Local Host
- Secret British Food Tour
Also Read… My Locals guide to 4 days in London
Where to Stay in London (from a local)
Pro-tip: You can really save money by staying a bit further out of Zone 1. As long as you’re next to a tube station, you can get anywhere in moments!
Here are my top hotel picks:
Luxury: The Savoy | Claridge’s | Hotel Cafe Royal
Mid-range: Marriott County Hall | The Tower Hotel | The Hoxton | Treehouse | Mamma Shelter
Budget: Hostel One Notting Hill | Wombat’s City Hostel
Read my full guide on the my hotel recommendations in London
Travel Insurance in London
Travel insurance might not be the first thing you think about when planning a trip to London, but trust me, it’s a must-have. While the city is generally safe and easy to navigate, unexpected things can happen—like lost luggage at Heathrow, a delayed flight back home, or even a sudden need for medical assistance.
I recommend SafetyWing – if you don’t want ongoing coverage you have the option to just choose the travel dates for your coverage.
Non touristy things to do in London
These are the top non-touristy things to do in London instead of the more popular and even more expensive attractions in London. And if you’re visiting London for the first time, don’t miss my top travel hacks for your visit!
When I moved to London I had to buy this book from Pretty City London as it helped me find some of the most picturesque streets and hidden places in London. It was founded by the Instagram page @prettycitylondon.
Go to the Post Building for a View…. not the Shard or London Eye
Instead of paying £27 to see the view from the Shard or the London Eye, go to the Post Building (see Instagram video here) and see the view for free.
Alternatively, you could have a picnic in the summer and enjoy the view like a local would from either Primrose Hill or Parliament Hill in Hampstead! This is definitely one of the most non-touristy things to do in London.
In summary, I’d recommend these places for views in London include:
- The View of St. Paul’s Cathedral at One New Change (see Instagram video here)
- The Post Building (see Instagram video here)
- Parliament Hill in Hampstead
- Primrose Hill
Read my full guide on the best views in London
Instead of Camden Market… Go to Maltby Market
Camden Market can be overcrowded and touristy. I love Maltby Market as not many know about it, and it has amazing food and coffee. It’s located on a small side street, a short walk from London Bridge. I recommend getting the Steak & Chips from @TheBeefsteaks. It’s amazing!
Nearby is also the more well-known Borough Market, which I also love (a foodie paradise).
💡Local tip: Purchase this Borough Market food tour (via Headout), which will allow you to sample all the best foods and be guided by a local. I went on this tour and learned about so many new hidden gems (even as a local myself!). It wasn’t just about food, too; we were shown some hidden corners, learned fun facts about London, and ended with a drink at a cozy wine bar! I actually loved this experience.
Read more about my favorite food markets in London. If you’re traveling to London solo, food markets are great to visit.
📸 Did you know you can hire a photographer who will take amazing photos of you and also take you to some of the hidden local spots in London!?
Book now with this link to save $25 off your first photoshoot with Flytographer.
Take a Stroll Along Little Venice
One of the most unique things to do in London is visit Little Venice. This canal in London gives you a little glimpse of what it’s like to be in Italy right here in London. It’s the perfect place to take a relaxing stroll with nice scenery all along. It’s especially beautiful in autumn when all the leaves change.
Little Venice is located in the heart of London, near Paddington and is known for its tranquil canals, colorful houseboats, and charming waterside cafes. It is where the Regent’s Canal and the Grand Union Canal meet, creating a quiet escape away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
You can start your morning with a canal cruise, enjoy breakfast at the Waterside Cafe or Cafe Laville, which has views of the canal (check out my Instagram video on this hidden cafe with the canal view).
Don’t miss a visit to the Puppet Theatre Barge and check out the latest exhibitions at the Lisson Gallery.
💡 Pro-tip, you can even rent a canoe and enjoy the scenery from the river.
Instead of shopping on Regent St, shop in Chelsea & admire all the beautiful homes
Regent Street is iconic to London, especially when it comes to shopping. But it comes with fighting the crowd! If you want to shop in one of London’s most beautiful neighborhoods, go to Chelsea (near Sloane Square & Duke of York Square). The houses are so gorgeous in this area.
Here are a few of my favorites, all are super photogenic places in London:
Instead of going to Starbucks, Pret, or Costa, go to a local coffee shop.
I am all about supporting local businesses. I would recommend the following & I have a dedicated post to this because I’m that obsessed. You can find the post linked here, along with a map of 100 small business coffee shops & cafes.
☕️ Monocle: for a latte after a pretty walk in Marylebone
☕️ Boxcar: for a coffee and laidback atmosphere right in Connaught Village.
☕️ Grind: For chic, fun interiors & an espresso martini, and coffee subscriptions are delivered to your door.
☕️ Farm Girl: for an açai bowl and a rose latte!
☕️ Daisy Green: for bottomless brunch at £30
Hidden Afternoon Teas in London
As a tourist, you have to try afternoon tea! It was invented when the Queen became hungry in the afternoon. The tea is served with some finger sandwiches and scones. Instead of going to. The tourist hotspots like the Ritz or Fortnum & Mason, try some of these lesser-known spots. I absolutely love them all! Not so many people know about it, but they also serve afternoon tea in the British Museum and the National Gallery. So you’re up to combine cultural and gastronomy experiences, be sure not to miss these tours.
- The Rubens at the Palace (first picture above): One of my ultimate favorite afternoon teas. With a view of Buckingham Palace! And it’s crazy how this place is not as known to tourists! Be sure to request a window seat for prime views and the prettiest setting with a cozy red couch. It is advisable to book this afternoon tea ahead and you can do that here. PS: want to see what afternoon tea looks like? I posted it on my Instagram here.
- The Library at Marriott County Hall (second picture above): Although with a prime view of Big Ben, this spot is lesser known. I love a good view and it’s one of my favorite afternoon teas.
- The Rose Lounge in Sofitel London: This room is decked in pink with a stunning flowery mural on the wall. I love the interiors as well as the afternoon tea.
- Petersham Nurseries: They have 2 locations. The Richmond location is definitely better! It’s set in a stunning garden and the afternoon tea has flowers at the centerpiece. It is also the tastiest afternoon tea I had. I loved the finger sandwiches.
Book a photography session in London! They will take you even to local gems for the shoot. You can select which route you’d like when booking.
More of my favorite things to do & see in London:
Favorite restaurant
Lina Stores: they have an Italian deli where you can enjoy a panini and they have a sit-down restaurant with delicious pasta.
Favorite London Neighborhoods
Hampstead! It’s so beautiful. Read my guide on the best things to do in Hampstead. Tucked away in Northwest London only a short tube ride from Central London, this gorgeous neighborhood feels like a village far away. With quaint and narrow cobblestone pathways, cute boutiques and cafes, and a large park you could easily spend the perfect day here.
Notting Hill, Belsize Park, Primrose Hill, South Kensington, & Chelsea also have the most gorgeous London homes and streets.
In East London, you can explore the trendy neighborhood of Shoreditch and check out the cool street art with this walking tour!
Favorite flower market
Columbia Road Market! Every Sunday, you can find fresh flowers sold at this market. It’s so pretty!
Favorite thing to see
The pretty mews in London – Mews are old stable houses. Tucked behind hidden corners, you will not want to miss them. The most notable is St Luke’s Mews in Notting Hill & Kynance Mews in South Kensington.
Favorite cupcake shop:
Peggy Porshen: They have not only the cutest facade decked in all pink but the prettiest cupcakes too!
Favorite Vintage Market
Brick Lane Market: In the edgy East London, you will find great vintage shopping. This is more of an art scene area and going out area. It is edgier than the West of London. I love the beauty of West London but the artsy side of the East.
Favorite Museums
The Wallace Collection (pictured above) and the V&A Museum are my favorites, especially on a rainy London day! I love the jewelry showroom as I make jewelry myself and it’s so fun to see. Kew Gardens (buy tickets here) is an amazing botanical garden tucked away in the charming neighborhood of Richmond.
Pro-tip: Save money visiting multle attractions with the London explorer pass.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite non tourist things to do in London as a local!
You might also like these posts!
🏠 Hampstead in London: London’s prettiest neighborhood
🏠 Things to do in Notting Hill
🏙️ Top Tips for Visiting London
🏨 Best Areas and Hotels to Stay in London
🌳 How to Spend the Perfect Day in Belsize Park
🤍 How to Spend the Perfect Day in West Hampstead
💛 How to Spend the Perfect Day in Primrose Hill
🍺 The best Pubs in Hampstead
📆 A Locals Guide to 4 Days in London
🏙️ Best Viewpoints of London
✈️ A Solo Travelers Guide to London
🩷 30+ Instagrammable Places in London
🛒 London’s Best Markets for Shopping and Food
🛍️ Things to do in Belgravia, London
💜 Visiting the Mayfield Lavender Field near London
🛣️ Most Beautiful and Famous Streets in London
📸 The 5 Most Instagrammable Cafes in London
☕ Best Independent Coffee Shops and Brunch Spots in London
🧳 The perfect trip from London: Cornwall!
yay! glad you found it useful. It’s good to find fewer tourist things to do for sure!
Ah, I love London but I always fall into the trap of doing the touristy things! Most of them are great, but locals definitely know how to get the most out of a destination! That view from Primrose Hill is unbelievable! What a great view of the London skyline! I’m definitely visiting there when I’m next in London! Thanks for the great guide!
I love the idea of going to a less touristy market. Whenever I’m in London I try to find spots locals go to so I avoid the large tourists groups that seem to be everywhere.
yes, it can get so crowded!
Great ideas. Ui especially support going to a local coffee place rather than a chain. There are some great such places in London.
me too! they are so much better 🙂
Well, I for one had never heard of Maltby Market! Those are some very pink and cute places you’ve shared with us. I love all the cuteness we can find in London, it always makes me so happy and cheerful! I am yet to visit Farm Girl, and I think that might just be my next destination!!
Very nice blog
This blog is amazing.
I really appreciate this local’s guide to non-touristy things to do in London! It’s refreshing to read about exploring the city from a local’s perspective, as it offers a much more authentic and personal experience. I completely agree that when traveling, the best moments come from discovering what the locals do, rather than following the typical tourist path. Your insights into hidden gems make it easy to dive deeper into London’s unique culture and charm. Thank you for sharing such an inspiring way to experience the city!
Thanks a lot for the full list, I will try to visit as many places as possible 🙂
Thanks for sharing these great local tips! I love the idea of visiting Maltby Market and Little Venice instead of the usual tourist spots. The Post Building view sounds amazing too. Can’t wait to explore these hidden gems on my next trip to London!