Today, I want to talk about all the best nontouristy things to do in London alone, with friends, or with your partner. There are lots of amazing things to do alone in London, and I know this for a fact.
Since the first time I moved to London in 2019, I have been looking for nontouristy things to do in London because I’m just not that big on tourist attractions.
This is just not me. I like going off the beaten path, and if like me, you like to do things in London on your own, then you’re going to be happy you landed on this page today.
I will be talking about all the best-underrated activities, and things to do, see and eat when you’re alone in the city.
I’ll be covering some underdog places in London, like North London, East London, and West London, but also some central places like London Bridge.
Now, it is time for me to share all my favorite nontouristy things to do alone in London.
Best believe I have kept the budget very low for this guide, so if you’re a student traveling abroad on a budget, you’re going to find yourself very much at home here.
17 Best Nontouristy Things To Do Alone in London
In this guide, I will tell you all about my favorite things to do alone in London like a local. I will tell you about my favorite free museums in London and the most nontouristy things to do in London as well.
I do not like following trends and new openings that I know will be mostly touristic. I like edgy, I like different, and I like new and quirky.
If like me, you like doing things in London on your own, then you should find yourself pretty easily in this guide.
I will try not to talk about famous museums like the Tate Modern or the Victoria & Albert Museum as there are museums and galleries that you could find on just any blog.
Remember this is a digital nomad website, and a platform dedicated to digital nomads and students studying abroad, and probably freelancers living in a hostel at the moment.
So, I will focus on the best things to do alone in London on a budget and mostly free activities.
However, here and there, I will be talking about great street food in London, as this is my favorite type of food. So, if you’re ready to dive into this guide to the best free and cheap things to do solo in London, welcome, and enjoy!
Best Things To Do Alone in London: Visit the Dutch Garden
One of my favorite things to do alone in London is take a walk in Holland Park.
There, you have two of the most beautiful parks in London.
The first one is still quite an underrated place, Kyoto Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden.
You can see peacocks living their best life there, Japanese sculptures, fish, a beautiful waterfall and a tiny bridge, and cherry blossom trees at springtime.
Kyoto Garden is sometimes packed as it is one of the most instagrammable places in London.
As such, one of the nontouristy things to do in London is to head just a few minutes away from the Kyoto Garden to the Dutch Garden.
The arrangements are absolutely stunning and there, you will witness beautiful architecture and frescoes, a fountain, and find plenty of benches to rest and have a small picnic.
If you’re looking for solo things to do in London, then that’s definitely one of the most relaxing spots. You can take a second-hand book with you and have a good read.
The Dutch Garden is also one of my favorite places to write in London, should you wish to do so. If you’re willing to go all the way to Holland Park, then you’ll really have a great time.
Read: The Most Instagrammable Streets in Camden
Non Touristy Things To Do in London: Eat a Bagel at the Happening Bagel Bakery
When I moved back to the city last year, I spent some time living in Seven Sisters.
I discovered one of the best free libraries to work in London around Finsbury Park, a super cool public library to study where plenty of freelancers and students from the nearby university come to work on their laptops.
One of my favorite things to do alone in London at that time was to visit the Happening Bagel Bakery on Seven Sisters Road.
This is an authentic bagel place, and although I really love the Beigel Bake Bakery on Brick Lane in East London, there is something about this bagel shop on Seven Sisters Road.
Maybe it’s the fact that it’s big and filled with amazing cream cakes, pastries, and delicious bagels. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m always looking for things to do and cafes in North London to visit on my own.
The bagels are great there, especially the salt beef, mustard, and pickle ones.
The Happening Bagel Bakery is open every day from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m., which allows you to get the best bagels in London at every time of the day.
Clearly, that is one of the most nontouristy things to do in London alone. Be sure to put the Happening Bagel Bakery on your bucket list when you first come to the city.
Read: The Most Delicious Halal Cafes in London
Best Things To Do Alone in London: Visit the Saatchi Gallery
I’ve always been very attracted to the Saatchi Gallery, and that’s one of my favorite things to do alone in London around Knightsbridge and Sloane Square.
The Saatchi Gallery is a modern and contemporary art gallery that hosts the craziest and most interesting avant-garde art exhibitions.
There, you will not find any van Gogh or Monet, but you will see some modern artists’ take on the world, society, and the mind.
I remember some of the first exhibitions I saw there, with great paintings, photography, and sculptures unlike any other art gallery in London.
Entry is completely free except for very special exhibitions, and it’s a mind-broadening experience to visit the Saatchi Gallery.
It’s still one very underrated art gallery and in my opinion, one of the best nontouristy things to do in London around South Kensington.
Read: The Best Things To Do in Rome Alone
Non Touristy Things To Do in London: Go Charity Shopping
Going charity shopping is one of my favorite things to do alone in London, and there are a few areas that I prefer roaming because I know they are packed with the best charity shops in London.
For instance, I now live in North Finchley, and on the High Road, you have seven or eight amazing charity shops filled with books and brand-new clothes for just a handful of pounds.
Once, I was looking for solo things to do in London, and I just took a walk from my home to the High Road.
I ended up spending about £50 and got back home with almost 15 items, which is so far from the price I would have paid in a high street shop.
I think that going charity shopping is one of the best nontouristy things to do in London because it’s a very local culture.
There are areas where you can find the best charity shops all gathered together, like Bethnal Green, or Chelsea and South Kensington if you would like some second-hand designer clothes as well.
Read more here:
- The best charity shops in Bethnal Green
- The best charity shops in Chelsea
- The best charity shops in Muswell Hill
Best Things To Do Alone in London: Work at a Cafe
Some of the best nontouristy things to do in London unequivocally include living like a local. Especially if you’ve just moved to London and are looking for things to do on your own.
In my opinion, that includes working in coffee shops in Shoreditch, Soho, and all the super cool free coworking spaces in London.
I have talked a lot about the best cafes to work in London on The Working Line, as it is one of my passions to find the best places to work around the world and study.
If you’re looking for solo things to do in London and you’re a student, a freelancer, or a digital nomad, then you should definitely check out my guides to the best chain coffee shops in London:
- the best Starbucks cafes to work in London
- the best Pret cafes to study in London
- the best Caffè Nero study cafes in London to work
If you are looking for things to do around London Bridge, a lot of these places are located nearby. Plus, they’re open for quite a big portion of the day.
So, you can bring your laptop and enjoy free Wi-Fi and power outlets for the longest time.
Read: The Best Markets in Shoreditch
Non Touristy Things To Do in London: Walk Along the Thames
Walking along the Thames Riverside is of my favorite things to do alone in London. I have taken the habit quite a long time ago, from the first time I set foot in the city.
That’s one of the best things to do around London Bridge in my opinion, aside from sitting down at a cafe to study or work.
Of course, you can walk down the Thames to Canary Wharf towards the East or the other way to Vauxhall, another very pretty and posh area in London.
If you just want to relax, I would advise you to sit down in front of Tower Bridge, right on the grass.
You will see a lot of people already spending some time there with their friends or kids, and lots are even alone enjoying the chill moment.
If you’re looking for things to do in London on your own, walking around the Thames is what puts me in a meditative state.
The Thames has a kind of healing power when I think about it.
If you’re looking for other things to do around London Bridge, you could also visit the Borough Market and walk around the Tower of London, but in my opinion, these are touristy things and I don’t actually do that as often.
Read: The best Cafes to study in Rome Italy
Best Things To Do Alone in London: Skate at Roller Nation
I have been a roller skater for a few months now, and one of my favorite things to do alone in London is to spend an evening at Roller Nation in Bruce Grove.
If you’re looking for things to do in North London off the beaten path, that is the thing I would recommend over and over again.
Roller Nation has this vibe of an old-school/80s roller skating rink, and since it’s inside, skating there is really smooth and relaxing.
There are theme nights with different kinds of music, and you can even rent skates with attached brakes – perfect if you’ve never tried skating before.
It’s one of my favorite things to do in London on my own, and if you’re trying to work on your balance or just have fun, you’re definitely going to have a great evening at Roller Nation.
Read: The best Pink Cafes in London
Non Touristy Things To Do in London: Visit Stoke Newington & Dalston
If you’re ever looking for things to do in North London and you’re trying to get off the beaten path, two other village-like places I can recommend are Dalston and Stoke Newington .
When I used to live in Seven Sisters, I was just a mere 20 minutes’ walk away from Stoke Newington, and I had some great moments there.
Stoke Newington really is that kind of little village that will make you feel like you’re not even in the capital. Visiting it is also one of the best nontouristy things to do in London if you’re trying to see how locals live.
There are lots of little coffee shops there, lots of charity shops, and although Dalston is much more lively than Stoke Newington, both are well worth a visit with all those shopping places and tiny street food restaurants.
Read: The Best Cafes in East London To Study
Best Things To Do Alone in London: Hang Out at Cutty Sark
I didn’t know about Cutty Sark until I moved to Greenwich at the beginning of the year.
One of my favorite things to do alone in London quickly became walking from Greenwich Station to Cutty Sark, a clipper ship with an in-built museum.
When you go up to Cutty Sark, just walk two or three more minutes, and you’ll arrive in front of the perfect view of Canary Wharf.
If you’re looking for things to do in London on your own, witnessing the lit-up city with a thousand lights and the sunset is one of the most relaxing things you can do.
The best thing about Greenwich is that it is one of the off-the-beaten-path places in London, so there are way fewer people there than in Central.
Promise, you will really be able to enjoy the quietness and even maybe plan your future projects.
Read: The Best Second Hand Bookshops in London
Non Touristy Things To Do in London: Get a Boris Bike
Getting a Santander bike (also called a Boris bike) is one of my favorite things to do alone in London.
You just have to pay a handful of pounds and you can cycle along the canal from Canary Wharf to Westminster, or from Limehouse to Camden Town.
It’s one of the most nontouristy things to do in London.
Still, a lot of tourists actually hop on the bus or the Tube without realizing that getting a Boris bike is one of the best ways to discover the city.
Yet, what’s better than seeing the city out in the open while keeping healthy?
If you’re looking for things to do around London Bridge, definitely rent a Santander bike and cycle up to Canary Wharf where you can drop it off and enjoy the lit-up skyscrapers as the evening falls.
That is one of my favorite things to do in London at night because can I relax in one of the most magical places in London.
Read: The Best Gluten Free Bakeries in London
Best Things To Do Alone in London: Visit the Crystal Palace Park
Crystal Palace Park is located far in the South-East and spending a moment there is one of the best nontouristy things to do in London.
I’d say the most famous things to see there are the huge dinosaur sculptures.
I bet you’ve never seen this before in your life, and for those looking for unusual things to do alone in London, Crystal Palace Park is totally free to access.
I would definitely recommend going there when it’s sunny. I went there when it was cloudy, and the dinosaur sculptures and the little lake didn’t look quite as nice.
The Crystal Palace Park and its dinosaur sculptures really are a change from anything you could find around London Bridge, King’s Cross, or even North London.
If you meet other students or digital nomads, you could definitely travel to Crystal Palace Park and have a great picnic there on the weekend.
Read: The best Cat Cafes in London & Pet Friendly Cafes
Non Touristy Things To Do in London: Spend Some Time at London Fields
I love all the small villages scattered all around London, and that includes Hampstead, Dalston, Stoke Newington, and of course, London Fields.
That’s one of the most nontouristy things to do in London, as it is quite a local spot (a bit like Hackney Marshes for instance).
London Fields is located in Hackney, after Bethnal Green, and you will have to walk a little bit to reach it. You can also take the bus there.
The main street in London Fields is filled with little local artisan cafes, Italian markets, organic produce, butchers, and fish shops.
I have always loved visiting this place, as you feel really good when you’re walking around London Fields.
This might be one of the most underrated and poshest areas in London, and still very much unknown to students studying abroad in London and digital nomads.
If you’re looking for things to do alone in London, definitely visit the London Fields Lido and the Broadway Market on a sunny day.
Read: The Best Halal Restaurants in Covent Garden
Best Things To Do Alone in London: Visit Free Museums & Art Galleries
Visiting free museums and art galleries is one of my favorite things to do alone in London, and I have my personal favorites.
I can include the British Museum, located not too far from Central, Tottenham Court Road, and some of the best cafes to study in London.
It boasts a huge collection of Egyptian, Assyrian, Greek, and Roman sculptures and art. It is completely free, and if you’re looking for solo things to do in London, then you really can’t miss out on that one.
The second one would be the National Gallery (pictured above). I’m not a big fan of the art there, however, I love the setting and the architecture inside.
This Leicester Square museum is completely free to access, and like the British Museum, you only have to book a free ticket online before you can go in.
If you’re looking for other nontouristy things to do in London, there are lots of small free art galleries like the White Cube in Bermondsey right off St. Thomas Street (where you can also find the famous Shard).
The White Cube has got some really crazy installations and art, and for another free art gallery, the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park is another one of the very interesting places to visit in London on your own.
Non Touristy Things To Do in London: Get a Full English Breakfast in East London
This might not be one of the non touristy things to do in London.
Yet, getting a Full English Breakfast is definitely a local thing to do, whether you’ve just moved here to study in London, or have been here forever.
I think that one of the best things to do alone in London is get a Full English Breakfast on a Saturday or Sunday morning .
It’s a personal treat and a reward.
I have my personal favorites, which I will talk about more in detail in another guide.
But for the moment, I will say that East London has some of the coolest restaurants for a good Full English Breakfast.
I do not eat pork, as such, I prefer visiting halal restaurants for breakfast, and two of my favorites are located on Whitechapel Road.
The first one, Dulce Coffee, is cheaper and has great plates filled with amazing turkey rashers, beef sausages, and amazingly roasted hash brown.
The second one, Grounded, is just a bit higher up on the road, and it has this rustic atmosphere with organic tea and coffee to buy in the background.
There are also lots of pastries that you can see on the counter, and both places are often packed come the weekend.
Read: Best Vegan Bakeries in London: Vegan Cakes, Cupcakes…
Best Things To Do Alone in London: Discover the Chinatown Bakery
Chinatown might be a touristy place, but one of my favorite things to do alone in London is to visit the Chinatown Bakery, which seems to be only famous among locals.
This is one of the most delicious bakeries, with Asian-style pastries, cakes, and breads filled with amazing chicken and curry, vegetarian fillings, and sweet buns decorated with the thickest whipped cream.
If you’re looking for things to do near Leicester Square on your own, then Chinatown bakery definitely should be on your list.
The prices are also quite affordable, which is why I keep coming back to it and always buy two or three cakes, which brings the total up to like, 5 or 6 pounds only.
Then, I go sit in Leicester Square and enjoy the performances and the hustle and bustle of the city going on around me.
Read: Cheap Pizza in London: Authentic Neapolitan & Roman
Non-Touristy Things To Do in London: Get Acquainted With Eventbrite
If you’re looking for nontouristy things to do in London as a local, then you should get acquainted with ticket places like EventBrite.
I use EventBrite quite a lot when I’m looking for things to do alone in London around London Bridge, Liverpool Street, King’s Cross, or even North London.
Even if this is a ticket platform, you will be able to find on EventBrite all the free events happening today, tomorrow, in a week, or in a month.
That’s quite amazing if you’re a student studying in London and living in a hostel on a budget, or if you’re a digital nomad just trying to make the most out of your stay in the city.
Some of the things to do alone in London, if you don’t feel like going shopping, include taking free dance classes, discovering underrated installations and art galleries, and attending performances and talks…
If you’re looking for things to do in London at night alone, EventBrite will become your BFF.
Read: The Best Charity Shops in London
Best Things To Do Alone in London: Discover Animal Statues Around London
One of the best things to do alone in London in my opinion is to roam the city and search for animal statues that may have been installed since the last time I checked.
For instance, there are often statues of endangered animals around Old Spitalfields Market, like elephants or lions.
Currently, there is a huge installation at Paternoster Square with lots of animals (pictured above).
f you’re looking for things to do around London Bridge, there are more than twenty sculptures of chimps all around the area, going from the Thames Riverside to the London Bridge Station.
This is very interesting, as there is always an explanation as to why the statues have been installed. Plus, you can learn more about the situation of endangered animals around the world.
Discovering new art as a local is one of the best nontouristy things to do in London, especially when I’m on my own and just want to empty my mind a little bit.
Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London
17 Best Nontouristy Things To Do Alone in London
There you have them, all the free, cheap, and best nontouristy things to do alone in London when you’ve just arrived in the city. Whether you’re looking to explore hidden gems or simply unwind in a quiet corner of the bustling city, there are countless options to suit your vibe. From strolling through charming local markets to discovering quirky museums off the beaten path, you’ll uncover some truly unique things to do in London. Embrace the adventure of wandering solo and let the city’s endless surprises make your journey unforgettable.
Do have fun when you just want to spend a day off on your own roaming the city, staring at some art, and relaxing while watching the water.
I have tried to list all the best solo things to do in London that are off the beaten path, things that as a local, I do quite regularly.
I also tried to mention things to do around London Bridge, as I know this is one of the areas that you’re going to want to visit, during the day and even come nighttime.
Until next time!
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