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 6 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!
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- 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
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.
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 is my favorite London book for sure.
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
Instead of Camden Market… Go to Maltby Market
Camden Market can be overcrowded and touristic. 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). Read more about my favorite food markets in London. If you’re traveling to London solo food markets are great to visit.
Take a Stroll Along Little Venice
Little Venice is a canal in London giving 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.
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 and visit the Puppet Theatre Barge or 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 nearby…
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:
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
☕️ 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 Tea’s 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 Library at Marriott County Hall (pictured 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 make your own custom 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 touristy 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
🌳 How to Spend the Perfect Day in Belsize Park
💛 How to Spend the Perfect Day in Primrose Hill
🍺 The best Pubs in Hampstead
📆 A Locals Guide to 4 Days in London
✈️ A Solo Travelers Guide to London
🛒 London’s Best Markets for Shopping and Food
💜 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!
