London is easy to love for its icons, but the best things to do in London often lie off the beaten path. Below are 14 handpicked experiences—from quiet gardens tucked into ruins to lively food markets and practical tips for getting around—that will help you see a different, more local side of the city.
Quick outline
- Get outside Zone 1
- St Dunstan in the East
- Thames boat ride (use the Uber boats)
- Find a proper pub
- Mercato Mayfair
- Borough Market
- Leadenhall Market
- Brick Lane and Shoreditch
- Rough Trade (music shops)
- Camden Market
- Primrose Hill viewpoint
- Sky Garden or Horizon 22 for rooftop gardens
- British Museum
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter
1. Leave Zone 1 and explore neighbourhoods locals love
Central London has its moments, but some of the best things to do in London are found in neighborhoods that still feel lived-in: Primrose Hill, Greenwich, Highgate, Islington. These areas have cafes and pubs that cater to locals rather than tourists, which makes wandering them rewarding.
2. St Dunstan in the East — a secret ruin garden
A peaceful public garden set within the ruins of a medieval church, St Dunstan in the East survived the Great Fire and the Blitz and now makes a surprising green escape. Go on a weekday and you might have it to yourself.
3. Take a Thames boat (use the public Uber boats)
For an effortless way to see London from the river, use the Thames river services—many are part of the public transport network and accept contactless payment. They are cheaper and faster than tourist cruises, and you can hop on and off at stops like the London Eye or Greenwich.
4. Visit a proper British pub
Visiting a pub should be high on any list of the best things to do in London. Some central pubs are tourist traps, so seek out local-frequented ones in non-touristy neighborhoods for better atmosphere and real character.
5. Mercato Mayfair — dinner in a restored church
Mercato Mayfair occupies a restored church near Oxford Street and offers international food stalls and sit-down restaurants. It gets busy evenings and weekends, so lunch is a smart time to visit if you want lower queues.
6. Borough Market — historic foodie heaven
One of London’s oldest food markets, Borough Market is a must for foodies. It has been trading for centuries and is great for sampling British cheese, street food, and specialty produce. If you want space to browse, aim for a weekday.
7. Leadenhall Market — a hidden Victorian gem
Leadenhall Market dates back to the 14th century and is built under a beautiful glass roof with cobbled walkways. Tucked among the City skyscrapers, it has boutique shops, cafes, and a regal atmosphere that makes it one of the best things to do in London for a short detour.
8. Brick Lane and Shoreditch — vintage, curry and street art
For an artsy, slightly hipster vibe head east to Brick Lane and Shoreditch. Expect vintage shops, incredible curry houses, murals, and an energetic street scene. It’s a fun contrast to more polished parts of the city.
9. Rough Trade and other music havens
If you love vinyl and indie culture, the Rough Trade store is essential. Browse vinyl, books, and merch—perfect for music fans hunting memorable souvenirs that say more than a magnet ever could.
10. Camden Market — music, vintage and alternative culture
Camden is famous for its alternative scene: endless stalls selling vintage clothes, band merch, and quirky finds. It’s touristy but nostalgic for many; if you are traveling with teenagers or grew up on British indie, this is often on the top lists of the best things to do in London.
11. Primrose Hill — one of the best free views in London
From Camden walk up to Primrose Hill for a lovely, free viewpoint across the city. The neighborhood itself feels residential and relaxed—an excellent counterpoint to busy markets below.
12. Sky Garden or Horizon 22 — rooftop public gardens
These two high-rise public gardens offer spectacular views and are essentially free, but you must pre-book tickets. Book as soon as your travel dates are fixed to secure a slot.
13. Use London public transport like a pro
Don’t be afraid of the Tube or buses. London’s transport network is straightforward: tap in with a contactless card or phone and use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper to navigate. Public transport will get you to most of the best things to do in London quickly and efficiently.
14. Must-see historic and special-interest attractions
- British Museum — Free entry and packed with world-class artifacts. Pre-book a timeslot and allow at least a couple of hours to see highlights like the Rosetta Stone.
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter — A full-day immersive experience for fans. Tickets sell out fast; buy well in advance.
- St Paul's Cathedral — Iconic skyline silhouette and a climb up to the dome for panoramic views if you decide to pay for entry.
Practical tips
- Plan ahead for free attractions that require booking (Sky Garden, British Museum time slots).
- Visit markets on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially Borough Market and Leadenhall.
- Tap to travel: contactless cards and mobile payments work across buses, tube and river boats.
- Mix classics with local spots: it’s fine to see the big names, but add several offbeat items from this list to get a fuller picture of the city.
Final thought
The best things to do in London are the ones that match how you like to travel: slow café mornings, food-market afternoons, secret gardens, and music-filled evenings. Combine a few of these picks and you will leave with a richer, more memorable view of the city.
