From the Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, London is blessed with some of the most recognisable landmarks in the world but the English capital has more to offer beyond these icons. Whether it’s your first time or seventh, there’s always something new to discover and experience in London.
Fill up your itinerary with unique things to do in London and discover these 18 incredible spots that only locals know:
- Little Venice
- Hidden Parts of the London Tube
- St Dunstan-in-the-East
- Primrose Hill
- Neal’s Yard
- Skylight at Tobacco Dock
- Tulip Stairs
- Columbia Road Flower Market
- Sir John Soane’s Museum
- Maltby Street Market
- Sky Garden
- Churchill Arms
- The Painted Hall
- Leadenhall Market
- The Dickens Inn
- Kyoto Garden
- Grant Museum of Zoology
- The Royal Arcade
1. Little Venice
Admire the captivating canals of Little Venice. Credit: pinkmagicstuff
Live la dolce vita (the sweet life) in the UK. Filled with scenic canals, quaint cafes, and vibrant panoramas, Little Venice combines the beauty of the British countryside with some of that classic Italian charm. The quirky area serves as the perfect reprieve from London’s skyscrapers and bustling streets.
2. Hidden Parts of the London Tube
Learn fun facts about the Jubilee line and disused stations on the Hidden London tour. Credit: londonundergroundknowledge
Interested in a unique London attraction that you won’t find anywhere else? Discover the hidden parts of the Tube on a tour of its abandoned stations and bone-chilling tunnels. From areas that were used at wartime to some of the network’s newest additions, you’ll get to see a completely different side of London.
3. St. Dunstan-in-the-East
Discover the oasis that is St. Dunstan-in-the-East in the city. Credit: mavis.eatstagram
Experience a slice of paradise right in the heart of London. St. Dunstan-in-the-East used to be a church before it was damaged by fire. Its ruins have since been turned into a public garden, which makes it one of the city’s most stunning yet lesser-known locations.
4. Primrose Hill
Have a picnic with your best mates at Primrose Hill. Credit: hayleigh20
Wanna enjoy a fine, clear day in the city? Head to Primrose Hill, where you can have a picnic with some mates and soak up views of the London skyline. Visit the park during sunset to see the London Eye, the Shard, and the BT Tower in shades of yellow and orange.
5. Neal’s Yard
When it comes to colours and food, Neal’s Yard has it in spades. Credit: the_sensational_man
Tucked in a corner of Covent Garden, Neal’s Yard is a kaleidoscope of neon-coloured buildings and funky designs. You can shop for unique knick-knacks, enjoy a cuppa, or a hearty meal. Drop by its most famous spots like Neal’s Yard Remedies, 26 Grains, and Jacob the Angel.
If you’re planning an extended holiday, get inspired with this two-week itinerary in Europe that you can explore at a discount with Eurail:
6. Skylight at Tobacco Dock
Booze and views galore at Tobacco Dock. Credit: hennapatelxo
One of the best things to do in London no matter the season is to visit Skylight Tobacco Dock. During summer, the bar is a great spot for fresh cocktails and snacks while enjoying the sun-soaked vistas. In winter, it transforms into the only rooftop ice rink in Europe, where you can enjoy the twinkling lights of the glittering skyline as you glide around the rink.
7. Tulip Stairs
Visit the stunning Tulip Stairs, where a ghost was supposedly photographed in 1966. Credit: greenwichspirits
With impressive architecture and a hair-raising history, Tulip Stairs is one of the most unique London attractions around. Admire the first self-supporting spiral staircase in the country and learn about the story of the famed ghost photo taken by Reverend Ralph Hardy.
8. Columbia Road Flower Market
Grab a fresh bouquet of flowers or just some snacks and bevvies at the market. Credit: _nicolesu_
Spend your Sunday morning at the Columbia Road Flower Market. Located in the East End, the market has around 50 stalls that showcase different kinds of vibrant flowers and exotic plants. After you’re done shopping, grab a cup of coffee in one of the surrounding cafes.
Interested in other great UK destinations? Check out our picks for the 9 best places you can discover with the Eurail Pass:
9. Sir John Soane’s Museum
Marvel at all the intricate details of the 180-year-old museum. Credit: ericasteves_
Keen for something different? You can’t go wrong with Sir John Soane’s Museum. The house-turned-museum was built by the designer of the Bank of England and the Holy Trinity Church in Marylebone. What makes it even more special is that the museum has stayed untouched for the past 180 years, just as Sir John Soane intended.
10. Maltby Street Market
The Maltby Street Market will have you craving for a second serving of tomato and onion salad with burrata. Credit: taylorsofmaltbyst
One of the most unmissable things to do in London for foodies is a visit to the Maltby Street Market. Take your pick among tender beef steaks, gyozas, Mozambique burgers, and other gourmet street food options. Besides enjoying its many dining options, it’s also a great place to shop for fresh produce.
11. Sky Garden
Endless views of plants and the London skyline at the Sky Garden. Credit: karolinaruzic
Combine incredible panoramic views with lush plants and what do you get? Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden at 160 metres high. Visit 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 9 pm on weekends to get free entry and see the walkie talkie-shaped building for yourself.
12. Churchill Arms
Inside or outside, Churchill Arms makes up an incredible picture. Credit: intercambiocristao
Grab a beer at Churchill Arms and experience one of the best things to do in London. Be charmed by its flowery facade before seeing all the Churchill memorabilia that decorates its walls inside. It’s not just a pretty place. The restaurant is also renowned for its Thai noodles and curry.
13. The Painted Hall
Admire the incredible ornate ceiling of The Painted Hall. Credit: alainesky_71
See the best of Baroque art on your visit to The Painted Hall. Dating back to the early 18th century, its walls and ceilings are covered by over 200 pieces of art featuring members of the royal family and mythological figures.
14. Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market redefines window shopping. Credit: sara_not_sarahhhhh
Feel like a Hogwarts student as you wander through Leadenhall Market. Used as the filming location for Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron in the Harry Potter films, the market showcases massive glass windows, gilded roof, and red and dark aquamarine accents. Of course, you can also buy souvenirs and grab drinks at the market.
15. The Dickens Inn
Grab a traditional English breakfast at The Dickens Inn. Credit: pretapoesia
Just a stone’s throw away from Tower Bridge, The Dickens Inn is an 18th century pub that’s packed with a rich history while serving delicious food. Established by Charles Dickens’ grandson, the St. Katharine Docks site was a warehouse before being transformed into a pub. Today, it has gained a reputation for its fantastic pizzas, beer, and English breakfasts.
16. Kyoto Garden
Find the Kyoto Garden inside Holland Park. Credit: bism.i
Take in the beauty of the East in the West at Kyoto Gardens. Find yourself surrounded by cascading waterfalls, tranquil koi ponds, and lush plants as you spend time at the small garden. Located inside Holland Park, it also features bonsai trees, peacocks, and colourful flowers.
Find out how you can save money while travelling to the best spots in the UK and the rest of Europe with the Eurail Pass:
17. Grant Museum of Zoology
See fascinating findings at the Grant Museum. Credit: rafageraldin
Marvel at the treasures at the Grant Museum of Zoology, one of the most underrated things to do in London. Find animal skeletons, specimens and stuffed animals as you marvel at its wide collections. Keep your eyes peeled for the quagga exhibit. It’s one of the seven known remains of the extinct South African zebra. What makes it even better is that the museum is free to visit!
18. The Royal Arcade
Browse through awe-inspiring displays through the Royal Arcade. Credit: danielazziptrips
Have a window shopping experience to remember at the Royal Arcade, London’s oldest shopping arcade. Established in 1879, it showcases the best of Victorian architecture and design. The glass-covered building is home to some of the finest perfume and jewellery shops in London.
Written by: Alyssa Dela Cruz
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