Visit London like a local: discovering the city's best-kept secrets

You know what breaks my heart the most? It's when women come back from London telling me "meh, it was crowded and expensive." Because every time I visit this incredible city, I fall even more in love with it. Yet when I first started solo female travel in Europe, London totally intimidated me. Now it's become my favorite destination for women traveling alone.

The problem is that most guides throw the same mainstream tourist attractions at you that everyone knows: Tower Bridge, Hyde Park, Oxford Street for shopping... But nobody tells you about that hidden theater in Soho where I laughed until I cried, or that Portobello flea market where I found the most amazing antiques!

London isn't just Big Ben and the changing of the guard (though those are cool too). It's a vibrant, cultural city full of surprises around every corner. So today, I'm going to share my secret spots, my best transportation tips, and my wildest discoveries so you can enjoy this British capital like never before!

Table of content

Where to Stay in London?
Where to Eat in London?
How to get around easily??
Hidden Monuments Away from Crowds
Secret Parks
Crowd-Free Attractions
Peaceful Museums you absolutely must visit
What to See Around London?

Where to Stay in London? My Tips for Choosing the Perfect Accommodation for Female Travelers

Finding accommodation in London is a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack... Prices vary dramatically depending on the neighborhood and season.

For a first visit, I recommend staying central (Soho, Covent Garden, or South Bank) to be in the heart of the action and walk almost everywhere. If you're on a tight budget, check out King's Cross or Camden - they're cheaper and super well-connected.

Personally, I've tried the YHA hostels and they're great for meeting other female travelers. Make sure to book your hotel or Airbnb several weeks in advance, especially in summer or during festivals. And always check reviews - it saves you from unpleasant surprises!

Of course, I can't recommend NomadSister enough. If you're a woman traveling solo, join this community to be hosted for free by supportive local women who'll give you insider tips and advice to make your trip amazing. It's particularly fantastic when you're solo female traveling in the UK because you truly get to discover the local culture from within!

Where to Eat in London? Must-Try Restaurants for Every Female Traveler

In London, you can eat cuisines from around the world without leaving the city! From fish & chips in a traditional pub to Indian curries on Brick Lane or street food stalls at Borough Market, it's a feast for your taste buds. I absolutely fell in love with Dishoom (retro Bombay vibes) and Honest Burgers (those rosemary fries are to die for).

If you want to save money, head to food courts or markets where you'll find meals under £10. For a proper afternoon tea experience, visit Harrods or Fortnum & Mason - it's the quintessential British experience. And if you really want to live like a local, try Sunday brunch in Notting Hill.

How to Visit London Easily: Bus, Tube, Bike, or Walking?

No matter what transportation you choose, you'll love getting around London. Whether you prefer leisurely walks or bike rides, the Underground, or trams, there are plenty of options to get you anywhere you want without delays or long waits.

Getting Around London: Underground, Tram, DLR, Bus, and Oyster Card

The London Underground is a real maze at first, but with an Oyster Card, everything becomes simple. This rechargeable card lets you travel everywhere: Underground, bus, tram, DLR, even certain trains. The red double-decker buses are cliché but super practical, especially at night when the tube closes.

For slightly remote areas, use the DLR (light rail) - it's fast and gives you beautiful city views. Download the Citymapper app - it's my secret weapon for never getting lost and optimizing routes. Plus, you can track disruptions in real-time, so you won't waste time waiting on platforms.

By Bike or on Foot: Exploring London at Your Own Pace

Discovering London by bike or on foot is the best way to feel the city's unique atmosphere. Santander Cycles are available everywhere and cost £2 for half an hour - you can pick them up at any station. I love cycling along Regent's Canal - you go through lesser-known neighborhoods and meet locals jogging or walking.

On foot, you can get lost in Covent Garden, walk up to Trafalgar Square, and stop at a pub for a pint. Just wear good sneakers because London is huge! Don't hesitate to venture off the main streets to discover charming little roads full of character.

Hidden Monuments Away from Crowds

After queuing for two hours to see Big Ben (and being disappointed), I decided to seek out less popular monuments that are just as fascinating. These historical gems will make you fall in love with London.

Visit Eltham Palace: A Hidden Art Deco Gem in London

Eltham Palace is my absolute favorite discovery! Imagine a royal palace transformed into an ultra-modern 1930s villa - that's exactly what this is.

The entrance hall will blow your mind with its 700 pieces of glass in the ceiling and hidden dance floor under the carpet. It's incredible! The house is full of amazing surprises: a map room for planning travels, and even a bedroom for their pet lemur (yes, seriously!).

The Art Deco bathrooms are stunning, and the gardens are perfect for photos. It's easily accessible from the center and you'll barely encounter any tourists. Entry costs around fifteen pounds but honestly, it's worth the trip!

Charterhouse: A Historic Destination Away from London's Crowds

Charterhouse is a completely timeless place that will amaze you. This historic complex hides secret courtyards and hidden gardens where you can truly feel alone in the world. It's where I understood why Londoners love their city so much.

The architecture is simply incredible: Tudor buildings mixed with more recent additions. The guided tours are super intimate - sometimes there are only 4 or 5 people maximum!

What struck me most was the peaceful atmosphere in the gardens. You can sit on a bench and enjoy absolute calm in the middle of London. The guides are passionate and tell you juicy anecdotes. The gardens are free, and complete tours cost around £10.

An Unusual London Monument: Severndroog Castle

Now I'm going to tell you about a completely crazy place! Severndroog Castle on Shooter's Hill is a 19-meter Gothic tower that looks like a fairy-tale castle.

This triangular tower with hexagonal turrets is simply magnificent. You can climb to the top and enjoy a 360° view of London. It's the perfect secret spot for a romantic sunset.

The amazing thing is that nobody knows about this place. You can easily spend an hour exploring the different levels and enjoying the exceptional panorama. Access is a bit complicated but it's really worth it. It's only open certain weekends, so check before you go!

Secret Parks for a Green Break in London

London is full of hidden parks where you can breathe away from the hustle and bustle. These green spaces are my favorite refuges when I need to decompress between visits.

Peckham Rye: A Nature Corner to Discover in South London

Peckham Rye is a hidden treasure in South London that even some Londoners don't know about! This Victorian park is huge with formal gardens, a river, and even a lake. It's the perfect spot for a zen morning away from tourists.

The park houses two dream gardens: an enclosed English garden with magnificent roses and a totally relaxing Japanese garden. The Round Café serves delicious tea in peaceful surroundings, perfect for a gourmet break. There's even a dog-free zone, ideal for quiet picnics.

What makes this park unique is its diversity! Children love the adventure playground with its giant wooden structures, and there are outdoor gym facilities for fitness enthusiasts. Don't miss the Sexby Gardens with their rose pergolas - they're Instagram-worthy. You can easily spend a whole morning there with a good book.

Waterlow Park: The Secret Park in Highgate to Visit

Waterlow Park in Highgate is my favorite secret park for escaping tourists. Perched on a hill, it offers spectacular views of London without the crowds of Primrose Hill. It's a terraced park with ponds, gardens, and even a small outdoor theater in summer.

Locals come here for morning jogs or to walk their dogs. The atmosphere is super relaxed, perfect for an afternoon of reading or an impromptu picnic. There's also a lovely café run by volunteers serving homemade scones.

Even on weekends, you can easily find a secluded spot to relax. The gardens are beautifully maintained with plant varieties you won't see anywhere else in London.

Isabella Plantation: A Hidden Garden in London's Largest Park

It's a well-kept secret nestled in Richmond Park. This 40-hectare woodland garden is an explosion of colors in spring with its azaleas and rhododendrons. It's free and open year-round, but the best time is between April and May.

The paths wind between ponds and streams, creating a magical atmosphere. You'll probably spend half a day relaxing among the flowers and watching birds.

What struck me was the contrast with London's hustle and bustle. Here, you only hear birdsong and the sound of water. It's the perfect spot for a zen break before continuing your city exploration.

Crowd-Free Attractions in London

These alternative places will give you a completely different vision of London. Get ready to discover spots that even Londoners have never heard of!

Visit Little Venice: An Unusual Canal Walk to Camden

Little Venice is an adorable neighborhood where canals meet in a completely relaxing atmosphere. You can take a colorful boat up Regent's Canal to Camden Market - it's an incredible adventure! The journey takes about 45 minutes and you'll discover London from a completely different angle.

Victorian houses with pastel facades line the canals, and there are plenty of barges converted into floating cafés where you can sip tea while watching swans go by. The Puppet Theatre Barge offers children's shows on the water - it's adorable.

My advice? Start your walk early in the morning when tourists are still sleeping. The water reflections are magical at that hour. You can also rent a small electric boat to explore the canals at your own pace. It's a unique experience you won't have anywhere else!

A Must-Visit London Spot: God's Own Junkyard, Neon Explosion and Art

God's Own Junkyard in Walthamstow is a completely crazy place that will blow your mind! It's a warehouse filled with vintage neons from floor to ceiling, created by the Bracey family who have been making illuminated signs since the 1960s.

You'll find yourself in a psychedelic maze of movie neons, vintage advertisements, and luminous artworks. Some pieces were used in films like Blade Runner or Batman. The atmosphere is surreal, perfect for amazing Instagram photos.

The little café in the middle of all this chaos serves homemade cakes in a totally quirky atmosphere. It's only open on weekends, so plan your visit well. Entry costs a few pounds but it's totally worth it. You'll come out with stars in your eyes!

Eel Pie Island: A Secret and Artistic London Destination

Eel Pie Island on the Thames at Twickenham is only accessible on foot via a small footbridge. This private island has housed an artist community since the 1960s. It's where the Rolling Stones and The Who gave their first concerts.

The island only opens to the public twice a year, making it an ultra-exclusive destination. The artists' studios, quirky houses, and secret gardens create a unique bohemian atmosphere. You can buy artworks directly from creators in their studios.

The island's history is fascinating: it was a Victorian pleasure spot then a temple of alternative rock. Today, it's an artistic refuge where time seems to have stopped. Check their website carefully for opening dates because it's really rare and exceptional!

Peaceful Museums to Discover in London

No more jostling at the British Museum! I'm going to show you intimate museums where you can admire incredible collections in total peace.

The Horniman Museum & Gardens: An Off-the-Beaten-Path Museum

Located in Forest Hill, this is a little-known gem that will surprise you! This eclectic Victorian museum presents natural history collections, anthropology, and musical instruments in an intimate and family-friendly setting.

The showstopper? The aquarium with tropical fish and the botanical garden with Victorian greenhouses. The temporary exhibitions are often very original and creative.

The gardens offer a panoramic view of London - perfect for a picnic after your visit. Entry is free, which isn't negligible in London!

Leighton House Museum: One of London's Most Elegant Museums to Visit

Leighton House Museum in Holland Park is a true orientalist palace hidden in the heart of London. This house-studio of Victorian painter Frederic Leighton is an explosion of colors and oriental patterns that will take your breath away!

The Arab Hall with its central fountain and Middle Eastern ceramic tiles is simply magical, and the Victorian salons are filled with incredible paintings and delicate sculptures.

The museum regularly organizes classical music concerts in the salons, creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere. The back gardens are perfect for a tea break after your visit.

Museum of the Home: An Intimate Attraction in East London

Museum of the Home in Hoxton traces the evolution of the British home from 1600 to today. Each room faithfully recreates a period interior with its furniture, everyday objects, and particular atmosphere.

The recreations are stunningly realistic!

The historic gardens show how domestic green spaces have evolved over the centuries. It's fascinating to see how our ancestors lived daily.

What to See Around London? My Must-Visit Destinations

Want to escape for a day? Here are three easy getaways from London to vary your pleasures and discover other facets of the UK.

Bath: Roman City and Georgian Jewel

It's England's most elegant spa town, famous for its Roman baths and Georgian architecture. The golden stone facades and old-fashioned tea rooms create a chic and relaxing atmosphere. I loved wandering the narrow streets and visiting the abbey - a real journey back in time.

Accessible in 1.5 hours by train from London, it's a perfect day trip.

If this destination interests you, don't hesitate to check out my dedicated article on my solo female travel in the UK. I share my favorite destinations, itineraries, and some safety tips for women traveling alone!

Canterbury: Medieval Cathedral and Old Town

Charming medieval city, famous for its UNESCO-listed cathedral and half-timbered houses. I took a guided tour in Canterbury following the pilgrims' path - it was a really interesting experience. Take time to browse the little shops and taste local scones - absolutely delicious.

You can visit this incredible place with just an hour's train ride from London.

Windsor: Royal Castle and Walks

Windsor is the preferred royal residence, with an impressive castle and huge gardens. I watched a changing of the guard more intimate than in London - a unique moment. Enjoy a walk along the Thames - it's peaceful and refreshing, perfect for disconnecting.

Here's my selection of gems for visiting London like a true local!

You now have all the keys to explore this incredible city without getting lost in the tourist masses. Don't hesitate to mix these discoveries with some must-sees if it's your first trip to London.

The important thing is to keep time to wander and let yourself be surprised by this fascinating capital. So put on your sneakers, grab your map, and go conquer London your way.

ITINERARY| TRAVEL

Romane

Traveler

16 Luglio 2025

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