Updated 24 September, 2020
Oh lovely London. I’ve lived here for 16 years now (having only meant to have been moving here for ‘a year or two’ ;-) London can be so many things - buzzing, beautiful, quiet (if you know where to look), freezing cold, blisteringly hot, exciting, orderly, and friendly (don’t believe the rumours that Londoners are not friendly).
Solo travel in London
First time in London? That was me once too! And boy was I overwhelmed! There are so many ‘must-do’s’ that you may feel you need to squeeze in to your precious few days here. But don’t worry, I’ve highlighted the best, and also added in some local knowledge too (so you can escape the tourists and have a truly authentic London experience in one of my favourite pubs or cafes). I really hope you find this list useful, and if you have any questions at all - please drop a comment and I’ll get back to you and try my best to help.
SEE ALSO: Step by step solo travel planner
Solo female travel in London
I might have lived in London for a long old time, but that hasn’t stopped me from trying out some of London’s loveliest hotels on a staycation. Not to mention the ever-changing restaurant scene. London moves fast, but the best places tend to stick around. I’ll help you find the right part of town to stay in, how to taste some amazing food without blowing your budget, and some of the best (sometimes free) attractions London has on offer.
Looking for an accommodation guide? - Scroll down for my favourite places to stay in London.
What to pack for London
Like New York, London can be a city of (sometimes unexpected) extremes. Temperatures can sizzle in the mid 30s in Summer and dip to below freezing in Winter. Be sure to check your weather app *just* before you leave too - weather patterns can be unpredictable. As Prince sang ‘Sometimes it snows in April’ (but sometimes it can reach the early 20s too!) The two absolute must-pack items are 1. a pair of comfortable sneakers to walk around in (you’ll probably end up covering a lot of ground) and 2. A decent sized day bag to carry your essentials such as water and snacks. Bear in mind, the UK has a 10p charge on all plastic bags now, so it’s better to bring a bag big enough to keep any souvenirs or presents. Bring an umbrella too (gotta love that British summertime!).
SEE ALSO: 9 packing tips from the experts
The top 10 things to do alone in London and the must-see sights!
Whether it’s your first ever trip to London, or maybe you’ve been before but didn’t manage to squeeze everything in, I’ve picked my 10 favourites below. London can be an expensive city to visit, but the good news is, some of these are completely free or low cost.
⭐ 1. Take in a gentle ride and stunning views from The London Eye
The London Eye was originally only supposed to be a temporary attraction, but it’s popularity (the most popular one in London), has secured it’s spot on The South Bank for good. Each pod holds around 25 people, but there’s always plenty of room to walk about and take in those lovely views from each side. The best way to avoid the queues (and to save money), is to buy a Fast Track ticket online. These are generally around 8-10% cheaper than buying on the day. Be sure to book at least a week in advance to book your preferred time slot (or two weeks around Christmas or the UK Summer holidays). It’s also way less busy if you can get on to one of the first slots of the day too.
Tip 1: Buy tickets in advance here for around £37 / $45 USD.
Tip 2:The London eye closes for two weeks in January every year for maintenance. Check here to make sure your dates are not affected.
⭐ 2. Taste some of the best street food in London at Borough Market Meandering through the busy stalls of Borough Market on a Saturday can be chaotic, but is so much fun - especially when you can pick up some tasty samples. This bustling food market has served hungry Londoners since the 1850s. It does get pretty crazy on a Saturday, but it’s open Wednesday - Saturday (or seven days a week from early December through to the new year).
Tip 1: Grab one of the best cups of coffee in London at Monmouth. Or if you have time for a long lunch, Elliots is a great spot to watch the world go by.
Tip 2: The brownies at Borough Market are exceptional! (my faves come from Artisan Foods) but there are plenty of bakeries to try out.
⭐ 3. Experience wartime London Just off Whitehall, The Churchill War Rooms are a fascinating step back in time to World War II. The underground complex of rooms (The Cabinet War Rooms) were the nerve centre for Churchill and his team, directing from this small subterrean bunker. You can buy your time-allocated tickets in advance here for around £22 / $28 USD
“The Victory won not only for ourselves, but for all”
⭐ 4. Take in the treasures at the British Museum
The British Museum is one of the biggest and best free museums in London, housing wonderful gems of history and culture such as The Rosetta Stone, and even an Easter Island Statue. It’s pretty big but you can take your time and chill out in the beautiful Great Court.
Tip: There are free talks and tours available throughout the day too.
⭐ 5. Take a slow stroll along the Thames
Londoners always take visitors to The South Bank, when they want to show off their city. Start your day at Westminster Abbey, Parliament Square, and Big Ben then wander across Westminster Bridge. Turn left down the stairs then keep going! There are all sorts of street performers (usually way more lively than the ones in Covent Garden!), fairground rides, restaurants, cafes and theatres to keep you going all day. The Tate Modern should also be on your South Bank hitlist, and the bridge going across to St. Paul’s has some of the loveliest views (and photo opportunities) in London.
Fun fact: The Tate Modern used to be The Bankside Power Station (which opened in the 1890s), and was converted into an art gallery in May 2000. The building was designed by architect Giles Gilbert Scott, who also designed Battersea Power Station (you may see the iconic building if you’re coming in to London on The Gatwick Express) - it’s currently being converted in to Apple’s London headquarters. Giles came from a famous family of architects, and his grandfather George Gilbert Scott designed the stunning St. Pancras Hotel in Kings Cross.
⭐ 6. Spend a day in the vibrant and historical East End
Alight at Liverpool Street station and explore London’s wonderfully rich and colourful East End. This part of London has some of the grittiest, and toughest history for Londoners, but these days it’s home to Spitalfields Market (packed with quirky clothes stalls and hipster restaurants), Shoreditch (still achingly cool even after all these years) and home of the of the best (and cheapest) currys in town - Brick Lane.
In the Victorian era however, The East End was infamous for terrible living conditions, prostitution and violence. Take a Jack-the-Ripper walking tour around dusk, then retreat to The Ten Bells pub (his drinking den) to calm those nerves!
Another more intimate (and way less gory) way to experience East End life in the 1700s, is a ‘Silent Night’ tour of Dennis Severs’ House. These tours must be booked in advance. The night tours are more atmospheric than the lunchtime ones, plus you can pop in to the Commercial Tavern afterwards for a cozy pint.
Tip 1: Everyone has their favourite curry house on Brick Lane, but mine is City Spice . No matter which one you choose, always see what they can offer you before you go in (free beers or at the very least, poppadoms).
Tip 2: Many people refer to all Londoners as ‘Cockneys’ - however the unofficial rule, is that a Cockney must be born within earshot of The Bow Bells (in Cheapside).
⭐ 7. Take in a show without blowing your budget
If you fancy seeing a West End show, it can be expensive, but there are some ways to get your hands on tickets which don’t cost the earth. The TKTs booth in Leicester Square offers cut price on-the-day tickets and you can get a real bargain for an otherwise sold out performance. Head over around 10am for your best chance. The National Theatre sells hundreds of £15 ($19 USD) tickets, check out their website and book before you go.
⭐ 8. Feed your curiosity at The Natural History Museum Get there early (when the doors open if you can!) and even better if you can visit on a weekday. This free, magnificent museum houses so many natural world treasures, it will keep you going for hours. In October, the 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ exhibition runs for about six months and is a must-see.
Tip: If you visit in Winter, you can visit Christmas markets and the prettiest ice rink in London (so many fairy lights!). Even if you’re as hopeless at skating as I am, you’ll still have fun! Have a mocha in Le Pain Quotidien round the corner as a reward.
⭐ 9. Lose your head at The Tower of London
The formidable Tower of London has been locking up high profile prisoners, unfortunate Queens and Gunpowder plotters for 1000 years. Be sure to take a tour, led by The Yeoman Warders (included in your entrance ticket) and to see The Crown Jewels (also included in the price of your ticket). It may be pricier than some other London attractions (£25 / $31 USD) but you can easily spend all day there and for history fans it’s an absolute must.
⭐ 10. See some of your favourite works of art for free The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square is another free museum packed with some of world’s favourite artists. Monet, Van Gogh, Turner, Rembrandt, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci and so many more. You can linger in each room and The National Cafe is a lovely place to recharge your batteries.
The best solo dining spots in London
So, I made a whole other blog post about this, but I popped a few more down here too. London is great for solo dining and perfect for people watching!
Dishoom
This restaurant is just about as famous for its long queues as it is for its to-die-for Indian food. There are a few dotted around London; Carnaby St, Shoreditch and Kings Cross. If you can get a seat at the bar, you’ll get served quicker and the bartender will give you some great tips as to what to try. It’s still worth arriving early though (the queuing can start as early as 6 as they do not take reservations). Tip: The Prawn Koliwada, House Black Dahl and gunpowder potatoes are all a must! Round off your meal with a warming chocolate chai.
Mildreds
Simple, fresh and colourful vegetarian and vegan food in Camden, Kings Cross and Dalston. Mildreds is a welcoming spot for a healthy dinner. For a warming bowl of comfort food, try the Sri Lankan curry. Mildreds.co.uk
Eggslut
Californian import, Eggslut has a branch in Notting Hill now, on Portobello Road. A lovely brunch spot if you’re in West London. The ultimate in dippy eggs! Eggslut.com
Pic credit: Eggslut
Princi
Whether it’s a mouth-watering slice of pizza, or a flaky pastry with a cup of coffee, this is a great, unhurried people watching spot in the heart of Soho. Open all day. Princi.com
Nice pubs in London
Spending time in a London pub is a must! So many have a great history, a cozy vibe and can offer some of the best comfort food in town. Sunday roasts are just lovely! As a general rule, I find the ‘old man’s pubs’ in Covent Garden and The West End can be a little formulaic, but I’ve popped my favourites down here.
The Churchill Arms, Kensington
Surely the most photographed pub in town, The Churchill Arms in Notting Hill is bursting with beautiful flowers on the outside, and a cozy London boozer on the inside. The Thai food is okay, but it’s the flowers and the photos you came here for!
Gordon’s Wine Bar, Charing Cross
Get here by 6 (at the latest!) if you want to grab one of the underground nooks. Without doubt the loveliest (and the oldest) wine bar in London and just a 5 minute stroll from Trafalgar Square. Grab a bottle of red with some cheese and crackers and settle in for the night.
The Gun, Docklands
The Gun, built in the early 1700s, is one of the oldest buildings left standing in The Docklands after the war, where this part of town was pretty much flattened by bombs. With a gorgeous view across the river and a tantalising history (Lord Nelson used to visit his lover, Lady Emma Hamilton in the room upstairs, via a secret staircase). Also, once popular with smugglers - the spy hole still exists to watch out for ‘the revenue men.’ The Sunday roasts here are wonderful and you won’t want to leave the roaring fire in the Winter. An excellent choice when you’re in East London. Pop into The Docklands Museum too, beforehand.
The Drapers Arms, Islington
One of my all time favourites for a lazy Sunday. Be sure to book ahead to this lovely local. The food is excellent and it’s always packed on a weekend. thedrapersarms.com
The Seven Stars, Carey Street, near Chancery Lane
Listen in to conversations right behind the Royal Courts of Justice in this 400 year old atmospheric pub headed up by chatty publican Roxy Beaujolais, and the resident cat, who wears a ruff (of course he does!).
The Lock Tavern, Camden
The Lock can get crowded on a weekend, but the food is great, especially the roasts on a Sunday (and their menu proudly states “unlimited gravy” - as a Northerner this is music to my ears!)
Where to stay in London
London can be an expensive city for a visitor. But I’ve picked my favourite budget and mid range hotels. All are in great locations, close enough to all the action.
Budget hotels in London
Qbic Whitechapel
Super stylish, quirky bright decor in east London. Whitechapel isn’t necessarily a pretty touristy area but you’re a short tube ride, or cycle into town on one of their free bikes. Rooms are small but great value and have the comfiest mattresses! From £50 a night for a tiny room (no window) or £66 for a cozy double. Always book as far in advance as possible for the best value rates.
SoHostel
Probably the best located budget stay in London, colourful SoHostel is bang in the middle of Soho, and it has a lovely roof garden! The staff will go out of their way to help and you can pay a little extra for breakfast. Rooms from £31 for a dorm bed, or £120 for a private double.
The best hotels in London
For a mid-range budget, I’ve picked out my favourites. All are in great central locations, spotlessly clean and stylish and excellent value for money.
The Hoxton Hotel, Holborn
I stayed here for a little staycation and loved it. You can pay as little as £149 for a tiny ‘Shoebox’ room and that was just right for me. Breakfast (a banana, orange juice and and granola pot) is delivered each morning and quietly placed outside your door. The lobby is a great place to relax or work in and the restaurant, Hubbard and Bell serves up a delicious eggs benedict.
Hub, Spitalfields
Spotlessly clean and high tech, you can control the light and temperature of your room from a touch screen panel (is this the future?!) Hub Spitalfields is just a short walk from Liverpool Street station and lovely Brick Lane. Rooms are small but perfectly formed. Add breakfast for just £5. From £70 for a compact room.
Where to stay in London in an Airbnb
There are some great neighbourhood options in London if you’re looking for an Airbnb. When you’re reading the description make sure you’re staying close enough to the action.
What to watch before you go
A charming romance between bumbling travel book store owner William (Hugh Grant) and Hollywood star Anna Scott (Julia Roberts). Set in Notting Hill around the Portobello Road area, and also dipping into central London via The Savoy and The Ritz, this is a sweet glimpse of the posh parts of London.
The opening song (‘The Lovely London Sky’) will make you fall in love with London (or at least cheeky Cockney lamp lighter Jack (played by Lin-Manuel Miranda). Emily Blunt plays Mary and has an exquisite wardrobe, manners and cut glass English accent. It will make you feel warm and fuzzy, plus there’s a great Big Ben scene towards the end too.
Somehow, publishing assistant Bridget can afford a large apartment in Borough Market, but we’ll gloss over that. Her love interest and all round rotter Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) competes with rival Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) which culminates in a hilariously rubbish middle aged man fight.
The ultimate Christmas comfort viewing, pretty much everyone in the uk watches this on the run up to the holidays. Follow the lives of different Londoners all interlinked, weaving together at the end. Worth watching purely for The Prime Minister’s dancing scene in Downing Street.
Books set in London
Like many of Dickens’ novels, Bleak House is a story based upon the social issues and class division of 19th Century Britain. Set in and around foggy Holborn in Central London, this is a satirical view of London’s judiciary system.
Part of the Bloomsbury Set, Virginia Woolf documented a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, preparing for a party that evening, in 1920s high society London. As the day goes on, the book centres around her (and her somewhat regretable choice of life partner) and - by contrast, the fate of World War I veteran Septimus, who, clearly suffering from post traumatic stress having seen a close friend die in the War, spends his final day in nearby Regents Park with wife Lucrezia, before visiting well regarded psychiatric doctor Sir William Bradshaw. Bradshaw decides Septimus should be sent away to recover in a mental institution. Not being able to bear the thought of separation from his wife, he takes his own life. Later, at Clarissa’s party, where Dr Bradshaw is a guest, his wife explains how one of her husbands patients took his own life earlier that day. Clarissa leaves the party, to take the news in, and empathizes with Septimus, on feeling overwhelmed with life.
Pin this post for future reference! :-)
I’d love to hear about your tips or experiences in London - leave a comment below! :-)
Disclaimer: I am a member of the TripAdvisor and the Amazon Services affiliate advertising programs, so I’ll make a small commission for referring you from the links on this site, without costing you anything extra! It all helps support this site :)
