20+ non touristy things to do in London, ultimate list!

Non-touristy-things-to-do-in-London? Is there any left?

London is among the most visited cities in the world. Depending on the research usually in first or second place, with more than 30 million tourists visiting London every year …

It comes naturally to wonder if it is really possible to find things to do in London off the beaten track.
I have lived here for over 10 years and, thanks to the vastness of the city, I keep discovering places to explore beyond the Tourist Map

It is obvious that the first time you visit London you want to explore the more famous sites (have a look at this detailed 4 days itinerary), but if you also want to appreciate the true face of the city, it may be interesting to also include in your itinerary what I would call hidden treasures of London.

In this article you will find a list of the top non-touristy things to do in London, which are also highlighted on a map you can download and save on your mobile as a practical reference.

For each place, venue, or activity I will indicate four things at the end:

Where: roughly where it is
Who: who should particularly consider the visit / activity
When: a practical suggestion on when to include it in an itinerary with more touristic sites
Costs

Non touristy things to do in London. Click on the picture and save the map on your phone, to have it with you while around.

This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through the links on this page, at no cost to you.

Still deciding how many days to spend in London? Read here everything you need to consider.

HIDDEN GEMS OF LONDON

The ceremony of the keys

So, some might argue that the key ceremony shouldn’t be on the list of non-touristy things to do in London. It is true that this activity takes place at a very popular site, the Tower of London, but thanks to the difficulty in obtaining tickets, it is still one of the best hidden gems in London.

The ceremony of the keys’ is a ritual that has taken place unchanged for about 700 years since King Edward III discovered that it was possible to enter the castle unnoticed.
From that day on, he ordered the castle to be closed at sunset and reopened at dawn, and so the ceremony of the keys began. Subsequently, the closing time was set at 10pm and it seems that only during WWII there was a delay in closing due to the bombing.

Until a few years ago to attend the ceremony you had to send a letter requesting tickets, on at least 2 possible future dates. The postage stamps had to be included for the reply, which would arrive by post. Now of course everything is done online through the Tower of London website, very convenient, but usually you have to move at least 6 months in advance to grab one of the few (free) tickets.

If you book the visit in Winter, you will be exposed to the elements, but you will experience the sensation of a step back in history, more pronounced than during a visit at the beginning of Summer when the sky is still clear at 10pm.

If you can plan ahead, this is definitely one of the not to miss attractions in London.

Where: at the Tower of London
Who it is for: tourists and residents who can plan their visit to London in advance
When: After a dinner at St Katharine Docks Marina
Cost: free

Barbican Conservatory

The Barbican Cultural Center is really one of the underrated places in London. Often overlooked by tourists and considered more of a place for residents, it remains one of the best London off the beaten path attractions.

The centre is very large and offers free exhibitions, countless musical and theatrical performances, and numerous activities for families. But what makes it an oasis of peace and one of the best kept secrets in London is the presence of the second largest conservatory in London.

Entrance to the conservatory is free, but (in Covid time) you must book, you can do it directly on the centre’s website.

Once inside you will be fascinated and incredulous to find yourself still in central London a few steps from the financial district. Even more interesting is the contrast between the brutalist architecture of the complex and the charm of being in a tropical forest.

Before the pandemic, the conservatory was only open on weekends, now it is open every day, but Afternoon Tea and pop up restaurants have not yet returned.

A visit to the Barbican Conservatory is definitely one of the best off the beaten path things to do in London

Where: Level 3, Barbican centre
Who should visit: everybody, even during your first visit to London
When to visit: after visiting busy places in London like Spitalfields Market or St. Paul’s Cathedral you can walk to the conservatory in only 15-20 min.
Cost: free

Graffiti tour

I was initially a little reluctant to put this tour on the list of non-touristy things to do in London, because personally I don’t like graffiti as an art form. The architect in me doesn’t accept the possibility that someone else can, in a sense, sign a building.

Anyway … I took part in one of the tours that take place in the East, in the Shoreditch area and after an objective analysis I must admit that the tour provides the tools to understand an often underestimated art.

The tour is highly informative and will take you to visit back streets where you probably wouldn’t venture, showing you some of the most beautiful (usually all legal) murals in the area.

The most interesting aspect, however, comes from understanding the messages that are behind each design. Incredible how much they are a mirror of the culture and creativity that pervades the city and a unique way to see London like locals.

Where: Shoreditch area
Who should visit: everybody who wants to learn more about this culture
When to visit: after visiting Spitafields Market, Brick Lane, or Columbia Road
Cost: around £10-12

Highgate Cemetery

A visit to a cemetery is not the typical destination of an itinerary, and some people may not even consider it such when it comes to a London non tourist attraction.

However Highgate cemetery is probably unlike any cemetery you’ve ever visited. The Victorian layout and thick vegetation project the visitor into an enchanted world where the death and pain usually associated with cemeteries give way to a sense of peace and tranquillity.

Highgate cemetery is quite central, but definitely not in the middle of a tourist itinerary, however it is worth considering the visit especially if you want to pay homage to one of the many celebrities buried here.

The cemetery is divided into 2 parts, the East Cemetery can be visited for free, but for the West Cemetery you need to pay a fee. For both you must book a ticket through the cemetery website.

Architecture enthusiasts will also find an interesting surprise when wandering among the graves as they come across a super-modern glass house built on an old lot sold by the cemetery in the 1960s. The contrast is interesting and somehow it adds even more beauty to both

Where: Highgate
Who: everybody interested in local tradition
When to visit: Highgate is only few stops on the tube from Camden Market
Cost: East side free, West side £10

FUN NON TOURISTY THINGS TO DO IN LONDON

Drinks at Sketch

Fun non touristy things to do in London: Sketch toilets

Sketch, with its extravagant decorations is one of the best bars / restaurants for your Instagram photos collection. It isn’t one of the secret places in London, but the fact that even a drink requires reservations often leaves it off the radar of most tourists and makes it one of the London gems.

Sketch is not just the place to eat or drink something, but the place for a complete experience and a journey into extravagance and perfection.

From the moment you decide to book, even their website will surprise you with an interactive experience. You can choose between 5 different areas to stop, each completely different from the other. It is not a cheap place, but if you go there just for a drink or breakfast you can live the experience without squandering your budget.

The Glade is the most interesting area in my opinion. Behind heavy velvet curtains you will be surprised by an enchanted forest. The parlour can be an excellent option for a style breakfast and the gallery will charm you with its trendy pink interior. Finally, The Lecture room & Library, with its 3 Michelin stars will delight those who prefer to invest in good food rather than visiting the expensive boutiques of the city center.
…and of course don’t miss a visit to the spaceship-looking toilet!!!

Where: Oxford Circus
Who: tourists and everybody who wants the perfect picture memory
When to visit: after shopping in Regents street or Oxford street
Cost: £15+

Gordon’s Wine Bar

A visit to Gordon’s Wine Bar is another great break away from the Tourist trail in London. Tourists usually consider a visit to one of the thousands of pubs scattered around the capital as an essential stop on a visit to London.

Not without reason, as pubs are extremely representative of British culture. However, if you are looking for something different, then Gordon’s Wine Bar is definitely one of the unusual places to visit in London.

They claim to be London’s oldest wine bar with 130 years of history, and for sure it is definitely not easy to find a wine bar in London with such a well-selected wine list in such an evocative set up.

They recently renovated the outdoor area located right on the border with the Victoria Embankment Gardens, but where Gordon’s Wine Bar surprises you is as soon as you set foot inside with vaulted candlelit cellar and old oak barrels filled with sherries and port.

You can just have a drink, but it also offers a great menu for a casual lunch, the cheese selection is particularly good and portions are generous.

It does not require a reservation, but if you want to secure a table inside you will have to arrive early.

Where: between Charing Cross and Embankment station
Who: everybody
When to visit: after a visit to the National Gallery, Covent Garden, or Trafalgar Square
Cost: from £5

Try a cheese bar

PIck & cheese - cheese bar — Fun non touristy things to do in London: Pick & cheese – cheese bar

If, like me, you are a cheese lover, then this is the place for you. One of the most unique places to visit in London!

Pick and Cheese, is organized like a Sushi bar. You are seated around the counter and take the saucers from the running belt. Obviously the saucers are colour coded to indicate the price.

The cheeses they serve are all exclusively British, some from small producers difficult to find even in specialised shops. The selection is excellent and varied to cover all tastes. Obviously there is a list of wines to match.

Pick & Cheese is located on the ground floor of the new Seven Dials Market. Being in the middle of the West End, there are certainly tourists, but it is still little known and worth a try.

Where: Seven Dials, in the middle of the West end
Who: everybody, but cheese lovers in particular
When to visit: after a visit to the National Gallery, Covent Garden or Trafalgar Square
Cost: from £20

If you are a foodie and looking for some of the best restaurants where to have a bite while around, don’t miss my post London foodie adventures!

Visit the Bike Shed

The Ace Cafe has been synonymous with London and Motorbike culture for decades, popular with Rockers and famous for Cafe Racers it is now iconic in its own right, but there’s a new kid in town!

The Bike Shed Motorcycle Club, BSMC, started life online as a blog in 2011 focusing on the growing motorbike custom culture in the UK and Europe, but has developed into an awesome annual Show, and a fantastic permanent venue in Shoreditch, London.

If you have even a passing interest in all things two wheeled (with an engine), you will have a wonderful time at the BSMC, including a great Cafe and Restaurant, and Barbershop, as well as Custom Motorbikes on display, a very well curated Shop, and many visitors motorbikes parked outside which often include a few jewels well worth examining!

All are welcome, riders and non-riders, membership is available but not necessary to visit, and checkout the website for special events, gallery showings, and Moto GP nights.

Where: Shoreditch

Who: everybody that are fans of 2 wheels or intrigued by this expression of Art

When to visit: after a visit to Spitfields Market, Brick Lane, or Columbia Road

Cost: from £5+

Visit a brewery

Britain has long held a rather dubious reputation amongst the beer drinkers of the world.

The famous Public Houses (Pubs) of the land are often rumoured to welcome the thirsty with open arms, glad smiles, and a pint of warm, flat beer.

Well, whatever tragedies unfolded in the watering holes of yesteryear, this is certainly not the case today!

No visit to London, or indeed the UK, would be complete without stopping at a Pub, or two, where you will find the beer cold, crisp, and refreshing.

Much of the offer you will surely recognise, but you will also find local beers and Ales such as London Pride from the Fullers Brewery, and Gentleman’s Wit from the rapidly expanding Camden Town Brewery.

London has a long history with beer, but more recently has seen a revival in the growth of Craft Beer and independent Breweries, many of whom offer tours, tastings, and tap rooms.

A little bit of googling will reveal many options but one that is definitely off the tourist trail is an industrial estate in Tottenham! The Lockwood Industrial Estate is a short walk from the Tottenham Hale Station and houses both Beavertown and Pressure Drop, two for the price of one!

Both of these breweries open a tap room on Saturdays including a food offer which changes often. Beavertown is the largest and better known, but all seating is outside or in a marquee. Pressure drop is smaller and less well known, but they setup the seating right inside so you can see everything from your table!

Where: Tottenham

Who: everybody that are fans of 2 wheels or intrigued by this expression of Art

When to visit: well…it is a bit out of the way, plan a fun afternoon

Cost: from £5+

MORE NON TOURISTY THINGS IN LONDON: MUSEUM

Museum of the home

The ex Geffrye Museum of the Home, named after Mr. Geffrye who financed the construction of the Almshouses where the museum exists now, have reopened completely renovated in early 2021. The name changed to just Museum of the Home.

This little museum is one of the unique places to go in London that will surprise you. It makes for a very interesting stop for anyone who is minimally interested in cultural differences.

Through the representation of domestic life that retraces the last 400 years it is possible to appreciate how customs and traditions have changed and evolved.

The rooms are carefully furnished to make it easy to identify with the historical period. It is also very interesting to observe the evolution of architecture and how it affects the way of living the house in the UK.

When it reopens it promises a much larger space dedicated to exhibitions, and a switch from the representation of reality through time towards a rethinking the concept of home, that provoke questions and discussions.
The refurbishment is very promising and could soon result in promotion from the list of non-touristy things in London. Hurry before the crowd fills it !!!

Where: in Shoreditch, just in front of Hoxton station
Who: people interested in history of interior design, and local customs and traditions.
When to visit: after visiting Spitafields Market, Brick Lane or Columbia road.
Cost: free

Wellcome Collection

It may seem strange to include the Welcome collection in a list of hidden spots in London, considering that it has a majestic facade with large neoclassical columns, yet it is often underestimated and forgotten by tourists.

It is a free museum and library that focus on science, medicine, life, and art.

On the ground floor there are usually temporary exhibitions, while the interesting interactive permanent exhibitions are distributed over different levels.

A visit to the reading rooms is very interesting, an informal environment where you can relax and be inspired by the objects on display, pieces of art and thousands of books with the most diverse topics.

There is a café on the ground floor, very large but a little impersonal, and a more intimate restaurant on the first floor.

You enter here to relax 10 minutes and you end spending 2 hours wandering around!

Where: near Euston station, not an area many people will walk past, but only 15 min walking from the British Museum
Who: people curious about medicine, science, and life
When to visit: after a visit to Kings Cross or the British Museum
Cost: free

SECRET LONDON WALKS

Hampstead

Hampstead is one of the London non tourist places, that will make you want to move if you are not living here yet! Hampstead is a residential neighbourhood that combines the charm of a country village with the services and amenities of a large metropolis.

Few tourists go to this residential area, attracted by the walks in the nearby Hampstead Heath, but those who do, are rewarded with perfect corners for postcard photos.

The best thing as soon as you arrive is to simply wander aimlessly through the small alleys that branch off from the High street, to experience London like a local.

After an aimless tour, however, take a look at the map I put below, to make sure you haven’t missed some of the best hidden places to visit in London.

Let yourself be enchanted by the suggestive Flask walk, overflowing with small independent shops, cafes, second-hand (celebrity) shops and the famous pub of the same name.

Don’t miss to arrive at the Burgh house, where if you want you can deepen your knowledge on the history of Hampstead and then sit at one of the hidden tables in the enchanting garden for a coffee or a sandwich.

To eat, however, you will be spoiled for choice. If I had to choose only two places, I could not fail to suggest the Hampstead Creperie and Jim Kichi. Hampstead creperie is only a small kiosk on the high street and the lines are often long, but their crepes are the best in all of London. Jim Kichi can easily go unnoticed, with its small and modest facade, but you certainly won’t forget its amazing Japanese cuisine!

Ps. If you want to really feel like you’re in another city, look on the map for Mansfield place, I think it is one of the most enchanting corners of London.

Read more about living in Hampstead if you are planning to stay in this area!

Where: Hampstead
Who: people who want to see how Londoners live
When to visit: after a walk in Hampstead heath
Cost: free

Little Venice

Little Venice is another pleasant residential neighbourhood where the main attraction is a walk along the canal.

Coming from Warwick Avenue station you will encounter a small lake from which 3 canals branch off. Proceeding to the right you can cross the bridge and stop for a coffee at the original Waterside cafe housed in a boat, or carry on and stop for a drink or lunch at the magnificently located Waterway gastro pub.

If, on the other hand, you go walking to the left, between changes of scenery and photographing the many boats moored along the canal, you may soon find yourself in Camden Market (4km of an easy walk)!

An alternative for the less energetic, is to book a place on the boats that every hour shuttle between Little Venice and Camden Market, certainly a more touristic experience, but definitely interesting!

Ps. The moored boats are inhabited, don’t forget that while taking your shots

Where: closest tube station Warwick avenue
Who: people who want to see alternative places to visit in London
When to visit: after a walk in Hampstead heath
Cost: free

Regent’s Canal

For lovers of long walks this route can be combined with the previous one. In this case you will appreciate the remarkable change of scenery.

From Little Venice to Camden (the previous walk) you will have passed in front of houses, or rather imposing residences, while immediately after Camden you will meet some very interesting social housing buildings.

While the final part, arriving in Kings Cross, will take you back to contemporary London where impressive crystal and glass architecture has merged with historic buildings in the largest and most majestic redevelopment project in recent years.

Once you reach Granary square, wander around and explore this new melting pot of shops, restaurants, and cafes, or just sit back and rest on one of the many benches in the lush roof garden that runs along the canal.
On a sunny day this is truly one of the most beautiful local things to do in London

Where: start from Camden market
Who: people who want to see how Londoners live
When to visit: after exploring Camden market
Cost: free

Primrose Hill

Pimrose Hill is one of the well known places in London, at least for residents.

Tourist do not often come this way, which is maybe just as well because on a sunny week end is already packed enough! Pimrose hill is a small park just off the north end of The Regents Park.

The first time you come here, climb to the top of the hill and enjoy an incredible view of all of London, it is easy to recognize the most famous landmarks, such as the imposing St. Paul’s Cathedral (which looks small, in perspective with the Shard), the Gherkin, and the various new skyscrapers of the City, and the London Eye. For the less known you can refer to a useful display!

People come for a picnic, to walk with the dog, to play with the children or for an evening aperitif. Definitely one of the most representative places of London life!

After wandering around the park you can head towards Camden Market, walking along the luxurious Regents street, where even the charity shops look like luxury boutiques, and up to the railway bridge.

To appreciate the area, after a stop at the small but very nice pub with a garden in front of you, continue on the right. Immediately after the only café you will meet on the left, take the passage that goes down a bit hidden from the main road and you will find yourself on the Regents Canal, almost in front of the small statue of Amy Whinehouse!

P.S. If you are in London over New Year, Primrose Hill is the perfect place to watch the London fireworks!

Where: closest tube station Chalk farm
Who: people who want to see how Londoners live
When to visit: after exploring Camden Market
Cost: free

LONDON NON TOURISTY THINGS TO DO: ACTIVITIES

Fascinator course

Ok, the suggestion to participate in a fascinator course is maybe a little left field and maybe more for touristss, but I couldn’t avoid listing it. The fascinators, for those not familiar with the term, is a head covering or a decoration for the head.

It is difficult to trace its origin, it seems to have arisen from a scarf that covered / wrapped the head, but over time it has transformed into a more elaborate hat.

It is not usual to see people wearing one in everyday life, but it is a fundamental piece during ceremonies. Surely you have seen many during the last royal weddings.

It will probably only remain a small souvenir, but the fascinator you will produce during the course will be an original reminder of a different culture.

The courses last about 2 hours, and all the material and tools are made available to you to create your work of art. You will have instructors and it won’t be difficult to go out with your fascinator on your head. Definitely one of the less touristy things to do in London

Where: various locations in London
Who: people that like to bring home a different souvenir
When to visit: depends on availability
Cost: normal prices start from around £50+ but you can often find good offers on Groupon

Afternoon Tea

A visit to the United Kingdom cannot be said to be complete without tasting the typical Afternoon Tea at least once.

Definitely not one of the unique activities in London, but if you choose the right place you can still live it as a very local experience. Although it has become quite a touristic activity, at the same time it still embodies an ancient British tradition rooted in history for almost 200 years.

Wandering around London you will find it advertised in numerous venues, but do not book the first place you come across and look instead for a sophisticated place where you can truly appreciate the regal experience.

Don’t get me wrong, certainly wherever you decide to have your afternoon tea, you will hardly be disappointed by the small finger sandwiches or the typical scones, but the context is what classifies afternoon tea as one of the unique things to do in London.

Despite the reinterpretations and the possibility of adding a glass of champagne to your banquet, the fundamental elements are elaborate small sandwiches, some sweets and scones with jam and cream, and of course tea or other hot drinks.

In many venues, the afternoon tea is served as early as 12pm till 4 or 5pm. Prices range from £ 20 up to £40-£50 for the most prestigious locations.
My suggestion is to book afternoon tea near one of the other alternative places to visit in London that I suggest in this list.

For example, after a morning of shopping you can stop by Sketch. Or after a walk along the Regents canal you can enter to admire the German Gymnasium. Finally if you want to admire the view from the Shard instead of paying for a ticket invest that money in an Afternoon Tea with a view!

Where: various location in London
Who: people that like to bring home a different souvenir
When to visit: depends on availability
Cost: from £20+

LONDON OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Swimming in the Hampstead Heath ponds

London off the beaten path: Hampestead Heath mixed ponds

If you had to choose only one of the different things to do in London, bathing in the always nippy little lakes of Hampstead Heath will perhaps be the one that will remain most etched in your memory!

Swimming in Hampstead Ponds is a daily tradition for many local residents. There is no particular meaning, but for many it is just the pleasure of swimming in the middle of one of the largest parks in London just before taking the tube to work.

There are 3 different natural ponds, The Hampstead mixed Pond, the Kenwood Ladies’ Ponds, the Highgate Men’s Ponds, and the largest Parliament Lido. At the moment (since the opening after Coronavirus) you have to reserve online entry for £4, but there are still free slots. Children under the age of 8 can only enter the Lido.

Where: various part of Hampstead heath (Hampstead Heath overground station is the closest)
Who: people who want to see how Londoners live
When to visit: after exploring Hampstead Heath or from Camden Market it’s only a short ride by bus (# 24)
Cost: free to £4

Stand Up Paddle Boarding on the Thames or Regents Canal

Have you been searching what to do in London off the beaten path? What better than paddle boarding on the Thames or Regent’s Canal? Well for sure you will not go unnoticed.

Definitely not to be catalogued among the activities that take place daily in London, but if you have exhausted the more common this will surely amuse you.

The beauty of paddle boarding is that you have fun even as a beginner, and already from the first lesson you acquire enough practice to appreciate its pleasure and benefits.

The waters of the Thames where you can usually go paddle boarding are calm and perfect for beginners. I had already tried paddle boarding, the first time at sea in Malta, also bringing Santiago on the board (three years old at the time), and we had no problems, the second time in the Maldives.

There are two main companies you can contact in London, active360 and paddle boarding london. The locations are the Regents canal, in the area between Camden and the Paddington basin, and the areas of Richmond and Kew Bridge.

Where: near Camden and near Richmond
Who: people who want to see how Londoners live
When to visit: after exploring Camden Market, Regents Park or the Kew gardens
Cost: from £50+

Old Amersham

If you are visiting London for the second time or staying for several days you should not fail to consider a couple of things to do outside of London, visiting Old Amersham being one of them.

The English countryside is beautiful, but if you don’t have time to organize a small tour even from London you will be able to savour its essence. Old Amersham can be reached from central London in less than an hour by simply using the tube.

You arrive in an area halfway between the old town and the new one, from the station turn left and stroll through woods and fields until you reach Old Amersham (you can read more detailed info in this post). The old village is small, but very nice, with independent shops, an ancient market, gardens and even a small museum.

There is no shortage of pubs and restaurants, including The Artichoke which recently received a Michelin star. Many of the pubs offer outdoor spaces with pleasant furnished gardens perfect for relaxing in the summer. Then if you want to unplug, nothing better than stopping for the night in the King’s Arm hotel or the Crown hotel, both used as a set for 4 Weddings and a Funeral (the first for the exterior the second for the indoor scenes)

Where: Old Amersham (the end of the Metropolitan Line)
Who: people who want to have a glimpse of the difference between London and the rest of the UK
When to visit: after exploring Madame Tussauds or The Regents Park you can get on the tube in Baker street
Cost: off peak £4.70 each way (the train tickets form Marylebone are more expensive, use your contactless card/oyster)

If you have time for a day out from London, read in this article how to visit the beautiful Kent coast as a day trip or for a week end even if don’t have a car.

DoubleTree by Hilton terrace

Did you forget to book your ticket to climb the famous Skygarden? You don’t want to spend £25 to climb to the top of the Shard? Well the terraces of the DoubleTree Hilton near the Tower of London are your solution.

Incredibly, considering the often inclement weather, London is equipped with several venues with beautiful terraces and gardens.

Tucked away in the narrow streets of the city, this hotel’s fantastic terrace bar still remains one of the best London off the beaten track places to sit with a drink and admire the city skyline.

I certainly don’t want to compare the view you will have here with that of the Shard … but at least here you can invest the cost of the ticket in a pleasant drink!

Where: near the Tower of London
Who: everybody that wants a drink or a bite with a view after sightseeing.
When to visit: after exploring the Tower of London
Cost: from £6+

MAYBE YOU ARE INTERESTED IN : THE MOST EPIC 4 DAYS IN LONDON ITINERARY!

Ok…this is a long list!!! Let me know in the comments if I forgot something or if you discovered more non touristy things to do in London that I should add! Enjoy London!