Londoners are busy, and this is a bustling, giant, city. Go for a wander around the British Museum Photo by Alex Segre via Shutterstock Culture vultures - this one's for you. Victoria Embankment is on the north bank of the River Thames. The cookies are absolutely giant, come in plenty of flavors including white chocolate, triple chocolate chunk, and even chocolate orange, and you can continue walking around London with one (or three) in hand. The first thing you need to check out if youre planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what youre used to and its essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware. Youll soon have more ideas than you can fit into your trip unless you like me decide that you want to relocate there to enjoy even more time in London. From clothing to food and souvenirs, the UK capital has it all. If youve read any of my itineraries, youll know I always advise people to book a ride 45 minutes around sunset to experience the citys buildings light up. Given its central location on Piccadilly between Mayfair, St Jamess, Hyde Park Corner, and Buckingham Palace, its a great place to sit and watch the world go by on a big day of sightseeing. Whether youre here with others or on your own, the city has a lot to offer. 1. See the TfL website. It might be shocking to some, but London is rife with green spaces despite being a sprawling metropolis. If you want some direction in exploring this part of London, my self-guided Belgravia walk can help. 15. Lovers of fashion and design will adore the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), and history buffs will flock to The British Museum. Prices start from 80+ for a one-day pass and go up to 250 for a ten-day card. From Pancras Square to Regents Canal, theres a lot to love about this area. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here, a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list. Need help to pick a park? The British Museum not only houses history but is a testament to history, being the worlds oldest national public museum. . In general, England and European countries have one advantage over other nations. 15 Epic Things to do in London Alone - Travels with Erica G D. Can you believe that after literally months living in London, I havent been to a West End show? Public transport: the best and cheapest way to get around London is with an Oyster Card. Borough Market is next on my list of fun things to do in London by yourself. Home to Londons biggest collection of roses, its one of the best summer gardens in London. Enjoy Evensong at St. Pauls Cathedral, 25. If you take the tube to Westminster tube station, exit, and then walk along the river in the opposite direction to Big Ben, without crossing the bridge, youll find some peaceful benches that are great places to find some shade and some beautiful London views. The market is a fun place to wander and pick up vintage treasures, stop for a snack or meal at one of the food stalls, or browse the shops. Theres no need to say that Londons cityscape makes everyone heave deep sighs I mean, you dont get the chance to witness such beauty every day. Its held daily at 9.30pm by the Yeomen Warders. Some are hop-on, hop-off, while others are full experiences that pick you up and drop you off in the same place. During the first part of the day its a great place to explore and pick up something delicious for breakfast. Today, the River Thames is also a vantage point to witness a different side of the city. Markets pop up in every corner and street of London, and, much like museums, there are options for every taste and budget. Want a great view of the Thames while just people-watching and enjoying yourself? Over 8 million inhabitants and a pretty easy-going attitude means that exploring London solo isn't a difficult task. The views from the bridge are stunning, too. There are lots of great solo activities in London for visitors and locals alike. Get to know me more here. While the production might be cancelled for dangerous weather, its not going to be paused because of some rain, so wear your rain jacket (dont forget my guide on what to pack for London) and enjoy! Whether your idea of fun is seeing a ballet or going to a comedy show, theres no shortage of options. Here are some of my favorites: Its hard to tell why, but the British have a long-standing predilection for everything related to decorum and protocols. It doesnt affect the way you shop, and its a great way to support the A Lady in London blog. May 2, 2023 If you're visiting London on your own, you might be looking for things to do alone in London! At over 300 steps and a narrow walk up to the top, its not for the faint of heart, but if youre not dragging any kids around or needing to cater to other people, you can go up at your own pace. The railway arches and alleys at this under-the-radar London market are full of great produce and prepared foods. Tate Modern also offers some of the best views of London from its upper floors and the Blavatnik Buildings viewing terrace. While I do believe central London is all safe for a solo visitor (providing you have actual street smarts and arent wandering around for the heck of it in a dark alley at 3am), one of the safest boroughs in London is Kensington, where youll find Kensington Palace and many of the popular museums. 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. Whats the best way to book hotels in the UK? You can book a tour here. Spend a Morning at Camden Market. Old Spitalfields Market is the perfect place to browse the wares, pick up souvenirs or gifts, and grab a snack or drink from one of the many stalls selling prepared foods. Enjoy! Design-conscious Londoners flock to Portobello Road Market to scout antiques for their new homes every Saturday. Things to do alone in London | Best tips for solo travelers Walking around areas like Bloomsbury and St Jamess to spot them is a fun solo activity in London. Solo travel in London - A Girls' Guide to Travelling Alone Theres lots of it around the station, and its fun to see when Im wandering around on my own. Whatever kind of cuisine youre after, you can find a good fit for you. It gives you free entry to 80 popular attractions and guided tours. Have a Picnic in one of Londons Parks, 19. Its fun to see the redcoats parading in formation, and its hard to beat the pomp and pageantry of it all. The West End is calling your name, even moreso as a solo visitor because you only need to snag one ticket! You can book tickets here to see the monarchs stunning carriages. Trafalgar Square is the hub of London, for many people, with its central location, frequent events or festivals taking place in it, and the iconic lions surrounding Nelsons Column. You can buy tickets on the day, and its only just over 5.00 for adults so not one of the more expensive things to do in London. Head to the Cinema for a Motion Picture Show, 9.-11. One of my favourite things to do when I'm travelling alone in London is rent a bike and ride around a park. In many ways, London is the perfect solo city. >> Click here to book in advance (recommended) Londoners are busy, and this is a bustling, giant, city. I recommend this one, which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries. If you prefer to stay outdoors, my self-gudied Westminster walk can lead you around to the local parts of the area most visitors miss. These are the best things to do alone in London | CN Traveller This in-depth course tells you everything you need to know. The South Bank is an easy place to blend in, too. When standing in such a crowd, no one knows who is with who or cares whos by themselves, plus youll get to see Shakespeare in the way it was intended! The thing is, witnessing a show at the Shakespeares Globe is more than watching a mere play. They open early, too, so you can come in the morning if you dont like crowds. Late-night London culture Catch a show at the Royal Opera House: Watch some of the world's finest opera stars on stage. Staying safe in London - Essential Information - visitlondon.com One of the best free things to do in London by yourself is to visit one of the city's many free museums. Given theyre popular with visitors, theyre ideal places to meet fellow travelers as well. Yes, you do, otherwise you wont be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. The historic museum cafe here is worth a special trip as well. Ready for a peaceful afternoon with gorgeous views, plenty of space to spread out, and not a care in the world? 14 Unmissable Things To Do In London At Night - Bounce So much so that it fits the UNs definition of a forest. If you need some guidance or youre self-conscious being alone, you can use my free self-guided Holland Park walk to show you around. Shop the Stalls at One of Londons Many Markets, 13.-15. Thank you for these great ideas! The Regimental Band and occasional pipers also accompany the marching guards while playing a selection of music. Whether youre a backpacker planning your ultimate solo trip to London or just a visitor going it alone, these things to do alone in London will make sure that you have an amazing time and see just as much of the sights as you would with a travel buddy. Visit the Angel Comedy Club. Whether youre into markets, museums, walks, food, or something else, the city offers plenty of ways to have fun on your own in London. Besides its breathtaking architecture, the cathedral hosts the Choral Evensong, a mass taking place from Monday to Saturday at 5 pm and Sunday at 3 pm. Theres no awkwardness, no wheres everybody from? small talk like a walking tour, and youll definitely want to make time in your day to see London as intended from the water. If youre like me and you love reading, you can discover some of the best places for books in London. Your email address will not be published. Trafalgar Square is a great place to spend time on your own in London. So I might be biased when I say youll regret not visiting the stunning cathedral. And, to be honest, all your worries will dissipate as soon as the waiter brings a three-tiered tray bursting with freshly baked scones and finger sandwiches. 10 unusual ways to see London at night - The Guardian The Absolute Must-Knows (from a Londoner). Not only is it completely free, but so many people will be milling about and caring more about the view than who is alone or with a partner, so you can banish those solo traveler nerves. Another of my favorite solo activities in London is go to Brick Lane. If youre in town during the annual summer opening of Buckingham Palace, you can also do a tour. From the greenhouses to the stunning gardens to the amazing gift shop, you could truly spend a whole day here on a good weather day just appreciating all of the horticulture and taking the train around the grounds. While many think its past its prime in terms of the bustling market it used to be, I think its important for visitors to get a sense for real London, and the characters and sounds to be explored outside of the major tourist centers. Things to do in London Alone at Night Guide 2022 This is not a dedicated afternoon tea experience, but instead a bakery where you can order an afternoon tea. Kings Cross is a great place to explore solo because theres such a variety of things to do here. Ladys 51 Fun Things to Do Alone in London, subscribe to the A Lady in London blog via email. Either way, its basically what youre expecting: a fantastic bagel (often filled with salmon and cream cheese on Brick Lane, but you can get any kind of beigel) that will give you a carb rush and a pep in your step as you explore one of the most diverse and fascinating parts of London. Theres no shortage of places to see street art in Shoreditch. It lasts about 45 minutes, and entry is free. Hampstead Heath has always been one of my favorite parks in London, and its a great place to explore solo. The only catch is you cant bring anything with you, including your phone, so this is a good thing to do when you can leave it at the hotel for a bit and take a London printed map with you to explore for the day. The traditional ceremony takes place every day around 10:30 am at Buckingham Palace. This handy guide has your back. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Out in Hackney, Broadway Market is a great place to explore solo. Another of my favorite places to go solo in London is Brixton. This is a great place to come on your own because its big enough you can blend in. Being on the second story of a double-decker bus is not only a great way to see the sights, but also to get a good overview of what the city has to offer. You can see a list of all of them here. Start your planning with this Intro to London guide and access to my London planning Facebook group! Remember the name Victoria Station. Your email address will not be published. If you dont like crowds, make sure to come early. Check out this list for ideas, including the best London nightlife and unique things to do at night! If youre a fan of Harry Potter, doing the Warner Bros Studio Tour is a must. Brick Lane is a great area to visit alone because theres so much to see and do here. If you love shopping, eating, art, and markets in equal measure, Duke of York Square is the perfect place to spend some time alone in London. Being an enormous city, London has movie theaters galore, or cinemas as the British call them. London at night is definitely a sight to behold and this open-top bus tour is the best way to fully appreciate the city at night. This is a fascinating experience for anyone, but particularly for visitors from overseas to see how the courtroom operates in one of the most historic locations. Join a night sightseeing open-top bus tour (from USD 37.0) Show all photos. Its a good one to do solo, as its an audio guide. If seeing street art in Shoredicth sounded like a good idea to you, youll love the murals in Spitalfields just as much (if not more). The ride lasts 30 minutes, giving you enough time to enjoy the views with your own eyes and snap a few pictures to immortalize the memories. This south London market is a great place to visit solo because there are lots of places to pick up a quick snack or meal. One of my favorite solo activities in London is to wander through the mews in Kensington, Notting Hill, Holland Park, South Kensington, and other pretty London neighborhoods. Like markets, London museums come in all shapes and colors. Want more helpful London guides? More Copyright A Lady in London 2007 - 2023. Next on my list of things to do alone in London is explore the hidden mews. Many museums in London are free of charge They have just reopened with plenty of measures in place to ensure your safety. If you need more direction, my free self-guided Hampstead walk and my guides to the best Hampstead pubs and local museums can help inspire you. Since its beginning, the river has defined the city from its economy to its organization. This is one of the most famous neighborhoods in the city, and for good reason. Learn how your comment data is processed. On this tour, you get to take a trip around the city's top attractions aboard a double-decker bus. Walk along the Thames. Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge are just some of the stops on the London by Night Sightseeing Tour will pass by and many more exciting landmarks. Go People-Watching at Piccadilly Circus or Trafalgar Square, 21. 6 Best Things To Do in London at Night Eating London Tours There are lots of communal tables, so its a great place to eat solo. So grab your backpack and check off this list of 11 things to do in London for solo travelers. Back outdoors, you can walk around the Round Pond and over to the Italian Gardens to take in their ornamental water features. The Brick Lane beigels (more on bagel vs beigel in a second) are a London iconic in and of themselves, and you can go stroll the eclectic Brick Lane shops with a beigel in hand! What to Pack For London Where to stay in London Best Hostels in London for Solo Travellers Saving Money in London Map of my Top Things to do Alone in London Things to do in London by yourself during the daytime Things to do Alone in London at Night Where to eat in London Final Thoughts on Solo Female Travel London Things to know about London Its a great way to soak up the city atmosphere, as theres always a lot going on here. In the UK, cars drive on the left. Where can I drink alone in London? - ruggedthuglife.com From this side, you have fantastic views of the old Tower, Londons newest skyscrapers in the financial district, St. Paul cathedral, and Westminster. Visit one of London's many free museums. There are lots of things to do on Brick Lane, from exploring the area around the Old Truman Brewery to browsing the Sunday markets. Walking Tours Bus Tours Jack the Ripper Where to Stay Things To Do Discounts Private Tours Contact Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. Adventures of an expat Californian in London and traveling the world. Its also a great one to do alone, not least because it can get crowded. Your email address will not be published. What is there to do in London after 6pm? - ruggedthuglife.com If you prefer a group tour, GetYourGuide has great ones. While the Tube might seem intimidating at first, you'll find that it's fairly simple to figure out. I love a good London mews street, and the city center has no shortage of them. The unsteady walk to the top resembles more an athletic endeavor than a tourist plan, with a staircase of 311 steps. However, if you want the whole shebang when it comes to tourist information and a guided experience, you can totally take a boat tour geared towards tourists as well. If youre not afraid of ghosts, taking a Highgate Cemetery tour is another fun thing to do alone in London. Because youll be with other people on this tour, its a fun way to meet other visitors while feeling secure as you walk around the East End. Is London Safe To Travel Alone? Local Solo Female Traveller Tips 101 things to do at night in London - Nightlife - visitlondon.com Trust me. This is the most famous food market in London, not least because of its abundance of culinary treats and treasures. I usually recommend Greenwich if youre spending a week or more in London, as it does require a trip out of Central London, but here you can strand over the Prime Meridian, standing in two hemispheres at once, and explore some awesome museums like the National Maritime Museum. Its one of the best things to do in London on a Sunday morning. 4. Another fun thing to do alone in London is explore Covent Garden. This spot is famous for everything from antiques to food. There are also famous restaurants here if you want to enjoy a sit-down meal. This is a great place to spend an afternoon wandering and picking up unique finds. Located in Marylebone, this seems like a bookshop right out of a movie with gorgeous interior architecture and cozy corners. Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous London landmarks, and one that is well worth visiting for the solo traveler. Brixton Market is full of great produce and home goods, Brixton Village is a colorful covered market with lots of shops and restaurants, and Pop Brixton is a unique market made from shipping containers. Pick yourself a bench or a spot under a tree and have yourself a picnic in the park, no travel partners needed! On my recent visit to London, I finally visited three: the National History Museum, The British Museum and The Victoria & Albert Museum. When the party slows at sunrise, never fear! 35+ Things to Do Alone in London for the Ultimate Solo Trip. Catch a show at London's West End theatres If youre not quite up for seeing a West End show by yourself, another option is to buy a standing or groundling ticket for Shakespeares Globe. There are lots of musicals, plays, gigs, and other performances you can attend in London at night. Join her to explore my favorite city on earth and learn everything you need to discover the best London has to offer! Make sure to take full advantage of the 360 view, and gather up the courage to ask someone to take your photo while up at the top so you can show friends and family back home! Youll find blue plaques all over the city, and theyre dedicated to everyone from Mozart to Jimi Hendrix and Beatrix Potter. Piccadilly Circus is the busy junction with neon signs showcasing ads of famous brands like McDonalds, SANYO, and Coca-Cola. Whether you like shellfish or sweet treats, theres something youll love. London has so many great things to do for solo travels. Bring a packed lunch, whether youve made it at your AirBnb or you bought it from somewhere like Pret or EAT, or get whats called a meal deal from a nearby grocery store which is usually about 3 for a sandwich, drink, and bag of chips (called crisps in the UK). The best thing to do alone in London is this London Bridge secret food tour over 3 hours of guided food tasting and no one cares if youre riding solo! Ive been visiting London for decades, and even I was impressed by your recommendations. Get the ULTIMATE guide for visiting London! I consent to receive this book and other e-mails from Girl Gone London. There are kiosks in the park selling drinks and snacks, so its also a good place to get something to eat if youre hungry and you dont want to go to a restaurant on your own. Just make sure to book ahead, as many of them sell out way in advance. Your email address will not be published. Ladys 19 Half Day Trips from London Youll Love Taking. It will give you some direction and let you go at your own pace. From the street performers to the London Eye, riverboats, festivals, book and food markets, theaters, pop-up restaurants, and galleries, theres plenty to entertain you no matter what your interests are. Next on my list of things to do alone in London is explore Primrose Hill. 15 Neat Things to Do in London at Night Whether you want to spend all your time admiring Leonardo da Vincis The Virgin of the Rocks or take an audio tour to see the highlights, your time is yours to decide what to do with. 1. Enjoy a show in the West End, visit Soho and the Covent Garden, take a food tasting tour or wine tasting tour, or even . There are so many fun things to do in Notting Hill you could stay here for a lifetime. Your email address will not be published. If youre visiting London soon, heres a very brief rundown of a few of my other favorites to make sure you dont miss anything! This famous part of the city is home to everything from the National Gallery to Nelsons Column, fountains, lion sculptures, and more. The London Pass. If youre by yourself instead of in a large group, you have a much better chance of getting a great spot for the Changing of the Guard because you can go early and squeeze into more places! Ive been to The Nutcracker Christmas show which I loved, but have never been to one of these plays that are on billboards everywhere in London I spend my time between Rome and London, and as soon as Im back, Ill go to one of these Leicester Square ticket booths to get myself some down time. Head to Primrose Hill, the highest point in Regents Park, where you can get a great sunset view of Londons skyline as well as just do some people-watching, listen to music, or bring yourself a picnic. Things To Do In London Alone | Free Guide For 2023 7. Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. Its much easier to navigate on your own. Harrods, a stunningly beautiful store in Knightsbridge is world famous for being the department store for the rich. The colorful houses, vibrant market on Portobello Road, and beautiful side streets make it worth visiting over and over. The Old Bailey, the most famous criminal court in London and arguably all of England, allows visitors to sit in the gallery for free to watch live sessions. Whether you want to shop for London souvenirs for yourself or browse for gifts for people back home, you can find everything from vintage goods to colorful socks and items from the A Lady in London collection here. Hanbury Street alone has some of the best in the city. I know this because Im here on my own all the time. Everyone from Karl Marx to George Eliot is buried here, and there are both guided and self-guided tours available. London has cinemas whose history and atmosphere alone make it worth watching a movie there. While the Evensong services arent terribly crowded, the earlier you get there, the better seats you will get. Bring your camera to snap the city's famous landmarks as they're dramatically lit up at night: Top picks include Tower Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, Houses of Parliament and Harrods. Last but not least, one of my favorite solo things to do in London is take in the citys iconic landmarks in Westminster. Need some suggestions for afternoon tea in London? Things to Do in London for Men | Clink Hostels From pub crawls to go-karting, here's our selection of things to do in London for men who want to have a great time in the city. Foodies make daily trips to Borough Market searching for organic veggies and sustainable goodies. Shakespeares Globe reconstructs the Globe Theatre, an Elizabethan playhouse for which William Shakespeare wrote his play. Indulging in a solitary afternoon tea is one of the top things to do in London alone. Party 'til the sun comes up in Shoreditch. See London's history by taking a night tour. You can see a variety of options and book one here. Hampstead is great for solo travelers because its not very touristy. Don't miss this insider's guide to exploring the city after dark. From Brixton Market to Brixton Village and Pop Brixton, this area has a lot of great markets to explore throughout the week. Its a great way to get to know the area and meet other people while you do. Stately homes like Ham House add a nice cultural element to the area, and little alleys like Brewers Lane are charming. 35+ Epic Things To Do Alone In London: Solo Travel Guide by a Local How spectators take in the show is the same as in the 1500s, meaning youll spend two hours on your feet. You can also tour Kensington Palace in Kensington Gardens if you want to see how the royals live. The village-like atmosphere is hard to beat, and places like Hampstead High Street and Hampstead Heath are worth visiting. On tours, it really doesnt matter if youre alone as youll likely find other people who are also solo travelers or everyone just becomes one big group anyway so its a way to see the city with other people even if youre strangers at first. Even better, wandering through one of Londons markets is one of the best ways for solo travelers who want to blend in and avoid the discomfort of traveling alone. Its rugged terrain, extensive walking paths, and views of the city bring me back again and again. Yes if you set it up right. I like getting here early when Im solo, as the market gets really crowded later on. There are certain pockets of the city where this becomes extremely noticeable: Piccadilly Circus or Trafalgar Square. This leafy north London neighborhood is the perfect place to spend a day meandering. Watch the sunset with a picnic on Primrose Hill: The view from the top is one of London's best, affording a fantastic panorama across the city. From ancient coins to tools to mummies, touring the British Museum alone gives you so much freedom to decide what to see and when, and the long tables on the main floor are perfect for grabbing something to eat or drink on your own while still being included in the museum vibe. This is one of the most fascinating museums in the history ofever. Its one of the best picnic spots in the city in the warmer months, and its full of cheerful daffodils in the spring. Notice of your surrounding and beware of wearing headphones. Its right in the thick of things, and the lights look great in the evening sky.
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