In a nutshell
- Even away from the well-known spots in London, you can discover plenty of hidden gems and enjoy far fewer tourists.
- There are some great viewpoints like the viewing terrace at Tate Modern or The Monument that many miss when looking for off the beaten path London ideas.
- One of our favorite secret places of London is the Kyoto Garden with its peaceful Japanese vibe. Perfect for a quiet break!
- Neighborhoods like Little Venice and Richmond are ideal for a couple of hours if you want to explore London off the beaten track.
- If you like going out at night, the Dishoom Restaurant and the bars and clubs in Shoreditch are great picks for non-touristy things to do in London.
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Hidden Viewpoint Gems in London
The classic viewpoints like the London Eye or The Shard are impressive—but usually packed with tourists. If you’re looking for a more relaxed way to enjoy the skyline, these spots are quieter and just as stunning, perfect for those seeking hidden gems in London.
Viewing Gallery at Tate Modern
Tate Modern is famous among art lovers, but even if you’re not into art, it’s worth a visit.
From the viewing gallery on Level 10, you can enjoy a fantastic 360° view over the London skyline. There’s a bar where you can grab a coffee or a cold craft beer while soaking in the view.
On the sixth floor of the Bell Building, the Kitchen and Bar offers another great perspective over the Thames, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Millennium Bridge, which you might recognize from “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”
Best of all, Tate Modern and its view are completely free—a perfect off the beaten path in London experience.
The Monument
The Monument is a 61-meter-high column in central London, offering a unique viewpoint where you can see all the major landmarks at once.
Many visitors walk past without a second glance, but a discreet entrance at the back leads you inside. A 311-step spiral staircase takes you to the top, where the city unfolds in all directions. Once you descend, you’ll even get a certificate for conquering the steps.
Our tip: The Monument is perfectly located just before the Tower of London.
Relaxing on Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is one of our favorite hidden gems in London. This vast urban forest feels a world away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Be sure to visit the Parliament Hill Viewpoint for an incredible view. There are also several lakes if you fancy a refreshing dip.
Afterwards, treat yourself to a pitcher of the classic British Pimm’s cocktail at the nearby beer garden The Freemasons Arms.
Our tip: Hampstead Heath’s paths aren’t always marked, so bring your phone to navigate through the wild greenery and discover even more secret places of London.
Find even more London viewpoints here:
Special Places in London That Not Everyone Knows
London has no shortage of famous sights, but some spots remain surprisingly quiet. Here are some of our favorite hidden gems.
Church Ruins of St Dunstan-in-the-East
Tucked between the skyscrapers of the City of London, St Dunstan-in-the-East feels like it belongs in another world.
This former church is now a magical ruin, with ivy winding through broken arches and trees growing where prayers were once said—a photographer’s dream.
The church was bombed in the Second World War and never rebuilt, but it was never demolished, giving it a mysterious charm.
Our tip: The ruins are close to Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and The Monument. You can easily combine them.
Daunt Books London
Daunt Books in Marylebone is one of London’s most distinctive bookshops, with a history dating back to 1912.
The current store has existed since 1990, but its roots go back to the Francis Edwards second-hand bookshop. It’s considered one of the first shops in London designed specifically for books.
With high wooden shelves, a glass ceiling, and a country-by-country selection, it’s a must-visit for book lovers looking for off the beaten track London experiences.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Every Sunday, Columbia Road comes alive with one of the most charming markets in London. The Flower Market sells everything from vibrant blooms and gardening treasures to jewelry and small works of art.
For photographers and lovers of hidden gems in London, Columbia Road is pure magic. Around every corner, there’s a perfect photo waiting to be captured—the flowers practically beg to be photographed.
Our tip: The market opens at 8 am, so try to come early to enjoy the full floral spectacle before much of it is sold.
Dishoom Restaurant Kensington
One of our favorite dining spots in London is Dishoom Restaurant Kensington, serving some of the city’s best Indian cuisine. Seriously—it’s hard to beat.
What makes it even better is that you can enjoy their menu all day long. From a flavorful breakfast to a satisfying lunch and a unique dinner, there’s something for every craving.
The art deco style of the interior creates a cozy and stylish atmosphere. Dishoom has several locations in London, which you can explore on their website.
Our tip: Visiting in the early evening increases your chances of getting a table without a long wait.
Experience London’s Green Side: Our Insider Tips
London might be a bustling city, but it’s dotted with plenty of peaceful green escapes. Here are some of our favorite spots to enjoy fresh air and tranquility:
Boat Trip to Greenwich with Prime Meridian
A boat trip to Greenwich and the Prime Meridian is still one of the best London things to do off the beaten path.
Departing from Westminster Pier, the trip takes about an hour, delivering you to a part of the city far quieter than central London. Here, you can explore Greenwich Market or simply relax in the park while taking in views of the skyline.
Greenwich is home to the famous Prime Meridian, the imaginary line running from the North Pole to the South Pole that separates east from west.
Try to pick a dry day for the trip—the outside deck offers excellent views of London’s most iconic sights including the London Eye, The Shard, Tower Bridge, Tate Modern, and more.
In summer, it’s wise to book your boat trip in advance. You can choose a single ride or a round trip.
Book tickets for the boat trip to Greenwich
Canal Walk around Little Venice
For a completely different and peaceful side of London, head to the inner-city canals. Some locals live on permanently moored houseboats, each with its own charm.
The narrow waterways and colorful boats give the feeling of being in Venice—hence the name Little Venice. It’s a perfect spot for non touristy things to do in London.
Our tip: Treat yourself to a brunch on the houseboat Darcie & May Green after your walk—it’s a unique experience in a secret corner of London.
Japanese Kyoto Garden
Kyoto Garden is one of our favorite hidden gems in London, especially for a moment of calm during the city’s busy summer months.
The garden invites you to stroll through its beautiful grounds, admire stone lanterns, tranquil ponds filled with colorful koi, small waterfalls, and trees that frame the landscape perfectly.
Located in Holland Park, west of central London, the garden captures Japan as you would imagine: peaceful, elegant, and full of charm.
Horniman Museum
Most of the main London attractions and museums in London are clustered in the city center, but there are hidden gems in London further out, like the Horniman Museum and its gardens.
The museum combines elements of a natural history museum with a fascinating collection of over 350,000 objects, plus an aquarium and butterfly house.
Entry to the museum itself is free; you just need to book a ticket on the website if you want to visit the aquarium or butterfly house.
We especially loved the outdoor space with its Victorian conservatory, wildlife enclosure, and spacious grasslands. The Horniman Museum is like a small oasis in the city—a perfect off the beaten track London experience, and also a great option if you’re traveling with kids.
Highgate Cemetery
Highgate Cemetery is one of the city’s seven Victorian cemeteries. It may sound a little morbid, but visiting is actually a peaceful way to take a break from the usual sightseeing.
The cemetery feels almost entirely natural, with winding paths leading to ivy-covered graves. It’s fascinating to think that famous figures like Karl Marx are buried here.
Entrance costs around £5. You can also join a guided tour to learn more about the history and stories behind the graves.
Our tip: If it’s rainy, wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy—the paths in Highgate Cemetery can get slippery and soft.
Unique London Neighborhoods Beyond the City Center
The City of London is great, but there’s so much more to discover off the usual tourist trail. Here are a few lesser-known neighborhoods that are worth exploring:
Greater London: See a Different Side of London
Instead of sticking to central London, take a bus out to Greater London. The outskirts offer a completely different perspective on the city, with quieter streets and hidden corners to explore.
We particularly like Hackney, Clapton, and Stoke Newington in the north-east. The neighborhoods feel safe, welcoming, and full of charm.
Here you’ll find narrow streets, brick townhouses with front gardens, cozy cafes, and independent shops—a stark contrast to the touristy center. It’s also very family-friendly, making it a great choice for a London with kids outing.
Richmond and Kingston Upon Thames
For a picturesque London neighborhood to wander at a relaxed pace, Richmond is a true hidden gem.
The district has its own charming center for relaxed shopping and is located right on the Thames, perfect for a walk or bike ride along the river.
In Richmond Riverside Park, people picnic, listen to street musicians, or just soak in the atmosphere. It’s hard not to feel the good vibes.
Our tip: With a full day, take a train to Kingston Upon Thames and rent a bike. Explore the historic marketplace and riverside before cycling along the Thames and green pastures back to Richmond—a lovely off the beaten path in London adventure.
Nightlife in Shoreditch
Shoreditch, in north-east London, has transformed from a rougher area into a trendy neighborhood where suits meet hipsters and high heels meet sneakers.
It’s now a hotspot for real London nightlife, with pubs, bars, clubs, and restaurants. We even include Shoreditch in our hotel tips for London.
Going out here is still relatively affordable, especially with happy hours from 5 to 9 pm. Many clubs and bars also offer free entry before 9 or 10 pm, making it a perfect spot for non-touristy things to do in London.
Our Favorite Bars and Clubs in Shoreditch
There are countless bars and clubs in Shoreditch. Here are our favorites:
Callooh Callay
Callooh Callay is a fun way to start your night. The bar has a playful Alice in Wonderland vibe and serves creative, one-of-a-kind cocktails you won’t find anywhere else.
A hidden bar tucked behind a wardrobe adds extra charm—just book ahead on weekends, as it fills up quickly. You can also order a few small bites alongside the drinks.
Old Blue Last
Perfect for diving into London’s newcomer music scene. The Old Blue Last is quaint and a little rough around the edges, which only adds to its charm.
It’s one of the few places where you can catch live music by up-and-coming London artists without paying an entrance fee.
The pub has two floors: dancing downstairs, live acts upstairs, and a cozy lounge area to chat.
Wetherspoon Hamilton Hall
This pub is set in a grand hall from the 1900s, popular for after-work drinks. The food is tasty, the drinks are good, and it’s perfect if you’re on your way to Stansted Airport or starting your Shoreditch evening from Liverpool Street.
Queen of Hoxton
Queen of Hoxton is part bar, part club, with eclectic music and a lively crowd.
The rooftop area is open year-round and always themed—from circus setups to cozy camping tents—so make sure to check it out while you’re there.