London Insider Tips: 15 Real Hidden Gems for Your Trip

Hidden Gems for Views in London

Tate Modern's Viewing Terrace

The Tate Modern is a well-known stop for art lovers — but honestly, you don’t need to care about art at all to have a great time here.

From the viewing terrace on the tenth floor, you get a seriously stunning 360° panorama of the London skyline. Grab a great coffee or a cold craft beer at the bar up there and just soak it all in.

On the sixth floor of the Blavatnik Building, the Kitchen and Bar offers another fantastic vantage point over the Thames, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Millennium Bridge — yes, the same bridge from “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”

And the best part: the Tate Modern is one of the coolest free spots in London!

The Monument

The Monument is a 61-meter-tall column right in the heart of London — and one of the city’s most underrated secret spots. It’s actually the only place in London where you can see all the major landmarks at once from a single vantage point.

Most tourists walk straight past it because it doesn’t look like much from the outside. Look more carefully and you’ll spot an entrance at the back.

Inside, a spiral staircase with 311 steps winds all the way to the top, where a fantastic panorama awaits. And when you leave, you’ll get a certificate proving you made it up all 311 steps — a fun little souvenir.

Our tip: The Monument pairs perfectly with a visit to the Tower of London — check out one before the other.

Relaxing in Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is definitely one of our favorite London insider tips. It’s an urban forest where the tourist crowds and the noise of the big city feel miles away.

While you’re there, don’t miss the Parliament Hill Viewpoint — the panorama over London from up there is wonderful. There are also several ponds where you can swim.

Afterward, treat yourself to a pitcher of classic British Pimm’s at the nearby beer garden The Freemasons Arms. Highly recommended.

Our tip: Keep your phone handy for navigation in Hampstead Heath. The paths aren’t always marked and often wind through wild undergrowth.
Here you’ll find even more great viewpoints in London:

Special Places in London That Not Everyone Knows About

London has plenty of top attractions, but there are still some off-the-beaten-path corners that most visitors never find. These are our favorite special places in London:

St Dunstan-in-the-East Church Ruin

Tucked away among the skyscrapers of the City of London is a place that feels like it’s from another world: St Dunstan-in-the-East.

What was once a proud church is today a mysterious ruin, where nature has slowly reclaimed the old walls. Creeping ivy winds through broken window arches, and trees grow where prayers were spoken centuries ago. An incredible photo opportunity.

The church looks the way it does because it was bombed during World War II and was never rebuilt — but never demolished either. That history gives it a haunting, unforgettable atmosphere.

Our tip: The ruin is close to Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and The Monument. You can easily combine all of them into one outing.

Daunt Books London

Daunt Books in the Marylebone neighborhood is one of London’s most distinctive bookstores, with roots stretching back to 1912.

The current store has been in its present form since 1990, but this location previously housed the antiquarian bookseller Francis Edwards. It’s considered one of the first shop spaces specifically designed for books in London.

With its tall wooden shelves, glass ceiling, and collection organized by country, it’s a wonderful place — especially if you’re a well-traveled bookworm.

Columbia Road Flower Market

Every Sunday, one of the most beautiful markets in London takes over Columbia Road. The Flower Market sells colorful blooms, everything a gardening heart could desire, plus jewelry and small works of art.

For photographers, this is a really special London hidden gem. Around every corner, you’ll find amazing photo opportunities — the colorful flowers practically beg to be shot.

Our tip: The Flower Market always opens at 8 in the morning. Get there as early as you can to see the full display before many of the plants find new owners.

Dishoom Restaurant Kensington

One of our favorite restaurants in London is Dishoom in Kensington. The Indian cuisine here is seriously on another level — and we’re not exaggerating when we say it’s the best Indian food we’ve ever had.

What makes it even better: you can eat your way through the menu from morning to night. There’s a wonderful breakfast, a great lunch, and a dinner that’s simply one of a kind.

The Art Deco atmosphere makes the whole experience feel extra special. There are actually several Dishoom locations across London — check their website for details.

Our tip: Your best bet is to swing by Dishoom in the early evening — that’s when you’re most likely to snag a table without a long wait.

Dishoom is also a great choice before a West End musical. Find out more here:

Experiencing Green London: Our Insider Tips

London is home to millions of people, countless cars fill the streets, and the skyline keeps growing. And yet there are genuinely many beautiful green escapes. These are our favorites:

Boat Trip to Greenwich and the Prime Meridian

The boat trip to the Prime Meridian in Greenwich is still a true under-the-radar pick among London river cruises.

Boats depart from Westminster Pier and cruise for an hour to Greenwich, where you’ll find far fewer tourists than in the city center. Stroll through Greenwich Market or relax in the park with views of the London skyline — it’s a really lovely afternoon.

Greenwich is also home to the famous Prime Meridian — the imaginary line running from the North Pole to the South Pole that divides the Earth into its eastern and western hemispheres.

Just make sure it’s not raining on the day you go. From the open deck, you get a wonderful view of London’s most famous landmarks: London Eye, The Shard, Tower Bridge, Tate Modern, and many more.

In summer especially, it’s worth booking your tickets in advance. You can choose between a one-way trip and a round trip.

Book tickets for the boat trip to Greenwich

Canal Walk Around Little Venice

A walk along London’s inner canals reveals a completely different — and beautiful — side of the city. Some Londoners actually live here on permanently moored houseboats, each one a little attraction in its own right.

The narrow canal and the colorful boats make you feel, just for a moment, like you’re wandering through Venice. The neighborhood’s name, Little Venice, is no coincidence.

Our tip: Reward yourself after your walk with a delicious brunch on the houseboat Darcie & May Green.

The Japanese Kyoto Garden

The Kyoto Garden is a seriously underrated escape — especially if you’re visiting during London’s peak summer season and need a break from the crowds.

It’s quickly become one of our favorite places in the whole city. You don’t just lie back in the grass here — you stroll through the beautiful grounds and let the tranquility and Japanese atmosphere wash over you.

The garden sits within Holland Park, west of the city center, and captures Japan exactly as you’d imagine: stone lanterns, ponds filled with colorful koi, little waterfalls, and glowing trees framing the landscape at every turn.

Horniman Museum

Most of the big London attractions and museums are clustered in the city center. But head out to the outer neighborhoods and you’ll find some real gems — like the Horniman Museum and its gorgeous gardens.

It’s essentially a natural history museum with a wonderfully eclectic collection of over 350,000 objects, an aquarium, and a butterfly house.

Admission to the museum itself is free, but the aquarium and butterfly house require a ticket booked on their website.

What we love most is the outdoor area: a Victorian conservatory, an animal enclosure, and sweeping grasslands. The Horniman Museum feels like a little oasis in the city and is also a fantastic pick if you’re traveling with kids.

Highgate Cemetery

Highgate Cemetery is one of the city’s seven Victorian cemeteries — and yes, we know that sounds like an odd recommendation, but hear us out. It’s actually a lovely outing and a genuinely peaceful break from the usual sightseeing circuit.

The cemetery is almost entirely left to nature, with winding paths leading past graves overgrown with ivy. It’s hard to believe that famous figures like Karl Marx are buried here.

Admission costs around £10. You can also join a guided tour for some fascinating background on the cemetery’s history.

Our tip: In wet weather, wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. The paths at Highgate Cemetery can get pretty soggy when it’s damp.

Special London Neighborhoods Off the Beaten Path

Central London is totally great — but beyond the well-known spots, there’s so much more to discover. Here are some lesser-known neighborhoods in London that are really worth your time:

Greater London: Seeing a Completely Different Side of London

Instead of always sticking to central London, hop on a bus out of the city and explore Greater London — the outer areas of the capital. You’ll discover a completely different side of the city.

We especially recommend the neighborhoods of Hackney, Clapton, and Stoke Newington in the northeast. They’re beautiful areas where you can feel comfortable even as a visitor.

They’re not far from the center, but they feel completely different from downtown: narrower streets, brick row houses with small front yards, independent cafés, restaurants, and pubs.

The area is also very family-friendly, making it a great option for a trip to London with kids.

Richmond and Kingston Upon Thames

Want a charming London neighborhood to wander through at your own pace? Richmond is our pick.

Like every district, Richmond has its own small center where you can browse the shops without feeling rushed. The neighborhood also sits right on the Thames, so you can enjoy a lovely walk or a short bike ride along the water.

Lots of locals spend their afternoons in Richmond Riverside Park, picnicking or listening to street musicians. Just find a spot and let the good vibes wash over you.

Our tip: If you have a full day to spare, take the train to Kingston Upon Thames and rent a bike. The historic town center has charming shops lining the old market square, and from there you can ride along the Thames through green meadows all the way to Richmond.

Nightlife in Shoreditch

Shoreditch is a neighborhood in northeast London that has gone through quite a transformation. For a long time it had a reputation as a rougher, less desirable area — but in recent years it’s become one of the city’s most vibrant, trendy districts.

These days, busy suit-wearers rub shoulders with laid-back hipsters, and high heels meet worn-out sneakers. The neighborhood has become so cool that we also highlight it in our hotel recommendations for London.

If you want to go out on the weekend and experience real London nightlife, Shoreditch is where you want to be. You’ll find some of the best pubs, bars, clubs, and restaurants the city has to offer.

Going out here is relatively affordable too — almost all bars run happy hour from 5 to 9 PM. Make the most of it, because otherwise things can get expensive fast. Plus, many clubs and bars let you in for free before 9 or 10 PM!

Our Favorite Bars and Clubs in Shoreditch

There are countless bars and clubs in Shoreditch, so here are our top picks to get you started.

Callooh Callay

Callooh Callay is a brilliant place to kick off your night in Shoreditch. The bar is themed entirely around Alice in Wonderland and serves delicious, creative cocktails you won’t find anywhere else in London.

The hidden section behind the wardrobe is worth seeking out — just make sure you have a reservation, especially on weekends. Small bites are also on the menu.

Old Blue Last

The perfect pub for diving into London’s emerging music scene. The Old Blue Last is genuinely gritty and a little rough around the edges — and that’s exactly what gives it its charm.

It’s one of the few places in the city where you can catch live music for free, including sets from up-and-coming London artists.

Two floors: downstairs you can dance, upstairs live acts perform, and there’s a chill-out area where you can actually have a conversation.

Wetherspoon Hamilton Hall

Decorated in a style from around 1900, this pub puts you inside a grand, ornate hall that’s busy at any hour of the day.

Londoners often meet here for after-work drinks. The drinks are solid and the food is tasty — great value for the area.

Perfect for a stop if you’re heading to Stansted Airport or starting your Shoreditch evening from Liverpool Street.

Queen of Hoxton

Queen of Hoxton sits somewhere between a bar and a club. The music is varied and the place fills up fast.

What makes it really special is the rooftop — it’s been turned into a cozy zone that’s used in summer and winter alike, regularly decorated around different themes: one week it’s a circus, the next a cozy camping tent. Head up there when you visit. You won’t regret it.