Top Things to do in London Alone

Are you visiting London by yourself, or just want to get out of the house and your friends are all busy? I’ve got you covered!

While it can be tempting to just stay in and cosy up with a book or binge-watch your fave series, it’s good to get outside and make the most of what the city has to offer.

And there’s so much you can do alone in London, without the fear of being judged. You don’t have to spend too much either - London has activities and attractions that cater to all budgets.

Choose from bustling markets, cozy bookshops, serene parks and marvellous museums. You could also discover Barbican conservatory, or take a dip in Hampstead Swimming Ponds. The possibilities are endless.

So what are you waiting for?! Read on to find out the top things to do in London alone.

Cannoli at The Real Food Market Kings Cross

1. Food Markets

If you’re a bit of a foodie but are too nervous to go to a restaurant on your own, street food is always an option. London has an abundance of markets that offer cuisine from all over the world, from Turkey to Japan to America. Some of the most well-known food markets in the capital include Borough Market, Brick Lane Market, Southbank Centre Food Market and Camden Market.

I’d also recommend the mouth-watering pasteis de nata at Swiss Cottage Market, and the heavenly fruit crumble from Humble Crumble in Old Spitalfields Market. Alternatively, venture out further to the likes of Brockley Market in Lewisham, Alexandra Palace Farmer’s Market in Muswell Hill, and Chatsworth Road Market in Clapton.

2. Open-top bus tour

Next on my list of top things to do in London alone is an open-top bus tour. This is one of the best ways to see the city’s main sights, especially if you’re only here for a day or two and are pushed for time. The routes differ depending on the tour operator, but they’ll tend to take you past the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and Piccadilly Circus. If you want to explore these attractions yourself, opt for a hop-on hop-off bus.

Alternatively, if you’re on a budget, you can catch the 139 or 159 buses in central London, which weave through Oxford Circus, Trafalgar Square and over Westminster Bridge.

3. Bookshops

When thinking of the top things to do in London alone, there’s nothing better than browsing the bookshops. London has a fantastic selection of bookshops to satisfy any bookworm out there, from small independents to large chains. Don’t miss Hatchards, Word On The Water, Daunt Books (especially the branch in Marylebone) and The Notting Hill Bookshop. Walden Books in Camden is particularly picturesque in spring when the exterior is adorned with wisteria.

4. Barbican Conservatory

One of London’s best kept secrets is Barbican Conservatory. As not many people know about it, it’s a peaceful place to relax and unwind for a couple of hours by yourself, whilst surrounded by lush greenery. Barbican Conservatory is hidden away within the Barbican Centre and boasts 2,000 plant species, many of which are rare and endangered. Walking around the Conservatory you’ll find it hard to believe that you’re in the middle of a busy city and not in a tropical jungle.

Skateboarders in South Bank

5. South Bank

If you decide to visit the Southbank Centre Food Market, why not make a whole day of it and see what else the area has to offer? Strolling along the riverfront and admiring London’s best landmarks from a bench is perfect during a solo trip as you can go at your own pace. Perhaps you might enjoy watching the skaters showing off their skills at the Undercroft. You can also chill out in Jubilee Gardens or take a trip on the London Eye.

Other fun things to do alone in South Bank include diving into history at Lambeth Palace, discovering the graffiti in Leake Street Tunnel, and perusing the shops in Gabriel’s Wharf.

The Hill Garden and Pergola in Hampstead Heath

6. Parks

When you find yourself alone in London, head to a lesser-known park or garden, and seek solace with a book for an hour or two. My personal faves for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city are The Hill Garden and Pergola in Hampstead Heath, and St John’s Lodge Garden in Regent’s Park. These gardens are perfect for pretending you’re in the middle of the countryside rather than one of the busiest cities in the world. Here are some other idyllic spots for whiling away an afternoon on your own:

• Hampstead Cemetery

• St Dunstan in the East Church Garden

• Holland Park

• Greenwich Park

• Fulham Palace and Bishops Park

• Cannizaro Park

• Queen Mary’s Gardens, Regent’s Park

• Kenwood House Gardens

• Phoenix Gardens

• Waterloo Park

• Mount Street Gardens

• World Peace Garden

• Postman’s Park

• Rochester Terrace Gardens

The Sherlock Holmes Museum

7. Museums

Boasting over 190 museums, London is bound to have one that aligns with your interests. And the best thing is that many of London’s museums are completely free! History buffs will enjoy the British Museum and Charles Dickens Museum, while budding fashionists will love the V&A Museum and The Fashion and Textile Museum.

London is also home to an array of weird and niche museums: Jack the Ripper Museum, Twist Museum, The Cartoon Museum and The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities are to name but a few. I’d recommend visiting these museums on a weekday as it’s likely to be fairly quiet, bar some tourists and school groups.

8. Hampstead Swimming Ponds

Despite its cold temperatures, the Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds attract people from near and far all year round. Yes, even in the winter! Slip into your swimming costume and take a dip in the water. You’ll feel instantly refreshed. Afterwards, reward yourself with a hot drink from The Nook.

Chinatown

9. Chinatown

As one of the liveliest parts of London, you’ll instantly forget you’re on your own whilst walking around Chinatown. The area is always full of tourists and locals, and its central location makes it easy to get to, regardless of which end of London you’re travelling from.

Get a selfie in front of the iconic Four Gates, peruse the traditional Chinese shops, indulge on a scrumptious bun or sweet treat from one of the bakeries, and quench your thirst with bubble tea.

So as you can see, London is a fantastic city for solo travellers and adventurers. Navigating a city as vast as London alone can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the city. However, London has an eclectic array of things to do and an endless amount of fun places to go by yourself, so you won’t have to feel bored during your trip, or on a day when all your friends are busy! You might even meet new people along the way!

Let me know if there’s anything you like to do on your own in London!

Serena