50+ Unique & Non-Touristy Things to Do in London (By Locals)

You’ve done the Tower of London, fought your way through Piccadilly Circus, and maybe even embraced the rain on a walking tour. So… now what?

We’ve spent over a decade living in London and have used just about every spare weekend to explore the city. And no matter how long we’ve been here, we’re still finding weird, wonderful corners that surprise us.

Honestly, the best parts of London aren’t always the ones in the guidebooks. This is our ultimate list of unique, unusual, and non-touristy things to do in London – the kind of authentic London experiences you’ll remember long after your trip!

So, we’ve pulled together 50+ of our personal favourites. Whether you’re on your second or third visit, or just have a bit more time this trip, this is your shortcut to some of the best places in London to see a more local, authentic side of the city.

Horizon 22 is one of London’s newest viewing platforms. It’s also the highest public one in the city – and completely free!

We’ll be honest, the lift is a bit slow (we lived in a skyscraper in NYC for two years, so we know fast elevators). But once you’re up on the 58th floor, you’re eye-level with the Gherkin, Tower Bridge, and the city skyline.

It’s a space with floor-to-ceiling windows, some of the best views in London, and hardly any noise or fuss.

Sky Garden still has more atmosphere, but Horizon 22 is calmer and way less crowded. If you’re after a city view that’s off the beaten path and most visitors haven’t found yet, this is it!

Our top tip: Book your free ticket online in advance. Walk-ins can work, but it’s hit or miss. We’ve been rejected once, and the other time got lucky with a next-day booking.

You ride a glass lift up one of the original chimneys at Battersea Power Station, which is already a pretty wild concept.

It’s a quick ride, and then you’ll get 360-degree views over southwest London. Plus, you’re standing inside one of the most recognisable buildings in the city.

We absolutely love the area around it, too. Battersea Power Station is one of the best redevelopments London’s seen in years, with great shops, food spots, and riverside views.

And if you visit in December, the Christmas lights and ice rink at Battersea Power Station make it feel extra magical – a highlight of the festive season in London!

It took 19 years to complete, and you’ll see why it has earned the nickname “the Sistine Chapel of the UK”. Most days, there are no queues at all.

It’s part of the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, and while the outside is grand, nothing quite prepares you for what’s inside.

This small Gothic-style tower is hidden in a park in southeast London and looks like something straight out of a storybook. Built in 1784 as a memorial to naval officer Sir William James of Eltham, it feels completely out of place in the best way.

You can climb to the top, but we wouldn’t go just for the view (let’s be honest, there are better ones across the city).

We’re more into the Severndroog Tea Room, which does great coffee, brunchy things, and homemade cakes. It usually feels calm, even on weekends.

It’s a great weekend stop if you’re after low-key, unusual things in London, with just enough history to keep it interesting.

It’s quieter than the big royal landmarks (like Buckingham Palace or the Tower of London), which makes it even better. You can actually take your time without elbowing through crowds.

We included it in our guide to the best day trips from London by train, and it’s one of the lesser-known London attractions we always recommend when friends want something a bit different.

Back in 1666, the Great Fire of London started in a bakery on Pudding Lane and ended up destroying nearly 80% of the old City of London.

This stone column marks the exact spot where the fire began, and it’s one of the oldest public monuments in the city.

You can climb 311 narrow steps to the top and get a wide-angle view of the surrounding rooftops. The space up there is tiny, and the stairs are steep, but there’s something surreal about looking out over a city that’s been rebuilt around you.

And if you like weird trophies, they give you a paper certificate when you reach the top.

This is the line that splits the eastern and western hemispheres, literally zero degrees longitude.

The Prime Meridian runs right through London, and you can stand with one foot in each half of the world. We’ve brought friends here a few times, and without fail, they end up posing for a photo straddling the line.

It’s such a simple thing, but kind of surreal when you think about it. You’re standing on the point that helped shape how we measure time and space across the planet.

The metal line in the courtyard (picture above) is only accessible with a Royal Observatory ticket, but there’s also a free public marker just outside the gates. It’s a little less grand, but still fun for a quick photo.

8. Greenwich Foot Tunnel

This pedestrian tunnel under the Thames has been linking Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs since 1902. It stretches 370 metres (1,214 feet) beneath the river, and we first found it while out walking near the river.

You head down a spiral staircase (or take the lift) and pass through a tiled tunnel that still sees plenty of daily use.

When you reach the other side, you’re met with a picture-perfect view of two iconic landmarks across the water: the Queen’s House and Royal Naval College.

It’s quick, free, and a very cool way to cross between two historic parts of London.

We first noticed a section completely by accident near the Museum of London. At the time, we weren’t even sure what it was.

Later, we looked it up on Google Maps, and that led us down a full rabbit hole. Now we spot bits of the wall all over, but most people walk past without even noticing.

Our top tip: The section behind Noble Street is one of the biggest and best-preserved. No one ever seems to be there.

One of the strangest things in London is sitting in a glass box at University College London (UCL).

It’s the preserved mummy of philosopher Jeremy Bentham, dressed in his actual clothes with a wax head (exactly as he requested before he died in 1832).

This carved stone bench on Bankside is the last known example of the seats once used by ferrymen who rowed people across the Thames before bridges became a thing.

Until 1750, London Bridge was the only crossing in central London, so these boat taxis were essential.

We’d walked past it loads of times on our way to Tate Modern and Borough Market before we realised what it was. It only takes a few seconds to see, but once you know the history, it makes the riverside feel different.

We did it and loved hearing stories about monks, noblemen, schoolboys, and even survivors of WWII. It’s still a working almshouse where retired people live, which makes it feel even more like a hidden world inside the city.

Our top tip: Tours only run once or twice a day and often sell out days in advance, so book ahead if you can.

Near St Paul’s Cathedral, there’s a quiet little garden with a memorial that’s easy to miss.

Along one wall, you’ll find 54 ceramic plaques, each telling the story of someone who died while saving another – like a girl who tried to rescue a drowning friend or a man who shielded his colleague from a runaway horse.

We stumbled upon this little garden near St. Paul’s when we both worked in the area and ended up reading every plaque. It’s moving to see these acts of bravery from over a century ago commemorated in such a humble way. 

The park is usually calm, with the only crowds being a few office workers on their lunch break.

Fulham Palace was once the home of the Bishops of London, but now it’s open to the public with gardens, a free museum, and a laid-back riverside vibe.

It’s calm, residential, and usually so quiet you’ll wonder why more people don’t come here.

The real highlight is the gardens, which are beautifully kept and full of space to relax.

Our top tip: Bring a picnic on a sunny day! We didn’t, and wished we had when we saw others stretched out on the grass enjoying theirs.

Today, it’s just a replica pump with a plaque, but the story behind this historical site is huge:

It took us nine years of living in London to notice it. If you like history, it’s worth checking out once. You can also find it in our guide to the best spots to see in Soho.

We love following the towpath, which will eventually take you to Camden Town. Along the way, you’ll pass floating cafés and quirky houseboats.

On a sunny day, it’s the perfect place to relax by the water and forget that you’re in one of the largest cities in Europe.

Although it’s well known among Londoners, you won’t see too many tourists here. We like to browse the unique shops before grabbing a drink by the water. It’s a brilliant example of London blending old and new.

Our top tip: For bold Middle Eastern-inspired dishes in a stunning design-led space, head to Coal Office. And if you’re into technology (like us!), visit Samsung KX, a huge, futuristic concept store packed with the latest gadgets to try out.

Levels is a brilliant concept! It’s a multi-story car park that’s been transformed into a creative community hub. 

Inside, you’ll find everything from artist studios and vintage markets to a yoga space and tons of food stalls. It’s a bit scruffy, but that’s part of its charm.

We like grabbing some food here (they have everything from burgers to bao) and then heading up to the rooftop bar. 

Levels has incredible views over South London, and it’s one of those secret places worth trying for a drink at sunset!

Tucked under the railway arches in Bermondsey, this is our favourite local alternative to the madness of Borough Market.

It can still get busy on the weekends, but it feels much more relaxed, and the food is just fantastic. We’ve visited a few times, and it never disappoints. 

You’ll find stalls selling everything from gooey grilled cheese sandwiches and fresh dumplings to local craft gin (the latter is also a great, unique London souvenir). Just make sure you arrive hungry.

Our top tip: Some stalls pack up early if they sell out, and the famous cheese toastie stall is one of them. Their toasties are to die for, so go early and get the one with blue cheese – we promise you won’t regret it!

It might surprise you, but there’s an actual working farm in the middle of East London. You’ll find goats, pigs and chickens here, along with a friendly, unpolished charm that makes it so likeable.

It’s not just for children either. We think it’s a lovely way to experience non-touristy things in a genuinely local way. There’s also a small café that’s ideal for coffee or a laid-back lunch. Entry is free, so it’s easy to pop in if you’re nearby.

But if you do love books, there’s an extra treat! All books are arranged by country, not genre, which is a fun way to discover new reads and feels like you’re planning an adventure as you browse. 

It’s definitely getting more popular with tourists, but it still feels like a special find if you visit on a weekday.

This colourful courtyard is one of central London’s brightest surprises, and it’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there.

Just behind Seven Dials, it’s a tiny space filled with rainbow-painted buildings, indie cafés, and that unmistakable London energy.

It’s become more popular in recent years (Instagram has played a part), but it still feels like a hidden corner of the city that most of the tourists miss.

We’ve included it in our must-see London guide for good reason; it’s small, but it packs in a lot of atmosphere.

Our top tip: Go early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the midday crush. Oh, and stop by Homeslice in Neal’s Yard. Their toppings are anything but boring, and it’s some of the best casual pizza in central London.

Initially built in the 1860s as stables for nearby Kensington townhouses, Kynance Mews is now one of the most photogenic little streets in London. The cobblestones, archway entrance, and pastel houses give it an almost film-set feel.

We love coming here in spring when the wisteria blooms, or in autumn when red ivy spreads across the walls. It’s quiet, residential, and usually free from crowds – just a peaceful place for a short stroll and a few photos.

It’s tucked away on a quiet residential street in Chiswick, so be respectful if you go (no lingering or loud chatter!). But if you’re already in the area, it’s worth swinging by for a quick photo and a moment of “wait, what is this place?”

The Hill Garden and Pergola is a romantic and peaceful spot.

Initially built in 1904 by a wealthy businessman who made his fortune in soap, it was designed as an extravagant terrace for his nearby mansion… and it still has all the faded grandeur you’d hope for!

We found it years ago on our way to Hampstead Heath, and it felt like discovering one of London’s most beautiful secret gardens.

The wooden beams are wrapped in vines, and the stone columns are cracked in all the right ways. It’s a favourite location for engagement shoots, so don’t be surprised if you spot a dressed-up couple mid-pose.

Now there’s ivy climbing up the walls, trees growing through the old nave, and birds flitting through the windows. It’s surprisingly serene considering its central location in London. 

27. Barbican Conservatory

If you love green spaces like Kew Gardens but want something more unusual, this is a great one to add to your list.

Hidden inside the Barbican Centre, it’s a tropical conservatory set against some of London’s most divisive architecture. Brutalist concrete walkways surround more than 1,500 species of plants, koi ponds, and hanging vines.

The space itself is more quirky than grand. If you’re expecting something slick or high-tech, like Singapore’s Cloud Forest, you’ll be disappointed.

But the contrast between greenery and concrete does have its own appeal, and it’s definitely not something you see every day in London.

Our top tip: It’s free to visit, but you’ll need to book in advance. They only open on certain days, usually from noon to 4pm, and tickets go quickly.

Dennis Severs’ House feels more like a stage set than a museum. You walk through this silent, candlelit Huguenot home as if the family’s just popped out for a moment, with half-eaten bread on the table and embers glowing in the fireplace.

By the time we stepped outside, we honestly felt like we’d just visited someone’s actual home. It gives you a sense of what life might’ve been like back then. It’s one of the most unusual and atmospheric experiences in London.

This is not your typical museum visit. The V&A East Storehouse in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is part collection, part workspace, and nothing about it feels staged.

We walked in not knowing what to expect and ended up spending way longer than planned, just wandering through rows of artefacts in glass cases, peering down from walkways, and watching conservators work through the windows of their studios.

Unlike most museum storage, almost everything here is visible. You can see Mughal columns next to 80s stage props, and even request certain items to be brought out. 

Even if you’re not usually that into museums, this place makes it hard not to get curious.

Hidden on a quiet residential street near Holland Park, this former home of Victorian artist Frederic Leighton is a full-on surprise.

The Arab Hall, with its golden mosaics, intricate tiles, and indoor fountain, is worth the visit on its own, but there’s plenty more to explore.

Upstairs, the artist’s studio is filled with soft light and classical sculptures, while the rest of the house shows off a life shaped by travel, creativity, and design. It’s calm, opulent, and rarely busy.

Our top tip: Combine your visit with a slow walk through Holland Park. The Kyoto Garden is especially lovely in the late afternoon.

Beneath Bloomberg’s sleek office building in the City, there’s a 3rd-century Roman temple hidden below street level. You’d never know it was there unless someone pointed it out.

The experience is short but surprisingly atmospheric. You descend into a dimly lit space where the ancient stone foundations sit quietly beneath the modern city.

As you move through the room, light and sound slowly bring the original layout of the temple to life. 

It only takes about 20 minutes, but for history lovers like us, it’s a fascinating glimpse into London’s ancient past. Visits are free, but you’ll need to book a time slot in advance.

It was used in the 1800s, back when surgeries were fast, painful, and done in front of a crowd. No anaesthetic, no modern tools – just speed and skill. It’s not a long visit, but it’s packed with atmosphere.

We left feeling slightly queasy and very grateful for modern medicine.

For over 70 years, a network of underground tunnels carried post across London, quietly running beneath the city six days a week. And at the Postal Museum, you can ride one of those tiny mail trains.

We couldn’t stop laughing as we squeezed into the miniature carriages and rattled through the narrow tunnels. Along the way, there are projections and displays showing how letters once zipped through the system.

It’s a short ride, but surprisingly fun and an undeniably unique experience.

Afterwards, we spent well over an hour in the museum, learning about old sorting machines, strange uniforms, and postage oddities we never knew existed. It turned out to be way more interesting than we expected.

Our top tip: Book weekday slots if you want a quieter ride. Weekends often have a backlog of families.

This one’s a nostalgic walk through decades of packaging, advertising, and pop culture. It might sound a bit niche, but it’s great fun, especially if you’re into design or grew up in the UK.

You walk through a time tunnel of everyday products, from Victorian soap tins to wartime cereal boxes and 90s sweets. 

We didn’t grow up here, so a lot of the childhood references went over our heads, but it’s still fascinating to see how brands reflect the culture of the time. It’s quirky, smart, and very easy to enjoy.

We learned that in the 1800s, huge blocks of ice were shipped from Norway to supply shops, markets, and households across London.

The museum also covers canal life, with full-size recreated cabins and stories from families who lived and worked on the boats. It’s compact, but it’s the perfect introduction to a neglected part of London’s history.

Our top tip: Combine your visit with Coal Drops Yard and a Regent’s Canal walk, since the museum is right by the water.

Just a short walk from Trafalgar Square, you’ll find the world’s only surviving home of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

He lived here for 16 years while working as a diplomat, and the house has been turned into a small museum with a bit of a twist.

It’s nearly empty of furniture (so we wouldn’t recommend the self-guided visit), but the Historical Experience tour is genuinely interesting. With film projections and a live actor guiding you through, it’s a one-hour look at Franklin’s life in London and the lesser-known role he played on this side of the Atlantic.

The Historical Experience only runs on weekends, so be sure to book in advance if it’s on your list.

We stood in the Tower’s courtyard at 9:30pm, the only light coming from lanterns, as the Yeoman Warder and soldiers carried out the ancient ceremony.

It was quiet, eerie, and honestly gave us goosebumps. It only lasts about 45 minutes, and there are no photos or chatting allowed (we took the pictures above right after the ceremony). Just you, about 40-50 others, and centuries of history. 

It’s one of those rare London experiences that makes us feel like we’re part of something old and meaningful. 

Our top tip: If you’re interested in this, book online at least a month in advance. We tried a few times, but the tickets were already gone – they go fast. It’s one of the London experiences you need to arrange ahead of time.

Imagine cruising through Canary Wharf in your own floating hot tub, surrounded by skyscrapers while steam rises and music plays. It sounds completely ridiculous… which is exactly why it looks so fun!

A guide drives the boat, so all you have to do is sit back, sip a drink, and soak it all in.

We haven’t done this one yet, but it’s high on our list. Every time we’ve seen them gliding by in the Docklands, everyone onshore is waving and grinning. It’s a splurge, but for a birthday, celebration, or just a totally unique London experience, it looks like a winner.

After the tour, you get to try spray painting for yourself in a purpose-built workshop. Our fingers were covered in paint by the end (still worth it), and we had a whole new appreciation for the skill that goes into even the quick-looking pieces. 

If you’re into creativity, graffiti, or just something different, this is a great way to spend an afternoon. 

We did the self-guided version, which was lovely and peaceful, but honestly, we wish we’d gone with a guide. We kept overhearing snippets from nearby tours, and they were full of fascinating details we totally missed.

Our top tip: You can get a ticket for just the East, or for both sides. Many people skip the West, which is a mistake! It’s easily the more interesting of the two. Go for the ticket that includes both.

London’s forgotten corners are often the most fascinating, and this is one of our favourites.

The Hidden London tour at Charing Cross takes you underneath Trafalgar Square into a part of the Tube network that’s been closed to the public for over 25 years.

You’ll walk along empty platforms, past old signs and frozen escalators, and explore tunnels that feel like they’ve been left exactly as they were the day they shut.

The vibe is eerie but really cool, and the guides are full of stories and fun facts that bring it all to life.

One part of the abandoned station is still used as a film set, so if it looks familiar, that’s probably because it appeared in Skyfall, The Bourne Ultimatum, or Paddington.

The tour isn’t cheap, but we didn’t regret a single pound – it’s such a unique look at a piece of London most people never see.

Filming can take a while and doesn’t always follow a smooth schedule, but that’s part of the fun. Watching it all later at home feels way more personal once you’ve seen how it’s made.

Our top tip: Tickets are free, but you usually need to apply weeks or even months ahead. Some of the most popular shows fill up super fast, so try to plan early.

So far, we’ve done 9, and each one has felt like a mini adventure. Some days you’re walking by the Thames, other times you’re in deep woodland, or strolling through parts of London you’d never usually visit.

It’s a great way to stretch our legs, see something new, and experience a completely different side of London.

This colourful little spot in Soho is part shop, part gallery, and completely full of Harry Potter magic.

It was created by Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, the graphic designers behind all eight Harry Potter films. Everything you see (from the Marauder’s Map to Daily Prophet headlines) was made for the movies.

We’d walked by loads of times before finally stepping inside, and instantly wished we’d gone sooner.

It’s small but bursting with detail, and every corner is worth a look. Even if you’re not a huge fan, it’s a fun, creative stop that feels different from anything else in London.

And if you are a fan? You might end up leaving with a print or two.

In an industrial corner of Walthamstow in North London, you’ll find one of the coolest things to do in London. God’s Own Junkyard is a warehouse crammed with glowing neon signs and artwork, from vintage fairground pieces and old Soho club lights to signs that have appeared in movies and music videos.

It’s part art space, part museum, and part working studio. The team behind it are the oldest signmakers in London, and they’ve built the largest collection of vintage neon in Europe.

We went after visiting the neon museum in Warsaw (which we really liked!), and this place blew that one out of the water. It’s chaotic, colourful, and seriously fun to explore.

There’s also a small café called Rolling Scones, where you can sit with a coffee surrounded by light and colour. It’s a bit of a journey out to Walthamstow, but it’s completely worth the trip.

Mercato Mayfair is hands down one of the most unique places to eat in London. It’s a street food hall set inside a beautifully restored Grade I-listed church, and the atmosphere is genuinely stunning.

You’re eating under vaulted ceilings with stained glass windows above you and marble floors beneath your feet.

We’ve taken friends and family here over the years, and it’s always a hit. The food covers everything from wood-fired pizza and truffle pasta to sushi and Venezuelan arepas. 

Our top tip: Head down to the crypt bar for a cocktail in a candlelit space below the church, and don’t miss the small rooftop terrace before you leave.

Sightseeing while eating scones? Absolutely! This classic red (or sometimes Union Jack–themed) Routemaster takes you past some of London’s most iconic sights while you’re busy enjoying a full afternoon tea.

We did our first as an anniversary gift and loved every ridiculous moment – so much that we’ve since joined two more.

The bus rolls past Big Ben as you’re balancing a teacup in one hand and a jam-covered scone in the other. It’s cheesy, yes, but it’s also brilliant. Especially if you’re short on time and want to squeeze in two very British things at once.

It’s surprisingly cosy, the flat white is excellent, and the whole setup feels fun without being gimmicky. It’s one of those lesser-known London attractions that’s quirky in the best way. 

It does get busy at weekend brunch time, but even a quick stop here is worth it.

Inside, it’s a cosy old pub with Churchill memorabilia on every wall. But the surprise is out back, where there’s a full Thai restaurant with delicious food at surprisingly low prices.

We brought friends here for the over-the-top exterior, and ended up staying longer than planned over a couple of beers and some spicy noodles.

The building dates back to the 1400s, and it’s now a Sam Smith’s pub (a small, independent UK brewery). Service can be hit or miss, but it’s still one of the most distinctive pubs in the city.

Our top tip: It gets really busy at lunchtime and in the evening, especially with legal workers from the nearby chambers. If you want a booth, try outside of those peak times.

Interactive Map of Unique Things to Do in London

We’ve created a custom Google Map with all the alternative things to do in London mentioned in this guide. Just click below to see where everything is.

How to use this map: Click the icon in the top left to see the full list of locations. For a bigger view, open it in a new tab via the top-right icon. You can also save it to your own Google Maps by clicking the star next to the map title.

We hope this guide has helped you see a side of the city that goes far beyond the usual tourist trail. Sometimes it only takes one hidden corner to make London feel like a completely different place.

You definitely don’t need to squeeze in all 50 unique things to do in London into a single trip. We’ve had more than ten years to find these spots (and we’re still coming across new ones!). Pick one or two that really appeal to you, and you’ll get a much richer experience than if you try to rush through a checklist.

To help plan the rest of your trip, have a look at the common tourist mistakes in London. They’re easy to avoid once you know what they are. Got a free day to spare? Hop on a train and try one of the best day trips from London.

And of course, where you stay makes a huge difference! Our guide to the best places to stay in London will help you pick a base that actually fits the kind of trip you want.