You’ve done the major sites in London: Tower Bridge, Globe Theatre, Harry Potter tour, Big Ben—check, check, check, and check. So, what’s next? Here’s a guide to some cool and offbeat things to do in London that go beyond the usual tourist itinerary.
Capture Notting Hill’s Charm
Notting Hill is a pastel-colored, Instagram dream. It’s a high-end neighborhood with gorgeous townhouses and shops, perfect for a photowalk. Charge your phone, put on your walking shoes, and bring a travel tripod for those perfect selfies.
Try Unique Fitness Classes
London offers some unique fitness experiences you might not find at home. House of Voga combines yoga and voguing with a killer soundtrack. The London School of Lucha Libre offers classes where you can learn to wrestle like a Mexican star. If you’re feeling nostalgic, try an 80s-themed dance aerobics class—Jane Fonda style.
Play in a Ball Pit at Ballie Ballerson
For a truly unique experience, visit Ballie Ballerson in Shoreditch. It’s a bar with giant ball pits where adults can act like kids again. They also serve some creative cocktails (no drinks in the pit, though). Wear lace-up shoes without heels for the best experience.
Enjoy a West End Show
Even if you’ve seen a musical before, the West End has something new to offer every time. Catch a play this time around—productions are top-notch. If you want to meet the actors, find the stage door and head there after the show.
Geek Out with Pop Culture
London is a haven for pop culture enthusiasts. Visit the Harry Potter studios in Watford, cross Abbey Road, or explore the Sherlock Holmes Museum. There’s also a Doctor Who store and small museum in East London for the dedicated fans.
Discover Camden
Step away from central London and explore Camden’s street markets. Hunt for unique souvenirs and enjoy delicious food stalls at KERB. Follow it up with a walk along the Regent’s Canal, known as Little Venice, or take a canal boat ride with Jenny Wren Canal Cruises for a charming experience through the Camden locks.
Explore More Markets
London is a city of markets. Apart from Camden, check out the Portobello Road Market, Columbia Road Flower Market, Spitalfields Market, and Borough Market. A visit to Portobello Road Market pairs well with a photowalk around Notting Hill.
Tour Shoreditch
Shoreditch, once off the tourist radar, is now the cool place to be. Explore the East End through food tours, street art walking tours, or bike tours. Take a break from busy Soho and head east.
Hunt for Street Art
If you’re into street art, a walking tour of Shoreditch is a must. Learn the difference between graffiti and street art, discover the history and major players, and see some Banksy pieces. It’s like uncovering a hidden world in plain sight.
Uncover Secret London
London is full of secret bars, restaurants, and lounges. Discover an intimate jazz piano bar behind a residential door in Soho, a high-end Mexican restaurant behind an adult shop facade, or a speakeasy accessed through a fridge. Feel like an insider with this local knowledge.
Visit God’s Own Junkyard
Chris Bracey’s personal collection of neon work is on display at God’s Own Junkyard in Walthamstow. See signage from Soho sex clubs in the ’60s to movie props used in ‘Captain America’ and ‘Eyes Wide Shut.’ It’s open Fridays and Saturdays with free admission.
Create Your Own Quirky Food Tour
London is at the forefront of quirky food trends. Visit a cereal café, a chips and dip café like HipChips, a milkshake bar, or a cookie dough stand. Check out Bubblewrap for anti-waffles filled with ice cream and more. If it’s quirky and edible, you’ll find it in London.
Indulge in Afternoon Tea
No visit to London is complete without afternoon tea. Enjoy crustless sandwiches, scones, and biscuits with a fancy cup of tea. You can opt for a traditional setting or try a modern twist on this classic British experience.