{"id":2704,"date":"2022-09-20T17:02:32","date_gmt":"2022-09-20T17:02:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelcity.co.uk\/?p=2704"},"modified":"2023-06-24T15:23:16","modified_gmt":"2023-06-24T15:23:16","slug":"non-touristy-things-to-do-in-london","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelcity.co.uk\/uk\/non-touristy-things-to-do-in-london","title":{"rendered":"The Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In London"},"content":{"rendered":"

London is a city that wears many hats. From its iconic landmarks to its rich history, there’s no shortage of tourist attractions. But what about those hidden gems that only the locals know about?<\/span><\/p>\n

If you’re looking to explore the city beyond the typical tourist trail, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the best non-touristy things to do in London, perfect for any traveller looking for an authentic experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Explore The Hidden Canals Of Little Venice<\/b><\/h2>\n

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Tucked away in the heart of London, Little Venice is a picturesque network of canals, lined with charming houseboats and quaint cafes. Take a leisurely walk along the towpaths, or hop on a canal boat tour for a unique view of this lesser-known area. Don’t forget to stop at the Canal Cafe Theatre, where you can catch some comedy or theatre in an intimate setting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stroll Through Hampstead Heath<\/b><\/h2>\n

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a visit to Hampstead Heath, a sprawling green space that boasts beautiful woodlands, open meadows, and breathtaking views of London’s skyline. Take a dip in the historic bathing ponds or explore the romantic pergola and hill garden. To top it off, head to Kenwood House, a stunning 18th-century stately home that houses an impressive art collection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Discover The Street Art Of Shoreditch<\/b><\/h2>\n

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Shoreditch is renowned for its vibrant street art scene<\/a>, and there’s no better way to experience it than by taking a self-guided tour. Wander through the colourful streets, where you’ll find work from world-famous artists like Banksy, ROA, and Stik. Pop into local galleries, such as the StolenSpace Gallery or the Brick Lane Gallery, and keep an eye out for street artists working on their latest creations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Uncover History At The Sir John Soane’s Museum<\/b><\/h2>\n

Sir John Soane’s Museum is a hidden treasure in the heart of London<\/a>. The former home of the renowned architect, this eclectic museum showcases his vast collection of art, sculptures, and architectural models. With its unique design and labyrinthine layout, it’s easy to spend hours getting lost among the curiosities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visit The Bustling Markets Of East London<\/b><\/h2>\n

London’s East End is home to some of the city’s most vibrant markets, offering a chance to mingle with locals and sample delicious food from around the world. Head to Brick Lane Market for an array of vintage clothes and street food, or explore the famous flower market at Columbia Road. Don’t miss the chance to visit Old Spitalfields Market, where you’ll find a diverse mix of stalls selling everything from antiques to artisan crafts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Relax In The Tranquil Kyoto Garden<\/b><\/h2>\n

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Nestled within Holland Park, Kyoto Garden is a serene Japanese-style garden that offers a peaceful escape from the city. Wander through the carefully manicured landscape, complete with a waterfall, koi pond, and beautiful stone lanterns. The garden is particularly stunning during spring and autumn, when the changing colours of the foliage create a truly magical atmosphere.<\/span><\/p>\n

Catch A Movie At An Independent Cinema<\/b><\/h2>\n

While London’s West End is known for its glitzy theatre scene, the city also has a thriving independent film culture. Visit the charming Electric Cinema in Notting Hill, one of the oldest working cinemas in the country, or head to the Rio Cinema in Dalston, a beautiful Art Deco building that hosts an eclectic mix of films, from arthouse to blockbuster hits.<\/span><\/p>\n

Embrace The Unusual At The Viktor Wynd Museum Of Curiosities<\/b><\/h2>\n

For a truly unique experience, venture into the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, located in the heart of Hackney. This eccentric museum showcases an eclectic mix of bizarre and fascinating items, ranging from shrunken heads to taxidermy, vintage erotica, and more. After exploring the peculiar exhibits, head downstairs to the museum’s cocktail bar, where you can enjoy a tipple surrounded by the strange and unusual.<\/span><\/p>\n

Attend A Live Jazz Show In Soho<\/b><\/h2>\n

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Soho is home to some of London’s best jazz clubs, offering an intimate setting to enjoy live music from both up-and-coming and established musicians. Check out the legendary Ronnie Scott’s, which has hosted the likes of Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald, or visit the intimate 606 Club for a night of soulful tunes and delicious food.<\/span><\/p>\n

Take A Guided Tour Of Brompton Cemetery<\/b><\/h2>\n

This might sound morbid, but a guided tour of Brompton Cemetery is a fascinating way to learn about London’s history and the notable figures who have been laid to rest here. This Grade I-listed site is one of the “Magnificent Seven” Victorian cemeteries in London and is the final resting place of famous names such as suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst and actor Sir Henry Irving. The cemetery’s stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere make it a captivating place to explore.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unwind At A Secret Bar<\/b><\/h2>\n

Ever wanted to visit a secret bar? London is home to a number of hidden bars and speakeasies, providing a unique and clandestine atmosphere for an unforgettable night out. One such gem is The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town, a secret bar accessed through a fridge door in a seemingly ordinary caf\u00e9. Another option is Evans & Peel Detective Agency in Earl’s Court, where you’ll need to present a convincing case to the “detective” to gain entry to the sultry, dimly-lit bar hidden behind a bookcase. These secret bars offer a thrilling experience that combines novelty, history, and of course, expertly crafted libations.<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf79 Like the sound of a secret bar? Check out our guide to <\/span>London\u2019s best secret bars<\/span><\/a>! We\u2019ve handpicked the best in town.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Ready To Blend In With The Locals?<\/b><\/h2>\n

London is a city that never ceases to surprise, with hidden gems<\/a> waiting to be discovered around every corner. By venturing off the beaten path, you’ll not only experience a more authentic side of the city, but you’ll also create memories that will last a lifetime. So, next time you find yourself in London, remember to take a break from the tourist hotspots and dive into the city’s lesser-known treasures \u2013 you won’t be disappointed.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

London is a city that wears many hats. From its iconic landmarks to its rich history, there’s no shortage of tourist attractions. But what about those hidden gems that only the locals know about? If you’re looking to explore the city beyond the typical tourist trail, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2705,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29,39],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcity.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2704"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcity.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcity.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcity.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcity.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2704"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcity.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2704\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3166,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcity.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2704\/revisions\/3166"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcity.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2705"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcity.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2704"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcity.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2704"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcity.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2704"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}