London is one of the most visited cities in the world and for good reason. It’s full of famous landmarks, iconic attractions, and world-class museums that house some of the world’s most precious historical items and artefacts.
However, just sticking to tourist hotspots like Buckingham Palace and the London Eye doesn’t show you the real London. Locals enjoy the city differently, exploring hidden gems, lesser-known markets, and quiet neighbourhoods that can reveal the city’s true character. So if you want to discover London in a more authentic and rewarding way, here’s how to experience it like a local.
How To Experience London Like A Local
Skip The Tourist Traps And Explore Local Neighbourhoods
Tourist-heavy areas like Leicester Square, Oxford Street, and Piccadilly Circus may look exciting, but they’re often overcrowded and don’t offer much beyond shopping and flashy ads. Locals tend to avoid these areas and instead spend time in quieter, more authentic neighbourhoods that have something unique to offer.
Head to places like Stoke Newington, Hampstead, or Dulwich Village. These places are full of charming cafes, small boutiques, and beautiful parks. Visiting these areas will give you a better sense of everyday London life and make for a more fulfilling and interesting trip.
Visit Markets Instead Of Shopping Centres
Tourists often flock to major shopping centres like Westfield or the crowded streets of Oxford Circus. While these places are popular, they lack the character and charm that make London special. Locals prefer markets where they can shop, eat, and enjoy a community vibe.
Borough Market is a great place to start. While it’s well-known, it’s still a favourite spot for Londoners to grab fresh produce, artisanal foods, and gourmet treats. For something quieter, visit Broadway Market in Hackney. It’s full of food stalls, independent shops, and local artists selling unique handmade goods. Markets like these offer a more personal and memorable shopping experience that is completely different to the vibe that you’d get in a shopping centre.
Enjoy London’s Parks And Green Spaces
London is famous for its parks, but tourists usually stick to Hyde Park or St. James’s Park because they’re well-known. While these spaces are definitely beautiful locations that you should visit sometime, they can easily get very crowded, especially during the summer. Locals tend to avoid these places, opting for smaller, less-visited parks for a peaceful day out, a picnic, or just to relax.
Hampstead Heath is a favourite among Londoners. It’s a sprawling green space with ponds, wooded areas, and panoramic views of the city from Parliament Hill. Another great option is Richmond Park, where you can see herds of deer running around freely and families hanging out together. Visiting these parks gives you a taste of London’s natural beauty without the noise of crowds, and they can seem like hidden gems when compared to the more popular tourist destinations.
Take Advantage Of Day Trips In London
Tourists often focus only on Central London, missing out on amazing places that are just a short distance away. Locals know that taking day trips in London can lead to some incredible discoveries that feel way more exciting and unique than the usual attractions.
For instance, Kew Gardens offers one of the world’s most impressive botanical collections and is only a short train ride from the city centre. Another fantastic option is Greenwich, where you can explore the Royal Observatory, the Cutty Sark, and the peaceful Greenwich Park. These spots feel like mini getaways and give you a different view of London life away from all the hustle and bustle.
Discover Local Pubs And Cafes
Tourists in London often visit big-name chain restaurants or overly hyped bars in the centre of London that either have glowing reviews or have been mentioned in some influencer’s video or TikTok. While these places might be convenient because they’re in easy-to-access areas, they don’t offer the cosy and authentic feel of a local pub or cafe that locals might visit.
Instead, why not find a traditional pub tucked away in a neighbourhood for a classic London experience? The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead, for example, has been around for centuries and is packed with amazing history. For cafes, head to spots like Monmouth Coffee in Bermondsey or a tiny, independent cafe in Shoreditch instead. Sitting with a cup of coffee while watching life go by can make you feel like a true Londoner.
Use Local Transport Like A Londoner
Many people who visit London, especially from other countries, stick to tour buses or taxis because they’re popular and iconic. But this means missing out on the local experience of getting around London. Locals rely on public transport, and using it can help you see the city from a completely new perspective.
Take a ride on a double-decker bus, but skip the tour buses and use the standard London buses instead. Routes like the 24 or 11 pass by major landmarks like Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square for a fraction of the cost and they’re super convenient for getting around the city. For something unique, take a riverboat along the Thames both for the views and to get around. Locals often use these boats for commuting, and the views are stunning, especially at sunset.
Experience Art And Culture In Smaller Venues
While major museums like the British Museum and the National Gallery are incredible, they’re often packed with visitors. You should definitely visit them at some point but don’t forget that there are plenty of other options as well to fill in the gaps and complete your London experience. Locals tend to visit smaller galleries, theatres, and cultural spaces for a more intimate experience.
Some great examples include places like the Whitechapel Gallery in East London, which showcases contemporary art in a quiet setting. The Southbank Centre is another local favourite, offering live music, performances, and art exhibitions. For theatre, skip the busy West End and check out smaller venues like the Donmar Warehouse or the Young Vic, where tickets are cheaper and the performances feel more personal.
Plan Your Activities With Local Experiences In Mind
Instead of joining large group tours or visiting obvious attractions, choose activities that show you what life in London is really like. You can check what’s best to do in London with Hellotickets.co.uk because it helps you discover interesting tours and experiences that locals enjoy too. It’s a huge difference from typical tours and gives you a different perspective of the city.
For example, book a walking tour focused on street art in Shoreditch or explore the food scene in Soho with a small group. These experiences are less about ticking boxes and more about diving into what makes the city unique. It’s like putting yourself in the shoes of a Londoner so you can get a more authentic and down-to-earth experience that you wouldn’t get with a larger tour group. Activities like cooking classes, cycling tours, or local brewery visits offer a fantastic balance between fun and authenticity.
Experiencing London like a local means stepping off the tourist path and discovering what makes the city truly special. This often means treading the same roads that locals do, visiting the same pubs they frequent, and exploring hidden gems that deserve more attention.
From neighbourhood cafes and markets to peaceful parks and local cultural spots, there’s so much more to London than the usual attractions you’d see in videos or social media. By slowing the pace down, exploring hidden corners, and trying unique experiences, you’ll create memories that go beyond the ordinary and see London for the vibrant city it really is.
When you’re in London, make sure to check out these two hidden gems: St Dunstan in the East and Hannah Courtoy’s tomb!
Thanks for stopping by!
Magda
xoxo