Tag: London

London is the city I’ve visited most in the world. I absolutely adore it and continue to go back and and time again. There are countless things to do in London alone, so you’ll never get bored no matter how many times you visit the city.

It may seem like a cliche to say London is one of the best cities in the world and everybody should visit at least once in their life. But some things are cliches because they’re true!

The good news is not only are there plenty of things to do alone in London, but the city is very easy for solo travellers to navigate.

Even if it is your first time travelling alone, London isn’t too big of a beast to tackle.

The city is so used to and open to solo tourists. Nobody bats an eye at you if you’re wandering around alone or eating alone.

Close to 40% of London’s population weren’t born in the UK. Even though it is a huge city, it is a melting pot of culture, food, and people.

Taking a solo trip to London is a choice you won’t regret.

If you’ve already decided you want to visit London alone, here are my top things to do in London alone.

There are tons of other things you can do in London by yourself, but I wanted to create a list of places to go alone in London where you won’t feel weird in the slightest being there alone.

As much as I love going for tea in London, that isn’t on the list. It is totally fine to go for tea alone in London, but it may make some newer solo travellers feel uncomfortable.

This list is for both the beginner solo travellers and the experienced solo traveller!

1. Rent a Bike and Ride Around Hyde Park

One of my favourite things to do when I’m travelling alone in London is rent a bike and ride around a park. Hype park is a great option because it is huge and has lots of sights you can stop and look at.

There are bikes you can rent all over London and in multiple places in Hyde park.

You get half an hour free, and then it is quite expensive to pay to use the bike after that.

The good news is that once you return your bike before 30 minutes is up, you can rent another bike 10 minutes later and get 30 minutes for free again!

That’s my sneaky little tip for renting bikes in London and never having to pay! I use this trick quite frequently.

You don’t have to return the bike to the same rental area you got it from. You can return it to any rental rack run by the same company!

There is a little basket on the front of the bike to hold your stuff, and you’re on your way.

Normally, there are quite a few people riding bikes around Hyde Park, so be on the lookout for other bikers, pedestrians, and horses.

Yes. Horses!

Don’t Forget!

Another important thing to remember is that you cannot ride your bike in Kensington Gardens, which are connected to Hyde Park.

Be on the lookout for signs indicating where Kensington Gardens begin, so you don’t break the rules.

One last thing to be aware of is people drive on the left-hand side of the street in London (the opposite side that we drive on in North America).

If you take your bike out on the road, be sure you’re riding the right direction and being safe.

I’m not going to share my horror story of accidentally coming across a roundabout when biking in London and trying to sort out how to use it on the fly going the opposite direction I’m used to!

Needless to say, that was the end of my biking for the day, and I walked my bike back to the nearest return rack.

2. Visit the Queen’s Gallery

The Queen’s Gallery is one of the most underrated attractions in all of London, and I think it is one of the best things to do in London alone.

The Queen’s Gallery is right next door to Buckingham Palace and is a gallery where the Queen displays items from her personal collection.

The exhibit changes quarterly, and you get to see artwork and artifacts you would never otherwise be able to see since they’re straight out of the Queen’s private collection.

I’ve been there a number of times and had the chance to see some incredible collections including a Leonardo da Vinci collection that included original hand drawings.

Yeah. That was absolutely incredible.

The reason I think this is such a great thing for you to do in London by yourself is because everybody is listening to the audioguide and moving at their own pace.

Even people who come in groups get separated throughout the gallery and meet at the end.

If you’re hesitant about travelling alone, not a single soul will notice you’re alone. And if they do, they’ll simply assume the rest of your group is somewhere else in the gallery.

Plus, the Queen’s Gallery is super affordable, and if you get the back of your ticket stamped, you can reenter the gallery for free whenever you want for a year.

If you’re lucky, you just might be able to catch one exhibit the first day you’re in London and a new exhibit at the end of your trip.

It is rare for that to happen, but if it does, count yourself extremely lucky!

Get over your fear of solo travel

3. Visit a Free Museum

There are 20 free museums in London for you to explore!

There are art museums, history museums, science museums, museums about the City of London, museums about the banks, library, and so much more.

No matter what you’re interested in, there will be a free museum you can wander around for a few hours and explore.

It is so nice that there are so many free museums throughout the city. It is a nice break from paying for some of the most expensive attractions like the Tower of London.

Give your wallet a bit of a rest!

Some of my favourite museums are located in the Kensington area. The Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum are right next to one another and are two of my favourites in London.

Another hugely popular free museum in London is the British Museum. It is always back full, and you can see some of the most unique artifacts in the world.

Museums are some of the best places to go alone in London because people are so absorbed in exploring the museum that they don’t pay attention to what is going on around them.

If you go during a weekday day, it will likely be pretty quiet and full of school groups. They’re busy running around doing their projects and don’t care about you.

They can get a bit loud and aggressive at times though so be aware of them. I like to leave the room if there are a bunch of little children running about. Come back later, and it’ll be a much more enjoyable experience.

Museums are often a good place to find free wifi in London so keep that in mind if you’re ever in a pinch and in dire need of internet access.

4. Tour the House of Parliament

Just like the Queen’s Gallery, touring the House of Parliament is one of the most underrated things to do in London.

You get to go inside Westminster (not the church but the big famous building that has Big Ben) and tour around the actual place bills and laws are debated in the UK.

Before you start dozing off, it is actually quite interesting!

You can either take a guided group tour or go on a self-guided 90-minute audio tour. The audio tour is what I did and what I recommend for solo travellers.

It gives you more freedom to go at your own pace compared to taking a guided group tour.

There are only limited days you can tour the House of Parliament, so I recommend buying your ticket online in advance. You can also show up at the ticket office across the street from Westminster right outside the metro station and try to snag a last-minute ticket.

I will admit that touring the House of Parliament is a bit expensive (as most sights in London are).

Tickets range from £19 to £29 depending on what type of ticket you qualify for. You can find a list of ticket types and prices here.

This is a surprisingly fun and unique way to spend an afternoon in Central London.

Even if you’re not too into politics, the inside of the House of Parliament is stunning and well worth the price of admission alone.

You also learn about a number of interesting historical events that took place in the building.

All in all, this is definitely something you should considering doing when alone in London if you have the money and can get a ticket.

5. Take in a West End Show

One of the best things you can do alone in London as night is go to a West End show. I go to at least one show every time I’m in London and absolutely love it every single time!

The West End is similar to New York’s Broadway. There are dozens of theatres in the district, and you can choose from a wide variety of different shows.

I don’t recommend you purchase your tickets in advance through the theatre unless there is a specific show you’re dying to see.

There are two different ways to get discount theatre tickets either the day of the show or a day or two before it:

• TKTS booth in Leicester Square

• TodayTix app

I personally use the app 99% of the time. It is so convenient, and you can book your tickets on your phone from wherever you are and not have to worry about going all the way to Leicester Square.

Not only that, but the TKTS booth often has a long line to get tickets. It isn’t uncommon for you to waste an hour or so waiting in line to get tickets.

That just isn’t how I want to be spending my time in London!

With TKTS, you get your tickets right at the booth when you purchase them.

With TodayTix, you have to pick up your tickets at the box office at the theatre. Be sure to arrive at the theatre early enough to get your ticket and bring photo ID.

I’ve never had a problem collecting tickets when I purchase through the TodayTix app.

I just walk up to the box office, say I’m collecting my tickets, and they give them to me!

A Word of Warning

I’ll always encourage you to go to a West End show. They’re absolutely fabulous and a fun way to spend a night alone in London.

However, there is one thing you need to be aware of, and that is intermission.

I always feel a bit weird during intermission because there is never any wifi in the theatres, and I can’t scroll around on my phone.

I just sit there and wait for the show to begin again.

So, if you’re going to a West End show alone, have a plan to make the intermission time fly by!

Bring a book, go for a walk around the theatre, or grab a snack or drink.

Many London hotels provide guests with a complimentary smart phone they can use during their stay.

If you’re lucky enough to stay at a hotel that offers this, catch up on the news or random Google searches. You won’t be able to access your social media, but at least you have a phone to keep you distracted!

Lastly, if you’re a frequent traveller, you may want to consider investing in a Solis wifi device.

It is your own personal pocket wifi device that gives you access to the internet pretty much anywhere and everywhere you go.

There are a few countries it doesn’t work in, but it does work in the UK.

You always have access to the internet, can scroll social media, keep in touch with family and friends, and use Google Maps to your heart’s content (big selling feature for me).

I got my Solis in 2019 and adore it.

Be sure to use code TRAVELSWITHERICA for 10% off your purchase if you decide it is the right internet solution for you and your travels!

6. Join a Free Walking Tour

Free walking tours are one of the best things to do in any city you visit! You get to explore part of the city with a local tour guide, and it doesn’t cost you anything except a tip.

Please be sure to always tip your free tour guides! The only money they make is from your tips!

There are tons of free walking tours in London, and you can find a free walking tour for pretty much any interest you have!

There are tours about Jack the Ripper, Harry Potter, WWII, Graffiti, different areas of London, and, of course, the royal family and history.

You can choose from a variety of different tour operators based on what you want to see and what time works best for you.

I’ve used Free Tours by Foot a number of times in London and have had a good experience each time.

But I’m sure you’ll have a great experience no matter who you go with!

This is without a doubt one of the best things to do in London alone because you’re joining a group of other tourist and listening to a guide.

There will be a lot of people on your tour, and it is easy to stay at the back of the pack and go unnoticed if you want.

Free walking tours are also a great way to meet other travellers. Many people who join free walking tours are younger, and you may be able to meet some people to tour around with for the rest of the day.

No matter what, I highly recommend taking a free walking tour near the start of your trip.

I’ve been on countless free walking tours all over the world, and they provide so much valuable information about the city you’re visiting you wouldn’t otherwise have.

A free walking tour can put a city in a whole new perspective and give you a new way of looking at it for the rest of your trip.

7. Visit Kensington Palace and Explore the Gardens

Kensington Palace and its gardens are a very interesting thing to do in London. If you have any interest in the royal family or the history of the royal family, this should be a must-do for anybody visiting London.

You get to tour various parts of the palace including the King and Queen’s sleeping rooms, ball rooms, and art rooms.

There are also limited time exhibits that often feature outfits worn by royal family members.

Kensington Palace is a unique opportunity to learn quite a bit about royal history and the modern royals.

Kensington Palace is a popular attraction, so you’ll want to purchase your ticket online in advance.

You can just show up to the palace the day you want to visit, but there is a good chance all the reservations are full, and you won’t be able to tour the palace.

Even if you don’t want to go inside the palace, you should spend some time walking around the gardens.

They are huge and feature a lot of unique sights and statues for both royals from long ago and more recent royal family members.

Kensington Gardens connects to Hyde Park, so you can easily visit both in a single day.

Kensington Palace may seem like one of the odder places to go alone in London, but, trust me, it is worth the visit.

True, there isn’t an audio guide you can hide behind like some of the other attractions, but, just like the rest of the museums, people will assume you’ve just separated from your group.

If they even notice you at all!

Don’t let being nervous about being a solo traveller in London hold you back from visiting the sights you want to see!

Things to do in Kensington

8. People Watch in Trafalgar Square

I love people watching, and there isn’t a better place in London to people watch than Trafalgar Square.

It is a hub for tourists, street performers, and all things odd and interesting.

Grab a coffee to go and sit near Trafalgar Square while you drink it. You never know what you’ll see.

The square often has a number of pop-up events and markets, so you may get to experience an even more unique side of London.

Trafalgar Square is definitely full of tourist and not a place you’ll find many locals, but it is an interesting place to take a quick break, watch tourists, watch a few street performers, and take in the hustle and bustle of the area before you move onto somewhere else.

It is a just a short walk from Westminster on the way to the West End and China Town.

Most tourist will naturally walk through the area, so you may as well slow down and enjoy the chaos.

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9. Take a Day Trip

London is such a small taste of what the UK has to offer. It is super tempting to stay in London and explore everything it has to offer, but you should consider taking a day trip.

There are tons of cities you can visit on a day trip from London that only take a few hours to get to by train or bus.

My top picks are Brighton, York, and Bath.

All three cities give you a taste of a different side of the UK and gets you out of the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you can only choose one, I highly recommend Brighton. I love it so much!

Taking a day trip outside London may seem intimidating when you’re travelling alone in London, but it is actually super easy.

You just need to hop on the train, get off, wander around the city, and hop on the train again when it is time to leave.

Not only is taking a day trip one of the best things to do alone in London, but it also helps you develop your solo travel skills and become a more confident traveller!

41 things to do along the Brighton Seafront

10. Go Back in Time at the Globe

I never miss the chance to watch a show at the Globe if there is one playing when I’m in London. It is an exact recreation of Shakespeare’s Globe, and they put on authentic Shakespearian plays.

Now, I’m not a Shakespeare fan, but there is something completely different about sitting in the Globe watching a Shakespeare play. It is so much fun!

You should purchase your tickets in advance. I like to pay for a seat, but many people choose to pay for the cheapest ticket and stand in front of the stage.

That gives you the best view, but you also have to be at the theatre super early to get a good spot and have to stand before the show, throughout the show, and during intermission.

It is definitely a young person’s game.

If you’re not in London when there is a play running, you can take a tour of the Globe.

You get to go behind the scenes and learn about the history of the building and Shakespeare.

Both are super fun, but if you can only choose one, see a show. It is worth every pence you pay for it!

11. Tour HMS Belfast

This is another hidden gem in London and one of the best things to do in London alone.

I adore the HMS Belfast. I actually stumbled upon it by accident the third time I was in London and was looking for unique attraction I’d never done before.

Boy am I glad I found this one!

The HMS Belfast is the most significant surviving WWII Navy Warship, and it shot some of the first shots at the D-Day landings.

It is one of the most interesting things to do in London, but so few people know about it.

The ship sits in the River Thames right in front of Tower Bridge and across from the Tower of London.

Tens of thousands of tourists look at the ship every year and have no idea what they’re missing out on.

You get an audioguide and weave your way through the ship exploring all the levels and learning about what life on the HMS Belfast was like.

I promise even if you’re not into this sort of thing, you’ll have an amazing time and be so glad you did it!

You don’t need to reserve your tickets in advance because it is such an underrated London attraction.

You can show up pretty much whenever you want and tour the ship.

Just like the Queen’s Gallery, it is an audio tour, so nobody will notice if you’re standing in front of an area all by yourself. They’ll simply thing the rest of your group is ahead or behind you and not bat an eye.

Plus, they’re so involved in their own tour that they likely won’t even give you a second thought at all.

Everything you need to know about the Oyster Card (and why it is essential to have one)

12. Walk Along the Thames

The river Thames is one of the most iconic sights in London but so few people take the time to take in its beauty.

A lot of London’s top attractions are near (or on) the Thames, and you should take a little extra time to walk along the Thames.

There are plenty of cafés and restaurants along the Thames. Sit down, have a cup of coffee, and appreciate the Thames.

There is so much history mixed in with the Thames. It has played a huge role in London and the UK’s history, and it deserves to be appreciated.

You can even take a boat ride along the Thames if you want to see more than just what you can cover by foot.

My personal opinion is that walking along the Thames is sufficient, but you may think otherwise!

13. Watch the Changing of the Guards Ceremony

Watching the changing of the guards ceremony is a classic thing to do in London.

The actual ceremony is quite a long, drawn out process that takes about 45 minutes, but you don’t need to (even be able to) see the entire ceremony.

The part you want to watch is the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, and that takes place at 11am.

You’ll want to get there early though to get a good view! 10:45 should be plenty of time to get a prime view, and 10:50 will get you a decent view.

The best viewing area is near the Victoria statue right in front of the palace. The second best is along Marlborough Road, so you can watch the guards marching before the changing over ceremony.

Don’t be nervous about watching the ceremony alone. The people around you will be chatting with their friends and family and won’t even notice you.

If they do, they’ll either assume you’re saving a spot for the rest of your group or strike up a conversation with you.

This is one of those things to do alone in London that some people are nervous about, but you shouldn’t be.

You don’t want to miss out on an iconic London experience just because you’re a little shy about being there alone!

14. Window Shop on Oxford Street

Oxford street is one of the most famous shopping streets in London. It is filled with both big brands and small shop owners.

There is plenty to see and do on Oxford street even if you don’t spend a dime.

In fact, I think window shopping on Oxford street is one of the best things to do in London alone. You get to people watch and blend in like a local going about their own shopping.

Plus you get to pop in and out of stores to see what is in style or perhaps find a unique gift to bring home to a loved one.

I like to get off the main street and wander around some of the side streets. You get out of the hustle and bustle, and that’s where you’ll find the most unique and local items!

Oxford street is within walking distance of the British Museum, so you can plan to visit both in a single day!

15. Spend a Morning at Camden Market

Camden Market is one of the most popular things to do in London for both tourists and locals alike.

It is located near Regent’s Canal and has over 1,000 stalls selling everything and everything you could dream of.

From music to fashion to food, Camden Market has it all!

It is quite busy, so I recommend going earlier in the day on a weekday to not feel so claustrophobic and be able to move around easier.

The market opens at 10am everyday, so try to get there as close to opening time as possible.

Grab a drink and spend a few hours wandering around the market. It is one of the best things to do in London by yourself, and you won’t regret it!

Conclusion

As you can see, there are tons of things you can do in London alone.

London is truly one of the most welcoming cities to solo travellers, and it is a great city to start your solo travel journey in.

I 100% believe you shouldn’t let travelling alone hold you back from anything you want to do.

Your uncomfortable feeling will disappear once you’re experiencing the attraction. You’ll regret it in the long run if you don’t visit the attraction you’re dying to see.

All of the things to do alone in London on this list are very easy for beginner solo travellers. Nobody will care that you’re alone, and nobody will bat an eye at you.

But, these aren’t the only things to do alone in London. Anything you would be keen on doing with a friend or family member can easily be done alone.

I challenge you to put aside the fact that you’re travelling alone and plan your dream vacation to London!

It truly is one of the best cities in the world!

London is one of the best cities in the world, and it is so easy to plan and execute an epic solo trip to London!

In fact, London might just be the easiest city in Europe for solo travellers to navigate.

Especially inexperienced solo travellers.

I’ve been to London way more times than a person needs to, and I never get bored of it.

There is an amazing public transportation system, tons of tourist attractions for you to explore, and while the city has a reputation for being expensive, there are ways to visit London on a budget!

All things considered, if you’re planning your first solo trip to Europe, London should be at the top of your list!

Heck! Even if your’e planning your millionth solo trip, London should be in the running.

It is that good of a city!

In this post, we’re covering the top 10 tips and tricks you need to plan a solo trip to London.

It is pretty easy and straightforward to plan a solo trip to London, but there are a few very important things you need to know about before you embark on your solo trip to London.

And I’m spilling all those secret tips right now!

Things nobody tells you about solo travel

1. London is More Walkable than You Think

The biggest misconception I had about London on my first visit was that it was a massive city, and you have to rely on public transportation to get around.

That is simply not the case!

London is a very walkable city!

In a lot of instances, it is easier to walk from place to place rather than take the Underground. This is especially true when you’re in central London and walking between major tourist attractions.

It may seem like you should take the metro from Westminster to Piccadilly Circus- especially if you’re looking at a metro map and not a normal city map.

But you don’t!

The walk talks about ten minutes, and it takes significantly less time than taking the Underground does.

Especially since with this example you need to transfer lines, which means the journey will take even longer!

So, don’t just look at the metro map and think things are far away.

They really aren’t!

And even places that are a bit further away are very walkable.

There are tons of parks in London, and in most cases your walk from one place to another will be beautiful and filled with nature!

I like to walk as much as possible when I’m on a solo trip to London.

It saves a lot of money, and you stumble on things you wouldn’t otherwise see.

Plus it is a nice way to get some exercise and make room for all the yummy food you’ll be eating throughout the day!

So, pull out your Google Maps and figure out how long it takes to walk from one place to another rather than just guessing based on a map.

If it takes less than half an hour to walk there, I say go for it!

2. Public Wifi is Basically Non-Existent

Unfortunately, the public wifi network in London leaves a lot to be desired.

In fact, it is downright disgraceful how difficult it is to find public wifi in London. Even a lot of restaurants and cafés don’t offer free public wifi to guests!

This can make it a bit difficult and frustrating for solo travellers in London.

You may find yourself in the awkward situation where you’re dining alone and don’t have anything to distract you. Or perhaps you’re unsure where to go next or where to eat or the currency conversion.

Tips for eating alone at restaurants

There are plenty of reasons why someone travelling alone in London may need to access the internet, but you are often limited in where you can access it!

There are a few options for accessing the internet when you’re in London:

• Rent pocket wifi for your trip

• Invest in your own personal wifi hotspot (Skyroam is my favourite)

• Use your phone data

• Some hotels provide a complimentary cell phone for you to use while you’re in London. You won’t be able to access your social media or personal apps, but it is better than nothing!

• Research what restaurants and tourist attractions offer complimentary wifi

• Simply live without accessing the internet throughout the day

The lack of public wifi isn’t the end of the world, but it is something I like to warn you about.

You would expect such an international city to offer a better public wifi system, but it doesn’t.

A complete guide to wifi in London

No Matter What You Have to be Internet Safe

No matter how you choose to access the internet while you’re in London, it is important that you’re internet safe while you’re online.

Even if you rent a pocket wifi device or have your own Skyroam, you will be accessing public wifi at some point when you solo travel in London.

Whether it be at a hotel, the airport, or a restaurant.

You put yourself at risk whenever you use a public wifi network! Anybody and everybody can access public wifi networks, and if they want to, it is relatively easy for them to steal your private online data.

Including your banking information!

And yes. Even public wifi networks that have passwords are still considered to be public wifi, and you have to protect yourself!

The only way you can protect your online information is by installing a VPN on your devices.

A VPN essentially cloaks your devices and prevents prying eyes from accessing your online data.

It also helps prevent Google from using your online habits to serve you with those annoying targeted adds!

A VPN makes using a public wifi network as safe as using your home wifi network where you’re the only person who knows the password.

In my mind, having a VPN on all your devices is an essential (an non-negotiable part of travel).

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used a lot of different VPNs over my years of travel, and I have to tell you that I hated most of them.

VPNs have a tendency of slowing your devices down to a snail’s pace, and it can get frustrating to use them. Oftentimes, I found myself turning off my VPN because my phone/laptop was operating so slowly!

That all changed when I found NordVPN!

I’ve been using NordVPN since 2018, and they are the only VPN provider I’ve continued my subscription with past the first year.

They are the fastest VPN on the market, and that is such an important competent when it comes to choosing a VPN to protect your online data while you travel.

Plus you can cloak your location and make it look like you’re in a different country than you actually are!

This allows you to access Netflix libraries from other countries!

It may not sound like much, but I promise you’ll become addicted to exploring new Netflix libraries and all the fun shows and movies you can’t access in your home country.

I highly recommend checking out South Korea’s Netflix library!

A NordVPN subscription costs less than the price of a single latte per month.

There is zero excuse not to protect your online data while you’re on the road. The small price you pay to protect your online data is well worth it when you compare it to the cost of having, say, your banking information stolen while you’re alone in London.

My philosophy is that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect your online data from prying eyes!

3. Don’t Eat near Popular Tourist Attractions

This is one of the best tips I can give you for your solo trip to London!

The restaurants and cafés near the most popular tourist attractions charge you significantly more than places outside of tourist hubs, and the food tends to be not as good.

I’m specifically thinking about the line of restaurants on the walk from Westminster Abbey to Trafalgar Square.

Avoid those restaurants at all costs!

And if you’re in dire need of some food when you’re in these major tourist areas, stick to chains like Pret a Manger where you know the food is good and the prices fair.

Even though they are chains, I highly recommend everybody try Pret and Nando’s when in London. They are affordable, and the food is delicious.

If you’re looking for good food, get off the main tourist train and find your way to some of the lesser known neighbourhoods.

You can always find good food in Chelsea, Earl’s Court, and Angel neighbourhoods.

London South Bank also has some great restaurants and has a great vibe. Especially if you’re able to snag a seat overlooking the Thames!

But where ever you choose to eat, your wallet will thank you if you avoid the most popular tourist destinations.

Your stomach will thank you too!

4. It is Worth Paying to Stay in Zone 1

The London Underground system is broken up into different zones, and the fare price is based on what zone you’re travelling in and between.

Zone 1 covers central London and the most popular tourist destinations in the city.

The problem with zone 1 is that it is where the most expensive hotels are too.

Makes sense since it is so close to all the tourist attractions.

It can be tempting to cheap out and stay in a less expensive hotel in zone 2 or 3, but I don’t recommend that.

Especially for people on a solo trip to London!

Why You Shouldn’t Stay Outside Zone 1

The first reason I suggest that people stay in zone 1 is the convenience of it. You are so close to the major tourist attractions, and you can walk a lot of places.

The second reason I don’t suggest staying outside of zone 1 has to do with the cost of transportation.

Both in a fiscal sense and in terms of the cost of your time.

It can take a long time to travel from outside zone 1 to whatever tourist attractions you want to visit.

This means you’re stuck on the metro for an extended period of time. You will most likely have to transfer between lines as well, which adds even more time to your commute!

Staying outside of zone 1 also means you’re essentially reliant on public transportation.

Your life is dictated by when the metro/bus are (or aren’t) running, and you don’t really have the ability to walk everywhere from your hotel like you do in zone 1.

So while it may seem like it isn’t worth staying in zone 1, and it is a better choice to save money by staying outside central London, I caution you to think long and hard before you make that choice.

When you factor in the convenience of being in central London, the ability to walk, and the added cost of transportation, it is definitely worth staying in zone 1!

My personal favourite neighbourhood to stay in is Earl’s Court.

It is on the outskirts of zone 1 just before zone 2. The hotel prices are pretty good, you pay zone 1 metro prices, and you can still walk pretty much anywhere you want to go in under an hour!

My Favourite Place to Book Hotels

9 times out of 10 I book my hotels through Hotels.com.

I find their search function so easy to use, and they often have the best prices on hotels. Excluding, perhaps, booking directly through the hotel.

Always be sure to compare the Hotels.com price to the price of booking directly with the hotel!

Outside the ease of using the site, the reason I love Hotels.com so much is their rewards program!

It is the easiest hotel program to earn free stays with!

Once you stay 10 nights in any Hotels.com hotel, you earn a free night!

I’ve earned and redeemed countless free hotel nights, and it hardly takes any effort to earn a reward. It makes travel much more affordable. Especially if you’re like me and travel for extended periods of time.

My secret little tip is to save your hotel redemption for a stay at an airport hotel. I always find I don’t want to use my own money for these hotels, and I love using my rewards night there!

But do whatever you want with your rewards nights just as long as you take advantage of them!

5. Museums are Your Best Friend

If your initial reaction to this tip is to roll your eyes, read on a little bit further and hear me out!

London has some of the best and most celebrated museums in the world, and the best part is that the vast majority of them are free to visit!

You can visit world class attractions without spending a dime, and that is why you should visit as many museums as you can while on your solo trip to London!

In Kensington alone, there are three museums right next door to each other!

They’re all different, so I guarantee you’ll find something you’re interested in checking out.

And if you don’t like the museum, you just leave! It didn’t cost you a dime, so you don’t have to explore the entire museum just to get your money’s worth!

If you only have the chance to visit one free museum while you travel alone in London, I suggest it be the British Museum.

It has a little something for everybody and has some of the most priceless artifacts in the world!

The museum is quite busy as you can imagine! It is best if you avoid visiting it on the weekend if at all possible.

No matter what museum you choose, take the time to wander through at least one. It isn’t really a trip to London without visiting a museum or two!

Be sure to check if there is a price of admission before you arrive at the museum!

The majority of museums in London are free to enter, but there are a few that have an admission fee, and they’re normally quite expensive!

Unless you’re obsessed with the topic matter of a museum with an entrance fee, it is best to stick to the free ones!

The best things to do in Kensington

6. Get Discounted West End Tickets

I wholeheartedly believe it isn’t a true trip to London if you didn’t go to the theatre!

New York’s Broadway gets a lot of attention for its theatre shows, but London’t West End shouldn’t be overlooked!

There are 39 theatres in London’s West End showing everything from famous musicals to obscure shows you’ve never heard of before.

I’m a huge theatre lover, but even friends and family who don’t love the theatre have enjoyed seeing a show on the West End.

The only problem is that tickets can be quite expensive. Especially if you buy them in advance and see the most popular shows.

There is a way around this though!

There are two discount theatre ticket providers in London:

• Today Tix

• TKTS

Today Tix

Today Tix is my personal favourite place to purchase West End tickets at a discounted price.

All you have to do is download the app, look through the shows, and find one that sounds interesting and is in your price point.

The tickets will be delivered to the theatre on the night of your show, and all you have to do is show a piece of ID to pick them up!

My favourite parts about Today Tix is that it is an app, so you can purchase your ticket whenever and where ever suits you best.

You can also purchase tickets for shows a few days in advance, so you’re not limited to only buying tickets for shows showing on that particular day.

It is a very flexible ticket platform.

TKTS

TKTS is similar to Today Tix, but you have to go to their booth in Leicester Square and purchase your tickets in person.

You can also only purchase tickets for shows being performed on that day.

The lines at the London TKTS aren’t nearly as long as the ones at their New York locations, but you can still often find yourself waiting for half an hour or so until it is your turn to purchase tickets.

The good news about the London TKTS location is that you can go to their website and see what shows they have tickets for that day and the prices.

This eliminates the potential of you waiting in line and them not having tickets for the show you want to see!

But, overall, it is kind of a pain to use the TKTS booth while in London, and I suggest using the Today Tix app instead!

7. Make Time for a Day Trip

It is so easy to get caught up in all London has to offer and spend your entire trip just exploring London.

I get it! I’ve visited London multiple times and just stayed in the city the entire trip.

But that is one of the biggest mistakes you can make on your solo trip to London!

The UK is an amazing part of the world, and there is so much to see outside of London and so many amazing cities that are just a short train ride away!

I’ve even managed to take a day trip to Wales from London in the past!

One of the best trips I can give you for when you’re partaking in solo travel in London is to get out of the city and see what else there is to explore!

You can take an organized day trip to some of the most popular towns and locations around London.

Or (if you’re like me and like to do everything yourself), you can hop on a train or bus and head to another city to explore by yourself.

One of my top recommendations for a day trip from London is Brighton.

It less than two hours away by train and has a completely different vibe than London. You can check out a detailed guide on how to travel between the two cities here.

It is definitely one of my favourite cities in England!

No matter where you choose to explore, I don’t think any solo trip to London is complete without exploring somewhere a bit outside the city to get a deeper understanding of the country outside of the capital city.

41 things to do along the Brighton seafront

8. Parks Aren’t Lit at Night

London is typically a very safe city for solo travellers, but there is one exception to that: the city parks during the night.

I know this is an odd tip to have in a post about solo travel in London, but I think it is an important one.

It is certainly one I didn’t know about, and it resulted in a stressful walk back to my hotel after a West End show one evening!

I want to help you avoid this experience!

I just assumed when I was walking home one night that the parks would be lit up, so I planned my path to walk through Hyde Park and Kensington Park.

Well, to my surprise, Hyde Park was pitch black with not a light in sight, and Kensington Park was already closed for the evening.

Of course, I could have changed paths and walked along a more lit street, but I’m stubborn, and I was already a bit of a ways into Hyde Park when I realized there were no lights.

At that point, I just wanted to walk as fast as possible to get to the end of the park and find some lighting.

So, if you’re ever walking around at night while on a solo trip to London (or anytime really), be sure you walk on main road and leave the parks for daylight hours.

If you find yourself in a situation when there are no lights, and you’re quite nervous about walking alone, be sure to pull out your cellphone and either use the flashlight app or call someone who can talk with you throughout your walk.

You should still be safe, but your heart will probably be pounding.

City streets will result in a much more relaxing walk home!

The best things to do in Kensington

Unique Solo Travel Safety Tips

9. Get an Oyster Card

I know I’ve talked a few times about how you can walk central London with little to no issue, but you will still need to use public transportation while you’re in London.

Sometimes you just can’t get around using public transportation, are too tired to walk back to your hotel after a long day, or don’t want to walk in the dark.

I feel you!

Even just getting to and from the airport requires you to use public transportation in most instances.

And that is where the Oyster card comes in!

The Oyster card is London’s transportation card. It saves you a bit of money on fares and saves you a lot of time because you just tap in and out of the metro/bus and don’t have to worry about purchasing a ticket each time.

I believe having an Oyster card is an essential part about travelling to London!

You have to pay a  £5 deposit when you get your Oyster card, but it is fully refundable if you choose to return it at the end of your trip.

I still have my first Oyster card from 2014 and keep using it each time I visit London, but if you don’t think you’ll be back, definitely return it for a refund.

That is a short and sweet explanation of the Oyster card.

There is more you should know, but the main thing to know if that you need to have an Oyster card on your solo trip to London!

Everything you need to know about the Oyster card

Conclusion

Solo travel in London is an unforgettable experience.

There are so many different things to see and do, and the city has a vibe and culture that is unbeatable!

There are so many different cultures and people in the city, and you never know when you’ll stumble upon a unique piece of culture, history, or food while you’re wandering through London.

As I said before, I truly believe that taking a solo trip to London is one of the easiest trips to take to learn the ropes of solo travel.

It is super easy to navigate the city, there is an attraction for anyone and everyone regardless of your tastes, and you won’t be overwhelmed with culture shock.

Plus so many flights to Europe land in London, so you may as well stop in and enjoy London before embarking on the rest of you European vacation.

It is not a city you want to miss out on!