This blog post is about unusual things to do in London.
London is one of the top most visited cities in the world, and is known for its iconic landmarks in museums.
But beyond those famous places, there’s a completely different side of the city!
If you’ve already been to the big attractions, or just want something more unique to include in your London itinerary, this London travel guide is packed with 14 unusual things to do in London, that will make your trip unforgettable!
Let’s get started ✈
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unusual things to do in London
Table of Contents
What non-touristy things to do in London?
If you want to see and experience London like a local, here are my TOP 3 favorite local experiences:
1. Spend an afternoon in Little Venice.
2. Watch the breathtaking view from Primrose Hill.
3. Visit Maltby Street Market on the weekend.
14 Unusual Things To Do In London:
1. Spend an Afternoon at Little Venice
Little Venice in London is a beautiful area in West London, where the Grand Union and Regent’s Canals meet.
Spend an afternoon wandering around, I also recommend stopping for drinks at a waterside pub, and you can even rent a self-drive boat in Merchant Square, just a short walk away from the heart of Little Venice, to complete your Venice in London experience.
2. Visit the V&A East Storehouse
The V&A East Storehouse is an “open access” facility in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, that allows you to explore over 500,000 objects from 5,000 years of human creativity.
It offers a behind-the-scenes look at how art and design art preserved, and you can look at pieces that rarely go on display.
This museum feels more like discovering hidden treasures than walking through a regular museum, making it perfect for those who are curious about design, fashion, and the interesting stories behind objects.
@ninijunni **v&a east storehouse in hackney wick !! #london #londontodo #museum #aesthetic #pinterest #guide #londonguide #studyabroad ♬ the prototype - dedwrite
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3. Explore Maltby Street Market In The Weekend
All the tourists go to Borough Market, but locals LOVE Maltby Street Market on the weekend!
If you are visiting during the weekend, I highly recommend exploring the Maltby Street Market if you are a true foodie that want to experience something less touristy.
It’s a small yet vibrant street market that is packed with incredibly delicious street food – from gourmet sandwiches to international dishes and fresh pastries!
The vibe here is very lively and fun, but still local and not touristy at all. It’s a great place to wander, snack, and soak up a more authentic London vibe.
@itbeganinlondon L O N D O N | 🍽 Maltby Street Market @Maltby Street Market ❤️ 📍Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby St, London SE1 3PA Tucked away in the backstreets of Bermondsey, this little gem is a must-visit for food lovers on the weekend! You'll find a wide variety of street food and a chilled, relaxed atmosphere. It's not too busy and offers plenty of seating. A perfect spot for lunch, dessert, coffee, or drinks!❤️ 📅⌛ Saturday 10 am–5 pm Sunday 11 am–4 pm 📌 SAVE if you like to explore London! NEARBY RECOMMENDATIONS ❤️ ✨🎩 📍The Magician’s Table 49 Tanner St, London SE1 3PL 🍻 📍The Kings Arms pub 251 Tooley St, London SE1 2JX Things to do in London | London places | Visit London . . #maltbystreetmarket #maltbystreet #ropewalk #londonfoodie #londontodo #londonfoodmarket #londonfood #londonhotspots #foodmarket #wintervibes #londonmarket #londontiktok #hiddengems #londonbridge #bermondsey #whattodoinlondon #londonliving #londonlife #travelondon #solotravel #solotrip #samsunggalaxy #thebestoflondon #thisislondon #bestlondonexperience #explorelondon #londonvideographer #travelcontentcreator #ugccontentcreator #itbeganinlondon ♬ Show Me the Good Stuff - Becca Lynn
4. Experience The Bermondsey Beer Mile
If you like beer, I highly recommend experiencing the Bermondsey Beer Mile.
It’s one of the coolest ways to spend an afternoon in London.
The Bermondsey Beer Mile is a stretch of independent breweries and taprooms that sits under railway arches, each offering something a little different – from experimental brews to classic pints.
It’s a casual and social experience, and is perfect for hopping from spot to spot with friends and discovering London’s amazing craft beer scene.
Locals love doing this on the weekends, and if you want to experience the weekend like a local, this is a great way to do so!
5. Watch the sunset at Primrose Hill
Another extremely local thing to do in London is to watch the sunset from Primrose Hill.
It’s one of those simple, yet unforgettable experiences in London.
From the top of the hill, you get beautiful panoramic views of the city skyline, and you can also see from there the Shard and the London Eye.
And as the sky turns golden, and the city lights begin to flicker on, it’s becomes the perfect spot to relax, take photos, or just live the moment and take it all in.
You’ll see here a lot of locals, some sit down with some wine and cheese, some of them just come for the sunset, to sit down and relax.
6. Visit Queen Mary's Rose Gardens
Visiting Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens is definitely one of the more relaxing and unusual things to do in London.
It is located within Regent’s Park, and is a beautifully maintained area filled with THOUSANDS of blooming roses in every color you can think of!
It is especially beautiful during late spring and summer, making it a peaceful escape for a quiet walk or a relaxing break from the busy city!
7. Join a Local Food Tour
One of my favorite things to do in a new destination is to join a local food tour!
There’s no better way to learn about a new city or country than eating your way through it!
I highly recommend this food tour in East London.
You’ll taste here many dishes like local cheese, ice cream, London’s bst chai, different pies, and more!
8. Go on a Harry Potter locations tour
Joining a Harry Potter locations tour isn’t the most “unusual” thing to do in London, but it is a fun, different addition to your London trip if you are a Harry Potter fan.
These guided tours take you to real-life filming spots and inspirations behind the movies, from hidden alleyways to famous locations.
Even if you’re not a true crazy fan of Harry Potter, it’s still a unique way to see the city from a different perspective.
9. Visit Neal's Yard
Next up is visiting Neal’s Yard, which is one of London’s most colorful hidden gems!
Located in Covent Garden, its a small beautiful courtyard that features beautiful bright buildings, quirky cafes, and a more relaxed-boho atmosphere.
It’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there, but once you find it, it’s the perfect spot for a fun coffee break or a few photos.
10. Taste Flower-Shaped Ice Cream at Amorino
Moving on to a random but cute recommendation – stop at Amorino for their viral flower-shaped ice cream! It’s both a treat and an experience 🙂
It’s a delicious ice cream that is carefully sculpted into a beautiful rose, making it almost too pretty to eat!
There’s a wide range of flavors to choose from, and it’s a cute stop to make on the way when exploring the city.
@amorinogelatouk Okay… this one lives up to the hype 😮💨 #london #amorino #gelato #desserts #viral ♬ original sound - Amorino.UK
11. Hang out at the Ballie Ballerson Bar
The Ballie Ballerson bar is easily one of the most fun places to end your day at in London.
It’s known for its giant ball pits and delicious cocktails, and this bar just turns a childhood activity into a full-on adult experience!
It’s a loud, colorful, and perfectly chaotic place, which will make your night so much fun and memorable.
@ket0330 📍Ballie Ballerson Bar - Londres 🇬🇧 #londonexperiences #visitlondon ♬ Lil Boo Thang - Paul Russell
12. Join a London Cheese Tour With Tasting!
England is an amazing country for delicious cheese, and joining a London cheese tour with tastings is a dream come true for cheese lovers!
These guided tasting tours take you through some of the city’s best cheese spots, offering samples of everything from delicious British classics to international favorites.
The tour isn’t only extremely delicious, but also surprisingly educational, giving you a deep look into the wonderful world of cheese.
13. Explore Lift 109
Next is Lift 109, which is a unique glass elevator that takes you up inside one of the most iconic chimneys of Battersea Power Station, revealing breathtaking panoramic views across the city.
You’re literally riding a glass elevator inside a historic power station chimney, which is something you can’t really do anywhere else in London (or many places in the world).
It’s a modern, kind of futuristic-feeling experience that shows you the beautiful views of London, while still relatively under-the-radar.
@volga_londonstories This might be the coolest viewing platform experience you can not miss in London. 📍Lift 109 Battersea Power Station ad #londontiktok #londonexperiences #thingstodo #londonview #londontravel #londonhotspots #dateideas #experience #secretlondon #londra #londoncity #thingstodoinlondon ♬ Epic Music - AlexRockBeat
14. Visit Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel
Last but not least for today is walking through Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel!
This feels like walking through an open-air art gallery that’s constantly changing.
The tunnel is covered in beautiful, unique graffiti and street art, and is one of the few legal places to paint in London, meaning artists are always adding new pieces and painting over old ones.
Because of that, every visit here feels completely different, making it a must-see for anyone interested in street art or alternative culture!
That’s it for today! I hope you found some unique and even local things to do in London as a tourist 🙂
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This blog post was about unusual things to do in London.
