If you’re looking for something different to do in London, you’ve found the right guide!
London is a fantastic destination with a ton of activities, foods, and sights. Millions of visitors explore places like the Houses of Parliament, Soho, Kensington, and Camden each year.
But there’s more to London than just Big Ben and the London Eye. Let’s dive into some lesser-known experiences you won’t want to miss.
Having lived here for over 20 years, I can share some quirky and fun experiences that most tourists miss. From hidden bars and historic pubs to graffiti tours and silent discos, this list reveals a unique side of London.
Here are 15 unique experiences in London you won’t want to miss:
1. Black Cab Tour: London’s black cabs are iconic, and their drivers have extensive knowledge of the city’s streets. Take a private three-and-a-half-hour cab tour to explore famous and lesser-known landmarks. Prices start at £105 per person, with a minimum of two people.
2. Historic Pub Tour: Skip the crowded pubs of Soho and explore some of London’s oldest pubs, dating back over 500 years. This three-hour tour offers a deep dive into the history and charm of these establishments, perfect for craft beer and gin lovers.
3. Graffiti and Street Art Tour: Discover Shoreditch’s vibrant art scene on a two-hour graffiti tour. Learn about the processes from someone who’s been part of the scene for over 30 years. The tour costs just £25, so wear comfy shoes and maybe bring an umbrella.
4. Photoshoot Experience: Capture perfect Instagram moments with a professional photoshoot at Tower Bridge or take a tour with a private photographer. Prices start at about $35, and you’ll get high-quality, edited photos to remember your trip.
5. Harry Potter Walking Tour: Wander through London visiting sites from the Harry Potter films like Diagon Alley and the Ministry of Magic. This two-and-a-half-hour tour costs £15 and requires an Oyster Card or contactless payment card with a minimum of £2.40 for public transport.
6. Kayak the Canals: Explore London’s canals by kayak, taking in the Regents Canal and Camden Lock. This 90-minute tour costs £35 and offers a relaxing way to see the city while getting some exercise.
7. Historical Walking Tour: Learn about London’s history from Roman times to the present day. This two-and-a-half-hour tour costs £35 and includes iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
8. Silent Disco Tour: Dance through the streets of London with a headset playing funky tunes on this one-hour silent disco tour. It costs from £19 and covers famous spots like Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square.
9. Spooky Tour: Explore the dark side of London with tales of the plague, Jack the Ripper, and more. This two-hour tour costs £18 and takes you to eerie sites like the Tower of London.
10. Penny Farthing Tour: Ride an old-style bicycle from the 1800s around Westminster. This three-hour tour costs about $45 and is a unique way to see landmarks like the Houses of Parliament.
11. Royal Palaces Tour: Walk through historical sites with a retired member of the Royalty Protection Squad. This three-hour tour costs around $250 per private group and includes Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard.
12. Luxury Meal on a Coach: Enjoy a six-course meal while touring London’s famous attractions on a luxury coach. This three-hour experience costs from £120 per person and includes an optional wine pairing.
13. Notting Hill Walking Tour: See the famous locations from the 1999 romcom “Notting Hill” on this under-two-hour tour, costing around $20 per person.
14. High Tea at Kensington Palace: Indulge in a traditional British high tea in the beautiful Kensington Gardens. This two-hour experience costs £89 and includes classic sandwiches, tea, cakes, and scones.
15. Secret Nuclear Bunker Tour: Visit Kelvedon Hatch, a former nuclear bunker now turned museum, located 32 miles from central London. To get there, take the Central Line to Theydon Bois or Epping and a short taxi ride.
London is easy to get around with its extensive underground system. It’s a safe city for tourists, although it’s always good to be aware of pickpockets and avoid dimly lit areas at night.
Although London can be pricey, accommodations like hostels or Airbnb can be affordable. Save money by picnicking in parks and using an Oyster Card for public transport.
With these unique experiences, London will offer you an amazing time regardless of your interests. So, which adventure will you try first?
