11 ways to enjoy a solo trip to London

Whether you’re looking to reconnect with yourself, build independence, or step out of your comfort zone, London is one of the best holiday destinations for solo travelers. You’ll never have to worry about being bored or lonely—this crowded capital city is full of things to do.

Traveling alone is one of the best ways to make new friends, and with a population of eight million, you’re bound to find a buddy in London, especially if you speak English. We recommend joining a tour or simply striking up a chat with anyone at the pub.

It’s relatively safe to travel in London alone, although general precautions like being aware of pickpockets and avoiding dark corners at night apply. Getting around London is also far easier than many other cities. While the Tube might seem intimidating at first, you’ll find that it’s fairly simple to figure out.

So grab your backpack and check off this list of 11 things to do in London for solo travelers.

London’s hotels can get pricey, especially if you’re staying alone. Hostels are a great idea for solo travelers, as you can not only save some cash but also build a network of fellow backpackers.

The Dictionary Hostel is a budget hostel catered to sociable travelers located in the trendy Shoreditch neighborhood. There’s a bar and even a foosball table, a great way to meet someone new. If you prefer bed-and-breakfast vibes over bunk beds, there’s also Palmers Lodge, which oozes cozy Victorian elegance.

On a budget? Rent a bicycle and explore the city. You can try Santander Cycles, London’s public bike-sharing scheme, but most parks should also have bicycle rental services available. For a more guided approach, join a London Royal Parks Bike Tour to visit Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and other landmarks.

Traveling alone means you can enjoy all your favorite dishes without having to cater to someone else’s food preferences—an important perk, since London is one of the most diverse cities in the world.

Kick off your gastronomic tour by sampling London’s best street food at the bustling Borough Market. Feeling overwhelmed by all the stalls? This traditional English food tasting tour will let you check off classics like fish and chips, scones, and Scotch eggs. Discover up-and-coming food trucks at Spitalfields Market as well as other culinary favorites on this food tour of London’s East End.

It’s also way easier to get a seat when you’re eating alone in London, so it’s a great chance to check out popular restaurants like Scarlett Green, one of the best brunch spots in the world. Alexander the Great is a fantastic Mediterranean restaurant that serves small plates, so you can try a range of dishes even without someone to share them with.

Museums are an ideal way to spend time by yourself, especially if you encounter bad weather. And with such an extensive range of museums and galleries in London, you’re sure to find something that suits your fancy.

History aficionados will love to walk the historic corridors of the Churchill War Rooms before heading aboveground to tour other major landmarks. Those interested in ancient beasts and creatures will enjoy the Natural History Museum, which offers skip-the-line guided tours, or the Horniman Museum, which even has a Butterfly House.

If you ask us, there’s no better way to spend some “me time” than at a bookstore. Luckily, London is home to plenty of bookshops, ranging from small indie stores to well-stocked chains. Some of our favorites include Daunt Books, an old-fashioned shop with stunning stained glass windows; Persephone Books, which shines a spotlight on female authors; and Hatchards, the U.K.’s oldest bookshop. Gay’s the Word is also a delightful store that carries a wide range of LGBTQ+ work.

Explore the city and make new friends by joining some walking tours. Many small-group walking tours limit the number of attendees, so you’ll get an intimate experience. There are a plethora of options available, from a Jack the Ripper walking tour around the serial killer’s old haunts to a historical pub walking tour, where you’ll get to drink at some of the city’s most historic alehouses. Harry Potter fans will enjoy discovering J.K. Rowling’s inspirations on this tour for Muggles.

One of the best vacay takeaways is learning a lifelong skill. Impress everyone back home by picking up something new, whether it’s a cocktail masterclass at Serata Hall or a cooking workshop at the Jamie Oliver Cookery School.

Hoping to get some Instagram-worthy pictures on this trip? Kill two birds with one stone with this ultimate introduction to photography workshop, where you’ll get to learn the basics while touring London’s most iconic locations. This night photography tour also offers professional guidance.

Don’t let going solo hold you back from experiencing the magic of London's West End. The theater district is London’s answer to Broadway, and you’ll find lots of world-class plays and musicals here.

Plus, it’s easier to score a single ticket, especially for popular shows like The Lion King, The Book of Mormon, Matilda The Musical, and Wicked. If you have a flexible schedule and want to get a good deal, remember to check if rush tickets are available on each performance day.

Wondering what to do in London at night alone? Enter the supper club, an informal communal dining experience. Aspiring chefs set up pop-up events to give their menus a trial run, which means you could be trying out dishes by the next Gordon Ramsay at a fraction of the price.

Most supper clubs’ locations are always changing, so it’s best to keep tabs on them via social media, like Alexandra Dudley’s ticketed feasts. Alternatively, restaurants like Darjeeling Express and Lowlander also host supper clubs, a nod to their former roots.

Football fans, take the chance to meet fellow enthusiasts on a stadium tour. While iconic stadiums like Old Trafford and Anfield Stadium are a distance away, there are more than a few other well-known clubs in the heart of London.

Chelsea Football Club, for instance, offers an acclaimed stadium tour and immersive museum experience, as does Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal fans will love this tour of Emirates Stadium, where you’ll get to explore dressing rooms and walk out onto the pitch. Or take a quick day trip to check out the spot where England clinched its 1966 World Cup victory on this award-winning tour of Wembley Stadium.

Not into footie? There’s also the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum.

We highly doubt it, but if you ever feel bored in London, there’s so much more to explore outside the city. Iconic sights like Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and the Roman Baths are just a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. And with a well-organized coach tour, you’ll be able to hit all the sights in a single day.

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