Wondering what to do alone in London? Whether you’re traveling to London alone or looking for some inspiration for a solo day here’s my personalized guide for how to spend a day alone in the city. Enjoy!
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When I first moved to London, I was a clinger. And by that I mean I didn’t opt to do anything in the city without someone by my side. Whether it was desperately texting group chats for a brunch buddy to dragging my past boyfriend to every new spot in London that caught my eye, I never took the time to venture London on my own.
Well, that relationship ended. And within a few short weeks I realized how micariously beautiful it is to discover London on your own.
So whether you’re prepping for solo travel in London, finding yourself alone in the city for the first time, or simply looking for things to do in London by yourself, here’s 25 splendid things to do in London on your own.
1. Read a Book
In my opinion, there’s no better place to be a bookworm than London. Grab your favorite read and head to the likes of Chelsea Embankment, Primrose Hill, or Westminster Pier!
An activity built for solitude it’s one of the best things to do alone in London. And you’d be surprised how many hours can simply go by with a good book!
2. Browse a Museum
Although London museums can be a touristic hotspot; it’s still my go-to for “solo dates” in London. In all honesty whenever I go to museums with someone else, the conversation usually distracts me from the art.
But if you’re on your own you can take the time to truly appreciate all the museum has to offer. My personal favorites to venture alone in London are the Tate Modern in Bankside and the Wallace Collection near Baker Street.
4. Try a New Coffee Shop
One thing I’m forever grateful for is London’s coffee culture. With amazing cafes on nearly every corner, coffee shops are a great place to go alone and get some work done, get a cuppa, do some people watching, or…engage in some flirtatious barista eye contact.
You’ll also find many of the coffee shops here are insanely aesthetic, making it an equally beautiful pit stop for your solo day in London.
Read more on the best cafes in Notting Hill and must-try Primrose Hill cafes!
3. Find a Lovely Park to Journal
One of the best things about being alone in London having some headspace to gather your thoughts. In such a busy city it’s not always easy to get some time to just…think. And write!
If the pen moves ya, mix a stroll in Regent’s Park, Holland Park, or St. James Park for a healthy journal sesh.
5. Visit a Bookshop
From quirky and quaint to grand and magical London is full of independent bookshops just waiting to be explored. Add some book browsing to your solo day repertoire with some of London’s most brilliant bookstores and waste the day away over stacks of classics and fresh literary finds.
In such a digital world there’s something insatiably cozy and comforting about physically looking for books, not to mention London bookshops are beautiful!
Read More: On going to the bookshop from Notting Hill!
6. Find London Film Locations
If you’re anything like me, you may have a slight obsession with British movies. If London rom-coms like Bridget Jones, Notting Hill, and Love Actually stole her heart, bring the films to life with a film day tour!
Google the film locations for your favorite London flick and make a day out of discovering the city from a new (Hollywood) perspective.
This is also one of the best things to do alone in London as you won’t have to worry about dragging along friends that don’t exactly get your Hugh Grant obsession (just me? Okay…).
7. Take up some People Watching
London is built for people watching. Hundreds of different cultures and nationalities under one city roof means you’re never bored looking at all the faces that make up London. Grab a coffee (or tea) and sit along Leceister or Trafalgar Square for a healthy dose of London gazing.
9 . Get an English Breakfast
There’s nothing quite more English than an English Brekkie. But who says you have to wait on someone to try it!
Treat yourself to a classic British find with the best traditional English breakfasts in the city. And feel proud of yourself for not waiting on a meal for two.
10 . Go Vintage Shopping
I’m a sucker for a good vintage find. And when it comes to what to do solo in London — it doesn’t get better than vintage shopping!
With no one telling you it’s time to go you can easily spend hours in Shoreditch popping into all the shops and finding some new gems for your closet. Just remember to bring something to carry it all home!
11. Browse the Markets
From picking up flowers on Columbia Road to finding antiques at Portobello Market there’s nothing more fun than browsing London markets — on your own!
The picturesque cobblestones, local finds, and iconic city buzz are enough to make a day simply market browsing. If you’re in the mood for views, I definitely suggest picking up a bite at Borough Market and sitting along the grass at Tower Bridge.
12. Take Out Your Camera
There’s no denying London is one of most aesthetic places in the world. And there’s nothing quite as whimsical as roaming the streets alone with a camera in hand. Use your alone time to see the city from a new perspective and get some brilliant London shots while you’re at it.
14. Do a Self-Guided Walk
If you’re up for a lazy stroll take a self-guided walk through a neighborhood you’d never been! London is so big you’d be surprised how it easy it can be to leave entire boroughs undiscovered.
Read More: On a Self-Guided Walk through Central London and a walk through Covent Garden!
13. Take a Self-Guided Tour
One of my favorite things about London is there’s always something new to discover. Join a tour or create your own! And take a self-guided walking tour through the city.
Travelling to London solo? Check out my E-book!
15. Borrow a Dog
Okay, I’ll admit I haven’t done this one yet (mostly because I’m afraid I wouldn’t want to give it back) but if you’re out for a day in London why not bring along a furry friend! Fill the dog void in your life and sign up for Borrow my Doggy to spend a not so solo day in London.
16. Go on Groupon and Treat Yourself
If you’re not on Groupon in London yet — what are you doing! Stuffed with daily deals Groupon has everything from spa days to city breaks for ridiculously amazing prices. Have some fun and treat yourself to a solo day in London, without breaking the bank.
Read More: 27 Effortless Ways to Save Money in London
17. Go to an Exercise Class
Okay, maybe this one is cheating. Because exercise classes in London mean you’re never really alone!
Every Zumba or Yoga class I’ve been to in the city is full of welcoming women that make me wonder why I didn’t start doing this ages ago. So head to your nearest fitness class to get your sweat on and meet some friendly faces.
18. Eventbrite Talks
Who says you can’t learn a thing or two in your free time? Check out Eventbrite and find a cool talk on anything from entrepreneurship to personal finance at one of hundreds of talks and free lectures throughout London.
As you’re not catering to anyone’s interests but your own (hello solo day!) it’s the perfect place to finally dig into a topic you’ve been curious about.
19. Go Window Shopping
Nothing wrong with some light browsing! Take yourself on a little date through Oxford’s street or Selfridges (especially during Christmas time!) for some light window shopping.
20. Cycle
Out of all the things to do alone in London, this is probably my favorite! With thousands of Santandar bikes scattered throughout the city you can spend a day alone cycling through London and all the places you’ve yet to discover.
21. Go to a Poetry Night
Unsurprisingly so London has one of the best poetry scenes in the world. From T.S Elliot to William Blake you can get your poetic fix on a solo trip to one of London’s many poetry and spoken word events. I personally love going to the poetry night at the Chocolate Poetry Club (in Camden).
22. Chill Out at the Electric Cinema
Before I moved to London I always had a taboo about seeing films alone. But when I heard about the Electric Cinema I had to take myself out for a movie date.
An alternative movie theater with comfy reclining chairs and restaurant-style service you can spend a solo day in London cozying up to all your favorite films.
23. Check Out Street Art in Shoreditch
We all know Shoreditch for its cool vibes and hipster facades. But being alone is the perfect opportunity to fully take in all the street art on offer. Find the top streets to see and get your art fix on, East London style.
Read More: Where to Find the Best Street Art in Shoreditch!
24. Visit the Skygarden
As one of the most picturesque views in London, it’d be a shame to not visit the Skygarden. Book your free tickets and spend a solo day roaming the gardens and taking in the city views.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Your Skygarden Visit
25. Try an Airbnb Experience
If you’re stuck on ideas for what to do solo in London, let Airbnb decide! If you go to the browse sections you’ll dozens of interactive experiences to turn a boring day in London into a random and exciting experience for the books.
26. Take a Lifestyle Class at Petersham Nurseries
Learn the art of pasta making, mindful meditation, and explore wines and teas from around the world – yes, it’s as beautiful and random as it sounds at one of Petersham Nurseries Masterclasses.
26. Have a Pint
Nothing wrong with a pint for one! If the pub culture moves ya take your solo day pub side and pop in for a drink or two.
27. Wander London Mews
Because of all of the London movies I’ve always had a thing for London Mews. And if I’m ever wandering the city solo there’s nothing I love more than stumbling on a cobbled house or two.
Make a day out of finding the best mews in the city and taking some pics!
Final Thoughts on Things to do Alone in London
I hope you have the best day wandering the city on your own. Remember to never let a lack of company stop you from enjoying your own.
Let me know what you get up to for your solo day in London at @candaceabroad or in the comments!
Happy exploring,
If you liked this post be sure to be read up on the best secret things to do in London!
Going to London next week and this popped up just in time! I love waking into E Pelicci every time I go to London, they ALWAYS remember me. Love love love….
Ah so happy to hear that! You’re going to have the best time 🙂