What to See on a Solo Trip to London

There’s no shortage of interesting activities to experience during a solo getaway to London. Even a casual walk through the bustling streets will reveal the city’s cultural icons. You might see the famous red double-decker busses pass by, recognize the red telephone booth at the street corner, admire the heritage buildings at every turn, or come across one of many historic pubs.

London Bridge

This iconic bascule bridge was completed in 1894 and overlooks the River Thames. At the street level, visitors can walk across the bridge and see the fascinating details of the Neo-Gothic architecture up-close. With scheduled lifts that allow boats to pass through, you might be able to catch the bridge lifts in action. The bridge also offers additional high-level glass walkways for those that would like to get a birds-eye view of the city below, which is available with an admission ticket to the towers.

Hyde Park

This massive 350-acre royal park is an incredible spot for solo travelers to take a break away from the busy streets. Right in the heart of the city, Hyde Park conveniently has multiple entry points. Enjoy a picnic on the grass or bench, admire the swans in the lake, discover the Peter Pan statue, or take a walk through the picturesque Kensington Gardens, the former private gardens of the royal Kensington Palace.

V&A Museum

This impressive art and design museum is free to visit, and houses a collection of over 2 million objects. The museum features a diverse collection spanning over 5,000 years, and includes Alexander McQueen evening dresses, ancient Chinese ceramics, theater costumes from the 18th century, and much more. Various exhibits are available as well, with some requiring an additional fee to access.

Camden Town

What to Do at Night in London

London has an abundance of neighborhoods to choose from, along with a fantastic subway system that can conveniently get you around the city regardless of where you stay. However, there are certain areas that offer closer proximity to the attractions and highlights, allowing you the opportunity to see more all at once. If you’re traveling by yourself and wish to be close to the action, there are some fantastic spots to consider.

Mayfair

Mayfair is the perfect area for solo travelers looking to be centrally located to London’s top attractions. This neighborhood is a great base for sightseeing, and is conveniently walking distance to Buckingham Palace. Surrounding the immediate area, you’ll also have access to Hyde Park, the bustling Oxford Street for shopping, the Big Ben clock tower and Westminster Abbey.

South Kensington

South Kensington is a fantastic option for solo women that would prefer a more peaceful setting. In this lovely neighborhood, there’s beautiful side streets, a laid-back atmosphere, and admirable historic houses. It’s also home to the V&A Museum and the Natural History Museum, two top museums which are free to enter.

Soho

This vibrant district consists of a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. It’s a great choice for solo travelers looking for a lively atmosphere and close proximity to nightlife options. Given Soho’s convenient location, it’s also a great base for daytime sightseeing.

Covent Garden

This chic area is an excellent choice for solo travelers interested in shopping, entertainment, and dining. In the heart of the district, you’ll uncover markets showcasing a variety of artisan crafts and antique collectibles. A diverse collection of trendy restaurants, modern cafes, and retail boutiques are also in abundance. Additionally, Covent Garden is located close to the operas and the theatre district for evening entertainment.

What to Eat

London offers a myriad of food venues including bustling markets, historic pubs, chic cafes, upscale restaurants, and tea houses. Food markets are an excellent choice when you’re on vacation alone. They’re fun to browse, and offer a diverse selection of food that you can enjoy in a casual and lively environment.

Borough Market 

Borough Market is often considered to be the most famous food hall in London. It’s also the largest and the oldest, as it dates back to the 12th century. The eclectic market showcases international offerings such as handmade Italian gnocchi, delicate French pastries, savory English pies, Scottish smoked fish, vegetarian Indian curries, and much more. The market offers both ready-to-eat meals and takeaway specialty items such as cheeses, cured meats, jams, and fresh bread. 

Fish & Chips 

A trip alone to England should include a taste of the classic fish and chips. Right in central London, there’s a variety of awesome fish and chip shops, such as Golden Union, Poppies Fish & Chips, and Rock & Sole Plaice. These eateries offer a casual vibe, simple decor, and options for both dine-in and take-out.

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is a popular British food tradition that dates back to the 1800’s. It consists of a variety of finger sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream or jams, and dainty cakes and pastries. The light meal is served alongside a pot of fresh tea, and served at a dining table in a leisurely environment. Solo travelers looking for an afternoon tea experience have many notable spots to consider, ranging from casual quaint tea houses to traditional venues in historic hotels.

Full English Breakfast 

Before a day of sightseeing, relish in a full English breakfast, which generally consists of sausages, back bacon, fried eggs, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, and toasted bread. This hearty meal is a great way to start the day, and can be enjoyed at many joints throughout London. While you can find this meal at many cafes and brunch spots, top casual eateries in the city center include The Breakfast Club (multiple locations), and Half Cup.