The Ultimate Guide to Solo London Travel
- Nick Burgess
- Apr 7
- 7 min read
London is my favorite city in the world. It's the perfect blend of the old and the new, with modern skyscrapers finding a home on the skyline alongside historical sites and bridges older than the United States. It's a city I've had the pleasure of living in for several months in college, and I loved it so much that I made it the backdrop when I proposed to my wife back in 2018. If anyone ever asks me where they should travel to start seeing the world, London is the first name on my lips.
Embarking on a solo trip to London is an adventure you'll never forget. This big city, bursting with culture, history, and charm, is perfect for solo travelers seeking both excitement and introspection. Whether you're wandering the bustling Borough Market, soaking up art at the British Museum, or enjoying quiet strolls through Hyde Park, London offers countless ways to enjoy your own company and meet fellow travelers. In this ultimate London guide, I'll take you through the best things to see, do, and savor during your solo adventure in London.
Solo Adventure: First-Time Tips for London
London is absolutely massive. It's one of the biggest metropolises in the world, and is home to millions upon millions of residents combined with tourists from all over the world, so your first time traveling alone to London might seem daunting. Once you take a deep breath and a second to think through it, it's actually one of the safest cities in the world for solo travelers, especially female travelers.
Public transportation in London, including the famous London Underground (aka "The Tube"), is extensive, easy to navigate with Google Maps, and a great way to get around the city. It's also modernized dramatically. Case and point: I used to recommend that travelers purchase an Oyster Card for easy hop-on-hop-off on the Tube, busses and even the boats on the Thames. However, the city got with the times and you can easily use Apple Pay or Google Pay at each stop to charge your card and move along quickly.
I also mentioned Google Maps. Both Google Maps and Apple Maps now have London's Underground built into their features. This means that you can plug your endpoint into your phone and voila, the map gives you a complete rail guide, complete with transfers!
Central London Highlights: Iconic Sights
Let's go ahead and knock out the easy stuff first. If you're a first time tourist in London, you likely want to see the sites you grew up seeing in your history books. Well, Central London/Westminster is the best place to start.
When exploring Central London, start your day early at Buckingham Palace. Witness the ceremonial changing of the guard and take a few pictures near the guardhouses of the iconic Coldstream Guards before walking to nearby landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey (for fans of royal weddings), and the London Eye for spectacular panoramic views across the River Thames.
For history buffs, the Tower of London and the famous Crown Jewels are a must-see, conveniently situated near the picturesque Tower Bridge. Don't miss Westminster Bridge either, an excellent spot for iconic photos.
While it's really easy to find these landmarks yourself, consider taking a guided tour of these landmarks; having a knowledgeable tour guide can offer deeper insights into the rich history surrounding you.
Culture Fix: Free Museums & Galleries
Like other big national capitals, London is renowned for its world-class free museums. The British Museum and its vast permanent collections are perfect for an educational day out. Art enthusiasts will love the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, the National Portrait Gallery, and Tate Modern on the bustling South Bank of the Thames River.
For science and history lovers, South Kensington is home to the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the stunning Victoria and Albert Museum. Each is a great place to wander at your own pace, immersing yourself fully in art, science, and history.
London Markets & Street Food
Exploring London's markets is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine. Borough Market offers an incredible array of gourmet street food, while Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill is famed for antiques and quirky finds.
Camden Market is another great spot for vibrant street food, live music, and alternative shopping. Meanwhile, Brick Lane in East London is renowned for its authentic Indian food, trendy coffee shops, and edgy art scene. Try tasting dishes you've never encountered—it's a fun way to experience London's one-of-a-kind diversity.
Green Spaces: Relaxation & Nature
Trust me: seeing all of London is not for the faint of heart. You'll be walking more miles than a full park day in Epcot, so taking time to relax is essential during any solo trip, and London's green spaces offer perfect escapes from city life. Hyde Park is an ideal location for picnics, boating, or simply people-watching.
Nearby, Regent's Park and Hampstead Heath provide quieter, more tranquil environments perfect for reading or strolling. For something slightly different, Kensington Gardens offers stunning views of Kensington Palace and is a wonderful place to spend a peaceful afternoon. These green spaces are perfect for meeting fellow travelers, reading a book, or simply taking in the fresh air.
Entertainment & Nightlife in the West End
No London guide would be complete without mentioning the vibrant West End. Famous for its theaters, bustling Leicester Square, and the dazzling lights of Piccadilly Circus, the West End is ideal for an evening out. Catch a musical, explore local pubs, or simply soak up the energy of London's city center nightlife. Solo travelers can comfortably attend performances and enjoy drinks afterward in one of the lively local pubs, where you might even make new friends.
Best Solo Meals & Afternoon Tea Spots
Dining solo in London is a treat with endless possibilities. Enjoy a classic afternoon tea at one of many historic hotels around Covent Garden, or choose a cozy single room café for a quiet solo meal. Solo dining is welcomed in London, making it a great city for experiencing culinary adventures independently. Don’t forget to sample delicious local street food, from Camden’s vibrant offerings to the multicultural cuisine of Brick Lane.
Day Trips: Beyond London
London, as we mentioned previously, is massive and full of culture and sites that will take you literal weeks to explore fully, so it wouldn't be unusual to base your entire trip around London.
However, a day trip is a fantastic addition to your solo London itinerary, especially if you're an American visiting for a longer period of time. Windsor Castle, the royal family's favored weekend retreat, is easily accessible via public transit and offers guided tours filled with history. Other popular day trips include exploring Oxford, Bath, or Stonehenge—each destination is easily reached by train or bus.
There are also the international destinations. You could very easily (and I have several times) make a day trip to Paris thanks to the Chunnel, the underwater tunnel through the English Channel into France. You can also fly Europe's ultra-low-cost airlines to nearby European destinations like Dublin, Edinburgh or Amsterdam. Americans traveling on these ULC airlines will be stunned by just how cheap these tickets are.
These destinations offer new perspectives, fascinating history, and beautiful landscapes, making your solo trip even more enriching.
Solo-Friendly Accommodation Tips
Finding accommodation that suits solo travelers is straightforward in London. If you're more budget conscious, or bold, you could explore one of the many hostels across the city. Choose between hostels with private rooms for socializing opportunities or charming boutique hotels in neighborhoods like Notting Hill, Covent Garden, or South Kensington. Proximity to tube stations and tourist attractions makes any neighborhood a good idea, but East London offers especially vibrant nightlife and a youthful atmosphere.
If budget is no issue, London has some of the world's most spectacular hotels available to you. From personal experience, staying at boutique hotels like St. Ermin's near Westminster is tough to beat. However, you can scale up your options by staying at famous hotels like the Savoy, or even inside The Shard at the Shangri-La.
Travel Essentials & Safety Tips
Safety is paramount for solo travelers. London is generally a safe city, but always keep your credit card and important belongings secure. Use free walking tours to familiarize yourself with neighborhoods, especially if it's your first time. Londoners are welcoming to tourists and usually helpful, making it easier for solo travelers to explore confidently.
For female solo travelers, your purses are a major target for pickpockets across the city. Avoid heavy crowd areas when carrying your purse with you, and make sure your purse is fully zipped up to avoid potential theft.
Best Time to Visit London
The best time to visit London depends on your preferences. Spring and autumn provide pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Summer is busy but filled with lively outdoor events, while winter offers festive charm, especially around Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland and the decorated streets of Regent Street.
For me, the absolute best (and most expensive) time to visit London is around Christmas. I've been fortunate to travel to several major cities around Christmas, and nowhere does it like London. Every street corner, every pub and every sign is dressed for the season, with festivals and events happening all the time.
Hidden Gems: Unique Solo Experiences
Explore some of London's lesser-known attractions, such as the Wallace Collection, an elegant and intimate museum housing world-class art. Visit the Royal Albert Hall for live music performances or discover lesser-known spots like the charming Wallace Collection, which showcases a stunning private art collection.
London Solo Travel: An Unforgettable Experience
Traveling alone in London will empower you to discover new places, meet fascinating people, and experience the city's dynamic culture at your own pace. From iconic tourist attractions to hidden gems, London offers endless opportunities for exploration and self-discovery, making it an unforgettable destination for solo travelers.
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