107 Things You Can ONLY Experience in London
London was the second most visited city in the world in 2017. So you can imagine there would be 1000s of things to do in London. Sometimes it can be hard to choose and sometimes things you do in London can go to waste.
So today, I am suggesting top 115 things you can only do in London. Some are free and some are not, but all of them are pretty worth an experience.
I made vlogs for each activities, so you can watch all the vlogs after you finish choosing what you want to do. Click below for the playlist!
Unusual Things to Do in London
Walk around the Restricted Tunnels
London was the first country to build subway system. It has such long history they had to close down many tunnels because of safety reasons. However, they didn’t just leave it to go to waste. Instead, they opened it up for people to do a tour in the tunnels. And surprisingly the tunnel is preserved as how it looked like in the past. You can go the museum, but I think immersing yourself to the real tunnel is the best way to do it. Why not go see the real movie poster that is still on the wall! You can check out the dates here. It solds out really quick, so book it in advance.
Sleep at the Zoo after It’s Closed
If you are fan of Harry Potter, you probably remember the scene where Harry talks with the snake. That was filmed at the London Zoo. London Zoo is the very first scientific zoo in the world and tries to save a lot of extinct animals in the world. It is quite interesting itself, but with too many kids and being over-crowded, it is never fun. So, here is the solution. You can do a Adult Night at London Zoo. You get to feed the animals, and experience the zoo in a total different way. It was one of my favorite experience visiting London. You can book it here.
Stop by at Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station
Talking about Harry Potter, there is a famous scene where Harry Potter cross to the magic world for the first time at King’s Cross station. That platform actually really exits at King’s Cross station. While I was heading to Cambridge, I thought it would be great stop by. They also have a store solely dedicated about platform 9 3/4.
Experience the Harry Potter Universe at Universal
Harry Potter Universal is an hour outside of London, but if you are a huge fan of Harry Potter, you have to go. Of course, you can stop by at platform 9 3/4 for five minutes max, but Harry Potter Universal is where you can spend the full day. I couldn’t go because it was fully booked till December, so make sure to book in advance. If you want to know more about it check out Sunny in London post.
Sherlock Holmes Tour + Sherlock Holmes Museum
Did you know Sherlock Holmes was a fictional character? Well… I didn’t know… until I went on a Sherlock Holmes tour. Sherlock Holmes tour is to kill two birds with one stone. You are able to see the London city and also go to places where Sherlock Holmes was filmed (This is the tour I used). You can also go to the Sherlock Holmes Museum or do the escape room, Sherlock Holmes style (This escape room was actaully made by the creators of BBC Sherlock Holmes).
Jack the Ripper Tour
Jack the Ripper is one of the very first serial killer in the world. And we all know that serial killer type of entertainment is always popular. I went on with the Ripper Vision, but there are literally 100s of tours you can choose . I wrote the top Jack the Ripper tours as well.
Find Seven Noses of Soho
An artist, Rick Buckley, fixated many noses around the walls of London to make his own statement about CCTV back in 1990s. Most of them have disappeared, but there are still 7 left in Soho. I have found 6 but if you find the seventh one in Soho, it will allegedly bring you infinite wealth.
Dance Your Eyebrows Off in the Morning
Do you like clubbing? Then go in the morning as well. Every once a month, Morning Gloryville throws the best morning parties. I am not sure if people were high on absolutely fantastic music or drugs, but it sure will make you feel high! Oh yeah, they also have massage area for you as well. Check out their website where and when it’s happening.
Eat your Breakfast While You PEE
YES, you got it right! You can have your brunch at a renovated public bathroom at Attendant. They preserved it so well, if there wasn’t a cashier, I would think it would be a bathroom. And this bathroom smells of coffee and bread, not pee. Now, they have few chains around London, so check it out when you are jet lagged and waking up early in the morning.
Psycle and just Cycle
I stumbled upon this amazing, one of the kind work out class in London. It is like Soul Cycle but better and crazier. At the end of the class, I cried of joy and achievement. They have 1+1 deal for 20 pounds for the beginners. JUST DO IT!
Kayak Down the Thames
Imagine 20 million tourists a year visit London. And imagine how many different kinds of tours there would be. I happened to try many of them, but my favorite was kayaking down the Thames at night.
Or Sail Down the Thames in a Hot-tub with Your Booze
If you are not into Kayaking why not go in a hottub and sail down the Thames. Yes, I have not shame and this is more of my style. Booze and hottub and a view? Who says no to this!
Go watch a Theater
I am not a big fan of theater but I felt like going to one in the city of Romeo and Juliet. I went to see the one with Nicole Kidman, and it was kind of amazing and weird to see an actress so up close.
Or Watch a Harry Potter Musical
This is the only chance you can, because it only plays in London (Ok.. now they play in NY). AAANNNDDDD it is amazing!! only if you can get the ticket!
Experience the Immersive Theater while You Have Dinner
This is an immersive dining and theater experience. I think this type of theater will be the “thing” among younger generation. In New York, Sleep No More has become a thing. I did the “Murder Express” one, but there are few others with different story telling.
Go to Electric Cinema
Electric cinema in Portobello is one of the kind cinema. The seats might be bigger than your bed and you can also order your glass of wine. I watched Martian and almost fell asleep.
Do Something on Time Out Magazine
If you are from New York, you might have heard about Time Out parties or events. They throw the best and cheapest events. I went to their 10 year anniversary party and I had such a blast with the drag queens from the GLORY. Check out their website what to do in London this week.
Learn How to Make Fish and Chips
This will take a whole day but is worth it. I went to Federation of Fish Friers in Leeds to learn about fish and chips. I even got a certification, so if you want me to cook you some fish and chips, let me know. But why not learn yourself!
Watch a Movie Below Thames River
Brunel’s Thames tunnel is the very first tunnel in the world. There was an entrance for regular people to go down and check out the tunnel. Or course it has been renovated and being used for events and parties. Secret Adventure through an amazing movie screening and a secret garden party. You should check out their website cause they also have a lot of interesting events as well.
Clink Prison Museum
On Trip Advisor, it had almost 1500 reviews and a raving 4 stars, but it kind of fell flat on me. But this can be totally just me. Clink Prison Museum is where you can experience the 1000 years old prison system in England.
Things to Do in London at Night
Drink at a Subway Station
I think themed bar is a thing is London. You can easily find a Harry Potter bar or a David Bowie bar, but the best is the subway themed bar, Cahoot. There is always a huge wait, so make sure to wait or book your table before you go.
Fogg’s Cocktail Bar
Fogg’s has a series of different bars, but Mr. Fogg’s Residence is my favorite. It is hidden behind the fancy Mayfair area. It feels like a small townhouse when you get there. The bouncer with a bowler hat will lead you into the bar where it is themed after 70 days around the world. I was going to have one drink to save money, but ended up having three, because of their swinger electronics music. There are other famous Fogg’s cocktail bars, and you should check their website.
Dance Off at 80’s Themed Bar / Club
Reflex bar is a 80s themed bar / club. I loved it and you can check out my video below why! You will know.
Drink Your Cocktail in a Pitch Black Bar
Have you tried your cocktail without looking at it? If you haven’t you should try Pitch Black. You try 5 different cocktails in a pitch black bar, and you have to guess what kind of cocktail it is. I thought it would be easy, but it was bloody hard!
Drink Whiskey
Milroy’s of soho is by far my favorite bar in London. It is a whiskey bar and they have a scary infinite bottle where all the left over whiskey is mixed. They also have a speak easy behind the book shelf, so look for the Vault Speak Easy as well. Not far from here is another bar that I like called Swift.
Drink Champagne and Listen to Musical Singers Singing for You
You don’t have to go to West End shows to listen to fabulous music. Archer St is a unique bar where the waiters are all talented singers from London West End shows. You can sip on your champagne and watch them sing My Heart Will Go On.
Watch a Drag Insult You
OK… That is a strong word. Go to Admiral Duncan (gay bar) where drags will give you the best laugh. If you are not into drags but want to see some gays, try G.A.Y. The best bar in Soho which is literally busy every night.
Go to a Pub
Go to any pub. Literally any pub on the weekdays after 5 will be busy and it’s a great way to mingle with the English people. But the most famous one is probably Churchill Arms because of the flowers and is very instagrammable.
Drink at a Underground Urinal Bar
Like Attendant breakfast restaurant, a lot of public bathrooms have transformed into bars. I went to Cellar Door which I enjoyed the burlesque, but there are several more you can try.
Touristy Things to Do in London
Go to Big Ben
This is probably the most touristy thing you can do in London.
Go to Tower Bridge
Not only the bridge is beautiful at night dazzling, but this is where you will see the dazzling famous crown jewel. Oh! Side Note. Because Fergie sings London bridge below Tower bridge, a lot people were confused.
Buckingham Palace
This is where the queen lives. It is great to stand outside and watch the guards change, but you can actually go inside the palace and do a tour. You just have to book it in advance. The tickets sold out like a hot cake, so make SURE to book it in advance.
Go to the Science Museum When There Are No KIDS!
I always dreamt of a museum where there are no kids. And my dream has come true! Science museum opens late once a month for just adults. Find the exact dates here!
Even Better! You Can Do a Sleep Over at the Natural Museum
This is on my bucket list. It only happens so often, I wasn’t able to try it. But one day I will be in London when the Natural Museum throws a sleep over!
Go to St. Paul’s Cathedral and Cleanse What You Have Done Last Night at the Bar
There are many churches you can visit, but St. Paul’s Cathedral is where you will say “WOW.” They also have guided tours everyday. Check out the schedule here.
Go to Tate Modern and then Cross the Millenium Bridge
Tate Modern and Millenium Bridge is not too far from St. paul’s Cathedral. If you are planning to visit the church, you might as well stop by at the Tate Modern and the bridge. It is free after all!
British Museum or Saatchi Gallery
Both Museums are free. British museum is famous for their never ending collection and the mummies, and Saatchi Gallery is famous for their very contemporary arts. If you are planning to go to British Museum, go as early as possible. You don’t want things to happen like me.
London Eye
I didn’t really ride the London eye, but if any of our readers did, please let us know below if it’s worth it. But with 4.5 Trip Advisor rating, I guess it’s not that bad!
Go to Regents Park and Hang with the Pelicans
For me Regents Park is more beautiful than Hyde Park. It has a walkway with perfect gardens and Pelicans come out during the day and you can actually sit and chat with them (Maybe not chat). FYI. Hyde Park is a park next to Buckingham palace, and the Regents park is next to the London zoo.
Check Out the Graffitis at Rivington Street
Rivington Street wall is a designated Graffiti area where a lot of famous graffiti artists from Banksy to Stinkfish marked their territory. London Calling did a great job finding all the Graffitis.
Trafalga Square
The MOST beautiful square in London. PERIOD. It is overlooking the National Gallery as well. Many famous movies were shot here from Edge of Tomorrow to V for Vendetta.
London Red Bus and The Subway
London red buses and their subway is iconic around the world.
Be a Basic B*** and Take a Photo in front of a Red Telephone Booth
Watch a Show at the Shakespeare’s Globe
If you watched a movie Shakespeare in Love, you probably know the Globe theater. It is really cool to go watch a theater there, because they reconstructed from the site of the original theatre. And like the original theater, they have the open air roof.
Ride through South Bank with Santander Bike
Santander bike is something I used everyday. You can rent a bike for thirty minutes and dock it at the next docking station. The reason I love it is that the docking station is almost everywhere. So when you are going from A to B, but don’t want to take a subway but seems too far to walk, it is the perfect solution. Also, why not bike through South bank instead of walking, which will give you the view and save your time.
Skate at the Beautiful Somerset House
Every winter, already-breathetaking-beautiful Somerset house turns into an ice rink. You can go there and skate and take a lot of selfies in front of the building. Spring restaurant is on the side of the building, or back side of Somerset house has a stunning view of Thames river.
Horse Guard Changing
Hyde Park Barracks at 10:28 weekdays and 9:28 on Sundays, horse guards changing ceremony happens. It is not as famous and popular as the changing of the guards, but I prefer to horse guard changing because there is no barrier and less crowd. So, you can really enjoy it.
Things to Buy in London
Shop at Fortnum and Mason
I have had my fair share of visits to department stores from Barneys to Bergdorf Goodman, but Fortnum and Mason is on another level. As the oldest department store in the world, it was classy and elegant (except for the swamp of tourists). They have everything English related products and exclusives. So if you are planning to buy presents for your friends and family, try and stop by. They also have a classy afternoon tea restaurant on the top floor.
Twinning Tea Shop
You can buy everything from tea to tea pot at Fortnum and Mason, but you cannot beat the long history of Twinning Tea shop. It is the oldest tea shop in the world, and it is definitely worth the visit.
Visit a 150 year old Department Store
Harrods is second oldest department store in the world. Their food court is to die for, but with an ridiculous price tag. I just looked around cause it was beautiful, but it was too crowded and chaos. If you really want to shop brand names, I recommend Harvey Nics or Selfridges.
Liberty Department Store
Liberty is another great department store in Oxford Circus. They have a lot of luxury goods, but are known for their famous floral and graphic prints.
Bond Street
Bond street is probably the most famous street in London. The street is filled with luxury brands, designer fashion, exclusive boutique shops, fine jewels, arts and antique. If you don’t like the chaotic department stores, and London is having a good weather, this is where you should be.
Carnaby Street
All of the above department stores carry luxury goods, so it can end up as an eye shopping. Carnaby street is where you can buy mid-high range goods from A.P.C to Adidas.
Machine A or Dover Street
Some people might say going to Harrods or Bond street is basic. If you are extra, go to Machine A or Dover Street. Even a basic will become extra with a tshirt at these stores.
King’s Men Shop
YUP! It is from the famous and my favorite movie King’s men. They sell everything from King’s men. I was so in love with the movie I bought their glasses there and costed nearly 500 dollars. It is not cheap here, but it is worth it if you are a fan. It is a collaboration with Mr.Porter, so you can also buy it online.
James Bond Shop
Like King’s Men shop, if you are a fan of James Bond, stop by at James Bond shop in Covent Garden. They have everything James Bond. Literally.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden feels like a tourist trap with many street performers, but it is one of the most popular places for tourists. I guess that is why it feels like a tourist trap. If you end up going, stop by at the famous apple market.
Restaurants You MUST Try in London
Try a One Michelin star restaurant Barrafina
This is my favorite restaurant and that is why I am putting it on top of the list. It is a Spanish tapas restaurant on Dean st (now they have two more). If you are going for dinner, go around 4:45 PM to avoid two hour wait.
Try Korean Food
For some reason, as a Korean, there isn’t many Korean restaurant that I would recommend but one. ASSA in Soho does Korean style hot pot, and I probably went there once a week to have my dosage of Korean food.
Try Chinese Food
You can easily go to China town and have your Chinese food, but there is no special feeling when you eat in China town. Instead try BAO. They serve Taiwanese style dumpling called bao and it is one of the best bao I tried.
Try Japanese Ramen
Five years ago, when I first went to London, there was only one ramen restaurant, Bone Daddies. Now you can literally find one every block in the city. Now there are several ones you can choose from. My favorite is the Shoryu ramen.
Try Italian Food
I wasn’t going to put Italian food until I went to Luca. It was not only delicious but also the most beautiful ambiance. It almost felt like I was in Puglia in Italy. Another great Italian restaurant is Lina Stores which was opened in 1944.
Try Wasabi’s individual sushi
One thing that surprised me at Wasabi is that they sell individual sushi. It was so cute how they packaged every sushi. I just thought it would do so well in New York as well. Also, you should try their best chicken katsu curry.
Try Indian Curry
Indian culture has impacted England in many ways, but the biggest one, I think, is Indian curry. You even use curry sauce in fish and chips. So naturally there are many excellent Indian restaurants in London. My favorite is of course Dishoom.
Go for English Breakfast
Full English breakfast is eggs, grilled tomatoes, fried mushrooms, buttered toast, sausages, Black pudding and baked beans. Almost all run down breakfast places are good, but Regency cafe is the best.
Try Fish and Chips
Poppies is a popular Fish and Chips restaurant, but I fell in love with fish and chips at Bonnie Gull Seafood Shack. But like English breakfast, I think more run down the restaurant it is, fish and chips taste better 🙂
Try Jellied Eel
Jellied Eel is another traditional dish in England, but because of its unique smell and taste, it has become a delicacy. You don’t find this very easily anymore, but F. Cooke’s still has it and you can see what it’s like below my vlog.
Indulge Yourself with Afternoon Tea
It seems like Sketch has become the hottest spot to have afternoon tea because of its very Instagram friendly vibe, but there are many more you can choose. I went to Charlotte hotel for afternoon tea and I was stuffed! The Nudge gave a really good list.
Go to the Oldest Seafood Restaurant in London
This seafood restaurant only on weekdays and from 11:30 AM – 3:00PM, so plan ahead.
Go for the Best Cheap Steak at Flat Iron
To have steak in London, you would have to spend at least 40 pounds and there is no way for a poor traveler like me to afford that. But here is the good news! Flat Iron sells 10 pounds steak restaurant that serves excellent steak.
Try Game Bird
Game birds are hunted for games, but people also eat it. It can be from partridge, venison to pheasant. I tried partridge at Jugged Hare Pub and restaurant. To be honest, it wasn’t as good as chicken, but it sure was an experience.
Go to Clove Club
Clove Club is owned by the same people who own Luca Italian restaurant. It is a course menu and it would be a great place to go for an anniversary or special event. It is also very instgrammable.
Randall and Aubin
This is another seafood restaurant, but I put on the list because they have a massive disco ball inside the restaurant. Ok.. the massive disco ball goes well with the excellent food like my favorite dressed crab.
Temper Restaurant
Temper restaurant has an open kitchen and an open barbecue grill in the middle. They specialize in tacos and barbecued meats served by weight. It apparently is now the “it” place to go.
Markets You Have to Visit in London
Borough Market
Borough Market is one of the largest and the oldest food market in London. They sell almost everything from fish to salami. I love going here because of their cheap uni! Check out my vlog below what it’s like to wander around Borough market.
Brick Lane Market and Shoreditch
This is like the Williamsburg of London. It is so upcoming, so hip and so cool to just stand in Shoreditch. There is the famous Brick Land market where literally every restaurants says best curry in the world. The best day to go is on Sunday when they block the whole raod and becomes a party. Check out my vlog below to see if you want to go here or not.
Flower Market
I haven’t been but I guess it’s a great place to visit if you are into flowers.
Portobello Road Market
If you watched the movie Notting Hill, you probably know Portobello road market. It is where they have antiques and second hand products. I love it here when I can buy an expensive Gucci for 50 dollars. It is best to go on Saturdays (or Fridays for antiques).
Why Not Go a Day Trip Outside of London
Cambridge
When you think of Harry Potter, it doesn’t necesarily reminds it of London. When you go to Cambridge, you will realize that Harry Potter is Cambridge. I spent a full day biking around Cambridge and thought it could have been great if I stayed over night.
Liverpool
Hometown of Beatles and Titanic. I have written plenty of blog posts as I love this town so much. If you want to know more about Liverpool click here.
St. Albans
This is where you go pub hopping. St. Albans is the town that has the most pub in England within one mile radius. So, naturally it is a perfect place to pub hopping!
Manchester
Manchester is the home of greatest soccer team, Manchester United. I say so…
Lake District
If you are looking for nature, Lake district is perfect as it is beautiful and not too far from London. I stayed there for a week and the calmness almost killed me lol.
Isle of Man
Isle of Man is a small island outside of England. It is relatively a quite town, but once a year it becomes a place you cannot find a hotel. Some people even bring their own tent to IoM. It is because they throw the biggest motocycle race. It is the most intense and dangerous race that almost every year racer die (in 2016, 5 racer died while racing). If you are planning to visit, plan ahead as you won’t be able find any hotels. Apparently all the hotels make the most of their annual profit during TT race.
Best Rooftops in London
Go to a Rooftop with a View of St. Paul’s Cathedral
One New Change rooftop is not high where you can see the whole London view, but it is still my favorite because you overlook the beautiful St. paul’s Cathedra. The view is more focused and clear than other rooftops where you just see dots.
Try Yoga at the Sky Garden
Sky garden is the most famous roof top in London, but instead of just visiting there, you can also do yoga in the morning looking at the sunrise.
Duck and Waffle
Duck and Waffle is a well know restaurant that opens 24 hours. The best is to go around 4 A.M. and have your breakfast and watch your sunrise. The only thing is that the food price is expensive and not substantial.
Mondrian Hotel Rooftop
This a great way to end your night. You can first go to One New Change rooftop, and head to Rumpus Room at Mondrian hotel. It is the most vibrant and hip rooftop bars in London. Even Tom Hiddleston danced his night away here.
Hotels That Scream London
N.E.D. Hotel
Savoy hotel which opened in the 1800s and the Ritz hotel that was opened in 1906 cannot be compared with any other newly built luxury hotels around the world. These luxury hotels has the class and the depth when you walk in. It literally screams England. It is a great hotel to have your afternoon tea. But I always felt a bit uncomfortable with the poshness of the hotel. However, recently Soho House built a mega hotel called the N.E.D. I went there last year and I immediately fell in love. It still felt like England but more relaxed. Everybody was posh and well dressed but not pretentious. If you are looking for a place to stay the N.E.D. should be your first choice. Even if you can’t stay here, go for a drink or two! They have the best live band.
Dean St. Townhouse
Hotels can be a great way to experience the London culture. Of course, Double Tree or Four Points hotel won’t have any English vibe, but if you choose the right one, you can truly immerse yourself as English. I think Dean St. Townhouse really gives you a sense of entering some posh English home. It is only small and the staffs are very attentive! During off peaks, the rooms can go below 200 pounds, so I think it is worth the look!
St. Martins Lane Hotel
St. Martins Lane hotel feels like all the West End performers would stay. The lights are neon colors and mirrors are everywhere so you can check yourself out all the time. But the best part is the speakeasy at the lobby.
Mondrian Hotel
I already mentioned it before but this a very unique hotel where they captured the original building as the sea container building. So, when you enter the hotel, you will see a massive copper clad.
Nobu Hotel
Nobu hotel is at its absolute best at being luxury and comfortable. I was lucky enough to be there for the soft opening and it was absolutely fantastic. The rooms feel luxury but homey at the same time.
