If you've been to London before and want to escape the usual crowds at all the usual tourist spots and discover the kind of London typically reserved for real Londoners, then you're in the right place. Whether you're trying to plan an action-packed weekend getaway or are looking to explore the quieter corners of the city, these five lesser-known gems offer a different side of London. It’s a more relaxed, more local, and just as unforgettable experience.
1. Leadenhall Market
Tucked between modern skyscrapers in the City of London, Leadenhall Market feels like time travel. With its ornate Victorian architecture, cobbled walkways, and boutique shops, it’s a refreshing contrast to the steel-and-glass surroundings. Known to Harry Potter fans as Diagon Alley, this market is a true slice of everyday London. Grab a coffee and pastry from one of the artisan stalls, then find a spot under the wrought-iron arches to watch the world go by. The blend of old-world charm and modern London lifestyle makes it a unique place to unwind and shop.
2. The Sky Garden
For panoramic views without the price tag, the Sky Garden is one of London’s best-kept secrets. Located atop the “Walkie Talkie” building, it’s a public space filled with lush greenery, a café, and a cocktail bar, all with 360° views of the city skyline. It’s free to visit, but booking ahead is essential due to its growing popularity. The indoor gardens offer a rare oasis high above the city, perfect for a quiet morning coffee or sunset drink.
3. Daunt Books, Marylebone
This Edwardian bookshop is for anyone who appreciates beautiful spaces. Specialising in travel books arranged by country, Daunt Books is lined with oak galleries, hanging lamps, and stained-glass windows. It’s quiet, elegant, and distinctly London. Tucked away in Marylebone, it’s an ideal detour when you need a break from the city’s buzz. Whether you're browsing or just soaking in the atmosphere, it’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and really smell the roses, so to speak.
4. Postman’s Park
Just minutes from St. Paul’s Cathedral, Postman’s Park is easy to miss, but worth finding. Surrounded by office buildings, this peaceful patch of green is home to the Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice, which honours ordinary people who died while saving others. It’s a humble, moving place that offers a quiet moment of reflection amid the city’s intensity. Pack a sandwich or simply sit on a bench because sometimes the best moments in London are the most understated.
5. Little Venice
Little Venice is a charming network of canals that feels a world away from central London. With colourful houseboats, waterside cafés, and calm towpaths, it’s a perfect spot to unwind. You can take a canal boat to Camden or just enjoy a slow walk with a coffee in hand. Rarely packed with tourists, Little Venice is ideal for a peaceful afternoon.
Final Tip
All of these hidden gems are within easy reach of your hotel if you choose to stay at an aparthotel in Waterloo. This gives you the perfect mix of comfort and convenience for a weekend exploring London’s quieter, more charming side and is located slap bang in the middle of the action.
