Travelling alone in London, whilst liberating, can be a little daunting to first-time solo travellers. But don’t let that deter you. From quirky museums to live comedy acts – take a look at our best things to do alone in London for a day.
**DISCLAIMER: this jam-packed day in London is not for the faint hearted, but we promise that you’ll love every minute of it!
In a rush? Here’s a snapshot of our list:
Enjoy breakfast at Granger and Co.
Where: King’s Cross, N1C 4AG
Clink recommends: vegan granola, coconut yoghurt and blueberry and hibiscus compote
Making time for breakfast as a solo traveller is a must; it helps you plan for the day ahead and enjoy some ‘me time’ before exploring London alone.
Fuel up at Granger and Co. because boy, you’re gonna need it. Less than 10 minutes walk away from Clink261 and a 15 minute walk from Clink78, Granger and Co. offer dishes that not only look good, but do good too.
The Old Operating Theatre
Image credit: The Old Operating Theatre
Where: Southwark, SE1 9RY
Clink recommends: visiting on a weekend to see a mock live surgical demonstration, but be sure to book tickets beforehand
If you’re like us and love anything on Netflix that includes mystery, gore and gruesome tales, then The Old Operating Theatre is the place to go.
Predating anaesthetics and antiseptics, The Old Operating Theatre is the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe where throughout history, people would watch live autopsies and operations. If you are travelling alone in London on a weekend, be sure to catch a mock demonstration of how surgery was done in the Victorian Era.
Cost: Entry only: £6.50 / Entry with live demonstration: £7.50
Grab a bite to eat at London Borough Market
Where: Southwark, SE1 1TL
Clink recommends: Kappacasein’s cheese toasties, they’re to die for (plus, totally Instagrammable)
Just a short distance from The Old Operating Theatre, London Borough Market is a foodie paradise. Said to date back to 1014, the market has been the go-to place for Londoners to buy artisan food and organic produce for centuries.
The market isn’t just comprised of cheese and meat like most markets of its kind. But instead, it is jam-packed with foods from around the world. You name it, they have it.
However, one thing is guaranteed at London Borough Market: you will run out of stomach space before you run out of places that tempt you. To tackle this, we recommend you enter with a plan of action, and if it doesn’t include a cheese toastie from Kappacasein, then we can’t be friends. Sorry.
Sourdough bread, leeks, onions and a bucket load of raclette cheese. Need we say much more??
Don’t forget to check out Kappacasein’s chalkboard which displays quirky quotes, funny jokes and drawings – it’s sure to put a smile on your face and is a talking point with other customers whilst travelling alone in London.
For more food options, check our guides to the best street food in London and cheap vegetarian restaurants in London.
Hidden London Walking Tour
Image credit: Hidden London Walking Tour
Where: Victoria Embankment, WC2n 6NS
Clink recommends: Wear comfortable shoes, trust us.
The hustle and bustle of the big city can feel like a whirlwind, but travelling alone in London allows you to pay attention to the finer detail and see some of the city’s hidden gems.
Venture into the forgotten, overlooked and macabre past of London with the Hidden London Walking Tour. The journey takes in a medieval crypt, the punishment cell of the Knights Templar, a church that shows wear and tear from World War II, and a the location of a long-lost underground station.
What’s more, these smaller tours are perfect for solo travellers in London to meet other tourists in a more intimate setting.
Cost: from £16.00
Dinner at Mr Fogg’s Tavern
Image credit: Mr Fogg’s Tavern
Where: Covent Garden, WC2N 4EA
Clink recommends: A hearty plate of sausage, spinach and mash. British grub at its finest.
Because you can’t come to London and not enjoy the cuisine in a traditional pub, can you? Mr Fogg’s Tavern takes the British pub concept and kicks up a notch, creating a friendly place for solo travellers to take a seat and enjoy a bite to eat before exploring London at night.
Many may say “it’s only pub grub”, but mark our words, it’s much more than just that. Mr Fogg’s Tavern takes quintessentially British dishes and adds their twist to make it taste better than you’ve ever had. Period.
True to the adventures of Sir Phileas Fogg himself, the tavern’s upstairs hideaway serves an array of gin and 19th century-inspired cocktails. But if cocktails aren’t your thing, they also serve premium ales and beer in traditional tankards and pewter cups.
The Comedy Store
Image credit: headbox.com
Where: Soho, SW1Y 4EE
Clink recommends: visit on a Thursday to see The Best in Stand Up
To round off a busy day in London, sample some of London’s best up and coming comedic talent at The Comedy Store, located in the heart of the West End.
Back in the 80s, the Comedy Store was fundamental in the growth of the alternative comedy scene, with some of the most well-known comedy geniuses owing their stardom to the Store.
Nowadays, the club offers top quality stand-up line-ups, topical shows and improvised comedy throughout the week, giving tourists and locals alike a place to sit back, relax and enjoy an evening of laughter together.
Cost: £19.00 / £13.00 with student discount (*Don’t forget to bring a valid student ID with a displayed expiry date.)
That’s a wrap!
Whether you visit each and every place on our list of things to do alone in London for a day, or handpick just a few, London is the perfect place for solo travellers to soak up a city packed with history, an array of things to do and incredible people.
However, if you’re not ready to hit the hay after your day in London, then drop by ClashBAR, located in Clink78. With a range of activities throughout the week, ClashBAR is the perfect place to meet fellow solo travellers from across the world!
Looking for an affordable bed in London? Book yourself into one of our hostels: Clink261 budget hostel or at Clink78 backpackers youth hostel in King’s Cross for affordable and friendly accommodation. Travelling with friends? Find cheap group accommodation in London to suit your needs!
