London is the most vibrant capital of the world and that is a fact no one can disagree with. From world-class art galleries and the quirkiest museums, street markets, and astonishing parks to terraces and cozy pubs, London literally has everything and there is no shortage of things to do in this immense “playground”. Everyone around in the world, whether they have visited London or not, knows Big Ben, London Eye, Trafalgar Square or Buckingham Palace as they are the most popular attractions in the city, but there are only a few who know the true gems, the well-hidden places in London. If you were searching for the most fascinating secret places to visit in London and you ended up here, continue reading cause we have gathered the top eight London “hidden” attractions.
8 Hidden Gems in London
1. Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden
London is all about little narrow colorful streets, pretty corners, and picturesque spots. In the beating heart of London, in the alleys of Covent Garden, you will find Neal’s Yard, one of the top hidden gems in London. A small courtyard characterized by playful facades housing healthy cafes and restaurants, quiet tea shops, value-driven retailers where you can buy organic food and beauty products. Escape for a while from the business of central London, enjoy a nice walk in Neal’s Yard or grab some brunch with friends while admiring the surroundings. This cute little yard is tucked Short’s Gardens and Neal Street, a few minutes away from Covent Garden train station.
2. Sky Garden
Visit London’s highest public garden and catch the most swanky city views at Sky Garden, viewing gallery on the 43rd floor of the Walkie Talkie building located in Shoreditch.
The concept of Sky Garden is to create a vibrant and free place of relaxation away from the commotion of the city, where visitors can experience London from a different perspective. Stroll around the impressive botanical garden where you can find the most picturesque spots for that perfect Instagram post, gaze on the incredible bird’s eyes views of the River Thames, the Tower of London, and The Shard. There are also several well-regarded dining options to choose from, as the Darwin Brasserie, the Fenchurch Restaurant, and cocktail bars such as the Sky Pod Bar or the City Garden Pub.
Walk-in spaces are very limited, so it is advised that visitors wishing to visit Sky Garden book their free tickets online from the official website.
3. The Churchill Arms
No visit to London is complete without enjoying British traditional fish & chips and a tap beer at a pub. Among the hidden gems in London is the picturesque Churchill Arms pub located in Notting Hill. The pub, which has been on the site since the 19th century, then owned by Churchill’s grandparents- hence the name- has been described as the most beautiful and colourful pub of the entire city. The interiors of the pub is decorated with all types of things associated with Winston Churchil, while the outdoors are decorated with exuberant floral displays and extravagant Christmas decorations during the winter. Alongside the traditional pub menu, the pub also provides Thai cuisine.
4. Camden Passage, Isligton
Skip the way too touristy Brick Lane and instead explore the Camden Passage in Islington, an off-the-beaten-path hidden gem in London. A quiet picturesque narrow street lined with cozy artisan cafeterias, alternative restaurants, outdoor markets, contemporary boutiques, vintage and antique shops. If you are up for a treasure hunting stroll at the Camden’s Passage shops and stall markets where you can find fashionable contemporary or retro clothing, jewelry, silverware and porcelain, Japanese art prints, rare vinyl records, and the list goes on. Although an unknown place to visit in London for tourists, this site is very famous around locals, especially during weekends.
5. Little Venice
Little Venice is a charming and quirky area located in the popular residential area of Maida Vale in North London. The area takes its name from the tree-lined canals that on a sunny day does resemble an English version of Italian Venice. The quiet walking passages of Little Venice are perfect for a long relaxed walk on a rainless and cloudless day- let’s face it London weather is not the best- and to enjoy a delicious brunch or afternoon tea in one of its cozy boat-cafeterias. Little Venice is the point where canals converge, hence its decks are lined with boats and gondolas all painted in vivid happy colors. As an area famous for its beautiful waterways, it’s no surprise that exploring its canals by boat is an absolute must. There are a few tour operators that offer boat rides at the canals of Little Venice up to the canals of Camden Town.
We recommend taking the following tour:
London: Regent’s Canal Waterbus Little Venice & Camden Town
6. Kew Gardens
Visit the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world at the Kew Gardens, located in Southwest London. The Kew Gardens is London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring over 130 hectares of landscapes and gardens. If you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of busy London don’t think twice, organize a day trip to Kew Gardens where you can spend the whole day wandering around this dazzling park. Catch panoramic views of the Garden at the treetop walkway, standing 18 meters above ground, take amazing photos at the Great Pagoda, a perfect replica of the Chinese Ta. enjoy a stroll along the Great Broad Walk Borders, home to more than 60,000 plants, or visit one of the numerous greenhouses and conservatories where plants, flowers, and trees from all four corners of the world are housed. Additionally, the grounds of the Gardens have a few inviting and cozy cafeterias and dinners, where visitors can enjoy delicious organic food, tasty cakes, and afternoon tea.
Can’t wait to visit Kew Gardens? Guarantee your admission ticket clicking here.
7. Mercato Mayfair
Mercato Mayfair is a cultural hub and sustainable community market housed in the regenerated Church of St Mark’s on North Audley Street in Mayfair. Although located in a pretty busy street parallel to Oxford street, the Mercato Mayfair is definitely classified as a hidden gem in London, as there are not a lot of people who don’t even notice it when passing through, maybe because it looks, and it is actually a former Gothic-style Church. The Mercato features four floors filled with restaurants of an abundance of cuisines, patisseries and cafe stalls, cocktail bars, and food counters galore. During summer enjoy the fresh air and vibrant vibes on the rooftop terrace! There is no entrance fee to the market.
8. Cool and unusual museums in London
From antiquities and fossils to art and high-tech, London is home to numerous outstanding museums and galleries. Check our list of the 7 most cool and unusual museums to visit in London.
