Forget the guidebooks that lead you into crowds of selfie sticks. To experience London like a local, you’ve got to dig a little deeper — explore the cosy corners, secret spots, and neighbourhoods where real Londoners sip their flat whites, cheer for footy, and argue passionately over the best Sunday roast.
Seeing the Changing of the Guard and riding a red double-decker bus is great… the first time. But if you’re the kind of traveller who wants more than just ticking off tourist traps, you might wonder: Where can I experience London like a local? You’re in the right place, mate.
🎒 So, What Does “London Like a Local” Really Mean?
It means ditching Piccadilly for Peckham, swapping chain coffee for indie cafés, and choosing vintage markets over mega malls. It’s all about blending in, slowing down, and soaking up the city’s vibe beyond the landmarks.
To help you crack the code, we’ve pulled together a treasure map of ideas that’ll have you exploring London like a local in no time.
11 Ways to Experience London Like a Local
Skip the crowds, the chains, and the clichés. Here’s how to see London like a local does — quirky, cosy, and captivating.
🚌 1. Ride the Bus Like a Pro
Forget the Tube momentarily — hop on a red double-decker and sit up top for a scenic view of everyday life. Use your contactless card or Oyster and explore the city from street level.
🛍️ 2. Wander Weekend Markets
Check out Broadway Market, Columbia Road Flower Market, or Maltby Street Market. Here, locals browse, brunch, and banter every Saturday and Sunday. Arrive early to beat the brunch queues!
🍻 3. Grab a Pint at a Classic Pub
Go beyond the chains and into a traditional pub. Whether it’s The Spaniards Inn or a backstreet boozer in Clerkenwell, order at the bar, say “cheers,” and blend in.
🏘️ 4. Discover Local Neighbourhoods
Trade Leicester Square for Stoke Newington, Peckham, Brixton, or Hackney. These areas pulse with creativity, culture, and proper London life.
🗣️ 5. Pick Up the Local Lingo
Start saying “cheers” instead of “thanks,” call the elevator a “lift,” and if someone says “you alright?” — they’re just saying hi.
🍽️ 6. Eat Like a Local
Skip the chains. Head to Brick Lane for curry, Brixton Village for Afro-Caribbean eats, and Exmouth Market for global street food. Real Londoners love good food at a reasonable price.
🚶♀️ 7. Walk Everywhere (Seriously)
London is a walkable wonderland. Stroll along Regent’s Canal, meander through Hampstead Heath, or explore the South Bank on foot. You’ll discover the city’s quieter, soul-soothing side.
🎭 8. Catch Fringe Theatre or Live Music
Instead of West End blockbusters, try smaller venues like the Arcola Theatre, The Vaults, or a spoken word night in Dalston. Live jazz at Ronnie Scott’s or an open mic in Camden? Yes, please.
☕ 9. Ditch the Chains, Sip Indie Coffee
Support independent cafés like Monmouth, Ozone, or Flat White in Soho. Bonus: Many come with baked goods better than your wildest croissant dreams.
🛍️ 10. Shop Local & Vintage
Swap Oxford Street for Camden Passage, Spitalfields, or Deptford Market Yard. Browse for secondhand gems, handmade crafts, and boutique fashion — with a London twist.
🌿 11. Escape into Urban Green
Londoners adore their green escapes. Walk in Greenwich Park, picnic on Primrose Hill, or get wonderfully lost in Epping Forest. Nature is never far away — even in the capital.
💡 Quick Tips for Doing London Like a Local
- 🚇 Stand on the right. Escalator etiquette on the Tube is sacred. Break it, and expect glares.
- 🕰️ Avoid Oxford Street at peak hours. Unless you’re practising for a human obstacle course.
- 🥡 Order a salt beef bagel from Brick Lane — not fish and chips in Leicester Square.
- ☔ Always carry an umbrella. If you don’t, it’ll rain. Guaranteed.
🧳 Plan Smart with Welcome2.London
Want help navigating the city without losing your mind — or your Oyster card? Welcome2.London is your ultimate travel sidekick. This beautifully designed platform helps tourists explore London like a local by offering:
- 📍 Genuine recommendations, not paid ads disguised as “hidden gems.”
- 💬 Insider tips and neighbourhood guides written by actual Londoners.
- 💸 Booking comparison tools on every page to score the best attractions, tours, and transport deals.
- 🧾 Real reviews from travellers who’ve been there, done that — and spilled the tea.
Whether you’re booking a quirky walking tour through Soho or searching for the cosiest Airbnb in Notting Hill, Welcome2.London makes it smooth, savvy, and stress-free to visit London like a local.
🗺️ 2-Day Itinerary: Explore London Like a Local
Created with ❤️ by Welcome2.London — your go-to guide for real, authentic London. Don’t forget to use their booking comparison tools for tours, events, and transportation. For seamless rides, book with Chauffeurz.London right from the platform!
📅 Day 1: East London Vibes + Hidden Gems
☕ 9:00 a.m. – Indie Breakfast in Shoreditch
Start your day with a perfect flat white and smashed avo at Ozone Coffee Roasters or Allpress Espresso. Wake up like a proper East Londoner.
🎨 10:00 a.m. – Street Art & Culture Walk
Stroll through Shoreditch, Brick Lane, and Spitalfields. Book a local-led street art tour via Welcome2.London to spot Banksy pieces and discover East London’s creative core.
🛍️ noon – Shop Vintage at Spitalfields
Explore Old Spitalfields Market for artisan goods, handmade jewellery, and a touch of East End quirk. Grab a cheeky snack while you browse.
🍛 1:30 p.m. – Lunch at a Local Favourite
Hit Brick Lane for legendary salt beef bagels or dive into an authentic curry house like Aladin or City Spice.
🚌 3:00 p.m. – Ride the Bus to Hackney
Hop on a double-decker (top front seat, obviously!) toward Hackney. Use your contactless card or Oyster for a smooth ride.
🍻 4:00 p.m. – Pint at a Proper Pub
Sip a local ale at The Dove or The Pembury Tavern — cozy, casual, and full of character.
🌅 6:00 p.m. – Regent’s Canal Walk
Wind down the day with a scenic canal walk from Hackney to Angel or Little Venice. Sunsets here are dreamy.
🍽️ 7:30 p.m. – Dinner at Broadway Market
Enjoy global bites in a chilled-out, local setting. Think Ethiopian stews, vegan burgers, and craft beer under twinkly lights.
📅 Day 2: South London Strolls + Culture
🥐 9:00 a.m. – Brunch in Brixton Village
Head to Brixton Village Market for Caribbean pancakes or Colombian arepas. Coffee? Try Federation Coffee.
🏘️ 10:30 a.m. – Explore Local Life in Peckham
Walk it off in Peckham Rye Park, then browse the rooftop views and galleries at Peckham Levels.
🎭 noon – Catch a Pop-Up or Fringe Show
Use Welcome2.London to find current performances at The Vaults, Arcola Theatre, or other fringe gems.
🍲 2:00 p.m. – Lunch at Maltby Street Market
Small but mighty, this weekend market in Bermondsey is a foodie paradise. Try raclette, bao buns, or artisan ice cream.
🌳 3:30 p.m. – Relax at Greenwich Park
Catch panoramic views from the Royal Observatory, then stroll downhill toward the Greenwich Market for a snack and a browse.
🚘 Optional: Book Chauffeurz.London for a smooth transfer to your next destination as visit London like a local— whether it’s a dinner date, airport, or hotel!
🍸 6:00 p.m. – End With Drinks at a Hidden Speakeasy
Toast to your local-style London adventure at Cahoots, Nightjar, or The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town. Ask a local how to find the entrance — that’s half the fun.
💼 How to Book Everything
✔ Visit Welcome2.London
✔ Compare prices and reviews
✔ Book activities, restaurants, chauffeurs, and shows in one place
✔ Need help? Use the live chat or contact form on any page
🚘 Travel London Like a Local — Without Public Transport Stress
Okay, truth time: London’s public transport is iconic… but also a bit of a maze. If you’d rather skip the sweaty Tube during rush hour or avoid deciphering bus routes, treat yourself to Chauffeurz.London.
Offered directly through the Welcome2.London platform, Chauffeurz.London gives you access to:
- 🛻 Private, professional drivers
- 🗺️ Seamless airport transfers
- 🕰️ Punctual pickups for events, shows, and date nights
It’s the best of both worlds — local access with VIP comfort. That’s how you do London like a local (with a splash of style).
🧭 Ready to Dive In?
To start exploring London like a local, head to Welcome2.London. Scroll through authentic experiences, compare prices effortlessly, and book everything in a few clicks.
🗓️ Need help planning your days? Use the built-in itinerary builder.
💬 Got questions? Chat live with their support team.
📩 Prefer email? Reach out via the contact form on any page.
❤️ Final Word
There are a million ways to fall in love with this city — but if you want the real deal and live and breathe London like a local, it all starts with stepping off the beaten path.
So go on, skip the tour bus. Grab a flat white. Explore neighbourhoods where menus aren’t in ten languages, with Welcome2.London guiding the way and Chauffeurz.London keeps you cruising in comfort, you’re not just visiting — you’re living in London.
