To experience London like a true local, skip the tourist traps and explore neighborhoods like Hackney and Brixton, visit hidden pubs, enjoy local markets, take a riverside walk, and use the Tube like a Londoner. Embrace the city’s pace, culture, and quirks for an authentic trip.
Want to experience London like a true local? Skip Buckingham Palace and Oxford Street, and instead head to the neighborhoods, pubs, parks, and markets that make the city truly tick. This guide is filled with insider recommendations so you can experience London like a true local and create a more meaningful, immersive trip.
Why Experience London Like a Local Matters
When you experience London like a true local, you get:
- Deeper cultural connections
- Unique and unforgettable moments
- Better prices and smaller crowds
- A genuine understanding of daily life in the UK capital
Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, stepping into local life is the best way to experience London authentically.
Explore Local Neighborhoods in London
Skip tourist zones and dive into local boroughs for a genuine London experience.
Top Local Neighborhoods in London for an Authentic Visit
| Neighborhood | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Hackney | Street art, indie cafés, and night markets |
| Brixton | Afro-Caribbean culture, food scene, and music |
| Notting Hill | Pastel homes, local cafés, calm residential charm |
| Stoke Newington | Bohemian community with local boutiques |
| Peckham | Rooftop bars, creative spaces, and artist studios |
Eat Like a Local in London
London’s best meals are found outside of tourist restaurants. Eat like a true Londoner at these top local spots.
Where to Eat Like a Local
- Dishoom (Shoreditch) – Bombay brunch and stylish interior
- Flat Iron – Beloved no-reservation steak spot
- Beigel Bake (Brick Lane) – Salt beef and mustard bagels
- Moro (Exmouth Market) – Local favorite for Mediterranean fusion
- Borough Market – Go early on weekdays for fewer crowds
Local Markets Worth Visiting
- Broadway Market
- Maltby Street Market
- Victoria Park Market
Drink Like a Londoner
Pubs are a central part of London life. You haven’t experienced London like a true local until you’ve had a pint in one of these hidden gems.
Classic and Hidden Local Pubs
- Ye Olde Mitre – Tucked away near Holborn
- The Churchill Arms – Lavishly decorated and historic
- The Spaniards Inn – Literary history in Hampstead
- Crate Brewery – Independent riverside brewery in Hackney Wick
- The Mayflower – Riverside charm with a historic twist
Experience Local London Outdoors
Walk, bike, or relax in London’s many open-air spaces. Locals spend time here every day.
Top Outdoor Spots for Locals
- Regent’s Canal – Scenic walk or ride between Camden and Little Venice
- Hampstead Heath – Wide open nature and city views
- Richmond Park – Peaceful, with free-roaming deer
- Southbank to Tower Bridge – Perfect for riverside walks
- Columbia Road Flower Market – A Sunday local favorite
Shop Like a London Local
For authentic gifts and keepsakes, skip souvenir stands and try these places instead.
Where to Shop Like a Local
- Spitalfields Market – Fashion and local designers
- Portobello Road (weekdays) – Vintage and antiques
- Camden Passage – Small shops, collectibles, and curiosities
- Libreria Bookshop – A beautifully curated literary haven
Use Public Transport Like a Local
The best way to experience London like a local is to travel like one.
- Use an Oyster card or tap-to-pay credit card
- Stand on the right side of escalators
- Avoid the Tube during rush hours
- Try the DLR from Canary Wharf and sit in the front
Watch a Local Show or Event
Instead of the tourist-packed musicals, enjoy performances Londoners actually go to.
- Shakespeare’s Globe (standing tickets are cheap)
- Royal Court Theatre – Contemporary and original plays
- Soho Theatre – Stand-up and spoken word
- Ronnie Scott’s – Jazz in Soho
- Southbank Centre – Regular local events, many free
Can’t-Miss Local Experiences in London
- Canal boat ride from Little Venice to Camden
- Sunset picnic on Primrose Hill
- Live gig at Wilton’s Music Hall
- Record shopping at Rough Trade
- Street food at Southbank Centre on a Friday night
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is London safe for tourists?
Yes. London is very safe, especially in central and well-lit areas. Take normal city precautions.
What’s the best time to experience London like a local?
May through September offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and a more relaxed local vibe.
How do I get to central London from Heathrow?
Take the Piccadilly Line or the Elizabeth Line for an affordable and efficient trip.
What’s a good local souvenir?
British tea, handmade soaps from markets, vinyl records, or books from a local shop like Daunt Books.
Start Your Local London Adventure
Now that you know how to experience London like a true local, it’s time to dive into the city’s rhythm. Skip the postcard version and enjoy the real one—through its neighborhoods, people, and everyday moments.
Check out our urban travel guide for more cities worth exploring beyond the tourist trail.
Looking for more hidden gems? Don’t miss our guide to off-the-beaten-path destinations.
