“Tired of London – tired of life” they say, and we couldn’t agree more. One can spend years in London and still have plenty to discover in this ever-changing city. If you are not a first-time visitor in London and you want to explore beyond the regular attractions, here comes the second article about less touristy things one can enjoy in the capital of Great Britain. Just like the first article, this post might gain new items, as after a year in London we keep discovering new things again and again.

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Wisteria Blossom in Pekham Rye 

Shoreditch & Brick Lane

As many would include Brick Lane in the top things to see in London, it will open this list. If you want to see as many extravagant, stylish people in a super creative décor as you can, then go directly to Old Street Tube station and walk your way till Brick Lane. This area is far from being enormous, but one can easily spend a whole day strolling from one vintage shop to another, marveling at people, looking at the new and old street art (including that very Banksy!) and enjoying all those hipster bars, barbershops and amazing bookshops. Brick Lane is also the center of Bengali community, so you will also observe an ethnic touch. A real mess, but oh so unique.

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Some people claim Shoreditch to be London in the nutshell, but as creative as it may be, it represents only one face of this diversified city.

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Our favourite spots in Shoreditch:

– Nomadic Community Garden: a chilled garden with a smell indicating that people don’t grow here only vegetables. It has some of the finest street-art in the area.

– Arnold Circus: beautiful square with quite an atypical architecture in used to be London slams.

– Spitafields Market: because all street food is LOVE.

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Arnold Circus

Barbican – The Town of the Future

Imagine the future. Did it include cyborgs and flying cars? Cool, now go to the Barbican and you will see how people in the sixties saw the proper town of the future. The area heavily bombed after the WWII was given for a sort of architectural experiment where a practically an independent town was built in the spirit of social utopia. Residential blocks of flats with gardens, cinema and a cultural center were meant to be a new direction of urbanism providing everything needed to its inhabitants, but the idea was shortly abandoned and the Barbican remained as a unique example of such architectural endeavors. There are official guide tours that will explain each detail of the whole construction and it is definitely worth it!

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Still, we would absolutely recommend you to visit this place, especially on Sunday, when the Barbican Conservatory with a greenhouse is open for public. By the way, the exhibitions in the Barbican Center are also excellent, check what’s on to combine everything in one.

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Greenwich

Greenwich is a lovely area, which also deserves a day of a lazy strolling. You could have already guessed that Greenwich is the very birthplace of GMT – Greenwich Mean Time or the prime meridian, and if you climb up to the Royal Observatory, you can actually stand on it (after a tiiiny entrance fee) and take that legendary crossing-the-time-zones photo. This place is listed in UNESCO World Heritage, mind it! Otherwise, there are many beautiful things to see, starting with amazing view over Canary Wharf area, the deer park Wilderness, the Queen’s House and the gorgeous National Maritime Museum (where you will be able to see admiral Nelson’s… stockings!). Honestly, just have a look at the Google Maps with all spots mentioned to have an idea on everything you can see there.

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

For a snack go directly to the Greenwich market. Check the opening time of the vintage market and don’t forget to see the ship Cutty Sark on the quay. And if you are not claustrophobic, why not cross the Thames on foot in the Greenwich foot tunnel?

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Greenwich Vintage Market

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Entrance to the Foot Tunnel

Our favourite spots in Greenwich:

– Heap’s Sausage Café: I can feel how my mouth water just at the thought of those sausages…

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Richmond Park & the Deer

If Hyde Park is enormous then Richmond Park is massively huge, so don’t ambition to walk it all on foot and think of taking a bike. The main thing that attracts visitors to the park are the deer, and there are hundreds of them. They are not afraid of people and let you come very close, and this wildlife on the contrast with the urbanized cityscape is amazing. Considering the proximity of the Heathrow airport, we get a very utopic picture of the peacefully chewing deer and landing planes. While you are here, also try to get to the Isabella Plantation to see the azalea blossom. By the way, the residential area of Richmond is also lovely.

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Kew Gardens

Another item from the UNESCO list, a huge botanical garden with various greenhouses and sections deserves an entire day. A bit pricy, but when you think of how much work and attention such place requires and the use it brings to the science, it seems not that expensive after all. Kew Gardens possesses one of the biggest plant collections in the world, and no matter what time of year you decided to visit them, there will always be something special happening, whether it is Christmas lights, orchid festival, summer blossom or autumn golden colors.

And yes, the Kew Gardens Shop is FANTASTIC.

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Other Museums

The British Museum, National Gallery and Natural History Museum are gorgeous, and are absolute must-see spots during your first time in London, but don’t forget that it’s not all. Once you visit these top museums, you should definitely go to the ones that normally don’t get into the list of priorities, such as Tate Britain, National Portrait Gallery (LOVE!), National Maritime Museum (see above the section about Greenwich), Museum of London and so many others. Considering that the entrance is free to majority of them, it would be shame to miss such an opportunity.

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

National Portrait Gallery

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Science Museum

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Sherlock Holmes Museum on 221B Baker Street

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Our favourite experience:

Visiting the museums during the late evening hours. This simply means few tourists, no kids and more Champaign with a somewhat mysterious ambiance. :) Check the schedule directly on the museums’ websites.

[:en]Things to Know About London[:fr]Ce qu'il faut savoir avant d'aller à Londres[:]

ZSL London Zoo

No introduction needed. Even though the zoos are often presented as a kids’ amusement, we still find them fascinating and useful, as the zoo is not “keeping animals in cages”, but above all it is studying and protecting different species. I won’t say that London Zoo has something that other European zoos lack, not at all, but do you remember that it was here that Harry Potter discovered he could talk to snakes? See you there then! :) As many other attractions in London, the zoo offers the price 10% cheaper if booked online and in advance.

Check out: London on Budget: 22 Money-Saving Tips From the Insiders

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and Do

Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf along with the City of London is the biggest financial center of the whole country. And indeed, it forms a separate town of skyscrapers and its strong business atmosphere will make anybody think of the Wall Street. Canary Wharf is easily recognized from any viewing point – isn’t it spectacular?

Starting with the tube station design and finishing with every detail of architecture, Canary Wharf looks much more like a town of future than any Barbican. While you are here, you can check that famous Traffic Light Tree. Installed by a French artist, it symbolizes the hectic rhythm of Canary Wharf.

Our favourite spot in Canary Wharf:

– Crossrail Place Roof Garden

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

View at the Canary Wharf from The Garden at 120

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

British Library

Believe it or not, but the British Library has more than 200 million items from all over the world, which makes it the biggest world’s library in terms of its content. It’s not as ancient as the National Library in Vienna, but its modern design is no less splendid. The British Library has a permanent exposition of curious historical items (like Magna Carta or a letter from Victoria saying that giving a vote right to women would be a ridiculous idea), and holds regular events with various speakers (must be booked in advance!). You will definitely enjoy this amazing atmosphere of knowledge and studying. Impossible not to love this place, especially if you are fan of literature.

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Brixton

Situated in South-West of London, Brixton is another “alternative culture” spot similar in some way to Camden Town. Brixton Market and Brixton village with loads of little restaurants and street food make it a great destination for foodies, a huge number of bars and clubs – for clubbers, and the whole Brixton district in general wears a somewhat exotic touch of the strong Jamaican presence. Honestly, if to choose, we would much better prefer Brixton to Camden Town, the fact that’s close to our home is not relevant at all. :D

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Our favourite spot in Brixton:

David Bowie’s Mural – a beautiful tribute to the Brixton’s local.

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Highgate & Hampstead

What used to be a separate town not long time ago is now one of the most valued areas of London. Highgate and Hampstead are two beautiful districts in the northern part of the city with a very cinematographic British spirit. Just take there a walk and you will see yourself. Absolutely visit the Highgate cemetery – this 19th century graveyard has a particular dark gothic spirit, it also became the last home for some worldwide celebrities like George Michael, Douglas Adams (ever heard of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy?) and Karl Marx (ever heard of communism?).

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Between Highgate and Hampstead there is a huge park Hampstead Heath with a Kenwood House to visit. Also, don’t forget to have a pint in a pub with history – The Spaniards Inn, whose existence goes back to the 17th century!

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Hampstead

Temple

Apart from financial centres, London also has its very own historical legal district, situated in the very heart of the city not far from the Westminster Palace. Lawyer’s offices, legal companies’ headquarters, libraries and even dining halls – this area consisting of two parts (Inner Temple and Middle Temple) is beautiful from the aesthetics point of view, but is also interesting to explore. If you ever wondered where you can get a judge wig, you’ll probably find your answer here. Built by the Temple Knights in the Middle Ages, the area, like any other, lived through lots of changes and damages, but now it’s hard to believe that it ever had any.

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

The Mews

One of the most characteristics of London are the Mews. These little streets used to be the courtyards for horse stables back in the days when horses were the main mean of transport. With the more advanced transport system development, the concept of mews had to be reconsidered, and here they are – original beautiful houses on cozy streets in fancy London districts. If you pay attention in such areas as Chelsey, South Kensington or Mayfair, you will see lots of passages to those streets. Still, the most beautiful mews can be found around the Hyde Park, some of them actually still serve their original purpose!

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Here are some tips where to find the prettiest mews and also check out this beautiful walk to explore some of them with a single itinerary made by Luke & Nell from What if We Walked.

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Hyde Park Mews

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Fulham, Hammersmith & Chiswick

While looking on the map one might think that Chiswick is way out of London, but it’s actually one of its loveliest parts. On a sunny, summer day take a bike and ride along the Thames quays towards Kew Gardens through Putney or Fulham, pass by the boat racers clubs, have a cider in one of the beautiful pubs, marvel at the stunning houses with a compulsory stop at Chiswick House and Gardens. There is also a small natural reserve WWT London Wetland Centre to make you feel completely out of city. By the way, for another London experience, on the day of the famous boat race between the Oxford and Cambridge universities come to Hammersmith bridge to watch it. We don’t guarantee that you will see much, but you will have fun, that is for sure.

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do
Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Our favourite spot in Hammersmith:

– A pub The Blue Anchor. Nothing is more welcome on a warm evening.

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Chiswick House & Gardens

Alternative London: Unusual Things to See and to Do

Don’t forget you can open the map in a new window by clicking on the “full screen button”. All the places and adresses mentioned in the article are indicated on this map.

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Alternative London: Non-Touristy Places to Explore
Alternative London: Non-Touristy Places to Explore

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