London Calling! But wait – before you book those tourist hotspots, let’s talk about the elephant at Big Ben. Did you know that 19 million international tourists visited London in 2019? That’s a lot of people potentially wasting time in queues! I’ve got the inside scoop on which famous attractions to skip and the hidden gems that will make your 2024 London adventure truly unforgettable.
1. Leave Madame Tussauds, visit the Victor Wynd Museum of Curiosities
Let’s face it – standing in line for hours to take selfies with wax figures is a thing of the last century. Instead of wasting your time at Madame Tussauds, head to the Victor Wynd Museum of Curiosities. This whimsical collection of oddities will blow your mind!
Imagine wandering into a room filled with two-headed kittens, dodo bones, and artwork that will make you question reality. It’s like stepping into a cabinet of curiosities from a bygone era. Pro tip: Book a cocktail tour for an extra dash of whimsy. Trust me, there is one of them London’s weirdest museums You will never visit.
2. Avoid the London Eye, climb the Sky Garden instead
The London Eye may be iconic, but it’s also overpriced and overrated. Why spend a fortune for a short ride when you can enjoy breathtaking views for free? Enter the Sky Garden, one of London’s best-kept secrets.
This lush, tropical oasis sits atop a skyscraper, offering 360-degree views of the city. Enjoy a cocktail at the bar, attend a sunrise yoga class or simply wander among the exotic plants. The best part? It’s completely free! Just remember to book your tickets online in advance. It’s a teeBudget-friendly activities in London Nor does it skimp on the wow factor.
3. Go to Piccadilly Circus, explore Neil’s Yard
Piccadilly Circus may be famous, but let’s be honest – it’s just a glorified traffic junction with some eye-catching billboards. For a truly Instagram-worthy experience, head to the hidden gem of Neal’s Yard in Covent Garden.
This secret corner is a riot of color, with buildings painted in every shade of the rainbow. It’s home to independent shops, organic cafes and more attractions than you can shake a stick at. Grab a superfood smoothie, browse unique beauty products, or just lay back in the bohemian atmosphere. It is one of them Secret London spots It will make your friends back home green with envy.
4. Skip Buckingham Palace, visit Kensington Palace instead
While Buckingham Palace may be the Queen’s official residence, tours are limited, expensive and often infrequent. For a real royal experience, go Kensington Palace. This historic royal residence offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of past and present royalty.
Explore Queen Victoria’s childhood rooms, marvel at Princess Diana’s iconic fashion collection and stroll through the stunning gardens. It’s the perfect mix of history, culture and beauty – and usually with much smaller crowds. Don’t forget to check out discounted tickets online.
5. Avoid platform 9¾ at King’s Cross, visit Minalimana House
Harry Potter fans, I know you’re tempted by Platform 9¾, but trust me – it’s just a long queue for an easy photo op. Instead, treat yourself to Minalimana House in Soho for a truly magical experience.
This free exhibit showcases graphic art from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. Four floors of charming designs, props and interactive displays await you. It is one of them Unusual things to do in London It will delight both children and adults alike. Accio wonderful memories!
6. Skip the changing of the guard, watch the ceremony of keys
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace may be famous, but it’s crowded, hard to see and, let’s face it, a bit repetitive. For a truly unique London experience, book tickets to the Keys ceremony at the Tower of London.
This ancient ritual has been performed every night for over 700 years. Watch the tower close for the night in a ceremony steeped in history and tradition. The best part? This is free! Just be sure to book well in advance – that’s one of them London’s best-kept secrets.
7. Skip Harrods, shop at Borough Market instead
Harrods may be world famous, but unless you’re in the market for overpriced luxury goods, it can be a bit of a letdown. For a true taste of London, head to Borough Market instead.
This foodie paradise is one of London’s oldest and largest food markets. Sample artisan cheeses, indulge in street food from around the world and discover unique British dishes. It is a feast for all your senses and one Experience top London food. Don’t miss the grilled cheese sandwich at Kappasin – it’s legendary.
8. Avoid Big Ben, explore the old operating theater museum
With Big Ben under renovation until 2024, now is the perfect time to discover one of London’s most fascinating hidden gems – the Old Operating Theater Museum.
tucked away Near London Bridge, this unique museum houses the oldest surviving surgical theater in Europe. Step back in time as you explore 19th-century operating rooms, herb garrets and collections of grim medical equipment. It is one of London’s underground attractions that will give you a new appreciation for modern medicine.
9. Leave Oxford Street, wander through Camden Passage
Could be Oxford Street London’s most popular shopping destination, but it’s crowded, filled with chain stores, and lacks character. For a more glamorous shopping experience, head to Camden Passage in Islington.
This pedestrian street is a treasure trove of antique shops, vintage boutiques and cozy cafes. Spend an afternoon browsing the unique finds, Sip artisanal coffee, and soaking in the local environment. is one of them London’s best places for vintage shopping And people are watching.
10. Stroll across Trafalgar Square, discover Little Venice
Trafalgar Square may be historic, but it’s also often crowded and dominated by pigeons. For a more peaceful experience, explore the hidden charm of Little Venice.
This picturesque area, where two canals meet, is home to colorful narrowboats and waterside cafes. Take a canal boat ride, enjoy a puppet show at a local theater or stroll along a peaceful towpath. It is one of the most romantic places in London and a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
11. Avoid the Shard’s viewing gallery, visit the Postal Museum instead
The view from the Shard can be impressive, but it is also expensive and weather dependent. For a unique London experience, head underground to the Postal Museum.
Here, you can ride the Mail Rail – a miniature underground train that was once used to transport mail across the city. Explore interactive exhibits about Britain’s postal history and enjoy family-friendly activities. It is one of London’s cultural experiences that is both educational and entertaining.
12. Leave Leicester Square, explore God’s own junkyard
Leicester Square may be the heart of London’s West End, but it’s also full of overpriced restaurants and tacky attractions. For a truly dazzling experience, head to God’s Own Junkyard in Walthamstow.
This neon wonderland is filled with salvaged signs, retro displays and mind-bending light installations. It is a psychedelic feast for the eyes and one of them The best London photo opportunities you will get Grab a coffee at the on-site cafe and lose yourself in the glow.
13. Pass by Covent Garden, find Maltby Street Market
Covent Garden may be charming, but it’s also touristy and overpriced. For a more authentic London market experience, head to Maltby Street Market in Bermondsey.
This weekend market is a local favorite, offering gourmet street food, craft beer and unique local produce. Wander under the railway arches, sample delicious treats and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. is one of them London’s best street food A great place to soak up the scenery and mingle with the locals.
14. Avoid Westminster Abbey, visit Highgate Cemetery instead
Westminster Undoubtedly impressive, but also expensive and often crowded. For a more peaceful and equally historic experience, explore Highgate Cemetery in North London.
This Victorian era cemetery is not only hauntingly beautiful but also the final resting place of many famous celebrities. Visit the grave of Karl Marx, discover the final resting place of Douglas Adams and admire the Gothic architecture. Choose one of the guided tours or explore on your own – either way, it’s one of London’s most atmospheric places.
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