My Solo Travel to London was the BEST - My Complete Guide

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I landed in London with just my backpack and no real plan—just a mix of excitement and that slight “what am I doing?” feeling. But honestly, it didn’t take long before the city started to feel manageable… and even kind of fun.

In just a few days, I stumbled into free museums, accidentally found the coziest pub, and ended up chatting with people I never thought I’d meet. If you’re on the fence about going to London solo, here’s your sign—it’s 100% doable, and way more rewarding than you think.

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Why London is Perfect for Solo Travelers

London is a fantastic city for solo travelers for so many reasons. First off, everyone speaks English (with that charming British accent), so communication is a breeze if you already know the language. The city is also very well organized – the Tube (subway) and buses can get you pretty much anywhere, which meant I never felt stranded or lost.

I found central London quite walkable and full of life. One minute you’re in a historic street with beautiful old buildings, and the second, you next to skyscraper or a huge park. This mix of old and new kept my days interesting. I never felt bored or out of place traveling alone – there was always another market stall to browse or a street performer to watch.

Another thing that makes London easy for solo backpackers is the sheer number of free or affordable things to do. Many of the world-famous museums (like the British Museum and National Gallery) have free entry, which was a lifesaver for my budget and also a great way to spend a rainy afternoon. There are beautiful parks like Hyde Park and Regent’s Park where I could relax, picnic, or people-watch without spending a penny.

Socially, London is friendly in a laid-back way. Locals might not start conversations with you on the Tube (Londoners value their personal space), but if you ask for directions or help, they’ll typically oblige with a smile. I was nervous I’d feel awkward dining alone or going out at night, but I quickly noticed plenty of others doing their own thing. In a city this size, being solo is totally normal, and that was really comforting.

In short, London offers pretty much anything you'd be looking for. You can be as touristy or as offbeat as you want, all at your own pace. I loved having the freedom to follow my own schedule – lingering at a museum exhibit that fascinated me, or detouring to a quirky bookstore I spotted – and London’s endless variety made those moments special.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in London

1. St. Christopher's Inn Oasis-Female Only
2. International Students House - best for Digital Nomads, Family-Friendly Hostel, Groups (10+ people), Older travelers (+50), Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
3. Astor Kensington Hostel - best for Solo Traveller
4. Astor Museum Inn - best for Female Solo Traveller, Solo Traveller
5. London Backpackers - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel

St. Christopher's Inn Oasis-Female Only

8.2

Southwark

"The first thing the weary traveller will do, upon debarking at London Bridge Station and stepping more

International Students House

8.7

Regents Park

"…Laundry facilities are really nice, but are on a card system. You have to pay a deposit, charge a more

from

$40.92

Astor Kensington Hostel

8.1

Bayswater

"…Butchey, you rule man!!! The lounge room is just the best. Good music, nice seats and lots of fun more

from

$21.14

Astor Museum Inn

8.7

Bloomsbury

"…For what I paid I thought it was great. The showers and toilets were clean and the kitchen was not more

from

$23.57

London Backpackers

8.5

Hendon

"…It was great. I have been travelling for about 4 months and have never had so much fun in a hostel more

from

$11.82

A 2–3 Day Itinerary on Your Own

Day 1

• Morning: Start your adventure in the heart of historic London. I began my Day 1 with a walking tour around Westminster – a great way to meet fellow travelers and get oriented. You’ll see big-ticket sights like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben all in one go. Time it right and you might catch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (usually late morning). I remember grinning ear to ear seeing Big Ben in real life, hardly believing I’d made it to London!
• Afternoon: After all that royal and political history, give yourself a break. Grab lunch in Westminster or Trafalgar Square area – there are plenty of sandwich shops and pubs with affordable midday meals. I picked up a “meal deal” from a grocery store and enjoyed it in St. James’s Park, surrounded by friendly ducks and curious pigeons. Next, I walked through Trafalgar Square and popped into the National Gallery (free entry!) for a dose of art. It felt wonderful to wander at my own pace, spending time with Van Gogh’s Sunflowers without anyone hurrying me along.
• Evening: For your first solo night in London, head to the West End. You could catch a famous theater show (there are often same-day discount tickets if you’re spontaneous), or simply explore the streets of Covent Garden and Soho. I opted for a cozy pub dinner – fish and chips and a pint of ale – at a historic pub in Covent Garden. Sitting at the bar, I ended up chatting with a couple of Londoners about football. It was the perfect end to Day 1: good food, new friends, and the warm glow of London’s pub culture making me feel right at home.

Day 2

• Morning: Time to venture to a different part of the city. I took the Tube to Tower Hill to arrive early at the Tower of London. As a lover of history, I couldn’t miss this iconic fortress. Joining the Yeoman Warder tour (the guides have a hilarious dark humor) and seeing the Crown Jewels were big highlights. If you’re on a tight budget, you can skip the entry fee and just enjoy the view of the Tower from outside, then walk across Tower Bridge for those classic photos.
• Afternoon: By lunchtime, I was ready for some grub and a change of scenery. Luckily, just a short walk over London Bridge brought me to Borough Market – a foodie paradise. This lively market is perfect for solo travelers; you can wander among dozens of stalls sampling everything from international street food to local cheese. I grabbed a delicious curry from one stall and ate at a communal table, chatting with another traveler who was also on a solo trip. With a happy belly, I then strolled along the South Bank of the Thames. I passed Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and peeked inside the Tate Modern art gallery (free entry as well). Walking along the river, seeing street performers and the city skyline, made for a lovely afternoon.
• Evening: On Day 2 evening, explore London’s edgier side. I headed to Shoreditch in East London, known for its street art and nightlife. There are free street art tours during the day, but in the evening the area comes alive with cool pubs and music venues. As a solo traveler, I felt completely at ease in the crowd at a Shoreditch food hall where I ate dinner from a food truck and later joined a pub crawl organized by my hostel. If nightlife isn’t your thing, an alternative is to take an evening ride on the London Eye for a stunning view of the city lights, or just relax back at your accommodation – no judgment, you’ve walked a lot today!

Day 3

• Morning: For those with a third day (lucky you!), this can be a chance to see a different neighborhood or even take a day trip. I decided to spend my morning in the colorful area of Notting Hill. I wandered down Portobello Road, browsing the antique stalls and quirky boutiques. The pastel houses and charming cafes made this solo stroll feel like a movie scene (yes, I took the obligatory Notting Hill blue door photo). If you’re in town on a Saturday, the Portobello Road Market is in full swing and absolutely worth checking out for vintage finds and yummy street food.
• Afternoon: In the afternoon, you have options. If you’re craving more green space, you could relax in Hyde Park or explore Kensington Gardens – I found a sunny spot one day and wrote in my journal, enjoying the rare London sunshine. Culture lovers might visit the nearby Natural History Museum or Victoria and Albert Museum (both free and excellent). Alternatively, if you have the itch to get out of the city, Day 3 afternoon is a good time for an optional excursion. Popular and easy day trips include taking a train to Oxford (for medieval college vibes), Brighton (to enjoy the beach and arcade pier), or Windsor (to see a real-life royal castle). On my trip, I actually hopped on a short train ride to Brighton for a few hours of sea breeze – a refreshing contrast to the city hustle.
• Evening: Back in London for your final evening, soak up whatever experience you feel you missed. Maybe you head to Camden Town to catch live music and see the famous Camden Lock canal as the lights reflect on the water. Camden’s alternative scene is very backpacker-friendly, and you’ll find many solo travelers in its pubs and music venues. I ended my Day 3 with a quiet stroll along the Thames, from the Millennium Bridge towards the London Eye, enjoying the city lights and reflecting on the adventure. London at night has a special kind of magic, and even on my own I felt part of its story.

Is London Safe for Solo Travelers?

Safety is a common concern, especially if you’re traveling alone. The good news is that I found London to be generally safe as a solo traveler. You’ll see a lot of police and CCTV cameras around major tourist areas, and the city is well-lit and active even after dark in central zones. I walked around places like Westminster and the South Bank in the evening and felt comfortable, since there were always other people and families about. Violent crime is rare in the touristy parts; the biggest thing to watch out for is petty theft like pickpocketing in crowded spots or on the Tube. I kept my bag zipped and in front of me in busy markets and never had any issues.

As a woman traveler, I took the usual precautions I would in any big city. I stuck to busy, well-lit streets at night, especially when I was by myself. London’s public transport runs late (some Tube lines even run 24 hours on weekends) and there are plenty of black cabs and Ubers, so you don’t have to walk home alone if you’re out late. I also picked up a couple of local habits to blend in: stand on the right side of Tube escalators, have your Oyster or contactless card ready at the turnstile, and don’t suddenly stop in the middle of busy sidewalks. Oh, and remember that cars drive on the left in the UK – always look right first when crossing streets (I had to catch myself a few times!). Blending in mostly means being aware of your surroundings and respecting the fast pace of city life. I found that by doing so, I felt less like a target and more like just another Londoner going about my day.

One thing that put me at ease was seeing many other solo women around – in museums, cafes, and on tours. You won’t stand out as “that person alone.” If anything, people might assume you’re a local on your lunch break! Trust your instincts, as always: if a street or situation doesn’t feel right, move along or stick to where other people are. But honestly, during my trip I never encountered anything scary. Common sense (like not flashing your cash or leaving your phone unattended) goes a long way. London in general gave me a sense of confidence; it’s the kind of place where a bit of awareness and street-smarts will keep you safe and sound.

How to Meet People?

Solo travel doesn’t have to mean you’re alone all the time – unless you want it that way. In London, I discovered plenty of opportunities to meet people despite the city’s massive size. One of the best ways was by staying in hostels. My hostel had a common lounge and organized events like a nightly pub crawl and walking tours. Joining those was an instant friend-maker; one evening I went on a pub crawl in Camden with a bunch of other solo travelers from the hostel and we ended up swapping travel stories over pints as if we’d known each other for ages.

Another easy way to connect is through tours and group activities. Free walking tours (like the one I did on Day 1) not only show you the sights but also attract other travelers, so it feels natural to chat during the tour. I also tried a food crawl in Shoreditch, and by the end of the afternoon a few of us decided to check out a pub together. Cooking classes, pub quiz nights, and guided day trips can be fun social experiences too – you’d be surprised how many people on those tours are also looking to make new friends.

If you’re hoping to meet locals or expats, London has meet-ups for just about every interest. You can find language exchange nights, book clubs, or casual sports meet-ups in parks. I found online listings for a board-game night at a local cafe and decided to drop in; it turned out to be a blast and I met both Londoners and fellow travelers there. Even simply hanging out in a busy hostel bar or a coffee shop with communal tables can spark a conversation. One afternoon I was writing postcards at a cafe and the person next to me noticed my backpack and asked about my trip – we ended up chatting about our favorite London neighborhoods for a while.

While London isn’t the kind of place where strangers talk to you on every corner, it is a city full of travelers and open-minded people. If you put yourself out there just a little – say hello to your dorm-mates, ask a question to someone on a tour, or join an organized event – you’ll find it’s pretty easy to meet friendly faces. I left London with a bunch of new contacts and even some future travel buddies simply because I was willing to strike up a conversation. So don’t be shy; the city might be big, but you don’t have to feel alone in it.

Best Neighborhoods to Stay Solo in London

Choosing the right area to stay can make a big difference for a solo traveler in London. You’ll want somewhere that fits your vibe, is safe, and is well-connected by public transport. Here are a few neighborhoods I loved (or heard great things about) for solo backpackers:

• King’s Cross / Bloomsbury: A super convenient area with excellent transport links (trains and the Tube). I stayed near King’s Cross Station and loved it. There are several hostels around, plus the famous British Library if you’re a book nerd like me. The area felt safe and has been revamped with cool cafes at Coal Drops Yard. It’s easy to get anywhere from here, and you’ll find plenty of other travelers passing through this hub.
• Shoreditch: For an artsy, young vibe, Shoreditch in East London is hard to beat. It’s full of street art, trendy coffee shops, vintage stores, and late-night fun. There are affordable hostels and hotels here too. By day you can explore Brick Lane’s markets and murals; by night there’s always a bar or live music gig going on. It’s perfect if you want a mix of culture and nightlife, though it can be a bit loud on weekends.
• Camden Town: Camden is known for its alternative scene and legendary market. Staying here means you’re close to live music venues, the Camden Lock canals, and food stalls from all over the world. It’s a popular spot for younger travelers and creatives. I found Camden has a very welcoming, laid-back vibe – nobody bats an eye at a solo traveler nursing a coffee by the canal or striking up conversation at a music gig.
• South Kensington / Earl’s Court: If you prefer a quieter, upscale residential feel (while still being budget-friendly), this area in West London is a good bet. There are a couple of great hostels around Earl’s Court. You’ll be near the free museums (Natural History, V&A, Science Museum) and not far from Hyde Park. I stayed here on a different trip and appreciated how safe and calm the neighborhood felt at night, with cute local pubs on the corner.

All of these areas are within Zones 1-2 of the city, which is ideal for getting around quickly. Generally, anywhere central or just slightly outside the tourist hotspots will strike a good balance between affordability and access. London’s public transport is so good that you can stay a bit further out to save money and still be in the center in 20-30 minutes by Tube. Just try to pick a place near a Tube station or major bus route. And as always, read recent hostel/hotel reviews to make sure your accommodation is clean and safe. With the right home base, you’ll have the city at your fingertips.

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Where to Eat and Drink in London

One of the best parts of traveling solo in London is that you can eat whatever and whenever you want. The city’s food scene is incredibly diverse, from traditional British pubs to global street food. As a solo traveler, I gravitated toward places where I could dine casually or even spark a conversation. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy food and drink alone in London:

• Street food markets: London’s markets are a solo foodie’s dream. Borough Market (near London Bridge) became my go-to for lunch – I could sample a bit of everything and no one minded that I was on my own. I’d recommend trying a fresh-baked pastry or a famous sausage roll there in the morning, or a falafel wrap or curry at lunch. Camden Market is another great spot full of international eats; one day I had delicious Ethiopian street food followed by gelato for dessert, all enjoyed on a bench by the canal. Eating at markets is great because you’re usually shoulder-to-shoulder with other people, which sometimes leads to a friendly “That looks tasty, where’d you get it?” that can kick off a chat.
• Cafés and coffee shops: London has endless cafés, perfect for a solo breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. I often started my day at a cozy coffee shop – the kind with big windows for people-watching or communal tables. With a flat white and a croissant, I’d plan out my day or jot in my journal. Neighborhoods like Notting Hill, Shoreditch, and Bloomsbury have plenty of indie coffee spots where lingering is welcome. Many have Wi-Fi if you need to catch up online or share your latest photos. On a rainy afternoon, I enjoyed a cream tea (scones with jam and clotted cream, plus a pot of tea) at a little cafe in Kensington. It was the perfect solo treat to recharge before heading back out.
• Pubs and bars: Grabbing a pint at a pub is a must-do in London, and it’s completely normal to do it solo. Pubs are quite friendly places; if you sit at the bar or a communal table, you might end up chatting with the bartender or the person next to you about anything from the weather to last night’s football match. I found that earlier in the evening (around 5-7 PM) pubs have a relaxed vibe with folks winding down after work – a good time to blend in. Look for pubs with a bit of history or character (there are plenty in areas like Soho, Covent Garden, or around London Bridge). They often have beautiful interiors and a warm atmosphere. For nightlife beyond pubs, areas like Soho and Camden offer clubs and live music, which can be fun, but I generally felt more at ease in a pub setting as a solo traveler. Also, keep an eye out for places with open-mic nights or trivia quizzes; they provide built-in entertainment so you don’t feel awkward, and you might even join a team and meet people.
• Solo-friendly dining: If you want a sit-down meal, there are plenty of restaurants where a table for one is totally fine. I personally love ramen joints and noodle bars when I’m alone – London has some excellent ones in Soho and Covent Garden – because they usually have counter seating and quick service. Chinatown (near Leicester Square) is also great for solo dining; you can feast on dumplings or noodle soup, and nobody will think twice that you’re by yourself (the staff are used to quick solo eaters). Don’t shy away from treating yourself, either. One evening I indulged in an Indian feast at Dishoom (a popular Bombay-style eatery); I went early, sat at the bar, and savored every bite of my curry. The staff didn’t mind at all that I was solo – they even chatted with me about my travels in London.

Overall, London makes it easy to be a happy solo foodie. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite from a food truck or lingering over afternoon tea, you’ll find that the city’s dining scene welcomes solo adventurers. Plus, when you eat what and when you want, you get to satisfy all your cravings – no compromises necessary!

9 Hidden Gemz for London (by Hostelgeeks)

How it works

Final Tips and Surprises

Looking back on my solo London trip, I have a few final tips and reflections to share. First off, be prepared for the weather. It’s true what they say – London weather is fickle. I was caught off guard by a sudden drizzle more than once. Carrying a small umbrella or a rain jacket in your daypack will save you from getting soaked (and trust me, rain can strike even on a “sunny” day!). On the flip side, I was pleasantly surprised by how gorgeous London can be when the sun is out. One of my trip highlights was an impromptu picnic lunch in Hyde Park on a rare warm afternoon. So, pack for all seasons and take advantage of those blue-sky moments when you get them.

I’ll be real: not everything was perfect. London is expensive, especially for a backpacker’s budget. I had a bit of sticker shock seeing the price of a Tube ride or a pint in a pub. But I learned to balance things – mixing free attractions with a couple of paid must-dos, and eating street food or supermarket “meal deals” for some meals so I could splurge on others. Getting an Oyster card (or using contactless pay) helped cap my daily transport costs. In the end, the experiences I had felt worth every penny, but it’s smart to keep an eye on your budget so money stress doesn’t dampen your mood.

Some of the best moments in London happened when I least expected them. I stumbled upon a live street performance in Covent Garden that turned into a sing-along with strangers. I chatted with an elderly local man feeding the birds on a park bench, and he told me stories about “old London” that you won’t find in any guidebook. These little surprises reminded me why I love solo travel – you’re free to follow your curiosity, and that often leads to memorable experiences. Embrace some spontaneity: if you see a crowd gathered, check out what’s happening; if you notice a cute alleyway with interesting shops, wander down it. London is full of these surprise delights.

Finally, give yourself credit for navigating a big city on your own. Solo travel in London taught me a lot about myself – from the confidence of reading a Tube map correctly (after going the wrong direction once or twice, oops!) to the joy of enjoying my own company in a bustling cafe. So, whether you spend your days checking off the bucket-list sights or simply savoring the city’s vibe, know that your London adventure is uniquely yours. I left London feeling inspired, empowered, and already dreaming of my next trip back. For anyone considering going solo in London, my advice is simple: go for it. You might arrive alone, but you’ll leave with a wealth of stories, experiences, and maybe even a few new friends from around the world.

Backpacking London? Here’s What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I’ve been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I’m passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

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About the author: Anna Kiefer

My travels have taken me from the vibrant streets of Vietnam to the tranquil beauty of Spain, each destination adding a new chapter to my journey. For me, travel isn’t about counting countries or ticking off lists; it’s about the freedom it brings and the stories that unfold with each new adventure. At Hostelgeeks, my goal is to infuse our brand with this sense of freedom and discovery.

Whether it’s finding the perfect 5 Star Hostel or sharing a hidden gem in a bustling city, I’m here to ensure that our travelers get more than just a journey – they get an experience that resonates with the joy of exploration and the freedom of the open road.