26 Unique Things To Do in London

Looking for unique things to do in London? Maybe you want to avoid the tourist crowds, or you’ve visited so many times that you want something different this round. Or maybe just want experiences that don’t appear in every guidebook.

If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place, because this guide highlights some of the quirkiest things you can do in the British capital.

I used to live in London, and I still travel back often. Over the years I’ve picked up a good sense of where to go beyond the usual tourist spots.

Here are some of my favore unique things to do in London. I love hopping on the Tube or a bus, wandering through new areas, and discovering places without knowing exactly where I’m headed.

I found many of these through my own exploring, while others came from friends and locals. I’ll point out the ones I consider must-visits, and you can let your personal preferences guide you through the rest.

Where to stay in London for a unique experience

If you’re hunting for something a bit different—and yes, even a brush with the haunted hotels in the UK—London delivers. From Victorian lodges with real local charm to rooftop bars perched above the skyline, these stays add personality to your trip without feeling gimmicky.

Here are three options that stand out for location, character, and pure novelty.

Unique things to do in London

1 Join the Jack the Ripper Guided Walking Tour

The Jack the Ripper Guided Tour delves into the dark history of London’s East End. It specifically focuses on Whitechapel and Spitalfields, where the infamous murders occurred. 

During the tour, you follow the path of Jack the Ripper’s victims, stopping at sites like Mitre Square, Goulston Street, Hanbury Street, and the Ten Bells pub. 

Guides share the victims’ stories, the harsh social conditions of Victorian East London, how the police investigated, and the main suspects. Some tours even use “Ripper-Vision” projectors to display historic crime-scene images on the walls, making it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Tours sell out quickly, so make sure to book in advance to secure your spot.

2 Cuddle cats at a cat cafe

London currently has three cat cafes, with a fourth one opening soon. That makes it the perfect city to try a quirky spot like this.

A cat cafe works like a regular coffee shop where you can enjoy coffee, tea, or cake. Except that here, you have a bunch of cats running around. Some cafes even allow you to adopt one of their cats if you fall in love.

To decide which one to visit, check out this guide to all the cat cafes in London and the UK. It includes addresses, opening hours, descriptions of each place, and reviews, so you can pick the one that suits your style best.

Reserving a spot is absolutely necessary if you want to get in.

3 Meet the Highgate Cemetery vampire

Do you think a cemetery sounds too macabre to include on a list of unique London experiences? Highgate Cemetery might prove otherwise. 

This Victorian graveyard is simply stunning. It is filled with gothic architecture, winding paths, and elaborate tombs, all set among gigantic trees. 

Famous graves include Karl Marx and other historical figures.

Local legend claims the cemetery is even home to a vampire. 

If that doesn’t stop you from visiting, I recommend you take the Highgate Walking Tour, which explores not just the cemetery but the entire area with a guide who shares the history behind the graves and the surrounding neighborhood.

4 Explore Hampstead

Hampstead, along with nearby Belsize Park, is a gorgeous residential area, not a tourist hotspot. 

Many visitors skip it, which is a shame, because neighborhoods rarely get cozier than this. The village center has delightful coffee shops, plant stores, and bookstores—perfect for a relaxed wander or a coffee break.

Don’t just stick to the main streets, though. Walking through the residential areas is a treat: the streets and houses alone are well worth the little detour.

People sometimes call Hampstead the “Beverly Hills of London.” It doesn’t look like Beverly Hills at all, but the nickname comes from the many celebrities who live or have lived here, including Taylor Swift, Claudia Schiffer, Harry Styles, Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes, Jude Law, Dua Lipa, and Ricky Gervais.

By the way, Hampstead has a reputation for being haunted. 

You can join the Hampstead Ghost Walk to hear about haunted houses, mysterious apparitions, and local legends, all while wandering the atmospheric streets and hidden corners of my favorite London neighborhood at night.

5 Hike Through Hampstead Heath

If you’re visiting Hampstead, make time to explore Hampstead Heath, one of London’s largest and most beautiful parks. 

This green space covers around 790 acres and features woodlands, meadows, ponds, and some of the best views over London from Parliament Hill. Its wild, unmanicured nature makes it feel very different from the city’s more formal parks.

You can walk, jog, or rent a bike to explore its many paths. 

Hiking or cycling might not have been on your original London itinerary, but Hampstead Heath will make you reconsider.

Fun fact: Hampstead Heath appears in Taylor Swift’s song “London Boy.” In the lyrics, she sings, “I didn’t opt in to be your odd man out / I founded the club she’s heard great things about / I left all I knew, you left me at the house by the Heath / I stopped CPR, after all, it’s no use / The spirit was gone, we would never come to / And I’m pissed off you let me give you all that youth for free.”

6 Enjoy the views from The Lookout

The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate is London’s newest and highest indoor viewpoints, located on the 50th floor of the City’s tallest tower. 

From here, you get sweeping 360-degree views of the London skyline, and you can easily spot landmarks like the Shard, the Gherkin, and Tower Bridge. 

It is perfect for photos or just for soaking in the city from above.

Reservations are absolutely necessary here, because the free tickets sell out very quickly. 

If you miss out, don’t worry—other nearby viewpoints, such as Horizon 22, Sky Garden, or the top floors of The Shard, are slightly lower but still offer spectacular views of London.

7 Ride the IFS Cloud Cable Car

Glide 90 meters above the Thames and enjoy stunning aerial views of London’s skyline. From your seat in the cable car, you can see the River Thames winding past the Greenwich Peninsula, the Royal Docks, The O2, Canary Wharf, and many other iconic landmarks. 

The ride gives you a completely different perspective of the city, letting you take in both historic and modern London in a single glance. Each cable car is fully enclosed, so you’ll be comfortable no matter the weather.

Make sure you book your tickets in advance, because this popular attraction sells out quickly, especially around sunset when the views are at their best.

8 Go for a night out in Islington

If you’re looking for a lively but less touristy part of London, head to the area between Angel and Highbury & Islington. 

When I lived in London, this was my go-to neighborhood. 

You’ll find amazing restaurants of all kinds, several fringe theaters, cozy pubs, and great bookstores. It’s a perfect spot for a night out, but without the crowds you get in central London.

Make sure you stop by the King’s Head pub for a drink. It’s one of the nicest pubs in the city and used to host a fringe theater inside. The theater has since moved a little further down the road, but the owner told me she has plans to bring it back to the pub in the future—fingers crossed.

Afterwards, take a short walk to Islington Green, where you’ll find a small statue dedicated to the feline star of the famous books and movie A Street Cat Named Bob. 

9 Visit God’s Own Junkyard

God’s Own Junkyard is a massive warehouse in Walthamstow filled with hundreds of neon signs, glowing art pieces, and colorful props from movies, photo shoots, and music videos. 

It’s like Vegas, a rave, and a scrapyard all rolled into one: walls covered in bright, flickering neon, floor-to-ceiling light displays, and quirky, sometimes kitschy creations around every corner. 

Keep in mind that this spot is a bit out of central London, in northeast Walthamstow, so it might take a little extra travel to fit into your day.

10 Cheer at a Duck Race on the Thames

One of London’s most unique charity events is undoubtedly the duck race on the Thames. 

Hundreds of rubber ducks are dumped into the river, and you cheer them on as they float toward the finish line, sometimes racing faster than you think. 

Each duck represents a small donation that benefits COSMIC, which supports neonatal and children’s intensive care units at St Mary’s Hospital and Queen Charlotte’s Hospital.

The fun comes from the absurdity of it all—thousands of people leaning over the railings, following plastic ducks as if they were thoroughbred horses.

It takes place in July.

11 Walk around the Barbican

I’m obsessed with the Barbican, one of London’s most striking examples of brutalist architecture. 

It’s a large multi-use complex in the City of London that includes residential towers, an arts center, theaters, galleries, cinemas, and restaurants. Its concrete design, bold geometric shapes, and photogenic walkways make it a must-see for architecture lovers and anyone who appreciates a unique urban environment.

The Barbican wasn’t always a cultural hub, though. 

It was built on the site of a bombed-out area from World War II and originally designed in the 1960s and 1970s as part of a large redevelopment plan. Today, you can wander its elevated walkways, enjoy a matcha latte in one of its cafes, or catch a concert, theater show, or art exhibition. 

It’s one of those places I return to whenever I’m in London, simply to enjoy a matcha latte while soaking in the unique atmosphere of the place.

12 Discover the Barbican Conservatory

The Barbican Conservatory is a hidden tropical oasis located inside the Barbican building on the fourth floor. 

It houses over 2,000 species of exotic plants and tropical trees, as well as koi ponds and a resident population of tropical fish. It’s a peaceful, unexpected escape from the concrete surroundings and the bustling city outside.

Entry to the conservatory is free, but you must book in advance and check the opening dates, because it’s not open every day. 

If you arrive and find it closed, don’t worry—you can still enjoy much of its beauty from the floor below. Walk around, look up, and peek inside from the balconies to admire the greenery and unique architectural integration.

13 Explore the city’s famous cat spots

Did you know London has over 25 cat-centric attractions? Cat cafes I mentioned before are just the beginning. You can also visit statues of famous felines, pubs with resident cats, shops dedicated to cat lovers, and much more. 

If you love cats, you should definitely add these spots to your itinerary. You can find a full list of them in this cat lover’s guide to London.

14 Play arcade games at NQ64

NQ64 in Soho is a colorful, quirky arcade bar that will transport you straight back to the 1980s and 1990s. 

You’ll find 31 arcade machines, 2 pinball machines, and 8 retro consoles ready for action. 

Even if you’re not planning to play, the weird and colorful interior and neon lights make it worth stepping inside for a drink or a walk around.

15 Watch movies at FrightFest

FrightFest is one of the most famous horror film festivals in the world. It takes place every August at central London venues such as the Prince Charles Cinema. 

If you’re into horror, this is a unique opportunity to watch premieres, meet directors, and enjoy themed events in the heart of the city. 

Since it’s in central London, it’s easy to add to your itinerary if you happen to be in town during the festival. The electric atmosphere makes it an unforgettable experience.

16 Play the guitar on Denmark Street

If you love music, you’ll want to explore Denmark Street, often called London’s “Tin Pan Alley.” 

The street has been dedicated to guitar shops and music stores for decades. It attracts professional musicians, collectors, curious tourists, etc. 

It started as a hub for sheet music and instrument shops in the early 20th century and has since become a legendary spot for anyone interested in music.

17 Soak up the atmosphere of Camden Town

Camden Town is on everyone’s must-visit list (and even re-visit list), but it’s one of the more unique neighborhoods you’ll find in London. 

You’ll see a riot of colors from street art and shop fronts, eclectic shops selling everything from vintage clothes to handmade jewelry, and the famous Camden Market packed with food stalls, quirky souvenirs, and unusual finds. 

Make sure you don’t miss the area around the water, where narrow canals, houseboats, and small cafes create a charming, almost village-like atmosphere.

One of the most romantic things to do here is a Camden Boat Tour along Camden Lock. You’ll glide past colorful houseboats, bustling waterside markets, and charming canals, getting a completely different perspective of this iconic neighborhood.

Camden itself is actually much bigger than just this part, but not all of it is photogenic or worth exploring. 

Stick to Camden Town and Camden Market for the best experience. 

If you want more insight, join a Camden Walking Tour, where a guide will tell you about the area’s history, music scene, and hidden gems. 

Amy Winehouse once lived in Camden. If you’re a fan, make sure to join a dedicated Amy Winehouse walking tour that shows you where she lived and the places she hung out.

18 Step into the World of Agatha Christie

If you love mystery and classic crime stories, the Agatha Christie Walking Tour is a must. 

You’ll follow in the footsteps of the Queen of Crime as the tour takes you through atmospheric streets, historic pubs, and hidden corners of the city that inspired her plots. 

Along the way, your guide will share stories about Christie’s life, her characters, and the real-life inspirations behind her twists and murders.

Also, don’t miss the chance to see Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap in the West End. It’s the longest-running show in London.

19 Spot deer in Richmond park

If you want to see deer in London, head to Richmond Park. It’s the largest Royal Park in the city and home to hundreds of free-roaming red and fallow deer.

You can spot them grazing in the meadows, walking along the park’s trails, or even close to the roads if you’re driving through. A great way to explore is this cycling tour of the park, river and palace.

Early morning or late afternoon are usually the best times for sightings, as the deer are more active then. And the lighting is perfect for a photography tour too!

Another option to see deer is Bushy Park, near Hampton Court Palace, which has a smaller population of free-roaming deer.

20 Ride the Indoor Rollercoaster at Babylon Park

In Camden’s Hawley Wharf is Babylon Park, a 35,000-square-foot indoor amusement space designed like a cartoon sci-fi world. 

You can enjoy a compact space-themed rollercoaster, bumper cars, a drop tower, VR experiences, and a full neon-lit arcade. Everywhere you look, there are glowing planets, playful alien décor, and themed characters. 

21 Attend a floating puppet theater

Have you ever attended a puppet theater on a boat? Probably not. But the Little Venice Puppet Theatre Barge on Regent’s Canal gives you the chance to do just that. 

This theater puts on marionette shows for both adults and children. You’ll sit inside a narrowboat, warmly lit and intimate, while handcrafted puppets perform on a tiny stage.

21 Go see dinosaurs

Crystal Palace Park features life-size Victorian dinosaur sculptures that are a wonderfully inaccurate legacy from the 1850s. 

They were created before scientists fully understood dinosaur anatomy, so these creatures are quirky and often unintentionally hilarious.

23 Ride the Bustronome bus

Bustronome gives you a completely different kind of dining experience. You’ll get a six-course meal while riding a luxury double-decker bus with a glass roof, traveling through central London. 

From your seat, you can see landmarks like Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and the V&A Museum as you enjoy each course.

24 Dine in the dark

At Dans Le Noir, you’ll eat your meal in complete darkness, guided by blind or visually impaired waitstaff. 

Without sight, your senses of taste, smell, and touch take over. Every bite feel more intense and surprising. The experience is not only about food, though. It’s about fully immersing yourself in the moment. 

You might not know exactly what you’re eating, but that only adds to the uniqueness of the experience.

25 Go down the rabbit hole

Callooh Callay in Shoreditch takes you into a whimsical, layered rabbit hole inspired by Lewis Carroll. 

You’ll walk through a wardrobe to discover a secret bar, then climb stairs to another hidden room called Jubjub. Everything about the space feels as if you’ve stepped straight into an Alice in Wonderland dream. 

It’s the perfect bar to enjoy imaginative cocktails while soaking up the quirky, magical atmosphere.

26 Go to prison

What better way to cap off your London adventure than by going to prison? 

Alcotraz is a prison-themed bar in Shoreditch where the experience is completely immersive. You don orange jumpsuits, sneak your own booze past “guards,” and drink in private cell-style booths. 

It almost feels as if you are part of a theatrical show, with contraband cocktails as your illicit reward. 

Be sure to book in advance, though, because this experience sells out quickly.

How many days should you spend exploring London’s hidden gems?

I’d suggest spending at least four to five days in London, but longer is even better. I lived in London and have returned countless times, and even now, there’s still so much I want to explore. 

I always tell people to stay as long as they can in London. There’s so much to see and do here, far beyond the unique spots mentioned in this guide. 

If you only go for two days, you’ll miss out on so many experiences and probably regret it. 

You’ll want to take your time in certain neighborhoods, like Hampstead or Islington, because wandering the streets, exploring cafes, and soaking in the local atmosphere can’t be rushed. 

Some of the activities on this list also take a bit more time than just hopping in for a quick visit, whether it’s a walking tour, a park stroll, or a quirky museum. 

Even if you’re quick, four days isn’t enough to do everything here, and that’s before we’ve even started talking about the more well-known London spots.

Your best bet: visit often. London is a city that never gets boring, even when you’ve been there countless times.

Getting to London

London is super easy to reach. The city has several major airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and London City Airport, all well connected to the city center by train, Tube, bus, or taxi. 

For those flying into Heathrow, you can catch the Heathrow Express for a fast 15–20 minute ride into Paddington Station.

Gatwick has the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station, and Stansted and Luton both have trains or coach services into central London.

London City Airport is the smallest, but it’s ideal if you’re staying in the east or near Canary Wharf.

If you’re traveling from Europe, you can also take the Eurostar train straight into St Pancras International, which is fast, convenient, and drops you right in the heart of London.

If you’re coming from elsewhere in the UK, trains and coaches from cities like Manchester, Birmingham, or Edinburgh make London easy to reach. 

Even if you prefer driving, motorways and park-and-ride options can get you close to the center, though traffic can be extremely heavy.

No matter how you arrive, you’ll find London incredibly well connected, making it easy for you to start exploring right away.

Getting around London

Getting around London is really easy as well. And affordable. 

You can use the Tube or buses without a special travel card—just tap your contactless credit card, Apple Pay, or a digital Stripe card each time you enter. Your daily spending will automatically cap at £9.00 (the maximum daily fare in central zones), so you never have to worry about overpaying. After a while, your rides for the day will essentially be free.

Tip: Make sure you have the right payment method. Visa, Apple Pay, or a digital card works best. Since Brexit, regular debit cards from outside the UK often don’t work.

Also know that London transport is divided into zones, with fares increasing slightly the further you travel from the center. 

Don’t let that stop you because many of the city’s most unique spots are actually outside the tourist-heavy center. 

That said, in central London you can walk between most areas, so you don’t even need public transport to explore.

Is London worth visiting?

I’m so in love with London that even my dreams take place there. Need I say more?

Best time to visit London

If you want magic, go at Christmas. London during the holiday season is unlike anywhere else. 

The only problem is that it gets extremely crowded. 

The good news, however, is that Christmas starts early in London. From the first of November, the city already feels like a winter wonderland: streets glow with decorations, Christmas markets pop up, and festive music fills the streets. That means that the first half of November is actually the perfect time to visit.

Summer is also a wonderful time to explore London. The parks are gorgeous then, and it’s perfect for visiting many of the places mentioned in this guide. 

Still, no matter when you go, London always has something special to offer.