Embarking on a solo trip to London is an exhilarating adventure filled with endless possibilities – and that’s coming from a serial solo traveller who lives here!
From its rich history and iconic landmarks, to its vibrant culture and eclectic neighbourhoods, London offers something for every type of traveller.
Exploring this dynamic city on your own can be both empowering and deeply rewarding, allowing you the freedom to craft your own itinerary, move at your own pace, and truly immerse yourself in local experiences.
However, traveling solo also comes with its own set of challenges – from navigating the vast public transport system, to finding safe and welcoming spots to relax and recharge.
To help you make the most of your journey, I’ve compiled 7 top tips that will not only enhance your solo travel experience in London, but also ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable time in the beating heart of the UK…
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#1 Plan Ahead But Stay Flexible
Planning ahead is essential for a successful solo trip to London, as it helps you maximise your time and avoid unnecessary stress.
Start by researching key attractions you want to visit – like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, or the West End theatres – and make a rough itinerary to guide your days.
It’s also wise to familiarise yourself with local transport options, and the layout of different areas, so you can plan your time effectively.
However, don’t overpack your schedule.
One of the greatest joys of solo travel, especially in a city like London, is the freedom to be spontaneous – whether that means spending an extra hour in a museum that captivates you, wandering through a street market you stumble upon, or enjoying an unplanned coffee break in a cosy café.
By balancing structure with flexibility, you’ll not only see the sights on your wishlist, but also leave space for those unexpected moments that often become the most memorable parts of your journey.
#2 Book Attractions in Advance
Booking your tickets in advance to any attraction you know you want to visit is key for solo travellers, so you can plan your itinerary properly and make the most of your time in the city.
Booking certain elements in advance of your trip allows you to structure your day better, giving you a clearer idea of where to be and when – without the stress of last-minute decisions.
While spontaneity has its perks, having the security of a few confirmed plans can bring peace of mind, particularly when navigating a busy city solo.
Booking tickets in advance can also give you option to fast-track entry, so if you only have a couple of days in the city, this means not spending more hours than necessary in a queue that could have been avoided!
As we all know, long queueing times can get very boring as a solo traveller!
Additionally, many online bookings offer discounted rates or combination passes, helping you save money while covering more ground too.
This is especially true if you want to visit the iconic London Eye, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025.
The crowds are expected to be record breaking this year, so booking a ticket in advance for this amazing observatory wheel will save you time and money, as well as give you a clear time slot for an efficient visit.
You can also pay extra for fast-track entry to the London Eye, and get combination tickets that give cheaper rates for other London experiences too like London River Cruises and Madame Tussauds.
#3 Use Public Transport with Confidence
Using public transport with confidence is key to navigating London efficiently as a solo traveller.
The city boasts an extensive and reliable transport network, including the underground (commonly known as the Tube), overground, buses, trains, and even riverboats.
Getting an Oyster card, or using contactless payment, is the most convenient and cost-effective way to get around, with automatic daily caps applied to curb overspend.
These methods also allow you to tap in and out without the hassle of buying paper tickets.
For solo travellers, the Tube is a particularly safe and quick option, with clear signage and announcements in English, as well as staff available at most stations to assist if needed.
Buses offer a scenic alternative, and operate 24 hours on many routes, which is helpful if you’re out late. Look for N + the bus number (i.e N47) to confirm it was a nighttime service
Apps like Citymapper or Google Maps are invaluable tools for planning routes and estimating travel times in London, giving you the confidence to explore even the more tucked-away parts of the city.
Don’t be afraid to ask locals or staff for help – Londoners are generally helpful and used to visitors.
With a little preparation, you’ll soon feel at ease navigating the capital’s bustling but well-organised transport system.
#4 Join Group Tours or Activities
Joining group tours or activities is a fantastic way for solo travellers to experience London more deeply while also meeting new people along the way.
The city offers an incredible range of guided experiences to suit every interest – from historical walking tours through Westminster and Jack the Ripper night walks in East London, to food tastings at Borough Market or street art tours in Shoreditch.
These tours not only provide valuable insights from knowledgeable local guides, but also create opportunities to connect with fellow travellers in a relaxed, social setting.
If you’re interested in learning something new, consider signing up for a cooking class, photography walk, or art workshop – many of which are designed with individuals in mind.
Group activities can help combat any feelings of loneliness while travelling solo and often lead to unexpected friendships or shared adventures.
Plus, having a local expert guide you means you’ll gain insider tips and see parts of the city that you might have otherwise missed on your own.
It’s a brilliant way to balance independence with companionship, enriching your London experience while maintaining the freedom that solo travel brings.
#5 Make the Most of Free Attractions
One of the great advantages of visiting London as a solo traveller is the abundance of world-class attractions that are completely free to enjoy, making it easy to explore the city without stretching your budget.
Many of London’s top museums and galleries – such as the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum, and the Tate Modern – offer free entry to their permanent collections, allowing you to wander at your own pace and spend as much or as little time as you like in each space.
Beyond the museums, the city’s parks and gardens provide beautiful open-air escapes; whether you’re strolling through Hyde Park, enjoying panoramic views from Primrose Hill, or discovering the wild corners of Hampstead Heath, there’s no shortage of green spaces to relax and recharge.
Iconic sights like Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or exploring the vibrant markets of Camden, Portobello Road, and Covent Garden are also free to experience and perfect for people-watching and soaking up the local atmosphere.
Travelling solo means you can follow your curiosity and spend time where your interests lie – without needing to compromise – which makes taking advantage of London’s many free offerings even more rewarding.
#6 Stay in a Good Neighbourhood
Choosing the right neighbourhood to stay in is especially important when travelling solo in London, as it can have a significant impact on your comfort, safety, and overall experience.
Opting for a well-connected and central area makes it easier to get around and puts many of the city’s highlights within easy reach.
Neighbourhoods like Covent Garden, Southbank, Bloomsbury, and Kensington are excellent choices for solo travellers – they’re vibrant, safe, and offer a good mix of cultural attractions, shops, cafés, and restaurants.
These areas are also well-lit and busy in the evenings, providing a sense of security when returning to your accommodation after a day of exploring.
Consider staying in a boutique hotel, serviced apartment, or a high-rated hostel that caters to solo guests, as these often create a welcoming atmosphere and may offer social activities or communal areas where you can meet other travellers.
Being based in a convenient location not only saves time and effort navigating the city but also allows you to pop back during the day if you need a rest, which is especially helpful when travelling on your own.
A good neighbourhood becomes your home base in a big city – it should feel both inspiring and reassuring.
#7 Stay Connected and Share Your Itinerary
Staying connected and sharing your itinerary is a crucial part of ensuring both safety and peace of mind during a solo trip to London.
While the city is generally safe and traveller-friendly, it’s always wise to let a trusted friend or family member know your general plans, especially if you’re heading out late or exploring less touristy areas.
Before you arrive, consider getting a UK SIM card or ensuring your mobile plan includes international data, so you can access maps, make bookings, and stay in touch easily.
eSIMs, like those from Holafly (get 5% off with my exclusive discount code: BIGWORLDSMALLPOCKETS) or aloSIM, are another fab way to stay connected without incurring roaming fees, or having to worry about getting a local SIM card in London.
Apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, and even real-time travel updates from Transport for London (TfL) become invaluable tools when navigating the city alone.
Having reliable internet access also allows you to make last-minute changes to your itinerary, or look up nearby spots if you find yourself with unexpected free time.
If you’re using social media, posting occasional updates or check-ins can be a fun way to share your journey while also signalling your whereabouts.
While solo travel is all about independence, staying connected helps you feel secure and supported – and offers peace of mind to those back home cheering you on from afar.
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Mini Travel Guide to London
When to Visit London?
I’d definitely recommend visiting London in the summer, when the better weather at this time will allow you to enjoy all the wonderful attractions, gardens, markets, squares, stations and statues of this world-class city.
Just remember weekends, especially during the school summer holidays, can get very busy here and are probably best avoided!
Accommodation tends to be cheaper mid-week and out-of-season too.
How to Travel to London?
Fly to either London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted or London Gatwick.
As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best flight prices.
You can also get the Eurostar from Amsterdam, Bruges or Paris to London.
Book via Trainline.
How Long to Visit London For?
Look, you could easily spend a month (or a year!) in London and not see it all!
I’d recommend a minimum of 4-6 days.
Top London Tours & Passes
A great way to get acquainted with London, especially if this is your first trip to the city, is to enjoy a bus, boat, walking or cycling tour.
There’s loads of different ones to choose from here, so check out my pick of the bunch and book the one that suits you best – it will provide a great intro to this city’s history, culture and geography.
And if you plan to visit a lot of attractions in the capital, I’d also consider grabbing a London Pass – this is a great way to keep the costs of visiting lots of attractions (and getting around the city) down.
Check out these top options…
- London Pass – Choose from 1, 2, 3, 6, or 10 day options. This pass is best for short-term London visitors and includes many of the attractions and landmarks mentioned in this post.
- London Explorer Pass – Pick a 2, 3, 5 or 7 attraction pass and experience London over 60 days. This option is better for longer-term London visitors and includes many of the buildings mentioned in this post.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.
Travel Money
The UK uses the British Pounds (GBP).
I always travel with my Wise card, which makes spending abroad cheaper with real exchange rates and no sneaky transaction or ATM fees.
Wise cards works just like a debit card and it link easily with Google and Apple pay. Grab yours here.
Luggage Storage
Store your luggage in London for the day, or longer, with LuggageHero.
They have safe and reviewed sites across the city.
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So there you have it, my top tips for solo travel in London.
Do you have any to end?
Tell me all in the comments box below…
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