solo trip to london cost

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Solo Travel London on a Budget: How to Get the Most for Your Money

September 15, 2023 by Janice Waugh

Solo travel to London on a budget. Does it sound impossible?

We're here to tell you, it's not.

As with any big city, there are many opportunities to spend a fortune, if a fortune is what you have to spend. Likewise, though, big cities usually also offer cheaper options to explore and enjoy. If you're working with a tighter budget, we have lots of tips to help you get the most out of the city without returning home with debt. From getting into the city from the airport to finding reasonably-priced accommodation to saving on food and transportation to enjoying arts, culture, and attractions on a dime, we've got what you need to successfully enjoy London on a budget.

Table of Contents

Your Solo Trip to London: Getting from the Airport to the City Center

You'll likely arrive in London by plane so that's where we'll start. As a solo traveler you'll have to navigate the city all by yourself. Here's what you need to know.

The Cheapest Way to Get from Heathrow to London is the Tube

First, pack light so that you can manage public transport with your bags. Here's your post for that:  Carry On Packing List That Makes Sense: Traveler Tested . You can go from Heathrow to the center of London very inexpensively by the Underground (it's a subway also known as the Tube). This is from the Heathrow website: “Journey time by Tube is under an hour and you shouldn't have to wait longer than ten minutes for a train, even off-peak. Underground tickets are available at all stations.” The single cash fare to central London (Zone 1) is £6.70. Oyster or contactless pay-as-you-go fares are £5.60. The Oyster fare refers to London's transit card. See below for more on the Oyster card.

Word to the wise : the train is likely to be quite empty when you board at Heathrow, but by the time you get into the city, it may be very crowded. Choose a seat as close to a door as possible to make exiting with your luggage quicker and easier.

When you leave the arrivals area of the airport just follow the signs for the Underground. At the entrance to the Underground, go to the ticket booth and buy an Oyster card. Top it up with the amount you've decided is best for your stay and get information on how to get to the Tube station closest to your accommodation. To save you the hassle of buying the card when you're jet-lagged, it's a good idea to buy one in advance, which you can do here:  London Visitor Oyster Card .

More Heathrow to London Transfer Options

You'll actually have a number of options in a variety of price ranges. Though nothing beats the Tube when you're exploring London on a budget, here are some additional ways to get to and from the airport.

National Express Heathrow Coach Transfer – The price is right, starting at £6.00, and you don't have to lug your bags like you do on the tube, but the time ranges from 40 minutes to 2 hours 35 minutes, depending on traffic.

Heathrow Express Tickets  – The Heathrow Express is a high speed train between Heathrow and London. The trains depart up to every 15 minutes and take just 15 minutes. You save £5 per ticket when you buy in advance. Price: £25.00 (£22.00 off-peak).

Heathrow to Central London by Uber or Private Transfer will start at around £60.00 and go up (in some cases, way up) from there.

Gatwick Airport Transfer Options  

If you're flying into Gatwick, consider the train at US$35 and the bus from US$18.

Planning to Go Beyond London?

Consider a British Rail Pass. The BritRail Pass will get you around the country. The pass is sold by number of days and you have a choice of a pass that only allows consecutive days and a flexi pass that allows you days between trips. If you use it at the beginning or end of your trip, you will also save on your airport transfer as it includes the Heathrow Express. Note that it is not available for purchase in the UK. You must buy it in advance of your visit.

Budget London Accommodation Great for Solo Travelers

Cozy into a neighborhood and likely save some money by renting an apartment. I've had great success with VRBO.com (Vacation Rental By Owner). Here's a link to their London listings.  Of course, there's also Airbnb, but I've found better prices on VRBO.

But there's more. This topic requires an entire post unto itself. In fact, we have  Where to Stay in London: Budget to Luxury + Interactive Map,  which covers recommended places to stay in London from luxury to budget to hipster and everything in between.

The map above is from the Where to Stay in London post. The map is your cheat sheet on accommodation for solo travelers.  It's interactive so click on one of the colored markers:

• yellow for budget accommodation
• green for middle-of-the-road prices by London standards
• blue for luxury hotels
• purple are hipster hotels

When you click on a marker, the name of the hotel, hostel, or B&B and a link for more information will slide in from the left. Click on the link and you'll be taken to detailed information on the hotel. Hit the left facing arrow and the information will slide back out of the way.

You can also zoom in and out with this map to get a better look at what's near the various hotels. I love maps and study them before traveling so that I have a sense of the destination.

London on a Budget: Cheap Eats for Solo Travelers

London's street food . A city with a diverse culture always makes for really interesting food truck and market options. Time Out has an excellent list of possibilities for you to consider.

St. Martin's-in-the-Field Cafe. Beneath the church is a cafe and gift shop. It's reasonably priced with a wonderful ambiance.

Hostels have great breakfasts. A full breakfast with juice, cereal, yogurt, coffee, and a croissant was £4.95. Just cereal (which is all I want in the mornings) was 95p. And, they had adult cereal. I'm not into sugary cereal, so it was great. The cost of food throughout the day was very reasonable, plus there's a kitchen onsite if you want to cook your own.

Eat at a pub. Not only will you be fed, but you'll also get a classic London experience. And watch for happy hours when there are often special promotions.

Marks & Spencer takeaway section. They have an extensive section dedicated to takeaway and easy fix meals. Some you have to cook, which is fine if you're staying at an apartment or hostel.

Check out the markets . There are many markets to try. Tracey loves Borough Market, which has been around for about 1,000 years (though only open to the public in its current form for about 20). Here's a list of food markets around the city , including maps and opening times. Try the Brixton Market as an interesting place to mingle with locals as well as for the best pizza.

Fish and chips. I've never had a bad fish and chips meal in the UK. Affordable and delicious, but not something to have every day.

Don't let the windows fool you. As you wander the streets looking for a place to eat you may think that every place is full. Step in to confirm this as many places have additional seating upstairs or down.

Another tip from Tracey: check out London cheap eats here for a wide variety of meal options around the city, all under £10.00. The people at Timeout have compiled a list of 50 inexpensive places to dine when you travel solo to London on a budget.

Now this is worth it!

Spend a little of what you save by taking a fabulous food tour. I've had wonderful experiences with  Eating Europe . Enjoy the following London tours and you won't only learn things but you'll leave full as well.

• East End Food Tour
• Twilight Soho Food & Cocktail Tour
• Eat the Borough Market Food Tour

London Solo Travel: Budget Ways to Get Around

Taxis add up. Public transit is the most cost-efficient way to go any distance in London and it is easy if you have an Oyster Card, which is a transit pass. A Tube journey in central London costs £2.40 with Oyster or £4.90 with cash. The Oyster card is a good deal.

You can buy one in advance of your trip here: London Visitor Oyster Card  . You'll buy it already loaded with your choice of credit on the card. Doing this means you have one less thing to think about when you arrive in London. Alternatively, you can buy the card for £5 at any Underground station and pay as you go. Don't worry about putting too much on the card because if you have money left at the end of the trip you can go to a ticket booth to get a refund. You can also give your Oyster card back and get your £5 reimbursed or save your Oyster Card for future trips. As far as using it as you go, it's a tap in/tap out process.

We mention the Oyster card first because we find it the easiest. However, when Tracey put the question out to members of the Solo Travel Society, using a contactless debit or credit card was also recommended. She hasn't been able to make this work with a Canadian-issued debit card, so you'll want to check whether your card has this feature (some non-UK issued cards don't currently work on this system) and whether or how much your bank charges for transactions so you can keep costs down. You can also use your phone to make mobile payments using services such as Apple or Google Pay. Just remember to tap out with the same payment form you tapped in with, and be sure to keep your device charged. Get all the details from Transport for London.

More Tips for Getting Around London

Download the London Tube app.  The London Underground is large and complicated. Use the routing option of this app to get detailed instructions on how to get where you want to go from where you are. It will also tell you approximately how long it will take.

Don't forget that there are buses as well. Tourists tend to opt for the Underground because there are maps to show where you're going. However, sometimes buses are a better option. You can also download an app called the London Bus Free Map and Route Planner .

Rent a bike . Like most major cities, London has bikes available for short-term rental. Officially called  Santander Cycles , they are more commonly known locally as Boris Bikes. The pay-as-you-go cost is £1.65 for up to 30 minutes, then £1.65 for each additional 30 minutes.

Walk, walk, walk. As far as London budget options go, you can't beat walking! This is a big city but most of the tourist attractions are within one big walking district, so take yourself on a walking tour as you head to your destination. Note that one street can have many names. These go for main streets as well as small ones. Charing Cross turns into Tottenham Road. Mortimer turns into Goodge. Knowing the changes will help you navigate more easily. Also, be careful. At every intersection look down and you will see painted on the ground which way you should look for traffic. There's a reason they invested so much to paint these. It takes time to adjust to the different traffic flow.

Get the Google Maps app. I don't like to walk about looking at my phone but with all the tiny streets in London the Google Maps app can be very handy at times.

Pick up a free map at a hostel or your hotel. The free map at hostels tends to have some of the better low-cost recommendations.

Budget London: Attractions for Solo Travelers

Once you're on the ground in London the question is what to do. Let's start with getting an overview of the city.

Hop-on Hop-off with a discount . A hop-on, hop-off London sightseeing bus tour is great if you’re short on time or want to get an overview of the city before you dig into its specifics. This company has five different routes and live commentary which is always better than recorded versions.

Take a free walking tour. Take a free tour of the city. There is a 3-hour tour offered by Sandeman's  and several different 1.5-2-hour tours offered by Strawberry Tours , along with other, more specific itineraries. Remember to tip your tour guide. In addition to not being paid for their time and expertise, they have to pay the company for every person who attends.

Royal and Historical Highlights of London

If you're going to take in a number of London attractions, then the London Pass  is likely worth it. It gets you into Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, museums and historic houses, Wimbledon, and more. If you won't take in many attractions your better bet is likely the hop-on, hop-off tour . Ask the driver if they have any discount coupons. They often do.

What the London Pass covers . The London Pass  includes 1-Day Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour, Skip the Line on certain attractions, admission to 85 attractions including Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Windsor Castle, View from the Shard, London Zoo, Kensington Palace, and Thames River Cruise. It's sold on a per day basis. Even better, it's valid for two years from the date of purchase. If you don't use it all in one shot, you can use it on a future trip.

National Trust Touring Pass . The National Trust takes care of British heritage sites. The National Trust Touring Pass  gives you free entry to over 300 historic houses and gardens in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It's really worth a look. In London, you can visit many Georgian houses and even a Tudor house. They hold special events as well. This pass is especially valuable if you'll be traveling beyond London.

Buckingham Palace and more.  The palace and its gardens open to visitors for 10 weeks (mid-July to late September) every summer. Advance purchase of tickets is recommended . If those months don't work for you, why not visit Windsor Castle , which is an hour outside of central London, or get a ticket that takes you into all palaces . You can get to all three with your Oyster card.

The Changing of the Guard . This time-honored ceremony takes place daily from May to July and every other day the rest of the year. If you want to actually see the spectacle without climbing a fence, get there by 11:00 am. Free .

Afternoon tea . Traditional afternoon tea is a lovely experience and makes for a wonderful break in a day of exploring London. It can be very pricey, though. Luckily, Browns restaurant, which has been operating for over 50 years, has several locations in London serving a very reasonably-priced tea. Try the one in Covent Garden for just £26. Bonus: they also offer a gluten-free menu.

Check out Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. This is a replica of the theater that Shakespeare and his fellow artists built. It's just across the Millennium Bridge that connects, in my mind, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tate Modern. There are tours and, during the high season, plays as well. If you don't mind standing, tickets for performances at the Globe can be had for as little as £5.

London museums rich in heritage and free. To really stretch your London budget, go to the museums which offer free access to their permanent collections. There is usually a fee for special exhibits. Unless you're a real museum enthusiast, you may want to ask at the front desk for a recommendation as to how to approach the museum. I did this at the Tate Modern and, rather than dashing through trying to take in a lot, I took in a little but with more appreciation. Here's a list of 25 free museums in London . Free

Day trips from London. The country is not large and there are many wonderful destinations that can be visited in a day from London. Check out day tours from London here .

Explore London As a Local

Feel London at a different pace. Walk the Victoria and Albert Embankment from the Houses of Parliament to the Millennium Bridge and you'll enjoy London at a more relaxed pace while seeing some of the major sights.

Take in the street art . London has lots of great street art and many famous street artists. Here's a free street art and graffiti tour .

Window shopping. There are many places to shop in London but I love to go to Covent Garden for some unique shopping. While there, wander the West End theater district to see the range of plays. It's a sight unto itself.

Go to the best bookshops in town . Stop into Daunt Books on Marylebone High Street and check out the travel section for which they're famous.

Go to the parks. There are a number of lovely parks in London. Hyde Park is famous for Speaker's Corner which is often entertaining if not thought-provoking. Here's a list that's sorted according to park locations in the city .

Wander the neighborhoods. London is made up of neighborhoods made famous in literature and film. They have a certain familiarity to them and yet there's more to them when you see them live. Go to Notting Hill, Bloomsbury, Marylebone, and for more action, Camden.

London's Theater and Music Scenes On a Budget

London's West End theater scene. Buy tickets for the shows at Leicester Square. There are a couple of places there. Go to the one on the south end with the permanent structure as I was told by a theater box office person that they sell their best available seats to them. While they promote half-price tickets, not all tickets are half-price.

Don't forget Off-West End productions . Check the reviews carefully and enter the really local theater scene.

Enjoy a pint with your play . For something a little different, check out this list of pub theatres . Comedy nights, musicals, and plays are performed upstairs at London pubs at a fraction of the cost of theaters.

Royal Albert Hall tour.  I love touring grand opera houses and theaters when I travel. Doing so reveals so much about a place's history and culture. The Royal Albert Hall is one of London's absolute top historic buildings. But beyond historic, it's a magnificent building where anyone who is anyone has played. You can buy a ticket for Royal Albert Hall Tour  or get free entry with your London Pass .

Handel and Hendrix House . “Separated by a wall & 200 years are the homes of two musicians who chose London & changed music.” This is a new find for me. Check it out .

Free concerts in Trafalgar Square . Go to St. Martin-in-the-Fields at noon for a free concert most days. It's usually an organ recital. If you don't like the idea of that, go just to enjoy the church. It's very pretty, a refreshing change from most churches. FREE

The Scoop. In the summer, The Scoop amphiteater, which is beside City Hall, close to Tower Bridge, offers live music, plays, or film screenings almost every evening. FREE

Take in an event or festival . The  Time Out app  is a great resource for local events and festivals.

Adventure and Active Travel in London

What's your favorite sport? Why not do it in London on a tour or by joining in with locals?

Run London . What about a tour company that's specifically for runners?  Here's a list of a number of running tours.

Bicycle Tours of London . Check out the variety available from Fat Tire Tours .

Kayak on the Thames . Kayaking London is another company that offers unique, active tours of London.

Join a local race. Use Find a Race  and search on London to see what races might be going on when you're there. Running, swimming, cycling – this site offers a lot.

Good to Know

Need a computer? If you need access to a computer you can go to any of the libraries and get it free.

Need help?  The emergency number in London is 999, not 911.

More Posts to Help You Plan and Save on Travel

Whether you're traveling solo to London on a budget or anywhere else, here are lots of ways to help you save money.

• Feeling the Pinch? Solo Travelers Save Money at The Airport
• How to Make Solo Travel Affordable, Cheap or Even Free
• Your Solo Travel Budget: It’s All About Balance
• How to Save on Shoulder Season Travel
• How to Plan Your Travel Budget: Luxury or Frugal
• Solo Travel Tours: Best Deals for Solo Travelers
• How to Save Money for Travel: Smart Advice. Seven Steps.

When planning your trip to London you may want to click here to…

• For accommodation read  Where to Stay in London: Great Accommodation for Solo Travelers
• Get your London Pass to attractions.
• Purchase a BritRail London Plus Pass for day trips for destinations like Bath, Cambridge, Stratford-Upon-Avon and more or a rail pass for the UK .

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Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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How Much Does a Trip to London Cost? (2024 London Trip Budget)

London’s reputation as one of the most expensive cities in the world is well-earned, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed by families and budget travelers all the way to luxury aficionados. If you are wondering, “how much does a trip to London cost?”, we’ve got your answers.

After planning our own 7 days in London , and helping numerous other families plan a trip to London, I’ve done a ton of research into hotel options, activities, and ways to cut costs on your London trip budget (check this post for ideas of free things to do in London with kids .)

If you are still debating where to go, also check out our budget guides for Italy , Paris , Greece , Portugal, Ireland , Japan , and Iceland .

London Budget assumptions

To help you create your London trip budget, this post outlines pricing for two adults and two children between the ages of 6-11, traveling in the summer, and spending a week in London (six nights, seven days). If you are traveling in the off-season or not with a large family, your costs will undoubtedly be lower. When planning your own London trip budget, make adjustments as needed to suit your specific travel companions and travel style.

I’m going to assume that this family is traveling in the summer months, since that is when most families travel, although London would also be a great spring break destination and we also enjoyed visiting London for Christmas . This budget also isn’t for budget travelers, but rather for small families that are comfortable sharing a family-size room in three to four-star accommodations.

London Trip Cost

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.

Remember to keep in mind the exchange rate when looking at rates listed in British pounds. I use xe.com to convert currency. To figure out how much is a trip to London, I included the following elements:

• Airfare from a major U.S. airport hub
• Hotel/Accommodations (6 nights in family-friendly, mid-range accommodations)
• Tours/Entrance Fees (for a mix of self-guided and private family tours and activities)
• Transportation within London and to/from the airport
• Food (including one special high tea)

Souvenirs/Miscellaneous

• Travel insurance

While it used to be common to find airfare between the U.S. and London for $500 per person, those prices have gone up recently, especially for summer travel. If you book at least six months in advance or travel during shoulder seasons, you can find airfares under $750 if you are willing to connect (typically through Iceland or Dublin using Iceland Air or Aer Lingus). However, direct flights in the summer will cost closer to $900 per person.

This is certainly the time to redeem frequent flier points or credit card points to cover flights. If you have flexibility on your vacation time, I recommend subscribing to an airfare deal site such as Going or Dollar Flight Club to look for sales and sign up for deal alerts.

If you want to find the best way to accumulate points and miles through credit card spending and sign up bonuses, I’d suggest downloading the  Travel Freely app  to track your credit cards and learn how to earn points.

Heathrow Airport is a major global hub for most international airlines, but you may find deals on budget airlines such as Play or Norse Airlines to Stansted or Gatwick airports.

Total airfare cost: $2700 (4 people x $900 per person)

Accommodations

The two biggest factors in determining hotel room costs will be space and location. If you’d like two adjoining rooms or a family suite in the immediate central part of the city at a four or five-star hotel (we loved the Atheneum Hotel & Residences ), plan to spend $900 – 1,500 per night. If you have the budget, you’ll be within walking distance to many attractions with luxury hotel services like a concierge, on-site fine dining, etc.

However, if you’re willing to stay in one of London’s charming neighborhoods, just a short tube ride away from the immediate center of the city, then not only will you save money, but you can often find more spacious accommodations like apartment-style hotels or wonderful vrbo rentals . Just keep in mind that some of these will require a minimum of a 5-7 night stay.

The average cost per night for four-star accommodation or apartment rentals in areas like South Kensington (we also loved the Royal Garden Hotel ), Notting Hill, and Little Venice is approximately $300-600 per night.

Find accommodations options in London:

Just be careful when booking stand-alone rentals… ask for the exact address or closest major cross street so you can map it out. If you’re outside the T1 London Tube area, you’ll pay more for transportation and waste precious time each day traveling into the city. See my tips for booking Airbnb or other vacation rentals .

Total accommodation cost: $3,600 (based on $600 per night for 6 nights)

Tours/Entrance Fees

Investing in a Blue-Badge guide for half-day tours or a walking tour is a great splurge and a perfect way to explore some of London’s most popular attractions. The cost of a private family tour is usually around $300-400 for a half-day experience.

These guides can make the history of London come alive for you and your children. My two favorite attractions to invest in a guide are the British Museum and the Tower of London . We also enjoyed having a private tour of Westminster City .

If a private guide is too much of a stretch, spend the extra few pounds to supply each member of the family with an audio guide at major attractions. Many have dedicated children’s versions.

The other sightseeing expense that adds up quickly when visiting London is entrance fees. Expect to spend $15-60 per person to enter places like the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, London Eye , and the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio .

Keep your eye out for family passes when booking tickets in advance. Most attractions offer a discount for families that will include admission for two adults and two to three kids for one discounted amount.

If you plan on visiting quite a few attractions in just a couple of days, the London Go City Explorer or the London Pass can also be a money saver!

Luckily, most major museums are free (the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, etc.), as are all the large parks (Hyde Park, St. James, Regent’s Park, and the Olympic Park). So pair pricier activities with free options throughout the week.

Total tour/sightseeing cost: $1,200 (based on two private tours of $300, plus $100 per day for six days in additional entrance fees)

Transportation

Airport Transfers

The Heathrow Express is a great value and only costs about $10-15 per person when purchasing an advance ticket for a specific day of travel (flexible tickets are more.) The ride takes 20 minutes and takes you directly into Paddington Station, from which you can usually hail a reasonably priced taxi to take you to your accommodation. It is a bit of a long walk within Heathrow from one terminal to the other but it is worth it for the cost and time savings. Plus, children aged 15 years and under travel free in Express Class when accompanied by a paying adult.

Otherwise, arrange a driver in advance for about $150-200 through your hotel concierge. Taxis to and from the airport can sometimes be much pricier as traffic is so unpredictable in that part of the city.

London Tube

Taking the tube is not just a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to get around London, it’s frankly an integral part of the London experience. Invest in a Visitor Oyster card for each adult and any child over age 10, as it will reduce the per-ride cost compared to individual tickets.

If you have seven days in London , a day trip or two out of the city is fun. Train tickets to places like Oxford, Windsor, or Bath usually price out around $40-60 per person roundtrip. Be sure to book in advance for the best rates. If you decide to hire a driver, expect costs to be $500-1,000 for a full day of service.

Total transportation costs: $400 (based on using public transportation)

Food expenses can be difficult to budget for any destination, both because it can vary so drastically based on personal preferences and because it’s hard to know what your family will want to eat each day. Personally, I like a mix of quick, convenient food and sit-down, upscale dining, and London offers options at both ends of this spectrum.

This is typically included in a hotel stay. Otherwise, plan to hit a grocery store (small shops are prevalent throughout the city, look for chains like Waitrose and Sainsbury) and stock up on some basic supplies to keep in your room and apartment. Be sure to try a full English breakfast at least one morning of your trip… you likely won’t need lunch it’s so robust!

You can score some great savings at lunch if you duck into a grocery store and take advantage of their package deals. Most grocery stores offer a sandwich, drink, and a bag of crisps (potato chips) for around $4-7. Pick up some fruit or prepared veggies to share, and you can feed the whole family for around $40. Plus there are quick service Pret a Manger shops on nearly every corner.

If you’ve got access to kitchen facilities, then once again you’ll find great savings at the grocery stores. Most offer high-quality, upscale pre-made food that only requires you to heat and serve (think roasted chicken dishes, veggies, potatoes, and dessert).

This is often less than $30 for a healthy, satisfying meal that requires little effort. Takeaways are also fairly inexpensive, and it’s a fun way of trying the more ethnically diverse food like Indian and Thai, or the famous fish n’ chips! that London is known for.

When to Splurge

London has some outstanding restaurants, and I love to have a nice sit-down meal at least a few times during a week-long trip, balanced out with casual, cheaper fare. And don’t forget to indulge in afternoon tea!

While it typically prices out between $40-60 per person, many hotels will offer discounts or complimentary tea to their guests. Also, know that you’ll be served lots of food during the experience, so I encourage people to make their tea bookings for later in the day, and it will double as dinner.

Total food cost: $1,330 (based on free hotel breakfast, $40 for lunch x seven days, and $150 per day for dinner x seven days)

I have a strict rule with my kids that the trip itself is the treat, not all the kitschy souvenirs found in the gift shop of every major attraction. But London is a great place to shop for specialty items.

One of my favorite places to go for souvenirs or gifts is Fortnum & Mason, where you can buy some of England’s legendary tea and biscuits, perfectly packaged to bring home. And a stop at Hamley’s toy store is also a fabulous experience for the whole family to enjoy. We also enjoy browsing the many floors and departments at Harrods.

Total souvenir cost: $200 (based on each family member spending $50 while on the trip)

Travel Insurance

I would recommend protecting your trip with travel insurance . Pricing varies depending on your level of coverage, age, trip costs, and more. However, I would use $300-500 as a rough estimate.

Total Cost for a 7-day Family trip to London: $9,830

Bottom line is that the trip to London cost for a family of four would cost approximately $9,830 , or about $350 per person, per day . Your family could certainly spend less if you can utilize airline miles, score a great accommodation deal, cook your own meals, or focus your time on the free activities and landmarks in London instead of the pricier places to go.

That said, London is an expensive city, so it can be a challenge for families with an extremely tight budget. If you want an English countryside experience, I found very affordable inns and food in Northern England this past summer during my Hadrian’s Wall walking trip.

How much does it cost to go to London?

Visiting london read more:.

• 7 Day London itinerary
• 5 Festive things to do in London at Christmas
• Ultimate fan guide to Harry Potter attractions in London

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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

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Publish Date: November 18, 2023

1 thought on “How Much Does a Trip to London Cost? (2024 London Trip Budget)”

Love your transparency with the costs it is so helpful for those planning.

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A Solo Traveller's Guide to the World

9 Tips for an Unforgettable Solo Trip to London

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London is one of the best cities in the world, and it is so easy to plan and execute an epic solo trip to London!

In fact, London might just be the easiest city in Europe for solo travellers to navigate.

Especially inexperienced solo travellers.

I’ve been to London way more times than a person needs to, and I never get bored of it.

There is an amazing public transportation system, tons of tourist attractions for you to explore, and while the city has a reputation for being expensive, there are ways to visit London on a budget!

All things considered, if you’re planning your first solo trip to Europe, London should be at the top of your list!

Heck! Even if your’e planning your millionth solo trip, London should be in the running.

It is that good of a city!

In this post, we’re covering the top 10 tips and tricks you need to plan a solo trip to London.

It is pretty easy and straightforward to plan a solo trip to London, but there are a few very important things you need to know about before you embark on your solo trip to London.

And I’m spilling all those secret tips right now!

Things nobody tells you about solo travel

Table of Contents

1. London is More Walkable than You Think

The biggest misconception I had about London on my first visit was that it was a massive city, and you have to rely on public transportation to get around.

That is simply not the case!

London is a very walkable city!

In a lot of instances, it is easier to walk from place to place rather than take the Underground. This is especially true when you’re in central London and walking between major tourist attractions.

It may seem like you should take the metro from Westminster to Piccadilly Circus- especially if you’re looking at a metro map and not a normal city map.

But you don’t!

The walk talks about ten minutes, and it takes significantly less time than taking the Underground does.

Especially since with this example you need to transfer lines, which means the journey will take even longer!

So, don’t just look at the metro map and think things are far away.

They really aren’t!

And even places that are a bit further away are very walkable.

There are tons of parks in London, and in most cases your walk from one place to another will be beautiful and filled with nature!

I like to walk as much as possible when I’m on a solo trip to London.

It saves a lot of money, and you stumble on things you wouldn’t otherwise see.

Plus it is a nice way to get some exercise and make room for all the yummy food you’ll be eating throughout the day!

So, pull out your Google Maps and figure out how long it takes to walk from one place to another rather than just guessing based on a map.

If it takes less than half an hour to walk there, I say go for it!

2. Public Wifi is Basically Non-Existent

Unfortunately, the public wifi network in London leaves a lot to be desired.

In fact, it is downright disgraceful how difficult it is to find public wifi in London. Even a lot of restaurants and cafés don’t offer free public wifi to guests!

This can make it a bit difficult and frustrating for solo travellers in London.

You may find yourself in the awkward situation where you’re dining alone and don’t have anything to distract you. Or perhaps you’re unsure where to go next or where to eat or the currency conversion.

Tips for eating alone at restaurants

There are plenty of reasons why someone travelling alone in London may need to access the internet, but you are often limited in where you can access it!

There are a few options for accessing the internet when you’re in London:

• Rent pocket wifi for your trip
• Invest in your own personal wifi hotspot ( Skyroam is my favourite)
• Use your phone data
• Some hotels provide a complimentary cell phone for you to use while you’re in London. You won’t be able to access your social media or personal apps, but it is better than nothing!
• Research what restaurants and tourist attractions offer complimentary wifi
• Simply live without accessing the internet throughout the day

The lack of public wifi isn’t the end of the world, but it is something I like to warn you about.

You would expect such an international city to offer a better public wifi system, but it doesn’t.

A complete guide to wifi in London

No Matter What You Have to be Internet Safe

No matter how you choose to access the internet while you’re in London, it is important that you’re internet safe while you’re online.

Even if you rent a pocket wifi device or have your own Skyroam , you will be accessing public wifi at some point when you solo travel in London.

Whether it be at a hotel, the airport, or a restaurant.

You put yourself at risk whenever you use a public wifi network! Anybody and everybody can access public wifi networks, and if they want to, it is relatively easy for them to steal your private online data.

Including your banking information!

And yes. Even public wifi networks that have passwords are still considered to be public wifi, and you have to protect yourself!

The only way you can protect your online information is by installing a VPN on your devices.

A VPN essentially cloaks your devices and prevents prying eyes from accessing your online data.

It also helps prevent Google from using your online habits to serve you with those annoying targeted adds!

A VPN makes using a public wifi network as safe as using your home wifi network where you’re the only person who knows the password.

In my mind, having a VPN on all your devices is an essential (an non-negotiable part of travel).

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used a lot of different VPNs over my years of travel, and I have to tell you that I hated most of them.

VPNs have a tendency of slowing your devices down to a snail’s pace, and it can get frustrating to use them. Oftentimes, I found myself turning off my VPN because my phone/laptop was operating so slowly!

That all changed when I found NordVPN !

I’ve been using NordVPN since 2018, and they are the only VPN provider I’ve continued my subscription with past the first year.

They are the fastest VPN on the market, and that is such an important competent when it comes to choosing a VPN to protect your online data while you travel.

Plus you can cloak your location and make it look like you’re in a different country than you actually are!

This allows you to access Netflix libraries from other countries!

It may not sound like much, but I promise you’ll become addicted to exploring new Netflix libraries and all the fun shows and movies you can’t access in your home country.

I highly recommend checking out South Korea’s Netflix library!

A NordVPN subscription costs less than the price of a single latte per month.

There is zero excuse not to protect your online data while you’re on the road. The small price you pay to protect your online data is well worth it when you compare it to the cost of having, say, your banking information stolen while you’re alone in London.

My philosophy is that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect your online data from prying eyes!

3. Don’t Eat near Popular Tourist Attractions

This is one of the best tips I can give you for your solo trip to London!

The restaurants and cafés near the most popular tourist attractions charge you significantly more than places outside of tourist hubs, and the food tends to be not as good.

I’m specifically thinking about the line of restaurants on the walk from Westminster Abbey to Trafalgar Square.

Avoid those restaurants at all costs!

And if you’re in dire need of some food when you’re in these major tourist areas, stick to chains like Pret a Manger where you know the food is good and the prices fair.

Even though they are chains, I highly recommend everybody try Pret and Nando’s when in London. They are affordable, and the food is delicious.

If you’re looking for good food, get off the main tourist train and find your way to some of the lesser known neighbourhoods.

You can always find good food in Chelsea, Earl’s Court, and Angel neighbourhoods.

London South Bank also has some great restaurants and has a great vibe. Especially if you’re able to snag a seat overlooking the Thames!

But where ever you choose to eat, your wallet will thank you if you avoid the most popular tourist destinations.

Your stomach will thank you too!

4. It is Worth Paying to Stay in Zone 1

The London Underground system is broken up into different zones, and the fare price is based on what zone you’re travelling in and between.

Zone 1 covers central London and the most popular tourist destinations in the city.

The problem with zone 1 is that it is where the most expensive hotels are too.

Makes sense since it is so close to all the tourist attractions.

It can be tempting to cheap out and stay in a less expensive hotel in zone 2 or 3, but I don’t recommend that.

Especially for people on a solo trip to London!

Why You Shouldn’t Stay Outside Zone 1

The first reason I suggest that people stay in zone 1 is the convenience of it. You are so close to the major tourist attractions, and you can walk a lot of places.

The second reason I don’t suggest staying outside of zone 1 has to do with the cost of transportation.

Both in a fiscal sense and in terms of the cost of your time.

It can take a long time to travel from outside zone 1 to whatever tourist attractions you want to visit.

This means you’re stuck on the metro for an extended period of time. You will most likely have to transfer between lines as well, which adds even more time to your commute!

Staying outside of zone 1 also means you’re essentially reliant on public transportation.

Your life is dictated by when the metro/bus are (or aren’t) running, and you don’t really have the ability to walk everywhere from your hotel like you do in zone 1.

So while it may seem like it isn’t worth staying in zone 1, and it is a better choice to save money by staying outside central London, I caution you to think long and hard before you make that choice.

When you factor in the convenience of being in central London, the ability to walk, and the added cost of transportation, it is definitely worth staying in zone 1!

My personal favourite neighbourhood to stay in is Earl’s Court.

It is on the outskirts of zone 1 just before zone 2. The hotel prices are pretty good, you pay zone 1 metro prices, and you can still walk pretty much anywhere you want to go in under an hour!

My Favourite Place to Book Hotels

9 times out of 10 I book my hotels through Hotels.com .

I find their search function so easy to use, and they often have the best prices on hotels. Excluding, perhaps, booking directly through the hotel.

Always be sure to compare the Hotels.com price to the price of booking directly with the hotel!

Outside the ease of using the site, the reason I love Hotels.com so much is their rewards program!

It is the easiest hotel program to earn free stays with!

Once you stay 10 nights in any Hotels.com hotel, you earn a free night!

I’ve earned and redeemed countless free hotel nights, and it hardly takes any effort to earn a reward. It makes travel much more affordable. Especially if you’re like me and travel for extended periods of time.

My secret little tip is to save your hotel redemption for a stay at an airport hotel. I always find I don’t want to use my own money for these hotels, and I love using my rewards night there!

But do whatever you want with your rewards nights just as long as you take advantage of them!

5. Museums are Your Best Friend

If your initial reaction to this tip is to roll your eyes, read on a little bit further and hear me out!

London has some of the best and most celebrated museums in the world, and the best part is that the vast majority of them are free to visit!

You can visit world class attractions without spending a dime, and that is why you should visit as many museums as you can while on your solo trip to London!

In Kensington alone, there are three museums right next door to each other!

They’re all different, so I guarantee you’ll find something you’re interested in checking out.

And if you don’t like the museum, you just leave! It didn’t cost you a dime, so you don’t have to explore the entire museum just to get your money’s worth!

If you only have the chance to visit one free museum while you travel alone in London, I suggest it be the British Museum.

It has a little something for everybody and has some of the most priceless artifacts in the world!

The museum is quite busy as you can imagine! It is best if you avoid visiting it on the weekend if at all possible.

No matter what museum you choose, take the time to wander through at least one. It isn’t really a trip to London without visiting a museum or two!

Be sure to check if there is a price of admission before you arrive at the museum!

The majority of museums in London are free to enter, but there are a few that have an admission fee, and they’re normally quite expensive!

Unless you’re obsessed with the topic matter of a museum with an entrance fee, it is best to stick to the free ones!

T he best things to do in Kensington

6. Get Discounted West End Tickets

I wholeheartedly believe it isn’t a true trip to London if you didn’t go to the theatre!

New York’s Broadway gets a lot of attention for its theat re shows, but London’t West End shouldn’t be overlooked!

There are 39 theatres in London’s West End showing everything from famous musicals to obscure shows you’ve never heard of before.

I’m a huge theatre lover, but even friends and family who don’t love the theatre have enjoyed seeing a show on the West End.

The only problem is that tickets can be quite expensive. Especially if you buy them in advance and see the most popular shows.

There is a way around this though!

There are two discount theatre ticket providers in London:

Today Tix is my personal favourite place to purchase West End tickets at a discounted price.

All you have to do is download the app, look through the shows, and find one that sounds interesting and is in your price point.

The tickets will be delivered to the theatre on the night of your show, and all you have to do is show a piece of ID to pick them up!

My favourite parts about Today Tix is that it is an app, so you can purchase your ticket whenever and where ever suits you best.

You can also purchase tickets for shows a few days in advance, so you’re not limited to only buying tickets for shows showing on that particular day.

It is a very flexible ticket platform.

TKTS is similar to Today Tix, but you have to go to their booth in Leicester Square and purchase your tickets in person.

You can also only purchase tickets for shows being performed on that day.

The lines at the London TKTS aren’t nearly as long as the ones at their New York locations, but you can still often find yourself waiting for half an hour or so until it is your turn to purchase tickets.

The good news about the London TKTS location is that you can go to their website and see what shows they have tickets for that day and the prices.

This eliminates the potential of you waiting in line and them not having tickets for the show you want to see!

But, overall, it is kind of a pain to use the TKTS booth while in London, and I suggest using the Today Tix app instead!

7. Make Time for a Day Trip

It is so easy to get caught up in all London has to offer and spend your entire trip just exploring London.

I get it! I’ve visited London multiple times and just stayed in the city the entire trip.

But that is one of the biggest mistakes you can make on your solo trip to London!

The UK is an amazing part of the world, and there is so much to see outside of London and so many amazing cities that are just a short train ride away!

I’ve even managed to take a day trip to Wales from London in the past!

One of the best trips I can give you for when you’re partaking in solo travel in London is to get out of the city and see what else there is to explore!

You can take an organized day trip to some of the most popular towns and locations around London.

Or (if you’re like me and like to do everything yourself), you can hop on a train or bus and head to another city to explore by yourself.

One of my top recommendations for a day trip from London is Brighton.

It less than two hours away by train and has a completely different vibe than London. You can check out a detailed guide on how to travel between the two cities here .

It is definitely one of my favourite cities in England!

No matter where you choose to explore, I don’t think any solo trip to London is complete without exploring somewhere a bit outside the city to get a deeper understanding of the country outside of the capital city.

41 things to do along the Brighton seafront

8. Parks Aren’t Lit at Night

London is typically a very safe city for solo travellers, but there is one exception to that: the city parks during the night.

I know this is an odd tip to have in a post about solo travel in London, but I think it is an important one.

It is certainly one I didn’t know about, and it resulted in a stressful walk back to my hotel after a West End show one evening!

I want to help you avoid this experience!

I just assumed when I was walking home one night that the parks would be lit up, so I planned my path to walk through Hyde Park and Kensington Park.

Well, to my surprise, Hyde Park was pitch black with not a light in sight, and Kensington Park was already closed for the evening.

Of course, I could have changed paths and walked along a more lit street, but I’m stubborn, and I was already a bit of a ways into Hyde Park when I realized there were no lights.

At that point, I just wanted to walk as fast as possible to get to the end of the park and find some lighting.

So, if you’re ever walking around at night while on a solo trip to London (or anytime really), be sure you walk on main road and leave the parks for daylight hours.

If you find yourself in a situation when there are no lights, and you’re quite nervous about walking alone, be sure to pull out your cellphone and either use the flashlight app or call someone who can talk with you throughout your walk.

You should still be safe, but your heart will probably be pounding.

City streets will result in a much more relaxing walk home!

The best things to do in Kensington

Unique Solo Travel Safety Tips

9. Get an Oyster Card

I know I’ve talked a few times about how you can walk central London with little to no issue, but you will still need to use public transportation while you’re in London.

Sometimes you just can’t get around using public transportation, are too tired to walk back to your hotel after a long day, or don’t want to walk in the dark.

I feel you!

Even just getting to and from the airport requires you to use public transportation in most instances.

And that is where the Oyster card comes in!

The Oyster card is London’s transportation card. It saves you a bit of money on fares and saves you a lot of time because you just tap in and out of the metro/bus and don’t have to worry about purchasing a ticket each time.

I believe having an Oyster card is an essential part about travelling to London!

You have to pay a  £5 deposit when you get your Oyster card, but it is fully refundable if you choose to return it at the end of your trip.

I still have my first Oyster card from 2014 and keep using it each time I visit London, but if you don’t think you’ll be back, definitely return it for a refund.

That is a short and sweet explanation of the Oyster card.

There is more you should know, but the main thing to know if that you need to have an Oyster card on your solo trip to London!

Everything you need to know about the Oyster card

Solo travel in London is an unforgettable experience.

There are so many different things to see and do, and the city has a vibe and culture that is unbeatable!

There are so many different cultures and people in the city, and you never know when you’ll stumble upon a unique piece of culture, history, or food while you’re wandering through London.

As I said before, I truly believe that taking a solo trip to London is one of the easiest trips to take to learn the ropes of solo travel.

It is super easy to navigate the city, there is an attraction for anyone and everyone regardless of your tastes, and you won’t be overwhelmed with culture shock.

Plus so many flights to Europe land in London, so you may as well stop in and enjoy London before embarking on the rest of you European vacation.

It is not a city you want to miss out on!

Related Posts

• 5 Tips to Survive the London Underground
• 15 Epic Tips for Planning a Solo Trip
• 10 Epic Tips for Solo Travel in Prague

A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s Guide to Planning a Solo Trip to London

Today I want to share my guide to planning a solo trip to London with you. There are lots of great things to do alone in London for visitors. Whatever you’re into, the city offers plenty of ways to have fun on your own. Read on for my travel tips.

Solo Trip to London

One of my favorite things about London is that there’s so much to do. I’ve spent years living here and I still feel like I haven’t done and seen all there is to experience. Whether I’m with others or on my own, the UK capital has a lot to offer.

As a visitor, there are plenty of ways to enjoy London alone, and London is good for solo travelers. I’m an introvert and I spend a lot of time exploring the city solo, so I know this from years of firsthand experience. I’ve also traveled solo all over the world.

From the main attractions and the best museums to famous landmarks and fun markets , there’s plenty for you to discover by yourself in London.

Where to Stay in London as a Solo Traveler

One of the questions I get asked most often is “where is the best neighborhood to stay in London as a solo traveler?”

The good news is that there’s no right or wrong answer to that. There are plenty of places you can stay in the city on your own, from central London neighborhoods to local areas outside Zone 1.

When I’ve planned trips for clients who are traveling solo, I’ve recommended everything from apartments in Hampstead to hotels in Victoria .

My go-to hotel recommendation for solo travelers in London is The Resident . If you prefer the social atmosphere of a hostel, Wombat’s City Hostel London is a winner. You can take a look at my guide to the best area to stay in London for more ideas.

The bottom line is that it’s really up to you and your travel style. If you feel more comfortable staying in a hotel , that’s great. If you want your own place or somewhere that you’ll be staying with others, that’s fine too.

Most places in London are as safe as they are in any big city, and if you stay central or in a good local area, you should be fine. You can see a range of options and book a place to stay here . My guide to quirky hotels in London has fun ideas, too.

Things to Do Alone in London

As far as planning for what to do while you’re visiting, there are plenty of things to do in London on your own. Whether you’re into markets, walks, museums, music, food, or something else, the city offers plenty of ways to have fun alone.

If you want to explore the city on foot, you can check out my free self-guided London walking tours . They’ll show you the high streets and hidden corners of many areas of the city, and they’ll help you get your bearings.

If you’re into meeting people or you want a guided tour, there are plenty of options as well. Taking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour is a great way to get a feel for the city and interact with fellow travelers. You can book one here .

The same goes for Thames cruises . They’re fun ways to take in the city’s major landmarks on the river and meet people while you do. You can book one here .

Depending on your interests, you can also take a food tour , a street art tour , or another guided tour that fits your passions. You can see a range of options and book one that appeals to you here .

If you’re planning to take any side trips while you’re here, I recommend going with Rabbie’s Tours . I’ve done a number of day trips and multi-day tours with them, and I’ve always met other solo travelers.

In fact, on one trip I did with Rabbie’s there were only solo female travelers, which made it a lot of fun for all of us. You can see options and book a tour here .

If you want more ideas, you can take a look at my blog post about 51 things to do alone in London . It has loads of ideas for your trip.

Where to Eat and Drink Solo in London

One of the biggest challenges for me when I travel alone is finding places to eat where I don’t feel conspicuously solo. Over the years I’ve gotten wise to ways to feel comfortable eating alone when I travel.

The same is true for London, where I often eat alone if I’m walking around the city by myself all day.

The UK capital’s many food markets are my top picks for places to eat solo in London. From Borough Market to Camden Market , there are a lot of places you can enjoy a quick meal on your own in London.

Pubs are also good choice. They’re great whether you want to settle in for a solo meal or get social with others around you.

If you’re after a quick meal, there are plenty of places in London you can eat on the go. From Leon to Pret, they offer order-at-the-counter service.

If the weather is nice, you can get your meal to take away and eat in a local park or on one of the benches along the Thames. In the summer, there are great picnic spots in London as well.

Dinner can be trickier for solo travelers, especially if you want to enjoy a sit-down meal. But London has plenty of restaurants where you can eat at a bar top or counter and feel less conspicuous than if you were at a table for one.

From the famous Padella in Borough Market to Lina Stores and Kiln in Soho, there are plenty of places you can go. I love the communal tables at Ottolenghi, too.

Cost of a Solo Trip to London

A lot of people wonder how to budget for a solo trip to London. The truth is that costs can vary depending on your travel style.

If you stay in a 5-star hotel in Knightsbridge and eat at Michelin-starred restaurants every day, you’re going to spend a lot more than if you stay in a hostel in east London and buy groceries.

While London can be more expensive than many other places, there are also a lot of free things to do in London . From museums to parks and walks, you can easily spend all day in the city and only pay for food.

Speaking of food, that can range in price as well. Groceries can be surprisingly reasonable in London compared to places like the United States. Eating at casual restaurants like ICCO in Fitzrovia or Roti King doesn’t have to break the bank, either.

My overall recommendation is to take a look at what you think you’ll be able to spend on the entire trip, how much each activity you want to do costs, and which kind of accommodation you’re interested in. Then you can back into a budget.

Once you’ve allotted money for sightseeing, tours , and other activities, you can see what there is left per day for accommodation and food. That will help you stay within your plan.

Safety for Solo Travelers

Another question I get asked all the time is whether London is safe for solo travelers, especially solo female travelers.

While it’s impossible to guarantee safety, I’ve always felt comfortable in London (and I’ve walked down a lot of streets alone at night over the years).

If you use good judgement and common sense, you’ll likely be fine. I always try to avoid areas that are empty or have reputations for being rough, especially after dark. But in central London there are few of those.

It’s also a good idea to keep your wits about you and stay sober if you’re alone. While that might not sound fun, it will probably allow you to make better decisions and stay safer.

I also recommend watching your coats and bags at casual restaurants and pubs. Instead of hanging your bag off the back of your chair, put it in your lap or at your feet. Try to make sure your coat is secure while you’re sitting down, too.

Above all, don’t let fear prevent you from visiting London (or hinder your enjoyment while you’re here). I’ve lived and traveled in cities all over Europe, and I’ve felt safer here than in most other major urban centers.

How to Meet People in London

If you’re interested in meeting fellow travelers or locals on your solo trip to London, there are a number of ways you can do so.

As I mentioned before, going on tours can be a great way to meet other people. Local pubs are always a good bet, too, especially if you sit at the bar in the evening.

In addition, there are plenty of apps you can use to meet people. From dating apps to Bumble BFF and Facebook groups, they can be great ways to connect with others.

There are also lots of meetups and events going on in London for all kinds of interests. You can use the Meetup website or join global networks like InterNations to find ones that appeal to you.

If you’re part of a university alumni network, there are plenty of opportunities, too. For example, many American alumni groups have active chapters in London.

They host regular events and happy hours, and they’re fun ways to connect with fellow alums when you travel. If you’re curious, you can look online to see whether yours has a presence in the UK capital.

Above all, when meeting people, keep in mind that it’s somewhat taboo to talk to strangers on the tube, bus, or in the street in London.

People aren’t unfriendly or rude, it’s just not the done thing to approach people randomly and strike up a conversation. Using the other methods I suggested will likely yield better results.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to planning a solo trip to London, and that it’s made you feel both comfortable and excited about visiting the UK capital by yourself.

There’s a lot you can do and see here on your own, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy exploring the city as much as I do. Happy travels!

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Ultimate Guide to a Low Budget London Trip as a Solo Traveler

Last Updated on February 23, 2022 by Michela

Name a better first-time solo travel destination than London – I can’t think of one! Its history is world-renowned, the city is full of sites & easily navigable, and the English-speaking country of Great Britain is potentially an easy place to start for U.S. solo travelers going on their first trek. The only thing that seems it could be a downside – the price. London is not necessarily known as being an affordable city. Luckily, it’s not impossible to plan a low budget London trip as a solo traveler.

My own trip to London while studying abroad in Italy allowed me to make all the mistakes and learn all the tips as to what it takes to do London on a budget. I’m thankful to share those tips with you now!

If you’re a solo traveler looking for more solo travel tips, check out my posts on conquering loneliness as a solo traveler and how to make friends as a solo traveler .

Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure !

Save these tips for your future use!

Planning a Budget London Trip As a Solo Traveler

Any budget trip is going to take preparation. Just winging it is what’s going to cost you! You’ll run into budget-busting mistakes that could have been avoided.

To assist you with more of your budget trip planning, open up these posts for some of my tips after being a budget traveler for over 4 years now:

• Save Money While Traveling Europe: Avoid These Costly Mistakes
• Budget Travel Secrets: How to Travel More & Spend Less

Budget Airlines & Trains

Getting to London is your first objective. Most likely you’ll arrive by plane unless you are coming from Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam using the Eurostar train.

The Eurostar will most likely be the cheapest option to get to London if you have it available to you and book tickets in advance.

But the other benefit to London is the availability of budget airline options. It’s a hub of Europe so budget airlines like RyanAir and EasyJet are cheap and easy ways to get to London.

If you’re coming from the U.S. to London, I recommend checking out Student Universe for deals on flights for travelers under 26 years old. They offer specific deals to young travelers and could offset the cost of a transatlantic flight. They even have coupon codes sometimes!

Transportation from Airport

One thing you have to consider if you are arriving in London by the airport is getting from the airport to the city center.

I wouldn’t recommend renting a car unless you plan on going beyond London’s city center, since London itself is very walkable. Taking a taxi is the next most expensive option – no thanks!

You have a few budget options from London Stansted, where RyanAir flies into. You can reach London by train, Coach bus, and easyBus.

The train is the most costly of the three, but it leaves most frequently from the airport. A coach bus is what I took, with one-way tickets being in the 8-12 pound mark.

EasyBus is the cheapest option at only 2 pounds! It’s surely the way to go when planning a low budget London trip as a solo traveler.

Now, these are the options from London Stansted, which I utilized having flown with RyanAir. London Gatwick offers the same options.

From Heathrow, you can also take the Underground, which is fairly cheap as well.

Stay in a Hostel – My favorite I’ve ever been to!

I think my low budget London trip was extra special because it was the first and best time I’ve ever stayed in a hostel!

It was in London that I fell in love with Generator Hostels . Now, if I’m going to a city where they’re located, that’s my go-to budget spot.

Generator Hostels is actually a chain, which helped me feel more secure as a beginner solo traveler knowing I was staying at an established brand of accommodations.

And if you’re nervous to stay in a hostel – especially as a female traveler – I understand. That’s why I wrote my best tips for staying safe in a hostel .

I recommend this hostel because of its amenities. It’s a very social space, so it will be easy to make friends on your solo travel trip!

Its location is central, but not smack dab in the middle of London. Luckily at least, it’s very close to a metro stop to connect you to all the sites.

Hostels are always the best budget option to go when it comes to accommodation.

Oyster Pass

The Oyster Pass was something I was able to purchase at Generator London. You can pay for a prepaid amount of pounds loaded onto the card that you can then use to pay for all kinds of transportation around the city.

At the hostel, I was even able to get a discount!

You can prepay for your card online if you don’t want to wait and purchase unless you’re still unsure if you’ll want one (I wasn’t sure either, but it turned out great!) The link also includes a lot more detailed information as well as FAQs about how to use the card.

Walking (& Planning for Walking)

One way that will make a low budget London trip as a solo traveler much more feasible is walking .

Skip all that transportation!

London is big – so it’s not the most walkable city, but it is still doable. That is especially if you plan out your trip in more detail , focusing on areas where you can take transportation to once and then walk the rest of the day.

Free Walking Tours

Speaking of walking, why not take a tour while you do it!

Another great part about staying at Generator Hostels was the availability of free walking tours offered to guests.

Walking tours are some of the best ways to explore a city and see as much of what it has to offer in a short time.

Walks.com is an inexpensive option for walking tours if you don’t happen to find a free one. They are only 15 pounds, which isn’t too bad if it means you get to see a ton of the city!

Free Attractions

There’s nothing better about a budget trip than free attractions! Luckily, London has so much to see and experience that doesn’t cost a thing.

Some of my favorites are:

• Buckingham Palace
• Borough Market
• Camden Town
• Covent Garden
• St. James Park & other London parks

Also take advantage of free museums! There are so many from the Royal Academy of Arts to the National Gallery.

General Tips for Planning a Budget London Trip as a Solo Traveler

To budget London as a solo traveler means to take advantage of all the basic budget hacks of travel.

There are always more tips to keep in mind, including:

• Extra hidden expenses like parking fees, tolls, Taxi/Uber
• Whether you can go grocery shopping vs. eating out
• Avoiding overweight baggage fees, tourist trap stores and restaurants
• Converting the minimum amount of currency you need and a little extra and putting a travel notification on your credit card
• Paying for a SIM card from the country you’re traveling in or paying the international phone plan fees

Overall, with good preparation and knowledge of these tips, you’ll be able to make a solo trip to London budget-friendly and be able to enjoy the city without worrying over every penny!

Don’t forget to save to Pinterest!

I hope you’re on your way to London town soon! Make sure to pack these tips with you!

Michela is a travel writer and photographer living in northern Italy. She is passionate about helping people make the most of their travels by sharing advice gained from her personal experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations and time-saving quick itineraries. Browse her top articles or have her help you plan your itinerary to your dream destination!

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London Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to London , England? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

• The capital of England and its largest city, with a population of over 9.5 million .
• With a history stretching back over 2,000 years , London is widely considered to be the de facto capital of the Western world (and one of the global financial powerhouses).
• The first city to have hosted the modern Olympics three times: in 1908, 1948 and 2012.
• Contains 4 world heritage sites: The Tower of London, Kew Gardens, Westminster Abbey, and the historic settlement of Greenwich.
• One in every three of the population is foreign-born . The city is one of the world’s top destinations for people wanting to study, work or learn the English language.
• Has the oldest underground railway network in the world.
• Nicknames: The Smoke / Big Smoke, The Great Wen, The Swinging City, Cockaigne.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Currency:  British Pound  (GBP).
• Spoken languages: primarily  English . London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and you may overhear a dozen different languages spoken.
• Best time to visit: from May to September . Note: weather in London can be unpredictable and gloomy. Pack a raincoat just in case.

Arriving via airport: National Express provides easy bus transfers between the city’s main stations and the 6 airports that service London. Directions from the major airports:

• Heathrow Airport (LHR) is accessible by Express Rail from London Paddington with a one-way fare of £21 while a taxi will charge £45-60. The cheapest way to get downtown is by London Underground (Piccadilly line) with an Oyster card (Zone 1-6 Travelcard valid).
• London Gatwick (LGW) is connected by rail lines operated by Gatwick Express for £18.90, Southern Railway for £13.50 and First Capital Connect for £10. All these tickets cost considerably less when purchased in advance. Easy Bus delivers to Earl’s Court for £2
• From London Stansted (STN) travel into the city is serviced by Stansted Express with rail journey time of 60 minutes and single fare at £21.50 while the Terravision coach to Victoria costs £9. Taxis charge up to £70.

WHERE TO STAY

• Best hostel for solo travelers in London: Astor Hyde Park . Great location (for the price, it doesn’t get more central than this), clean dorms and facilities, comfortable beds, and friendly staff. Perfect for exploring the city – not a party hostel.
• Kensington is the most popular district due to great value for money and connects to budget-friendly Earl’s Court and Gloucester Road Underground.
• Another favorite is Victoria for a wide range of accommodation and optimal location near the transportation hubs and main sightseeing activities.
• While Knightsbridge is the place to be for exclusive shopping and restaurants, the best buzz is to be seen at West End , the centrally located area closest to the theatre district.
• If you’re budget minded, Central-Baker Street  and  Marylebone  are good areas to stay (to save money on accommodation, look for areas accessible by metro/tube).

GETTING AROUND

• The best way to save both money and time while commuting around London is to purchase an Oyster Card , the electronic ticket used on all major transport options, from underground rail to bus, trams, river boat services and trains. Fares are almost half the price compared to paper tickets; the card can be topped up online or at any of the 3,900 Oyster Ticket Shops.
• The London Underground , mostly referred to as the Tube, is the world’s oldest underground network. It runs 11 lines distinguished by name and color and deliver to every corner of the city. Trains run from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM and charge on a zonal fare system starting at £4.50 (or £2 for Oyster Card). For exact schedules, please see the timetable .
• The iconic red double-decker buses serve 700 routes throughout London and bear the number of their line and direction. Night service ensures no passenger is left stranded.
• Black cabs can be hailed from the street and are required by law to take passengers to any area within Greater London. Charges are distance and time dependent. Fares are metered, with a minimum charge of  £2.40 . Many residents prefer to use Uber .
• London River Services run privately owned commuter boats that make travel highly scenic from the waters of the Thames. Oyster cards are accepted.

LONDON NIGHTLIFE

• Drinking age is  18 , and last call is depends on the venue. While bars and pubs typically stop serving alcohol around 12:30 AM, most clubs go on till 3 AM.
• London has an impressive selection of bars and nightclubs for all tastes.
• Great pubs/bars to start your night: The Lyric (Soho), The King’s Head (Earl’s Court), The Craft Beer Co. (multiple locations), BrewDog (multiple locations).
• Head to Shoreditch for dance clubs playing drum and bass, house and trance music – the world’s top DJs call the area their home.
• Mayfair (and Knightsbridge) is for the exclusive crowd.
• Camden  has a good selection of bars and clubs.
• Leicester Square is the pub crawl destination (also known as tourist central!)
• Upper Street and Clapham Junction should be on the radar for those looking to eat like the locals.
• Soho is a good all-around bet, with a wide selection of restaurants, clubs and jazz bars.
• Hip scene: head to Dalston or   Shoreditch   to party with the young and trendy crowd.
• Tip: London is an expensive place to drink – expect to pay £4 for a pint of beer/ale. Check the Bloomsbury area for cheaper drinks – look for bars and pubs near University College London (UCL).
• For event listings, visit Londonears (gigs) and Resident Advisor (night club events).

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

• The Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben . The Palace of Westminster, built by Edward the Confessor in the 11th century, is a must-see. The Big Ben is the name given to the bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace, and is an internationally-recognized symbol of London.
• The Tower of London . History buffs should check out the Crown Jewels exhibition, which includes the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign’s Scepter with Cross.
• The Hampton Court Palace is a lovely palace, and a must-see for visitors to the city. Several monarchs have adapted the palace to their own tastes over the years.
• The London Eye is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe (135 meters) and offers the most impressive views of the city. On clear days, visibility is up to 40 km in all directions!
• The British Museum : truly an Aladdin’s cave of treasures collected by the British Empire from all over the world. Even if you are not a history buff, the museum is worth a visit.
• Other museums worth a visit: the  Tate Modern , Victoria & Albert Museum , the Churchill War Rooms , National Gallery , and Museum of Natural History .

INTERESTING WALKS

• The stroll from Paddington Station to Trafalgar Square cuts through the city’s most cultural districts, including Kensington Gardens and St. James’ Park for a walk among London’s finest and most romantic green spaces.
• Notting Hill is home to the world famous Portobello Market, known for antique dealers, vintage fashion and knick knacks unlike any you’ve ever seen. Spitalfields Market is where to find up-and-coming designers, trendy pieces and vintage memorabilia.
• From Little Venice walk along the canal and reach Regent’s Park for a casual, scenic route outside the city mayhem.
• Starting from Blackheath Station, walk along Goffers Road to Greenwich Park and look upon London from the zero-degree meridian.
• Hackney is the city’s leafiest boroughs, with over 60 parks for picnics, quiet reads or lunch breaks.
• The Southbank is ideal for a relaxing stroll. Cross along Westminster Bridge to London Bridge, taking in lovely views of the River Thames as you do so. As you walk along the River, check out the Shakespeare Globe Theatre.
• Take a walk around one of London’s Royal parks. If you have trouble choosing one, try the St. James Park . Other great parks include: Hyde Park, Green Park, and Kensington Gardens.
• Treat yourself to a guided walking tour by London Walks – it’s well worth it.

LOCAL WISDOM

• Want to know the best way to get somewhere using public transport? Use Citymapper .
• The best festivals are held the months of June to August – plan ahead if visiting during these months, as the best budget accommodations in London quickly sell out at this time.
• Visit  Buckingham Palace at the time of the changing of the guard to see an amazing procession for free.
• London is known for its subcultures. Denmark Street is a great visit if you’re into music, while  Carnaby Street is a mecca for fashionistas.
• There are too many great restaurants to try in a lifetime here. Some suggestions for solo travelers: Wingmans (Soho), Bike Shed Moto Co. (Shoreditch), Wahaca (Mexican – multiple locations), Burger & Lobster (multiple locations), Morito (tapas) or Shawarma Bar (both of these are in Exmouth Market), KIN (Leather Lane – Viet), Eat Tokyo (multiple locations), Monohon Ramen, Flat Iron (steak), Bancone (Italian).
• Where to find  good cheap eats : head to the nearest Roti King , Pizza Union , Wagamama or Nando’s (practically a London institution now). Craving deep dish pizza? Head to Japes .
• Dangerous areas : avoid the areas of Hackney, Tottenham, and Peckham at night. London is generally safe for tourists, but beware of scam artists the same way you would in any other busy city.

The Best London Guide Books:

• Fodor’s London (Full-color Travel Guide)

Recommended trip duration: 4-5 days

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11 ways to enjoy a solo trip to London

Whether you’re looking to reconnect with yourself, build independence, or step out of your comfort zone, London is one of the best holiday destinations for solo travelers. You’ll never have to worry about being bored or lonely—this crowded capital city is full of things to do .

Traveling alone is one of the best ways to make new friends, and with a population of eight million, you’re bound to find a buddy in London, especially if you speak English. We recommend joining a tour or simply striking up a chat with anyone at the pub.

It’s relatively safe to travel in London alone, although general precautions like being aware of pickpockets and avoiding dark corners at night apply. Getting around London is also far easier than many other cities. While the Tube might seem intimidating at first, you’ll find that it’s fairly simple to figure out .

So grab your backpack and check off this list of 11 things to do in London for solo travelers.

1. Stay in a hostel

London’s hotels can get pricey, especially if you’re staying alone. Hostels are a great idea for solo travelers, as you can not only save some cash but also build a network of fellow backpackers.

The Dictionary Hostel is a budget hostel catered to sociable travelers located in the trendy Shoreditch neighborhood. There’s a bar and even a foosball table, a great way to meet someone new. If you prefer bed-and-breakfast vibes over bunk beds, there’s also Palmers Lodge , which oozes cozy Victorian elegance.

2. Go on a bike ride

On a budget? Rent a bicycle and explore the city. You can try Santander Cycles , London’s public bike-sharing scheme, but most parks should also have bicycle rental services available. For a more guided approach, join a London Royal Parks Bike Tour to visit Hyde Park , Kensington Gardens , and other landmarks.

3. Try London’s diverse range of food

Traveling alone means you can enjoy all your favorite dishes without having to cater to someone else’s food preferences—an important perk, since London is one of the most diverse cities in the world.

Kick off your gastronomic tour by sampling London’s best street food at the bustling Borough Market . Feeling overwhelmed by all the stalls? This traditional English food tasting tour will let you check off classics like fish and chips, scones, and Scotch eggs. Discover up-and-coming food trucks at Spitalfields Market as well as other culinary favorites on this food tour of London’s East End .

It’s also way easier to get a seat when you’re eating alone in London, so it’s a great chance to check out popular restaurants like Scarlett Green , one of the best brunch spots in the world . Alexander the Great is a fantastic Mediterranean restaurant that serves small plates, so you can try a range of dishes even without someone to share them with.

4. Explore London’s museums

Museums are an ideal way to spend time by yourself, especially if you encounter bad weather. And with such an extensive range of museums and galleries in London, you’re sure to find something that suits your fancy.

History aficionados will love to walk the historic corridors of the Churchill War Rooms before heading aboveground to tour other major landmarks . Those interested in ancient beasts and creatures will enjoy the Natural History Museum , which offers skip-the-line guided tours , or the Horniman Museum , which even has a Butterfly House.

5. Browse London’s bookshops

If you ask us, there’s no better way to spend some “me time” than at a bookstore. Luckily, London is home to plenty of bookshops, ranging from small indie stores to well-stocked chains. Some of our favorites include Daunt Books , an old-fashioned shop with stunning stained glass windows; Persephone Books , which shines a spotlight on female authors; and Hatchards , the U.K.’s oldest bookshop. Gay’s the Word is also a delightful store that carries a wide range of LGBTQ+ work.

6. Join a walking tour

Explore the city and make new friends by joining some walking tours . Many small-group walking tours limit the number of attendees, so you’ll get an intimate experience. There are a plethora of options available, from a Jack the Ripper walking tour around the serial killer’s old haunts to a historical pub walking tour , where you’ll get to drink at some of the city’s most historic alehouses. Harry Potter fans will enjoy discovering J.K. Rowling’s inspirations on this tour for Muggles .

7. Pick up a new skill

One of the best vacay takeaways is learning a lifelong skill. Impress everyone back home by picking up something new, whether it’s a cocktail masterclass at Serata Hall or a cooking workshop at the Jamie Oliver Cookery School .

Hoping to get some Instagram-worthy pictures on this trip? Kill two birds with one stone with this ultimate introduction to photography workshop , where you’ll get to learn the basics while touring London’s most iconic locations. This night photography tour also offers professional guidance.

8. Go to the theater

Don’t let going solo hold you back from experiencing the magic of London's West End . The theater district is London’s answer to Broadway , and you’ll find lots of world-class plays and musicals here.

Plus, it’s easier to score a single ticket, especially for popular shows like The Lion King , The Book of Mormon , Matilda The Musical , and Wicked . If you have a flexible schedule and want to get a good deal, remember to check if rush tickets are available on each performance day.

9. Check out one of London’s best supper clubs

Wondering what to do in London at night alone? Enter the supper club, an informal communal dining experience. Aspiring chefs set up pop-up events to give their menus a trial run, which means you could be trying out dishes by the next Gordon Ramsay at a fraction of the price.

Most supper clubs’ locations are always changing, so it’s best to keep tabs on them via social media, like Alexandra Dudley’s ticketed feasts . Alternatively, restaurants like Darjeeling Express and Lowlander also host supper clubs, a nod to their former roots.

10. Meet other sports fans

Football fans, take the chance to meet fellow enthusiasts on a stadium tour. While iconic stadiums like Old Trafford and Anfield Stadium are a distance away, there are more than a few other well-known clubs in the heart of London.

Chelsea Football Club , for instance, offers an acclaimed stadium tour and immersive museum experience, as does Tottenham Hotspur . Arsenal fans will love this tour of Emirates Stadium , where you’ll get to explore dressing rooms and walk out onto the pitch. Or take a quick day trip to check out the spot where England clinched its 1966 World Cup victory on this award-winning tour of Wembley Stadium .

Not into footie? There’s also the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum .

11. Take a day trip

We highly doubt it, but if you ever feel bored in London, there’s so much more to explore outside the city. Iconic sights like Stonehenge , Windsor Castle , and the Roman Baths are just a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. And with a well-organized coach tour , you’ll be able to hit all the sights in a single day.

Recommended tours and activities

More like this:

• 10 best non-touristy things to do in London
• 9 common travel mistakes in London and how to avoid them
• London for book lovers: 10 spots and activities you shouldn’t miss

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35 epic things to do alone in london: solo travel guide by a local.

Are you wondering what to do in London alone? Then you’ve come to the right place.

I am not only a Londoner, born and bred, but I have also been a passionate solo traveller for many years . As I know my hometown like the back of my hand and have first-hand experience of the challenges faced by solo travellers, I can steer you towards the very best things to do alone in London.

Whether you are a culture vulture, a fervent foodie or a seasoned shutterbug, there is something for every traveller. Many of London’s famous attractions make the cut but I have also thrown in less obvious solo activities.

At the end of the article, you’ll also find London solo travel tips, including advice on choosing accommodation and safety tips for female solo travellers.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

Dreaming of your first solo trip? Click here to download your FREE solo travel toolkit . 

It’s just what you need to kickstart your plans!

IN THIS ARTICLE

My Top 10 Things to Do Alone in London

In a hurry? Let’s cut to the chase.

In no particular order of preference, here are my favourite things to do in London solo.

1. Enrich your mind at one of London’s major museums

Visiting a museum is an ideal thing to do in London by yourself. Better still, entry to the permanent exhibitions in most of London’s museums is free.

Lovers of fashion and design will adore the  Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) , and history buffs will flock to the British Museum . If you are itching to learn more about our natural world, check out the Natural History Museum .

Perhaps I’m biased because I work there as a volunteer, but I love South Kensington’s  Science Museum .

Even if you are not a museum person, the buildings that these collections are housed in are works of art and  London landmarks  in their own right.

2. Visit one of London’s free art galleries

Is art more of your thing? If so, you’ll be spoilt for choice in London. Again, permanent exhibitions are usually free.

For artistic immersion, head to  The National Gallery  on Trafalgar Square.

Or pop into one of London’s Tate Museums .

Visit Tate Britain for a walk through British art history. Or if you love modern art, there’s  Tate Modern  housed in the husk of a disused power station on London’s South Bank.

More intimate galleries that I love are the Wallace Collection, the Queen’s Gallery and the Dulwich Picture Gallery .

3. Be dazzled by the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London

The Tower of London is a very popular attraction for very good reasons.

Over its colourful 1,000-year history it has been a fortress and a palace. It was used to store records of government and was the site of a royal menagerie, the Royal Mint and armouries.

READ THIS NEXT: 15 Insider Tips for Visiting the Tower of London

Today’s visitors arrive in their droves to gaze at the Crown Jewels, the gold and gem-encrusted ceremonial items worn by British kings and queens, and to revel in its sometimes gory history. It was from here that Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes were incarcerated and were led to their grisly fate.

Their stories and more are brought to life during the free 45-minute walking tour led by the famous Yeoman Warders, also known as ‘Beefeaters.’ Delivered with style and humour, this is one of the highlights of the Tower of London that can’t be missed.

>>> BUY YOUR TICKET FOR THE TOWER OF LONDON HERE . ENTRY TO THE TOWER OF LONDON IS INCLUDED IN THE LONDON PASS AND LONDON EXPLORER PASS .

4. Embrace your inner classic music aficionado at St Martin in the Fields

If classical music is more to your taste,  St Martin in the Fields   holds regular free 30-minute concerts. I love the church’s inexpensive  café  in its crypt and its terrace cafe, both of which are inexpensive lunch options if you are in the Trafalgar Square area.

Another good option for free lunchtime concerts is the historic church of St. James in Picadilly .

5. See London’s highlights on a self-guided tour

Forget about those hop-on-hop-off tourist buses clogging London’s streets. The very best way to see the capital is on foot.

One of my favourite things to do in London is to seek out its familiar, and less familiar, sights by doing a walking tour. And the beauty of doing a self-guided tour is that you can go at your own pace (and skip the less interesting bits).

Insider Tip! Best London Walking Tour Books

• Time Out London Walks: 30 Walks by Writers, Comedians and Historians
• Walking London: Thirty Original Walks in and Around London (Andrew Duncan)
• London’s Hidden Walks (Andrew Duncan)

6. Or join a guided walking tour

If you don’t fancy going it alone, there is a good choice of  guided London walking tours  available to accommodate all interests. This can also be a good way to  meet people as a solo traveller .

From a food walking tour of Borough Market to immersion in Harry Potter’s Muggle land , there’s something for everyone.

Friends have highly recommended the street art tours in East London. However, armed with a little information, you can do this by yourself.

READ THIS NEXT: Street Art in Brick Lane, London: A Self-guided Walking Tour

7. Visit the Sky Garden

For the best free view in town, head to 20 Fenchurch Street, also known as the Walkie Talkie building, home to London’s Garden in the Clouds.

The  Sky Garden  offers a 360-degree panorama of London’s iconic skyline. On a clear day, the views are sensational, from the Tower of London and Canary Wharf to the east, and St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye to the west.

Advance booking  is essential.

READ THIS NEXT: Visiting The Sky Garden, London

8. Or take in the view from The Shard

If your budget can stretch that far, buy a ticket for The View from The Shard.

Soaring to a height of over 310 meters above the River Thames, The Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the highest viewing platform in London. The panorama from its viewing platforms is hard to beat.

For the best prices, buy your ticket from The Shard’s ticket office .

>>> ENTRY IS INCLUDED IN THE LONDON PASS AND LONDON EXPLORER PASS (RESERVATION REQUIRED)

But did you know that you can visit The Shard for free ?

Aqua Shard, one of the building’s six restaurants, offers some of the best views in the building. Although you won’t reach the dizzy heights of level 68 and beyond, its double-height glass walls on floor 31 envelop you in London’s skyline.

Advance reservations are advised.

READ THIS NEXT : How to Visit The Shard for Free: A Local’s Guide

9. Take a riverboat along the Thames

Take a riverboat along the Thames for a leisurely day out and a chance to see many of London’s most famous bridges from a different perspective.

A one-day  River Roamer ticket  gives you unlimited travel on the  Thames Clippers’ service .

This will allow you to hop on and hop off between 23 piers along the river and explore some of the city’s attractions. These include Battersea Power Station to the west, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Tate Modern, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and historic Greenwich to the east.

Alternatively, why not take a traditional Thames River cruise with live commentary? Book your Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise here or your Westminster to Tower Bridge trip here .

10. Lose yourself in Kew Gardens

Strolling around the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is one of my favourite solo travel London activities.

Home to the world’s largest and most diverse collection of plants – over 50,000 plant species at the last count – Kew Gardens is one of the capital’s treasures.

The Temperate House  and the  Palm House  offer a warm winter refuge for plants and visitors alike and are jewels of Victorian engineering.

Embrace your inner child by walking across the  Treetop Walkway , suspended 18 metres above ground and offering a bird’s eye view of the forest. Or check out Kew Gardens’ art installation,  The Hive , an immersive sight and sound experience.

Although there’s something to see in Kew Gardens all year round, I prefer the explosion of colour in springtime and the spectacular foliage of the arboretum in autumn.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TICKET FOR THE KEW GARDENS. ENTRY IS INCLUDED IN THE LONDON PASS AND LONDON EXPLORER PASS (RESERVATION REQUIRED)

Best Things to Do in London Alone During the Day

11. explore london’s smaller museums.

By ticking off the major museums on our travel bucket lists, there’s the risk that the smaller museums are omitted. If you are in a city for a limited time, this is inevitable as priority is given to the big hitters.

London is home to some wonderful, smaller museums which are perfect for mooching around alone if time permits.

Local’s Tip! My Pick of London’s Best Small Museums

London Cinema Museum – for a journey into cinema’s past

Horniman Museum – a quirky natural history museum in a beautiful setting, famous for its giant stuffed walrus

Museum of Brands – for a surprisingly fascinating insight into marketing and brands.

12. Join a tour or talk at The British Museum

The  British Museum  is one of my favourite hangouts and it has a stimulating programme of events year-round. These range from excellent  free gallery tours , that are led by volunteers, to more in-depth explorations of cultural and historic subjects.

You can just turn up on the day for most of the free gallery tours. However, book online for the paid-for talks as these are very popular.

But if you miss out on the talks, don’t miss out on the museum. It truly has a world-beating collection, from imposing African statues to the glorious Lindisfarne Gospel from Northumbria’s  Holy Island.

13. Dive into WW2 history at the Churchill War Rooms

Step back into the dark days of the Second World War by visiting the fascinating Churchill War Rooms .

This painstakingly preserved subterranean warren was home to Churchill and other top-ranking British officials during World War II. From here, the British government directed the Second World War.

The sense of history is almost tangible.

14. Plan your next solo trip in an old-fashioned bookshop

A bookshop is a perfect refuge for the solo traveller. Sadly, in these days of Amazon – other online retailers are available –  bookshops are becoming rarer, and those with character rarer still.

Luckily for us locals, London has managed to cling onto many of its bookshops.

King amongst these is  Daunt Books  in Marylebone. Solo travellers will be bowled over by its extensive collection of travel publications, perfect for an hour’s browsing.

15. Bag a good spot for the Changing of the Guard

There are few things that Britain does better than pomp and ceremony, and the Changing of the Guard is an excellent place to experience this.

The Changing the Guard is when the King’s Guard transfers responsibility to the New Guard and spans three locations: Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace and Wellington Barracks.

This 45-minute ceremony takes place on select days (typically Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays) and starts at 11 a.m. Times and days do change and you should check the schedule here .

This spectacle is completely free to watch. That said, to understand what is going on and to bag the best spots, it’s worth looking at this inexpensive walking tour with a local guide.

16. Take a stroll along the Victoria Embankment

There are so many London walks from which to choose but this one takes in many of London’s top sights.

The 2km Victoria Embankment river walk from the Palace of Westminster to Blackfriars Bridge is a perfect way to spend an afternoon by yourself.

If the weather is kind to you, take a break in the  Victoria Embankment Gardens  near Charing Cross Station. A café is open in the warmer months, and there are summer concerts on the garden’s bandstand.

Alternatively, if you are seeking open spaces, walk the Pymmes Brook Trail in North London.

17. Smell the flowers in Columbia Road Market

Visiting at least one market is a good use of time during your solo trip to London. There are so many to choose from:  Portobello Market, Brick Lane Market ,  Old Spitalfields  and  Borough Market  to name but a few.

But my favourite has to be the  Columbia Road Flower Market , which is one of the best things to do in London by yourself on a Sunday.

On one day of the week, this East End road is transformed into a blooming wonderland, the air perfumed with the scent of flowers. Arrive early to get your pick of the blooms (the market opens at 8 am).

Or if you are after a bargain, arrive around 2 pm when the stallholders start to reduce their prices. The market closes at 3 pm.

This area between Shoreditch and Brick Lane is also packed with vintage shops, and fantastic cafes and delis. Perfect for Sunday brunch.

18. Borrow a four-legged friend for the day

If you are missing companionship, why not borrow a dog for the day? The innovative  Borrow My Doggy  pairs dog owners with dog sitters.

What could be better than having a canine companion to explore London with? And you get to help out dog owners.

19. Explore Maritime Greenwich

There are few better solo days out in London than taking the riverboat to Greenwich and exploring its collection of UNESCO-listed buildings. It helps that it has welcoming riverside pubs and restaurants.

Although it is most famous as the place of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the Prime Meridian of the world, its buildings and historic landmarks showcase English artistic and scientific endeavours in the 17th and 18th centuries.

• The  Queen’s House  – first Palladian building in England.
• The  Royal Naval Hospital  – originally designed by Christopher Wren and further embellished by other architects, including Nicholas Hawksmoor.
• The  Royal Park  – expansive views over London and home to the  Royal Observatory, Maritime Museum  and Meridian Line.
• The  Royal Observatory  – the baseline for the world’s time zone system and for the measurement of longitude around the globe

20. Take a day trip from London

Thanks to extensive rail connections, it’s super easy to  take a day trip from London .

With its broad shingle beach and cool bohemian air,  Brighton  is a very popular day trip from London. The university cities of  Oxford  and  Cambridge  are also great choices for a day out.

Even Liverpool , home of The Fab Four, is reachable as a day trip from London.

For something a little different, but no less historic, try  Rochester  in Kent , which was once the home of Charles Dickens. Visit one of the  seaside towns in Kent  or walk along the dunes of  Camber Sands  and explore the neighbouring town of  Rye , West Sussex .

Finally, if you’re in the mood for a walk through ancient woodlands, I highly recommend heading to  Epping Forest   in the northeast corner of London, which is spectacular in autumn.

READ THIS NEXT: 31 Easy Day Trips from London by Train

But perhaps you want someone else to take care of all of the arrangements for you or want to benefit from the knowledge of a guide? There are some day trips from London where it makes sense to join an organised tour with a guide.

Here is my pick of the best

Stonehenge Half-Day Tour

Stonehenge is one of the most popular day trips from London but is not the easiest place to reach by public transport, requiring a train and bus/taxi journey. This half-day tour includes a return transfer and an audio guide.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford Tour

Three top destinations are bundled into one neat package here. You can choose to visit the interior of Windsor Castle and will benefit from a live guide.

Full-Day Cotswolds Tour 

Like Stonehenge, exploring the Cotswolds’ chocolate box villages can be tricky if you don’t have a car. This excursion visits four of its loveliest villages – Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold – and is led by a live guide.

21. Learn a new skill

Learning a new skill as a solo traveller works well on so many levels. Apart from the potential enrichment resulting from the activity, it is a fun way to spend time in a strange city and a fantastic way to meet new people.

Check out  obby  to find classes that are available around London. There really is something for everyone, from calligraphy and cocktails (assume that the writing comes first!) to eco pouch making with sustainable designers.

22. Take a class at the School of Life.

London’s School of Life  has an extensive programme of classes and workshops, focussing on helping attendees find fulfilment in key areas of their lives.

Speakers discuss a range of subjects from how to find love, to developing your emotional intelligence.

23. Start your weekend with a Park Run

If you are in London by yourself on a Saturday and have your running gear with you, why not take part in a  Park Run ?

These organised 5K runs are great fun as well as good places to meet new people as a solo traveller. Sign up for free on their website.

24. Unleash your inner Ginger Rogers at a dance class

If running isn’t for you, consider dropping into the famous  Pineapple Studios  in Covent Garden for a dance class.

From tap to hip hop, there are classes for all levels, throughout the day and well into the evening. Prices are from £10 for an hour’s session; advance booking is required.

25. Rent a bike to enjoy London’s parks

For something a little more leisurely, rent a bike to explore one or more of London’s wonderful parks. The  Hyde Park loop  is particularly good.

You can rent one of the distinctive  Santander Cycles . Download the Santander Cycles app or go to any docking station with your bank card and touch the screen to get started.

For a fun way to explore London and to meet other solo travellers, join a guided bike tour of London that takes in the city’s highlights such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, as well as some hidden spots.

26. Treat yourself to afternoon tea

There are few more quintessentially English culinary experiences than afternoon tea.

High tea, as it is also called, is usually served between 2 pm and 4 pm and typically includes crustless finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, sweets and pastries. These are arranged on a tiered platter and are served with your choice of tea (or coffee).

Put aside a few hours for this experience. To make it truly special, why not add a glass of champagne?

Afternoon tea is served in a large number of venues across London (start by checking here ). But you can also combine eating and sightseeing on an afternoon tea bus or having high tea sailing along the Thames .

27. Pack a picnic for one of London’s parks

London is home to more than 3,000 parks, covering almost 18 per cent of the capital. The best known of these are its eight Royal Parks, which include Hyde Park, St. James’s Park and Regent’s Park.

These are the perfect spots for a DIY lunch or supper. Do as the locals do. Grab yourself a “meal deal” from a mini-supermarket (typically a sandwich, drink and fruit/bag of crisps for under a fiver) and pick the perfect spot in the park of your choice.

No dining companions are required.

28. Read a book over a flat white

Let’s be honest. Rain is not an impossibility in London.

Cosying up in a  café  is a good wet weather standby if you are alone in London. Order your coffee – and something decadent to go with it – open up your book or laptop or just people watch.

Solo Travel in London: What to Do at Night

29. lose yourself in a good movie.

Solo cinema-going should be the norm, not the exception.

Let’s face it; why do you need to go with someone else to watch a movie? Whilst a shared post-movie critique can be fun, it’s not as if you’re going to chat with one another during the film. Or I sincerely hope not.

I’m a total cinephile and go to the cinema on a weekly basis at the very least, often on my own. To my mind, hunkering down in a cosy cinema on a winter afternoon takes a lot of beating.

In central London, my go-to place for a dose of movie magic is  Picturehouse Central . Big screens, comfortable seats, good café and thoughtful programming.  Plus its Members’ Bar is one of the best spots in London to grab a drink!

For a boutique cinema experience, try the theatres in the  Everyman Cinema  chain.

As their screens tend to be smaller, this is not the best option for those big blockbuster movies. However, what the Everyman lacks in screen size, it gains in comfy sofas and armchairs, some with footstools, and waiter service to your seat.

For a journey into cinematic past, pick Prince Charles Cinema (off Leicester Square). This retro-styled cinema has a wonderfully eclectic programme at bargain prices for its central location, especially if you take up their cheap membership.

>>> Get inspiration to book your first solo visit to London with these dreamy quotes about singles travel or through these books by female solo travellers

30. Browse the BFI’s Archives in the Mediatheque

Another favourite place to watch a movie is the  British Film Institute (BFI)  on the South Bank, which is also home to the uber-cool Mediatheque.

The Mediatheque comprises booths with comfortable seats where you can settle down with a film or TV programme from the BFI’s extensive and diverse archive collection.

And best of all, it’s absolutely free and open until 9 p.m.

31. Attend evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral

Welcome to another of my favourite places in London, the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral.

If you are not pushed about scaling the cathedral’s dome, why not attend one of the choral evensong services? You can check the schedule here .

Not only is this completely free, but you also have the opportunity to hear the choir in this acoustically sublime setting.

>>> BUY YOUR TICKET FOR ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL HERE . ENTRY IS INCLUDED IN THE LONDON PASS AND LONDON EXPLORER PASS .

32. Catch a play or musical

Another great thing to do in London by yourself is to go to the theatre.

London has so much going on theatrically, suiting all tastes and budgets. And as a single, it is easier to score a single ticket.

33 Experience Elizabethan London at The Globe Theatre

See Elizabethan theatre brought vividly to life in one of London’s most famous buildings,  Shakespeare’s Globe , built a few hundred meters from the original Globe, where many of Shakespeare’s plays were first performed.

I’ve seen a few productions here and it is an unforgettable experience. In an attempt to reproduce the bawdy atmosphere of 16th-century theatre-going, “groundlings” stand in the central space in front of the stage. Applauding and jeering are actively encouraged.

As much of Shakespeare’s Globe is open to the elements, the theatre operates a summer programme only. Groundling tickets sell for as little as £5.

34. Dine at a supper club

The prospect of  eating out alone  is enough to bring even the most experienced solo traveller out in a cold sweat.

If you are visiting London alone and don’t fancy a table for one, why not try one of the city’s  supper clubs ?

These imitate spaces are where aspiring chefs test their offerings before committing to the rent of a permanent home. As such, you can eat very well for a fraction of the usual price.

Plump for one that offers long sharing tables, which are good places to strike up conversations with new people.

READ THIS NEXT: Solo Dining with Style: 21 Tips To Make Eating Out Alone Fun

35. Sip a G&T in a  London pub

I’ve saved one of the best things to do alone in London until last.

Few things are as quintessentially British as a pub, and just because you are travelling alone doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on this experience.

One of my favourite central London pubs is the  Fitzroy Tavern  on Charlotte Street in Fitzrovia. This Victorian boozer oozes history and has been the haunt of many a London luminary over the years, including Dylan Thomas.

Head upstairs to bag one of the pub’s comfy armchairs. Write your journal, read a good book and order a glass or two of your favourite nectar. And you never know, you may soon make new friends.

Where to Stay as a Solo Traveller in London

Choosing the right place to stay as a solo traveller is an essential part of your travel planning.

London is a pricey city in which to stay, especially if you are travelling alone. You’ll pay a premium for staying within the central (transport) Zone 1; prices usually start to drop the further you venture.

Base yourself in one of these zone 1 neighbourhoods: buzzy Soho or Covent Garden , trendy Hoxton , elegant Mayfair , or Islington with its abundance of excellent bars and restaurants. All of these areas have good transport links.

Here are a few options to consider:

Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity Covent Garden

Centrally located on The Strand, one of London’s most historic streets , this aparthotel offers a range of rooms, including those with a kitchenette. I have used Staycity in France and was very impressed.

>>> CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES & BOOK

Citadines, Islington

These modern studio apartments in the heart of Islington have all you need for a successful solo trip to London, including a fully equipped kitchenette.

Covent Garden Hotel

This wonderfully located hotel in the charming Seven Dials area of London is one of the boutique Firmdale Group properties in London. It’s not cheap but it is one of the best places to treat yourself (it also has a great bar and restaurant).

9 Hertford Street

This one-bedroom apartment is a more affordable luxury choice, a stone’s throw from Green Park. Extremely elegant but also functional.

>>> None of these places takes your fancy? Check out other great accommodation choices in London here .

London Solo Travel Tips

Getting around london.

London is a surprisingly walkable city. The key is to pick a neighbourhood and stick with it.

That said, it’s very unlikely that you’ll avoid the need to use public transport in the capital .

The London Underground, or “Tube,” network is extensive and covers most areas, at least north of the river. But it’s hard to beat bagging the front seat at the top of one of the city’s red double-decker buses, which serve some of the areas the Tube doesn’t reach.

Contactless payment or pre-paid Oystercards make it easy to use the capital’s buses and trains

The London River Bus is a tourist activity in itself, providing a more leisurely way of getting from A to B. Additionally, iconic London black cabs, Uber and Bolt are readily available.

Cycling is increasingly popular, thanks to London’s growing network of bike lanes.

Solo Travel London: Safety Advice

London is one of the safest and best destinations for solo travellers in Europe , even for those who are taking their first solo trip . For English speakers, the locals talk your language. This is one of the most diverse cities on the planet and one that is tolerant of all types of people. Save the occasional wobble, London’s transport system is extensive and user-friendly. This is a very busy city at all times of the year, and this activity helps to keep things safe. As in many cities, petty crime is not unusual. I have friends who have had their bags swiped on the Tube and valuables lifted by nimble-fingered pickpockets in pubs.

Remain vigilant. Keep your belongings close to you, stash your valuables at your accommodation and use an anti-theft backpack when you are out and about. I have  this PacSafe backpack  which has anti-RFID technology and a hidden pocket.

Take steps to keep safe as a female solo traveller . A little bit of common sense goes a long way. If a street or an area doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and don’t go wandering alone. Avoid walking through London’s parks after sunset.

READ THIS NEXT : 17 Essential Safety Tips for Travelling Alone

How to meet people in London

My Italian friends love London but cannot understand why people don’t make eye contact on the Tube, let alone talk to one another. And here’s the thing; striking up random conversations with strangers on public transport or on London’s streets is a no-no.

It’s not that the natives are inherently unfriendly or rude; it’s just not the cultural norm. But the good news is that there are a number of better ways to meet people as a solo traveller in London.

Although my days of sleeping in a dorm are behind me , I’ll be the first to admit that hostels are great places to meet other travellers.

As I’ve mentioned, joining a day tour or activity, learning a new skill or taking part in a Park Run are all ways to meet people.

Perhaps you are an avid photographer or a keen walker? Then why not indulge your passion and meet other people using Meetup . This online tool lists events that cater to a vast range of interests.

You can also make use of apps like Tourlina or Backpackr to find travel companions and locals.

The great British pub is always a good bet, especially if you prop up the bar.

READ THIS NEXT : 21 Easy Ways to Meet People While Travelling Alone

Saving money as a solo traveller in London

London has a not undeserved reputation as an expensive city. However, there are ways that you can save money when visiting London alone.

There are tons of free activities , from London’s first-class museums and galleries to its acres of parkland.

Eating out doesn’t need to cost a packet. Buy food supplies from small supermarkets dotted across London (e.g. Tesco Express) and stick to cheap and mid-range eateries.

London has two excellent sightseeing passes .

Use the London Pass for unlimited sightseeing across 90+ attractions over a set number of days. Alternatively, a London Explorer Pass allows you to decide how many attractions you would like to visit in a 60-day period.

Buy your London Pass here , and your London Explorer Pass here . To find out more, check out my London Pass review or this lowdown on the London Explorer Pass .

Thank you for reading my solo travel London guide

I hope that these ideas and tips help you have the best London solo trip. If you are looking for more information about what to do in London, take a look at some of my other articles below.

ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE? THEN READ THESE NEXT!

• 30 Famous London Landmarks
• 30 Famous Streets in London You Must Visit
• 23 Famous Bridges in London
• 32 Easy Day Trips from London by Train
• Virtual London Tours: The 10 Best Armchair Travel Experiences
• 10 Tasty Foods in London That You Must Try

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman is a Londoner who has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

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Solo female travel in london: everything you need to know.

FMTC Affiliate Disclosure: Blond Wayfarer contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This disclosure pertains to all affiliate links.

Undoubtedly, London is one of the greatest international cities in the world. Which, also means that London is the perfect option for your next solo trip.

On a personal note, I’m smitten with London, especially since I have a Master’s degree in Literature. I mean, the British Library? The Globe? What’s not  to love?

Solo female travel in London might’ve been an expensive treat, but for me, this adventure was well worth the cost. Wandering this city on my own terms, with very few obligations to other people, was divine. Divine.

You don’t need to be a literature lover to enjoy London either. As a destination, London has something for everyone. Truly.

Furthermore, London is a very accessible destination for solo travelers, especially North American travelers, who want to travel internationally for the first time. Despite its size, London thrives on tourism and knows how to accommodate everyone, even in the peak summer season. It’s the perfect place for planning a solo trip to Europe.

Since London has a special place in my heart, I wanted to share all the tips that I learned on my own solo adventures here. For many independent travelers, London is a major bucket list destination that deserves a lot of time and attention, as well as planning. I want to help you. 

Table of Contents

Should You Travel Alone to London?

Argh, as much as I want to say “yes, absolutely, book your airline ticket as soon as you close this post,” I need reel myself in and be realistic. Instead my answer about whether you should travel alone in London is a polite yes, but with caveats. Every solo traveler is different. 

Obviously, if you prefer nature vacations rather than large cities, you might be better off planning a different trip to the United Kingdom.

For example, solo travel in Scotland would absolutely fulfill your needs. England’s northern regions, such as The Lake District, are also delightful. You may even want to spend more time in Liverpool, if you want a mixture of city and nature, due to Liverpool’s easy accessibility to North Wales. 

Furthermore, solo travelers on a budget will want to carefully crunch the numbers for a London vacation. I’m not kidding. As a US citizen, the exchange rate never works in my favor, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the same for you. London is expensive. There’s no getting around it. Seriously, my credit card will take awhile to recover from this city, haha. 

However, if you’re a person who loves cities and isn’t turned off the London’s prices or the exchange rates, then this city is the perfect solo trip for you.

You’ll fall in love with all the museum, food, and tour options, and can splash out on more expensive affairs, such as afternoon tea and a late night show. London is a gift that keeps on giving (and if you need more inspiration, I have a great 4 Days in London Itinerary that you should check out). 

New Solo Travelers

But what if this is your very first solo trip overseas? Is London a good option for you? Absolutely!

New solo travelers will greatly appreciate London’s many attractions. Like I said, this city knows how to take care of its tourists. Hotels and hostels will provide an endless amount of map and tour options, which will help fill your days with fantastic activities.

New solo travelers will also love the iconic London experience, such as exploring the Tower of London, sipping Earl Grey at afternoon tea, and cruising on the Thames. 

Honestly, I’ll never forget my first views of Big Ben. London was the trip that “started it all” for me. Not to mention, it’s amazing to see in-person famous architecture that you’ve only ever seen on television or the internet. 

Experienced Solo Travelers

On the flip side, experienced solo travelers will also love London.

As a person who’s traveled extensively in Europe, London was refreshing, because I didn’t have to worry about language barriers. Now, obviously, I don’t hold language barriers against anyone (that would be a bad mindset for a traveler), but everyone speaking English took a bit of pressure off me, which was nice. Even experienced solo travelers need a “break.”

While experienced solo travelers might not be impressed with tourist areas, such as around the London Eye or Leicester Square, London’s abundant neighborhoods have plenty of options away from the hordes of visitors. I spent a lot of my time popping in and out of bookshops, and taking pictures in the prettiest mews around London. 

So, if you have a few solo trips under your belt, don’t be turned off just because London is popular. 

9 Reasons to Travel Alone to London

Still not sure if you wanna go to London alone? Here are some of the best reasons why solo travel to London is amazing. Sure, there are way more than nine, but these ideas will set the wheels in motion.

As always, you’ll want to continue to do your own research about London. These tips are mostly to inspire you to move beyond the anxiety of traveling to London alone and just booking the trip. You know I’m ALL about just booking the trip.

Let’s go! 

Accessible and Easy Public Transportation 

First and foremost, London has a fantastic public transportation system. I’m jealous of their public transportation system even with the strikes and delays. You don’t need a car in London.

Actually, I would avoid having a car in London full stop. Parking is a nightmare, and traffic is jaw-droppingly insane. Furthermore, if you are a visitor from North America or mainland Europe, London is not where you want to learn to drive on the left side of the road. 

For example, if you’re renting a car as part of a larger England roadtrip, then drop your rental at the appropriate airport, and use public transportation for the rest of your time in London. 

The most well known public transit in London is The Tube. This metro system goes all over London and into the suburbs. Trains frequently run. I never had to wait more than ten minutes for a ride. Each station has huge maps, so you’ll always be able to find directions without too much trouble. 

Easy Connections Around the United Kingdom

London is wonderful, but what if you’re doing a solo trip around England? Is London a good place to start your itinerary? Yes, for sure! 

If you want to visit other cities in the UK, London is a great place to start your adventure, because there are so many connections that are frequent, fast, and direct. For instance, I was able to do a couple days in Liverpool since the train ride was direct and only took two and a half hours. 

And if you want to go to Scotland? The Caledonian Sleeper runs services to Scotland’s major cities, including Glasgow and Edinburgh. You can also fly to Scotland,  of course, but there is something … I don’t know, romantic about taking a night train. 

Just make sure to book your train tickets in advance for the best prices. You’ll pay a premium rate waiting until the night before, or the train might even sell out entirely. 

English is (Obviously) Spoken Here

Obviously, this tip applies to native English speakers. I completely understand that English being spoken doesn’t make London an “easier” destination for every single solo traveler in the world. That would be really arrogant of me.

However, if you speak English at home and want a solo trip where you don’t need to worry about language barriers (especially if you’re new to traveling alone), then London is a wonderful option for you. 

I always suggest London as a great first solo trip to Europe to other English speakers. London is a great city to “get your feet wet” before heading to other European cities, such as Madrid or Paris, where English is still spoken, but not at the same level.

Few (If Any) Safety Concerns

I’ll talk about safety later on in this guide (it’s important for solo female travel in London), but one of the things that I loved about London was that safety wasn’t as much of an issue as other cities I’ve visited in the past.

I understand that everyone has different perceptions of safety, so I’m only speaking from my personal experience as a solo female traveler in London.

First of all, I didn’t notice as many petty scams as I did in Paris, Barcelona, and Rome. No one came up to me with a ridiculous friendship bracelet or fake petition. Still, it’s always good practice to keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in packed areas like a crowded Tube station. You don’t want to make it easier for pickpockets if they are present in the crowd.

Ultimately, I felt comfortable wandering around London at night. I think because London is a massive city, people are always out and about, and I personally feel more relaxed in a crowd than on an empty street. London has a lot of things to do alone at night and it would be a shame to miss them.

Londoners “Mind Their Business”

I like that Londoners mind their own business. While isolating to some people, I personally like not standing out in a crowd as a solo traveler. London’s an introvert’s dream come true. You can hang out in book stores, unwind in a pub, explore a museum, and go to a jazz show without a single person pestering you to have a conversation. 

Of course, if you’re a solo traveler looking to make new friends, you might want to join group tours, stay in hostels, or research local meetups to make those meaningful connections. 

Still, London is a great city for solo travelers who don’t want to justify their choices. Londoners are very used to people doing things on their own, and won’t judge you for exploring by your own damn self.

Perfect for a Longer Trip

In London, you don’t need to constantly switch locations if you don’t want to. Sure, seeing several different cities is fun for some people, but it’s also nice to stay in one place to fully enjoy the vibe. Slow travel is popular for a reason.

London is big. Actually, that’s an understatement. One day I clocked close to 40,000 steps, because I had so much that I wanted to see and do. 

Each area of London is very different. You could see the Street Art on Brick Lane and take a Jack the Ripper Tour one day in East London, and then go vintage shopping in Notting Hill in West London the next day, and feel as if you’re visiting two completely different cities.

I suggest staying in London for at least four days before attempting any day trips. 

Plenty of Walking Tours

As a solo traveler, I love going on walking tours. Sure, wandering around a new city and snapping photos is wonderful, but at the same time, I want some richer context and education on the buildings, streets, and people surrounding me. Walking tours open my mind and heart. 

In London, walking tours are everywhere and cover a variety of subjects. If you have a special interest, London probably has a walking tour about that interest, haha. 

Walking Tour Recommendations

• Historical Pub Walking Tour:  Not a fan of going to pubs alone? Want some drinking buddies and cool historic locations at the same time? Then try out this small group historic pub walking tour in London and enjoy your pints. 
• Jack the Ripper Tour:  Honestly, some of these tours are super problematic and exploitative of the women who were brutally killed. I’m also not a fan of “glorifying” serial killers, even from the Victorian Era. However, a few tours “do it right,” including the Jack the Ripper – What About the Women? tour. 
• London Free Tour:  Free walking tours are very popular with backpackers (and other travelers, of course). These tours are a fantastic way to acclimate yourself with a new city, while making new friends and learning some cool history. Sandemans has a great free walking tour that takes you by the most famous landmarks. Just make sure to tip.
• London Walking Food Tour: London has a thriving culinary scene, but eating alone is daunting for some travelers. This acclaimed food tour will have you sampling the best of British cuisine in the comfort of a group.
• Original Harry Potter Locations Tour:  Harry Potter fans will love this tour, especially fans of the movies. The highly rated Harry Potter locations tour will take you to Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square to see the filming sites. Very fun for everyone, including solo travelers.  

Pub Culture

London’s pub culture is great for solo travelers. I loved showing up to a pub for a casual lunch and not standing out as an awkward single traveler, haha. 

For travelers who want to feel more at home, explore your neighborhood and pick a local pub to visit once you’re finished sightseeing for the day. It’s not too hard to strike up a conversation with a bartender or other people in the pub. I find that Londoners are quite friendly once they’ve had a pint or two in them! 

As a side note, exercise caution with the amount of alcohol you drink. England’s “round culture” makes it easy to drink waaaay more than your bargained for! 

Tons of Free Museums 

Last but not least, London has a lot of high quality free museums for solo travelers who want to save a bit of money. You could create a legitimate itinerary strictly around the free museums. There are  a lot  of them.

For instance, on my solo trip to London, I visited both The Victoria and Albert Museum, and The Tate Modern, which was both free to the public (unless you want to go to a special exhibit). It’s easy to spend hours in each museum. Hours. 

Free museums exist for almost every interest. So pick and choose wisely, and remember it’s okay not to see every single museum in London! You’ll just have a wonderful excuse to visit again.

Check out Visit London’s comprehensive Free Museum Guide for more information on the best free museums for you. 

Practical Advice for Solo Female Travel in London

Last but not least, I wanted to share some practical tips for traveling alone to London. These tips are meant to help with safety concerns, packing, hotels, etc. As always, you’ll wanna to do your own research in addition to the information that I provide in this guide. 

Safety Tips for London

Solo female travel in London is linked with safety. No worries, though. Over all, London is a pretty safe city for its size. I’ve already shared a ton of London solo travel safety tips on this blog, and ultimately, if you use a bit of common sense, you shouldn’t have any issues traveling alone in London. 

Normal safety precautions apply. Use a taxi or rideshare late at night if you feel uncomfortable. Don’t feel like you’re obligated to talk to any strangers (seriously, if someone won’t leave you alone, you don’t need to be polite). Book accommodation in neighborhoods where you feel relaxed and welcome. 

I will say that I didn’t experience too much harassment in London. Regardless, it always pays to be mindful, especially as a solo traveler.

How to Get Around London

You will use public transportation to get around London. Renting a car is a disaster waiting to happen, and cabs are prohibitively expensive if you use them all the time. Get used to metros and buses. Don’t fret, though. 

The Tube is easy to navigate, and like I mentioned in this post, there are plenty of maps and signs in the major Tube stations. Public transit police are also very visible and helpful if you truly are baffled about what to do. 

If you want to learn your way around London and learn about the major sites, then another idea is to book a Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus for your solo trip here. These buses stop at London’s major sites, such as Covent Garden and The British Museum, where you can hop off the bus to explore and return at your leisure. 

What to Pack as a Solo Female Traveler in London

London’s packing list is very similar to packing for other large cities, with a few exceptions. Sure, you can buy what you need in London, but it’s gonna cost way more money (more likely than not).

I personally think these items are the essentials that you’ll need for a solo trip to London. 

Solo Travel London Essentials

• Day Pack or Backpack:  Because of all the walking, I loved having a small and stylish backpack in London. London’s a very safe city, but if you’re nervous, check out this cute and compact Pacsafe bag that has anti-theft protection .
• High Quality Sneakers:  No one wears fancy heels or sandals in London. While people dress up, they all invest in  high quality sneakers , because walking 20,000 steps or more in London is the norm. 
• Lightweight Jacket: London’s weather is unpredictable. Wind and rain can happen without warning. So it’s always a good idea to bring an all-weather jacket with you on your trip.
• London Guidebook:  I always enjoy having a physical guidebook to refer to on my trip. Plus, they’re great mementos. Check out Lonely Planet’s London Guide , which you can buy physically or digitally. 
• Spare Phone Charger:  You’ll take loads of pictures and videos in London, and want to keep your phone fully charged. So have a portable charger as you explore this amazing city,
• Travel Insurance:  A London trip costs a lot. I know I sound like a broken record but you need to protect yourself. Don’t skimp on purchasing travel insurance. Sure, the United Kingdom has universal healthcare (aka the NHS), but these services are only for residents. I personally suggest using World Nomads for your travels to London. I’ve used World Nomads several times in the past, and think that their policies are both affordable and comprehensive. 
• Travel Umbrella:  When it rains in London, it  rains , so you need to check the weather forecast and stay prepared. Use a travel umbrella when the wet weather strikes. 
• UK Power Adapter:  In the UK, the power outlets are different from North America and mainland Europe. You will need a special UK Power Adapte r to charge your devices. While some hotels have USB outlets, this is far from universal. 

Where to Stay in London

When planning solo female travel in London, choosing the right place to stay is essential, and you are spoiled for choice. Like, gosh, London has so many amazing options for accommodation.

I will speak to a few great choices, but keep in mind that you might want to research neighborhoods in advance and see what areas best fit “your vibe.”

Accommodation Ideas

• Andaz London Liverpool Street:   Andaz is a trendy and fun hotel chain that appeals to younger travelers. This Andaz is in the perfect spot for seeing East London’s street and is well connected to Liverpool Street Station. See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .
• The Rockwell:   This adorable hotel isn’t far from Earls Court Station, which makes it very easy to go to Heathrow Airport, as well as everywhere else in London. They also have a fantastic breakfast available, and the single rooms are super comfortable. Loved my stay here. See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .
• Wombats City Hostel London:   This trendy hostel has a lot of shared spaces, including a cool bar and lounge area, that makes it easy to meet fellow travelers. Save money in a dorm or even book your own private room. Perfect for solo travelers who want to socialize. See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .

I hope you liked this post all about solo female travel in London. As always, feel free to explore my blog for more information about solo travel in England and beyond! Enjoy London. It’s an incredible place.

Rachel Elizabeth

At 22, I took my first overseas trip to Bermuda. Took a break to follow the "American Dream." Had my self-esteem broken. Embarked on my first solo trip to Scotland at 26. The travel bug dug its way under my skin. I now book multiple trips a year.

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Black Solo Female Travel Guide: A Solo Trip to London

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You can go on a solo trip to London 10 times and still not eat and see everything you want. And as one of the most visited cities in the world, London is on many solo female traveler bucket lists. After visiting London alone myself I now know why!

London has a combination of history, a variety of international communities, museums, and more. There seems to always be something to do. This post breaks down how you can make the most visiting London alone as a solo female traveler – and of course it’s Black girl friendly!

( FYI:  This post may have affiliate links .This means if you buy something using my link, I get a small percentage for mentioning/recommending it. Lucky for you it doesn’t change the price for you at all and it’s a super easy and generous way to say thanks for all the work I put into writing this post!! )

Table of Contents

Where to stay in London (hostel edition)

Clink78 Backpackers Youth Hostel

Clink78 is for those true, hostel, budget travelers. I can’t say this was the most luxurious hostel I’ve stayed in as a solo traveler. But it got the job done and did not cost as much as other accommodations. Located in King’s Cross, Clink78 grants you quick access to the Tube and buses while on your solo trip to London.

St. Christopher Hammersmith’s

St. Christopher Hammersmith’s was one of the first hostels I ever stayed in! Though I was traveling with a friend, I think it shaped my future hostel standard for solo travelers. They offer dorms to meet other people traveling in London alone and have their own bar called Belushi’s. Take advantage of the hostel bar with the discount and making strangers friends.

Click here for more information and the latest prices

How to get around while visiting London alone

The best way to navigate London as a solo traveler is through the infamous Tube. Get your oyster card and hop on the Tube to sightsee around the city. I also used buses and walked quite a bit to get around. I do not think a car is necessary unless you absolutely want to drive. London is a densely populated city and the traffic seemed a bit much at times in the touristy areas.

Where to eat alone in London

Maltby Street Market

Markets on markets on markets! There is no shortage of food markets that house some of the best food in London. From my conversations with expats and locals, Maltby Street Market is a lesser known market located away from the traditional touristy spots.

However a smaller market normally means better food (just saying). I ordered 5 seafood and vegetarian dumplings for  £7. Those dishes left room for me to eat more while walking to see the other stalls. Maltby was one of my favorite solo activities in London. Go on a Sunday to see it in all its glory.

Pleasant Lady Jian Bing

Clearly food is my favorite thing to indulge in while traveling solo. And for as little as £6, Pleasant Lady Jian Bing Trading Stall will have your taste buds doing backflips. I opted for a traditional vegetarian Chinese egg crepe with onions, herbs, and a spicy sauce to top it all off.

Pleasant Lady is a small stand not too far from the Leicester Square Underground stop and around Covent Garden. I walked past it twice before realizing what it was! Your food is made right in front of you and it only takes a few minutes to make. There is no seating since it’s a stand, so the chef wraps it to go for you.

Fellow travel blogging friend and London fanatic Briona Lamback of You Me Lunch and Travel said this was the food stand I NEEDED visit. She was right. This was easily one of the most flavorful meals. I recommend stopping here immediately on your solo trip to London!

Eat of Eden

Eat of Eden is located in one of the predominately-Black areas of London called Brixton. It is a must-visit on your solo trip to London for your vegan eats. They offer vegan burgers, wraps, salads, large plates, and other savory sides such as plantains, to satisfy all of your vegan needs.

Three of my fellow travel blogging friends and I shared one of their mixed plates for just under £17. With this plate, you can order 8 to 10 items off the menu in smaller portions to share. If you go with friends, I highly recommend this option and letting the chef pick your choices. It makes it more fun and who knows the food better than the people making it?  

Prince of Peckham

You can find flavorful food and drinks paired with a chill atmosphere at the Prince of Peckham . It’s a Black-owned bar that should be on your list of places to hit during happy hour in London! Their Prince of Peckham Rum Punch was the best drink I had during my trip.

Happy hour drinks are £5 and I ordered some shrimp bites for £7 to compliment my drink. If I had more time, I would have definitely come back for a second visit while traveling. I loved the vibes so much on my solo trip to London.

Camden Market

While solo traveling in London is is no surprise why Camden Market is one of the most popular spots. Camden was my first foodie stop and set the tone for what would follow. The Indonesian food I ate here was divine. My dish was  £8 and an entirely vegan, spicy mushroom curry with vegetables and rice.

However for context, I walked around the market 3 times before deciding on what to eat. Every food stand had their own cuisine, smell, style, and marketing to get you to eat with them. Pro tip: don’t be afraid to ask to try a dish! Many of the vendors are more than willing to give you a sample.

Clink78 was my hostel in King’s Cross and Half Cup just a mere 10 minute walk from me. I selected the pancakes with an egg on top and cheese in the middle for £9.50. The French toast also caught me eye.

Additionally, this leads me to another tip. To find the best food in London use Instagram! If I had looked up Half Cup and found their social media, I would have seen how delicious the French toast looked before ordering. Using social media is a resourceful way to gauge when finding things to do solo in London.

Brick Lane Market

Brick Lane is known for their street art and vintage shopping, however foodies come for the market that makes the street come alive on the weekends. I found my way to an Ethiopian stand called Ethiopiques and grabbed their vegan plate for £7. But best believe, there is a cuisine here for you, including Thai and Indian options. Similar to Camden Market, the vendors will offer you a sample if you ask. From there, you can find the best meal for you.

Yuu Kitchen

Yuu Kitchen was a pleasant surprise on my solo trip to London. For £21 I ate some savory eggplants with caramelized onion and a bao, fried tofu burger with a drink that had the taste of an alcoholic jolly rancher.  While you can’t sample food at Yuu Kitchen like I mentioned at Camden Market, I do recommend asking your serve what’s good. Servers often know what and where to eat in London better than us bloggers, so relying on their recommendations is always helpful. 

Peckham Levels

Peckham is another predominately-Black area of London. Peckham Levels is a colorful haven of food, games, and more, which makes it kid-friendly too. They sell dumplings, burgers, and other delectable treats. It’s under 15 minutes from the Prince of Peckham (mentioned above) and I recommend hitting them both up for happy hour.

Borough Market

Borough Market is another delicious market to visit on your solo trip to London! You can find Spanish paella and mushroom risotto made right in front of you. Borough also offers seafood, Ethiopian food, pasta, baked goods, and juices. On any foodie list, you’ll find that Borough Market is one of the best places to eat in London. I can’t agree more.

Beigel Bake

A solo trip to London wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Beigel Bake. Probably one of the most iconic places to eat in London, Beigel Bake is known for having the best bagels in the city. It’s located in the hipster area of Shoreditch on Brick Lane, surrounded by vintage stores and other foodie finds. I ordered the salmon and cream cheese bagel for just under £2.50; so it also makes Beigel Bake one of the few cheap eats in London I visited. It’s a perfect stop for all the budget travelers out there!

Furthermore, a little FYI: the line can be long! If you go here in the morning be prepared to wait. If you don’t want to wait, head here closer to the end of the day. Beigel Bake is also open 24 hours which gives you many chances to try the infamous bagels for yourself. 

The most popular tours in London:

• 🏞️ Visit some of the top attractions outside of London on this day trip to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and the historic town of Bath
• 🚌 Discover the grandeur of London aboard the open-top, double-decker Big Bus on this hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour
• 🚶 See the English capital’s top landmarks on this most comprehensive of London magical tours
• ✨ Immerse yourself in the spellbinding world of Harry Potter™ on this trip to the Warner Bros
• 🏰 Swap the bustle of London for the rural beauty of the Cotswolds on this full-day trip , including a 2-course lunch

Solo things to do in London

Tour the museums

London museums are free which makes them an ideal activity for visiting solo travelers. The National History Museum, National Gallery, British Museum, and many more are available for visits. London can be expensive to visit as a solo traveler so take advantage of the free things!

Check off all the London tourist attractions

If we’re talking tourist attractions, the list of things to do alone in London is miles long. Big Ben, The London Eye, Abbey Road, Tower of London, Tower Bridge – the list goes on and on! On your solo trip to London, prioritized which attractions you want to visit. You probably cannot go to all of them, but creating a list then ranking the most important ones to you is a place to start.

Learn some London history

For those who did not know, London is an international city with lots of history. From colonization to now they have shaped the world you we live in. The museums or a free walking tour can give you insight into London’s impact and how it has affected us all.

Visit the outdoor markets

As you can tell by the list above, I love a good market! One of the easiest things to do alone in London is go to them. Camden, Borough, Maltby, and more are top markets to visit and indulge in while on a solo trip to London. Eat your heart out!

Do all the royal sightseeing

Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Tower of London, and Windsor Castle are a few of the royal attractions you can do on a solo trip to London. You can visit Buckingham Palace on a free walking tour and Kensington Palace on a ride on a the Tube. But to visit Windsor Castle you will need to travel an hour outside the city.

Observe the street art in Shoreditch

One of the free solo things to do in London is look at the street art. Shoreditch is iconic in East London for the designs and creativity. While there are tours, many solo travelers in London create their own walking tour by perusing the area. The art can change daily so you can visit multiple times and find something new!

Thrift shopping on Brick Lane

Solo travelers in London who love to shop can find something to buy on Brick Lane. Though a mix of vintage and thrift stores, Brick Lane can be pricey but worth it. If you go on the weekend you can even attend the Brick Lane Market as you shop.

Find iconic movie scenes and photo-ops

London is known for being the backdrop of classic movies around the world. Platform 9 and 3/4 from Harry Potter is found at King’s Cross Station. The Globe Tavern (near Borough Market) is memorable for lovers of Bridget Jone’s Diary. And for nostalgic moviegoers who adore The Parent Trap, 23 Egerton Terrace is the faux address of Lindsay Lohan’s Annie James. Find your favorite London-based movie and visit the real-life locations!

Where can I meet solo travelers in London?

Meeting people while traveling is one of my favorite parts! And in a busy city there are lots of them to connect with. If you are wanting to meet other solo travelers on your solo trip to London I would recommend:

• Staying in a hostel to meet more people
• Joining London-centered expat Facebook groups and ask to meet up with people
• Joining solo traveler Facebook groups and ask to meet up with people
• Making conversation at a restaurant or bar with the bartender or other people at the bar
• Take a walking tour and talk to people on your tour

How much is a solo trip to London?

When finding solo activities in London, budgets vary based on your travel style. But if you decide to take a solo trip to London be ready to spend cash! Though our home country’s currency dictates the conversion rates, London is costly. Solo travelers should anticipate spending at least $15 a meal. It is one of the most expensive cities in the world so remember that traveling to London alone is not cheap.

Additional tips for traveling alone in London

A solo trip to London can be full of excitement. But remember it is impossible to do everything in one trip. The city is huge and there is a lot to choose from while solo traveling in London. Other things to keep in mind as a solo traveler in London include:

• Stay in Central London! Being in the middle of everything gives you easy access to all the sites you want to experience (especially if this is your first time in London)
• Book activities in advance to avoid waiting and long lines. If you visit during high season and the holidays, this tip will save you a headache!
• Do not a rent a car! I want to reiterate this because public transportation is amazing in London. A car is not worth the trouble. Walking or renting a bike are also possibilities too.

On being a Black solo female traveler in London

The good thing about being a travel content creator is the connections! As a Black solo female traveler and content creator I’ve met so many incredible people. I think meeting the ladies (pictured above), eating food, and laughing together was a highlight.

Aside from meeting other Black travelers, I did not have any issues traveling while Black in London. I know this is not everyone’s experience traveling in Europe. But as a Black solo female traveler I felt safe the entire time.

If you do not have a travel platform you can still meet other Black travelers! There are tons of Black travel groups on Facebook and beyond that cater to us. I love having the flexibility to be alone and also with people. I found that using social media is a resourceful way to connect and find like-minded individuals if you want the company.

Why London is a good place for solo travelers

It is no surprise that I support a solo trip to London! Due to the never-ending list of things to do alone in London that makes it a worth solo traveler destination. Similar to Amsterdam , the availability of markets also gives solo travelers a chance to wander aimlessly around the city. The weather is the biggest downside. But with the history, food, and attractions there is enough to keep anyone visiting London alone occupied.

Thanks for reading! PIN this post for more solo travel guides!

TRAVEL TIPS

🏘️Book your accommodation

Booking.com will help you to book accommodation in advance and check availability

📞Stay connected with Airalo

Get an Airalo SIM-card and enjoy seamless internet access during your stay

🧾Get your tickets and tours

with Viator and GetYourGuide to get the most out of your journey

( This post was originally published on September 3, 2019 and updated on July 16, 2022 )

Sojourner White is a remote social worker, train travel queen, and award-winning travel journalist. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin she has been a digital nomad and called both Spain and Germany home. Through her platform Sojournies, she helps 9-5ers fulfill their career goals and bucket list dreams to find freedom and flexibility outside the office. Sojourner has been featured in Buzzfeed, PopSugar, The Matador Network, HuffPost, and Thrillist and written for Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Fodor’s, Insider, Lonely Planet, Viator, and more.

Hostel Tips and Tricks: Staying in a Hostel for the First Time

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I’ve been to a few of the places you mentioned but you have such a great list it makes me want to go back and try them all.

Yay! Thank you. Which ones have you tried already? I’m curious…

I want to eat al of this! My mouth is watering!

Lol good! That means I did my job haha

These foods look so yummy!! We just back from London and while we were there we took a food tour through Borough Market! So yummy!!

Ugh Borough Market is amazing! Hope you ate well

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London on a Budget: 5-day Itinerary for the Solo Traveller

No visit to Europe is complete without a trip to London — one of the most exciting and diverse cities on the continent. From world-class museums and musicals, to nightlife and awesome food, there is so much to experience.

Unfortunately, a trip to London can also get pretty expensive. If you’re not careful, you may end up emptying your wallet! However, with proper planning and insider tips, it’s possible to keep to a sensible budget. For my entire 5 day solo trip to London, I spent a total of only £296 (~SGD540) including accommodation! While it can probably be cheaper, it was also important to ensure none of the quintessential London experiences were sacrificed. After all, you’re here to experience the city.

From watching a musical, visiting the Harry Potter Studio, to indulging in steak and lobster, here’s a 5 day itinerary on how to travel London on a budget.

A visit to London will not be complete without catching at least one Broadway musical at West End. Start the day preparing for the evening by queuing for a discounted ticket to a musical of your choice. Most productions offer heavily discounted tickets daily for those willing to queue at the theatre in the morning. *Pro-tip: You can also buy tickets off LastMinute.com or at ticket booths along Leicester Square if you can’t make it in the morning. It’s more expensive, but still much cheaper than the original tickets. Spend the rest of the morning and early afternoon exploring the British Museum (entrance free), marvelling at artifacts chronicling art and culture around the world from the ancient Egyptians to Mayans. There’s so much to see that you can probably spend the entire day here.

In the afternoon, take a walk around the royal Hyde Park. It’s a nice place to chill for a picnic and people watch. Before catching your musical at West End, head down to a pub for some happy hour drinks. There is a local watering hole called Cittie of Yorke that serves up £3 pints.

Food in London isn’t the cheapest, but there are still many affordable and decent options. Chain stores like Leon offer healthy set meals for £5. There are also many small restaurants like Meltroom that get you a meal for the same price. For those craving Asian food, Chinese takeaway at Chinatown is cheap and the portions are huge.

Activities:

- British Museum, free

- Hyde Park, free

- Kinky Boots Musical, £20

- Burger at Leons, £5

- Chinese takeaway at Chinatown, £4.50

- Mac & Cheese at Meltroom, £5

- 2 Beers at Cittie of Yorke, £6 (£3 a pint)

Go on a free walking tour around some of Central London’s most iconic sites. It’s a quick way to orientate yourself and learn the history of the city without spending a bomb. Not to mention that it’s also a great way to make friends while travelling alone.

There are many companies running free 3 hour London walking tours, typically covering the areas around Westminster and Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. The tours are free, although the guides work on a tipping system and you can tip as you please.  Head to Borough Markets in the afternoon for some street food - London’s oldest market is where you can find all sorts of fresh produce and specialty dishes. From £8 for half a dozen oysters, to £3.50 for some delicious fudge, you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to munch on.

Afterwards, head down to the hipster neighbourhoods around Shoreditch and Spitalfields for the rest of the day. It’s a nice place to walk around, and you can find old industrial warehouses converted to creative spaces. Think lots of edgy art galleries, cafes, as well as craft and artisan shops.

Have dinner at Poppies, a popular and affordable Fish & Chips restaurant decorated with 1950s memorabilia.

*Pro-tip: If you want to save even more, a takeaway at Poppies is cheaper than dining in!

- Free walking tour, £10 tip

- Walking around Shoreditch and Spitalfields, free

- 6 Oysters at Borough Markets, £8

- Fudge at Borough Markets, £3.50

- Salted Beef Beigel at Beigel Bake, £4.10

- Fish & Chips at Poppies, £7.45 (dine in)

Regardless of whether you’re a Harry Potter fan, a visit to the Warner Bros Studio is a must. Harry Potter Studio is a quintessential London experience. After all, it’s home to one of the most popular movies of our time.

Delve deep into the magical world, exploring sets from the movies, and appreciating the work that goes behind the scenes of such an epic production. Be sure to try the Butterbeer too!

Just make sure you book your tickets at least a month in advance on the official website as it is very popular. *Pro-tip: Be curious and talk to the staff. You’d be surprised at the level of ingenuity and storytelling behind every detail.

After a long day at the studio, treat yourself to the most value for money steak restaurant in London. Flat Iron along Beak Street has pretty decent steak sets for just £10.

- Harry Potter Studio Adult Ticket, £35

- Sandwich at Watford Station, £4

- Butter Beer, £6.95

- Flat Iron Steak, £10

- Harry Potter Studio shuttle bus (2way), £2.50

While the free walking tour is perfect for getting a glimpse of the city, there often isn’t enough time at each location to properly appreciate it. Spend the day revisiting some of these places while checking out new ones along the way.

A great way to cover them is on a bicycle. The self-service Santander Cycles allows you to hire bicycles from numerous docking stations throughout the city. £2 will grant you 24-hour access, with the first 30 minutes of every new ride free. Use the Santander Cycles mobile application to find docking stations and check on the availability of bicycles.

*Pro-tip: Plan your route in a way where you can return the bicycle within 30 minutes. To avoid a surcharge, you need to wait 10 minutes between each new rental. Not a problem if you are also exploring an attraction!

End the day with a well-deserved lobster set meal at Big Easy. For £20, you get a humongous lobster with chips, salad, and an alcoholic drink!

- Visiting landmarks around London,

- Lobster at Big Easy, £20

- Santander Bike Rental 24hrs, £2

Explore the arts and culture on the last day, before heading to the airport.

Check out Tate Modern, which has one of the most extensive modern art collections in the world. The entrance is free, though there are always special paid exhibitions going on.

*Pro-tip: Head to the cafe on the top floor for an amazing view of London Fans of Shakespeare and literature should also visit Shakespeare’s Globe — the iconic theatre of Shakespeare. Take a step back in time and go on the Exhibition and Globe theatre for an appreciation of the writer who gave us Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet.

- Tate Modern, free

- Shakespeare's Globe, £16

- Sandwich from Tesco, £3

- Random Thai food pop-up booth, £5.50

Staying Connected

Get 3G/4G data connection with giffgaff at only £10 for 2GB. Highly recommend this as it’s the cheapest and you can get it delivered to your accommodation if you pre-order your free SIM card online. The ones in the airport are more expensive.

Travelling between Heathrow Airport and London City

The cheapest way is to take the London Underground train via the Piccadilly Line for £3.10. The express trains are about 15 minutes faster, but isn’t worth it at £22 per trip.

Getting around London

Cabs in London are notoriously expensive. The easiest and cheapest way to move around is via the London Underground (Tube) or London Busses.

Prices on the more efficient London Tube vary depending on the location zone and time of day, but it’s generally reasonable. London Busses cost £1.50 per single trip, with a cap of £4.50 a day if you only use busses and trams.

*Pro-tip: Get an Oyster Card for use on public transport. It’s more convenient and significantly cheaper than single trip tickets.

Total Oyster Card Top-up Cost: £35

Where to Stay in London

As a solo budget traveller, hostels are your best bet as they are cheap and you get to meet people. While some hostels don’t have a good reputation, find a well-reviewed one to be assured of a clean and comfortable bed.

In an exciting city like London, you’d be out exploring the entire day, which makes an expensive hotel room a bit of a waste.

Astor Hyde Park Hostel

Conveniently located beside Hyde Park in a charming and upscale neighbourhood, Aster Hyde Park Hostel is a safe spot close to many world-class museums.

Cost: £17 x 4 nights (12 Bed Dorm)

Address: 191 Queen's Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5EU, UK

Budget Breakdown

Activities: £81

Food: £97.5

Transport: £39.5

Accommodation: £68

Others: £10

Grand Total: £296 (~SGD540)

By making smart travel choices, travelling doesn’t have to be too expensive even for a notoriously costly vacation spot like London!!

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This Is How Much I Spent On A Solo Trip To The UK

I'm 26 & This Is How Much I Spent On My Solo Trip To London

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Hi, I'm Candace

Candace Abroad

A London & Travel Blog

London , Solo Travel , Travel · August 14, 2023

How to Do a Solo Trip from London to Paris in 2024

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Doing a solo trip from London to Paris? Look no further. Here’s how to do an unforgettable trip in the city of love on your ones! From a London travel blogger.

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Paris. The city of love. Romance. And one too many Eiffel Tower pics.

It doesn’t take long to see Paris is a city made and advertised for lovers. Or is it?

The first time I went to Paris was in 2017 on Valentine’s Day with a #definitelynottheone.

We did the cheesy locks (which get removed by the way), walks on the Seine, and everything you’d see in a Hallmark movie.

Fast-forward years later and I’d realised amidst my anticipated singlehood and newfound partner I had forgotten that the city of love is one that could be enjoyed with the greatest love of all, you!

So I packed my bags, headed on the Eurostar, and made my way to a 4-day trip in Paris — by myself.

Whether you’re trying to rediscover the city of love on your ones, or simply want to go on a solo trip made of dreams, there’s no better place to do it than Paris.

Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know to have the perfect solo trip from London to Paris. Enjoy!

How to Do a Solo Trip from London to Paris

How to Get from London to Paris

Before you can have a magical trip from London to Paris, you’ve gotta get there first.

I wrote a whole blog post on how to find the cheapest train tickets from London to Paris , but it all comes back to one thing. Taking the train.

The Eurostar is the best way to get to Paris as it’s fast, convenient, and has way less security checks than an airport.

You’ll leave from St Pancras International in King’s Cross (which is way easier to get to than most London airports) and arrive at Gare Du Nord in just 2 hours and 16 minutes!

Now in terms of ‘how much does it cost to go from London to Paris by Eurostar?’ , prices vary greatly depending on when you book.

Tickets start from £39 per person one way for a Standard Class ticket , but can go up to £275 one way — so always book in advance or find last-minute deals!

Prices can also vary by class including:

Standard Class:  Lets you bring up to 2 pieces of luggage (and 1 hand luggage), you can exchange your tickets up to 7 days before without a fee, and there’s an onboard buffet at Café Métropole to purchase some drinks and snacks for your journey.

Standard Premier:  Same luggage allowance and exchange rules, but seats are more spacious and you’ll be served a light meal and drinks during your journey. 

Business Premier:  Lets you bring up to 3 pieces of luggage (and 1 hand luggage), free cancellation, no change fees and full refunds for up to 60 days before departure. You’ll also be served a hot meal and champagne during your journey, with spacious seats, an exclusive lounge, and a taxi booking service. 

For my trip I took Standard Premier on the way there and Standard on the way back.

Honestly, I didn’t find much difference between the two outside of the breakfast as I found both had good legroom and comfortable seats.

However overall I did prefer Standard Premier as it was a bit of a quieter train and watching London pass me by and Paris in view with coffee and breakfast was quite nice.

To ensure you’re getting the cheapest Eurostar from London to Paris I highly suggest booking via Trainline .

It’s a comparison site that scours the internet for the best train prices around Europe; and I use it for ALL my UK and Europe trips — it’s that good.

P.S – Make sure you book to leave in the morning and make the most of your day in Paris — and arrive back in the evening while the trains are still running in London.

How Much Does a Solo Trip from London to Paris Cost?

Of course, how much you spend on a trip from London to Paris will vary greatly depending on your taste and the activities/restaurants you choose to go.

But here’s a breakdown of what I spent on my solo trip from London to Paris for reference (for a 4 day trip):

Eurostar Roundtrip Tickets : £98

Accommodation: £454.37

Museums & Tours: £50.02 (Louvre, Versailles, and a Seine River Cruise)

Storage Lockers: £24.79

Food & Drinks: £231

Transport: £45.77 (all metro + one Bolt ride)

Shopping: £49.72

Misc : £8.66 (Pharmacy, bathroom in Gare Du Nord etc.)

Total spent on a solo trip from London to Paris: £962.33

Spending this amount I felt I did and saw everything I wanted to do for this trip.

Bearing in mind I didn’t really go to any fancy restaurants (as I was too busy exploring!) and spent a lot of the trip walking to see the sights over taking the metro.

Where to Stay for a Solo Trip from London to Paris

Of course, one of the most important things to do on a solo trip from London to Paris is find a place to stay. For a solo trip, where you stay should be somewhere very Central, so you can get around easily and in a safe neighbourhood or area .

During my trip I opted for an Airbnb, and although I had some issues with the property itself (I had issues unlocking the door during my trip, and there was construction going on during my stay) it was in the heart of the 2nd Arrondissement, a 10-minute walk to the Louvre, and the view was incredible. Here’s the property I stayed if you’re keen.

P.S. – The bathroom was also separate from the bedroom part, divided by a hallway — which is pretty common in France apparently

I actually ended up staying one night at another hotel called Hotel 34B , and it was lovely. Very cheesily French and in the 2nd arrondissement as well. Check out prices and availability .

Of course, if you’d like to meet people during your stay in Paris or be in a more sociable environment, then I suggest staying in a hostel.

St. Christopher’s Inn Gare Du Nord , Generator Paris , and The 3 Ducks Eiffel Tower are very Central and great for solo trips.

P.S. – You can also opt for a female-only dorm in hostels if you’d prefer not to share a room with the opposite sex.

Safety Tips for Travelling to Paris

If you’re coming from London, you’ll know the importance of keeping safe as a woman in the city.

In all candidness, I didn’t find Paris to be as safe as London, and definitely felt I needed to be more alert during my trip.

This was paired with the fact that I went during the week of the Pension Protests , and due to the heavy amount of tourism — Paris is a big target for scammers trying to take advantage of tourists.

With that said, I had a fabulous time exploring Paris alone — but I was well prepared beforehand on how to keep myself safe. Here’s how you can too.

Avoid looking like a tourist:

Like I said Paris is a MAJOR hotspot for scammers looking to take advantage of tourists, so blending in will help you become less of a target instantly.

For a solo trip to Paris, this means dropping off your bigger bags (big backpacks or suitcases) before you explore either at your hotel or Airbnb or at a locker storage site if it’s before check-in, or after your check-out time before you train leaves.

P.S. – There is a locker storage facility at St. Christopher’s Inn, a 5-minute walk from Gare du Nord and tons more locker storage facilities across Paris you can use from just € 5 . Use Bounce to find the closest one to you.

Not only will lugging bags around the city be exhausting, but it’s a sure fire way to look like a tourist.

If you’re bringing a DSLR or fancy camera, I suggest keeping this deep in your bag and only taking it out when you’re ready to snap a photo (i.e. – not having it dangling around your neck).

And lastly, although I’m of the solid belief that women should wear whatever the F they want — dressing more conservatively (we’re not talking nun clothes, but maybe no booty shorts or mini crop tops) will help draw less attention to you while you’re exploring solo, which ultimately keeps you safer.

Walk confidently and know your directions:

I’m always on the lookout in London for who looks like a tourist and who doesn’t. And it all comes down to one thing — confidence.

If you look nervous and like you don’t know where you’re going, then you’ll be more susceptible to people trying to take advantage. The antidote?

Walk straight, walk fast, and walk with intention.

Citymapper in Paris works great for this (the local equivalent would be Bonjour RATP ) as you can quickly look up where you need to go, get your initial directions and put your phone in your bag to walk confidently through the streets of Paris until you need to check your directions again.

Doing this during my trip worked wonders as everyone from cat callers to tourist scammers didn’t have time to even approach me — I was a woman on the move!

Mind your phone at all times:

One thing that happens a lot in Paris is phone theft — both from locals and tourists.

A friend I met during my trip said her phone was grabbed from her on the metro a few weeks ago while reading the news! So it’s always super important to stay alert.

Personally, I wouldn’t have your phone out while you’re on the metro. Check it quickly, get your directions and put it in your bag tightly.

Again, people that are looking to scam or steal from people, especially in Paris, are looking for those that seem distracted or unaware. So make sure you don’t give them that impression.

In addition to the metro I would avoid keeping your phone in your pocket (especially your back pocket) during your trip and instead opting to have it in a zipped up bag or held tightly in your hand.

A lot of people in Paris were also using this to hold their phone, making it virtually impossible for it to get stolen during your trip.

Don’t fall for the sacre coeur scam:

I actually learned this from an American living in Paris named Amanda who’s Tik Tok is GOLD if you’re coming to Paris as a solo female traveller.

But basically at the Sacre Coeur specifically, there’s a scam where mainly (and unfortunately) a bunch of African men will approach you trying to put a ‘friendship’ bracelet on you and ask ‘Where are you from?’ .

If you engage and let them put it on you they’ll then ask what you’re going to give them for it and depending where you stay you’re from they’ll create a price that reflects the stereotypes they have of your nationality (for example – if you’re American they may think you’re super rich and ask you for more).

For those that do get scammed it’s very hard to get out of the situation without giving them money as things can get quite aggressive. So if you see this at all during your trip, say ‘NON!’ and walk away. Don’t engage.

There’s a few more tourist scams to watch out for too so make sure to watch this amazing video by Amanda on the most common tourist scams in Paris before your trip.

P.S. – The Sacre Coeur scammers will also do this weird thing where they call you ‘Lady Gaga’ (whether you look like her or not) to throw you off guard and get your attention. Lol, please DM me if you go and they say the same thing to you!

Learn the word ‘Non!’:

Whether it’s a woman trying to get you to sign her clipboard petition (another scam), a man saying ‘beautiful girl’ or the likes — staying ‘Non!’ in a strong and assertive way will do wonders during your trip.

I feel like a broken record but it’s so true in London, in Paris and beyond — people like taking advantage of people that look like easy targets. And being confident, strong and assertive just isn’t the type of person creepy men or scammers want to deal with (we’re too much of a hassle).

Don’t let men or scammers take away from your time in Paris:

I really hope this section didn’t scare you out of taking a solo trip to Paris as like I said, KNOWING these things is what made me have a great time — so just take these safety tips onboard and you’ll be fine!

A note on protests: If you know anything about French culture you’ll know protests in the city aren’t uncommon (French Revolution anyone?), in general this shouldn’t impact your trip too much — but just be mindful of getting involved or engaging to keep safe.

Solo Trip from London to Paris Itinerary

What you choose to do for your time in Paris will depend greatly on your own personal preferences and interests, but here’s what I got up to for some inspiration (P.S. – If you’re only going for a weekend or a day, you can also just pick out what bits you think you can fit in your trip) .

Overall I suggest saving plenty of time to stroll Paris during your trip and wander, as it really is one of the best things to do in the city!

Day 1: Solo in Paris

Day 1 in Paris is about taking in the city for the first time and doing a little bit of sightseeing, but mainly just get acquainted with Paris and having an easy first night in France. Let’s go!

Take the Eurostar from London to Paris:

I suggest booking your Eurostar ticket to leave early (I left around 6am) to get an early start on your first day in Paris. Try to arrive in King’s Cross about an hour before your departure so you can get through customs in time and pick up some breakfast past the gate if you don’t have a Standard Premier ticket.

After two hours and some change, you’ll officially be in Paris!

Drop your bags off:

Considering you’re arriving in Paris early you might not be able to check-in to your accommodation yet so this is where I suggest dropping off your bags.

If you’re staying close to the station there’s a locker storage facility at St. Christopher’s Inn, a 5-minute walk from Gare du Nord and tons more locker storage facilities across Paris (use Bounce to find the closest one to you).

P.S. – If you’re staying in a hotel, they should be able to take your bags early, so you don’t need to worry about getting a locker .

Get (purposely) lost around Paris:

I know this sounds strange, but one of my biggest goals coming to Paris was to be a ‘ Flâneur ‘.

It’s one of my favourite French words (with no English equivalent), which literally means to wander aimlessly through a city.

This is something that doesn’t take much effort in Paris as the majority of streets look straight out of a movie.

It was such a magical couple of hours just wandering around the streets of Paris and seeing what I found. So before you get to ticking off your Paris to-do’s, give being a ‘ Flâner ‘ a try!

Visit Musee D’Orsay:

After you’re all Flâner’d out, it’s time to soak up your first bits of French art at Musée d’Orsay .

Although the the Louvre gets most of the hype, the Musée d’Orsay is truly one of the most beautiful buildings and art collections I’ve ever seen, and is extremely solo travel friendly.

The museum holds the world’s largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art, including the famed’ Starry Night’.

With no one to rush your visit, you can pick up an audioguide and take in the Musée d’Orsay piece by piece.

P.S. – Make sure to book your tickets to the Musée d’Orsay in advance!

Take a night cruise across Paris with Bateaux Mouches:

After Musée d’Orsay I did a quick dip back to my Airbnb, then decided to go see the Eiffel Tower at night on the Bateaux Mouches .

It’s a Paris excursion boat company offering boat tours across the Seine throughout the day. This particular standard tour was €13 for a 1 hour and 10 minute ride along the Seine with commentary — which I thought was an absolute steal (book your tickets here ).

Make sure to get there early as the best seats go fast. And if you can, catch the 7pm tour so you can see the first glitters of the Eiffel Tower at 8pm (or whatever time dusk is when you go).

P.S. – The tower sparkles on the hour for 5 minutes from dusk to 11:45pm every night

To close the night I treated myself to a quick dinner at the Dumpling House (literally the best dumplings I’ve had outside of China), but there are so many amazing spots to eat in Paris to choose from — so go with what you’re craving for the night!

At this point, you’ll probably be exhausted from a day of travelling from London to Paris, so you can call it a night after dinner or if you’re uber adventurous — see Moulin Rouge ! (which you can totally do alone by the way).

Day 2: Solo in Paris

Today’s about ticking off all the touristy things on your Paris bucket list (although this trip to Paris I actually did the touristy things at the end — but getting that Eiffel Tower pic is way too tempting!), let’s start with the basics:

Eiffel Tower:

We all know it’s not a solo trip from London to Paris without a cheeky visit to the Eiffel Tower.

Now, I’m sure you know you can go inside the Eiffel Tower , but I personally didn’t as I wanted a view of the Eiffel Tower…which funnily enough you can’t get if you’re in it!

Instead, I would visit on a weekday early morning to get minimal crowds and your perfect Eiffel Tower shot from the garden below.

P.S. – This trip, I wasn’t too worried about getting an Eiffel Tower pic so I just took some selfies for memories, but if you want proper ones I would suggest bringing a tripod along and using a self-timer (and keep your eye on it) as I found people to be very focused on getting their own photos here so you may not be able to ask someone. Here’s the tripod I use .

There’s also a beautiful little park nearby called the Jardins du Trocadéro as well if you want to soak up the Eiffel with less crowds.

Sacre Coeur :

After I said goodbye to the Eiffel Tower it was time to say hello to Sacre Coeur.

Resting proud at the top of Montmarte, the beautiful white building is an official Roman Catholic Church and minor basilica offering some of the best panoramic views of Paris 130 metres above it all.

I didn’t go inside the Sacre Coeur either (it was insanely busy), but loved soaking in the iconic views of the capital.

If you’d like to go inside the Sacre Coeur make sure to book your tickets in advance and beware of the ‘friendship bracelet’ scammers here that we talked about in the safety section.

Musée du Louvre:

To end our touristy day on our solo trip from London to Paris, we’re going to go to the Louvre .

Despite common belief, there is SO much more to see here than the Mona Lisa. Including:

• The Persian Collection
• Great Sphinx of Tanis
• Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss
• Les Noces de Cana/The Wedding at Cana
• Liberty Leading the People
• Venus de Milo
• Victoire de Samothrace/Winged Victory of Samothrace

I suggest saving around 2-3 hours to fully take it all in! And booking your tickets in advance .

What about Notre Dame? : As you may know Notre Dame was heavily destroyed by a fire in 2019, however it’s slowly being rebuilt and a few parts of the cathedral are open to the public , but many are still closed so it may be best to wait to see it in its full glory, at least from the inside.

Day 3: Solo in Paris

I know what you’re thinking Candace — we just got to Paris, why are we leaving! Because there’s truly nothing like it, day 3 is about getting your booty out of Paris and getting to Versailles! But first, brunch.

Brunch in Paris:

Start your day with a cosy solo brunch in Paris before making your way to Versailles.

I personally went to Kozy Kanopé which admittedly isn’t the most ‘typical Parisian breakfast’ you could go for but the interiors were beautiful, the food was amazing and the staff was super friendly too — so I highly recommend!

If you’d like some options, there are tons of great Paris breakfast spots to try throughout the city or you can simply pop into your local bakery for a sweet start to your day.

P.S. – Dining alone for a sit-down meal is something that took me a long time to get comfortable with. But once you do it, you’ll truly realise there was nothing to be scared about in the first place (and it actually gets a bit addictive!).

Palace of Versailles:

After breakfast it’s time to go to the Palace of Versailles !

The UNESCO World Heritage site and former residence of King Louis XIV and French royalty is just about the grandest display of wealth you’ll ever see in your life. We’re talking jaw-droppingly beautiful.

Getting there from Paris is pretty straightforward as you’ll just need to take the RER C Train to Versailles Chateau Rive-Gauche or go with a tour group (here’s a blog post on exactly how to get from Paris to Versailles ).

Once inside, I suggest visiting Marie Antoinette’s bedroom, The Grand Trianon, The Grand Chapel, The Gallery of Battles, The Empire Rooms, The Gardens of Versailles, and of course, The Hall of Mirrors.

After you’ve done your exploring grab some macaroons from Ladurée and take in The Gardens of Versailles in the back.

There are few words I can use to describe my experience visiting Versailles other than unimaginably magnificent — so I highly suggest adding it to your solo trip itinerary.

After you’ve finished exploring the Palace of Versailles, you’ll probably want to head back to Paris. But if you have time, I would try to explore the town of Versailles too .

P.S. – Don’t forget to book your tickets to the Palace of Versailles in advance ! The queues are ridiculously long if you try to purchase on the day .

Meeting a Tik Tok friend:

This evening I actually ended up meeting with a friend from Tik Tok! ( @kianatiese ).

I’ll admit that one of my favourite things about solo travel is inevitably meeting new people, especially like-minded women.

Whether you hit someone up on Instagram or Tik Tok that you think you’d vibe with, chat with someone in your hostel dorm or in the lobby that you end up grabbing a drink with, or join a tour excursion for the day or night that allows you to meet new people — there’s something amazing about putting yourself out there, testing your social skills abroad and making new connections.

Day 4: Solo in Paris

Monoprix breakfast on the seine:.

One thing I noticed on my Bateaux Mouches cruise was all the cool Parisians sitting Seine side as us tourists cruised by (and waved of course). So I decided I wanted to be one of them this trip.

To start my last day in Paris I stopped by Monoprix , a very popular grocery store here, picked up some French breakfast bits and did a beautiful walk over to the Seine near Pont Neuf — the oldest standing bridge in Paris.

Sitting on the river with a book, journal and food with my own company was lovely — and this actually ended up being one of the biggest highlights of my trip!

Market Hopping Around Paris:

Throughout my Paris trip I was constantly picking up bits here and there to take home, honestly randomly stumbling on markets as I found them. Some of the most famous one in Paris are:

• Passage Jouffrey – a 19th-century covered arcade in the 9th arrondissement
• Le marché aux Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen – largest second hand and antique market in the world
• Marché des Enfants Rouges   – a covered marketing dating back to 1615!

If you do plan on doing some shopping in Paris, make sure to underpack in your suitcase! Unless you want to be lugging around way more bags than you came with…like me.

Père Lachaise Cemetery:

I know cemeteries are definitely not everyone’s thing, so feel free to skip this part if it’s not your jam. But the Père Lachaise Cemetery was easily one of the most beautiful places I went on my solo trip from London to Paris.

It’s one of the world’s most famous cemeteries, home to the likes of Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, Jim Morrison and thousands of other notable figures throughout history.

P.S. – It’s free to enter and no booking required!

Bistrot Père:

Right next to the Père Lachaise Cemetery is where I treated myself to my last solo meal in the city at Bistrot Père .

It’s a cosy and very authentically French restaurant with plat du jours made of dreams.

Sipping on red wine and piles of hearty boeuf while looking onto the streets of Paris was exactly the finale I needed for my solo trip from London to the city of love.

Take the Eurostar back to London:

And just like that your Parisian solo trip has come to an end!

I suggest booking your Eurostar back for around 6 or 7pm so you truly can have a full day to wander before heading back to London (without all the trains being closed by the time you get back).

P.S. – you can bring some treats back with you too on the train, which you definitely should.

Want more Paris Itineraries? Check out Solo Sophie’s Solo in Paris Guide , Paris Unlocked’s Full Solo Travel to Paris Guide and Adventurous Kate’s Chilled Trip to Paris Guide

Other Paris Tourist Attractions to Visit:

Of course, there’s only so much you can do in one trip to Paris, but in case you’re looking for more ideas here are some more places to add to your itinerary:

• Champs-Élysées
• Arc de Triomphe 
• Les Catacombes 
• Disneyland Paris
• Canal Saint-Martin
• Luxembourg Gardens and the Musée du Luxembourg
• Palais Garnier
• Galeries Lafayette
• Latin Quarter

The Best Paris Tours & Activities for Solo Travellers

Where to eat in paris.

If you’re a foodie coming to Paris you may or may not have been disappointed by my limited food recommendations.

In all honesty, I got so sidetracked by exploring the majority of my meals were stuffed down croissants and quick bites from around the city (which I absolutely loved by the way).

But if you want to spend more time wining and dining, I highly suggest checking out the 100 Paris Bistros list and Paris Foodie Tik Tokers like ImperatriceWu and BisousMorgan for some inspiration.

London to Paris Solo Trip FAQs

What should I pack for a trip to Paris?

Paris’ climate is very similar to London in a lot of ways, so you can pretty much match it to packing for London , just be sure to check the weather for the week beforehand.

To top off the #solotripvibes I would also bring a journal, a book to read on the train and on the Seine if you decide to go, and of course — a portable charger and adapter for your travels.

How Do I get around Paris?

The Metro and Citymapper !

Using the metro is very similar to using the tube in London however, instead of using your Oyster or contactless card, you’ll need to buy individual metro tickets to use during your trip.

These are €2.10 each one-way or €19.10 for a pack of 10, which I suggest getting to save you time and money.

If you’d like a physical pass similar to the Oyster you can get the Navigo Découverte, but the standard Navigo Pass is reserved for residents only.

Similar to London, Citymapper is a great way to get around the city. It’ll tell you exactly when your metro is coming and give you walking directions to whenever you need to go.

Do I need cash in Paris?

I would only take out around €20 – €30 at an ATM to use day-to-day during your trip as most places accept card and Apple Pay.

Is a day trip from London to Paris worth it?

If you’re short on time a day trip in Paris from London is definitely doable! Just make sure you book one of the earliest Eurostar’s leaving London and get back on one of the latest ones.

You’ll also want to plan your itinerary in advance so you don’t waste any time deciding what to do!

Will my phone work in Paris?

If you’re coming on a solo trip from London to Paris you’ll probably be with one of the big 5, i.e. the O2, EE, Vodafone, GiffGaff or Three — each of which should come with some EU roaming post-Brexit (I’m with GiffGaff and had 5G of EU Data to use in Paris and used wifi for the rest).

Otherwise, you can buy a French SIM card to use during your trip.

How do I get good photos of myself during my trip?

Although no one came with me you may or may not have noticed I got some pretty bomb photos during my trip! And it’s all thanks to strangers.

Since it’s Paris you’ll have no shortage of tourists everywhere you go, so lookout for women in groups that are already taking pics of each other and look friendly, or someone who looks like they know what to do with a camera and ask nicely for a picture. And don’t forget to offer them one back in return!

For the times you’re not able to find one or really want the perfect shot, I suggest investing in a tripod for your trip.

Are Skip-the-line tickets worth it?

While you’re visiting attractions in Paris you may notice one thing, there are a lot of queues!

As one of the most visited cities in the world there’s never a slow day at Paris’ tourist sites and being at an age where my time and convenience matters — I personally would suggest getting Skip-the-Line tickets.

This includes Skip-the-Line Louvre Tickets and Skip-the-Line Versailles Tickets specifically, where the lines can honestly be quite unbearable if you don’t.

Do I need to know French to do a solo trip from London to Paris?

Although speaking the language will give you a more immersive experience in Paris, it can still be enjoyed without it.

What I do suggest is looking up the first sentence of a phrase on Google Translate before you enter a French restaurant or cafe (for example: ‘table pour une personnel, s’il vous plait’ or ‘table for one please’) .

There’s a huge perception that all French people, especially French waiters and waitresses are rude —  but I’ve noticed people are much more friendly in Paris if you show you’re making an effort to speak the language. So just try to speak a sentence or two!

Thanks for reading my London to Paris Solo Travel Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on  Instagram !

Check out more solo travel guides:.

• Malaga Solo Travel: How to Do the Perfect Solo Trip
• Rome Solo Trip: Your Ultimate Guide (from a solo traveler!)
• How to Do the Perfect London Day Trip to Oxford
• Solo in London: 25+ Amazing Things to do (Alone) in London
• 50 Empowering Solo Female Travel Quotes to Inspire Your Next Trip

Happy travels,

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Can you give me an example of how solo tours in London are different from Tour Companies?

How much money can gaffl save me on my next solo trip to london.

A two-week trip to London with a traditional tour company can cost thousands of dollars. When you connect with a solo traveler on GAFFL and split costs for things like rental cars and lodging, you are not paying any additional fees that are typically associated with tour companies, and by splitting costs, the overall cost per person is significantly reduced.

Are GAFFL solo trips in London run by Tour Companies?

What GAFFL Users Are Saying

"It’s really nice to have a platform like GAFFL with lots of travelers wanting to do the same as you, a real beautiful cultural exchange. You can meet people so easily and in a trustful way. We were four girls, from French, German and American backgrounds, without knowing each other from before. We spent an amazing week together, 2000km driving, camping on the way. We saw kangaroos, koalas, penguins and pelicans"

“I have found GAFFL to be an amazing tool for finding similar minded travel partners to embark on an adventure. Through GAFFL, I had organized a trip to Mexico City last month and Quazi joined the trip from Victoria, BC. We spent 14 days of straight exploring, hiking, eating and drinking. Quite an amazing experience - all thanks to GAFFL!”

"I accidentally scrolled across GAFFL and I'm so pleased I did. I met Amaia and immediately decided to road-trip together. We're spending 10 days together and it's great because we have so much in common. Couldn't have done it without GAFFL helping us find one another! It has honestly made NZ so much cheaper to explore as I get to split the costs with someone too​"