When in London: What To Do As a Solo Traveler
I’ll let you in on a little (pretty cool) fun fact: London was the first city where I was completely, one hundred percent, traveling alone by myself.
No tour, no friends, no family.
Just me.
When I think of London… the first word that comes to mind is cool.
London is definitely a very distinct city: with the theater culture surrounding Piccadilly Circus, the excitement on Oxford Street, the cars on the opposite side of the road, the telephone booths, with Westminster sparkling against the sluggish River Thames…
… it’s cool.
It was my first time really running around a city… and it’s safe to say (given that I’ve continued to do so for 2+ years now) that I really enjoyed solo traveling in London.
I was only there for two nights, and only spent one full day there, but don’t be fooled… I saw a lot.
View of Big Ben in Westminster, London; January 2023
How Should I Spend 2 Days in London Traveling Solo?
If you’re planning a short solo trip to London, and if it’s your first time visiting the city – it’s best to stick the basics: such as Big Ben, Hyde Park, the Tower of London, SoHo, and more.
How Long Should I Visit London If Planning a Solo Trip?
If you’re visiting London alone, 2 days and 2 nights will be enough to scratch the surface of typical tourist attractions such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Saint Paul’s Cathedral, and Hyde Park. However, if you’re interested in doing more things in London, such as seeing a show on West End, visiting Regent’s Park, or exploring additional neighborhoods – you may want to consider a 4 to 5 day trip to fully cover all the city has to offer.
Here’s what my forty-something hours in London looked like:
Day 1:
London was the last stop of my guided tour around Europe; we took the ferry from Calais in France into the U.K. I got to see the Cliffs of Dover… and they’re surprisingly quite stunning.
The Cliffs of Dover & I; May 2017
Should I Take the Ferry to London?
Going on the ferry is a fun experience and, for many of us, and unconventional way of traveling. If you’re going a massive Europe trip, I recommend looking into taking the ferry to the U.K. – but if you’re short on time, arriving via the Eurostar might help you to maximize your time in London.
I arrived in London at around six o’clock on a Saturday night. I had been traveling around Europe for about a week before that – and my backpack strap decided to break on me… when I just needed it to last me a mere forty-eight more hours.
Ah… the joys of traveling.
After my tour group dropped me off at a hotel on the cusp the city center, I hopped into an Uber to my hotel in SoHo.
Where Should I Stay in London?
I have been to London many times, and can also recommend staying in the following areas for both affordable accommodation and also to be centrally located:
Russell Square
Covent Garden
Waterloo
All of these areas are safe and well-located for traveling solo in London.
Staying in SoHo in London
The first time I went to London, I stayed at Mimi’s Hotel right next to SoHo Square. If you’re a solo traveler – it’s perfect. The rooms are small – but the vibe is luxurious. Meaning, it’s the kind of hotel where there are USB outlets and rain showers.
The staff is friendly accommodating as well; after I dropped off my things, the first thing I did was ask if there was a Tesco nearby to buy some Velcro in attempts to revive my backpack.
Not only did they point me out to a Tesco and a Primark, but when I came back to my room a couple of hours later – I found that they left a sewing kit in my room. It’s a great location, and a nice break from hostels – I’d stay there again.
Shopping in London
Shopping is a big deal in London, and luckily – I quickly discovered that my hotel was just behind Oxford Street.
SoHo was bustling with people preparing for a long Saturday night ahead of them. It was the first time I was exposed to excessive smoking; walking by bars and people already slightly out of it…but it was also one of my first times witnessing the European culture; how they put life on pause to meet up with friends and enjoy themselves. It was my first time hearing their accents, so surreal, realizing I’m here.
I asked two young women where the Tesco was, and was immediately taken aback by how friendly they were in comparison to the French. (Sorry France, you know my heart still beats for you even though your people refuse to speak to me in English 89.24567% of the time!)
I remember walking into a Tesco and asking if they had Velcro. I also remember the staff members politely dismissing me in their British accents that they had no idea what “Velcro” was – and that whatever it was, they were sure they didn’t have it.
I saw Primark down the street and decided to give it a go. I walked in and met two girls a couple years older than I was. I was amazed to listen to their British accents, and there were ecstatic to listen my American one.
“Ah, everything you guys say just sounds so much better!”
They both made comments how they liked my American accent, and I questioned them,
“But why? Everything I say sounds so… boring!”
The two girls took their stance,
“Nooo, we sound too poised…”
“Let me put it this way – we sound really serious, and proper all of the time, whereas you guys sound relaxed, and chill…”
That was the first moment where I realized how we’re all fascinated with what’s not usual to us; that novelty is what keeps people, and the world, intriguing.
I had to play charades (i.e., pretending to velcro my shoes…) with them until they understood what I meant by Velcro, but Primark didn’t have that – or any sewing materials either. I gave up and decided to be thankful that someone from my tour group left me their day-pack.
I ended up liking that day pack so much that I bought one myself, and now it’s passed the ultimate test: it’s been with me to four different continents, several countries, and dozens of cities. It folds up, and its water resistant. A daypack like this one is what I have used for all my travels around the world.
Nevertheless, I’m alright with the fact that my backpack broke that day…
… because I couldn’t have imagined getting my first taste of London any other way.
Day 2:
I was up early this day because I wanted to make the most of my time left. This being my very first solo travel experience, and having been influenced through my travels across the U.S. with my family – I booked one of those “Big Bus” tours – thinking it was the most efficient way to see London.
It wasn’t.
One of my first U.K. flag sightings near Piccadilly Circus in London, United Kingdom; May 2017
What Is the Best Way to Get Around London?
If you’re short on time in London and traveling on a budget, the “Tube” – or London Underground, is the most efficient and cost-effective way to get around the city.
As someone accustomed to driving on the right side of the road, I was incessantly confused – I kept waiting for the bus on the wrong side, and getting on going to wrong direction, and wasting my precious time in the city…
… I eventually gave up and started to use the Tube, and looking back – I would’ve saved my money that I used for the bus tour and just bought an underground pass for the day.
Now, I’m not going to lie to you… the Tube is confusing. It’s not simple like Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, or Milan… it’s like Manhattan.
The trains go in the weirdest of loops and it’s not intuitive. Still, it’s not as bad as New York’s subway – you will get the hang of it. Just have a map on hand and you should be good to go.
I started my day at Piccadilly Circus, where the bus picked me up.
Me taking quirky selfies at Piccadilly Circus in London, United Kingdom; May 2017
Is Big Ben Worth Seeing?
I couldn’t help myself; the very first thing I did was take myself to Parliament Square to see Big Ben.
It was much smaller than I expected it to be, but I was stunned by how beautiful the golden clock was – making it worth the journey down to Westminster.
Big Ben & Parliament in London, United Kingdom; May 2017
I wasn’t planning to go up the London Eye – I hadn’t bought tickets beforehand, but I decided that while I was there, that I had to do it.
The London Eye; May 2017.
Is the Line Long for the London Eye?
The line wasn’t terribly wrong – I joined the line just before 11AM and was at the top by 11:15AM, making it only a 15 minute wait. However, it’s important to note that I did this on Monday and before high-tourist season – so be sure to plan accordingly if you want to go up the London Eye on a Saturday during the summer.
View from the London Eye in May 2017.
Is It Worth Going Up the London Eye?
It’s well worth going up the London Eye if it’s your first time in London, as you’ll get a chance to see how huge the city is and see some of the major sites in a single visit. I will say, though – that the ticket is expensive, costing at least £29 (around $39 USD or €34).
When I went in May of 2017, the pound was stronger than the U.S. dollar… I paid thirty-nine pounds for a ticket, which was… a lot of dollars.
I then took a one way river cruise to Tower Bridge. I got the chance to hear Big Ben toll… I also got the chance to take some shots of iconic London landmarks.
Tower Bridge from River Thames in London, United Kingdom; May 2017
I realized upon getting off that cruise that it smelled like fish and chips… everywhere. Could’ve been my imagination, or it (more possibly) could’ve been the fact that I had entered tourist mania.
If you want to go inside the Tower of London - be prepared for a lot of tourists, expensive souvenir shops, and long lines.
London is reminiscent of other European cities as in there are a lot of places to use the bathroom free of charge. There’s one near the Tower of London, but last time I was there – it costed me £1.50… which at the time was like $2.25 USD!
Nevertheless, it made for a great, “Hey, I’m here!” mirror picture.
Near the Tower of London; May 2017
I then walked over to St. Paul’s Cathedral. I was amazed at how detailed it was.
St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, United Kingdom; May 2017
It’s there that I realized part of what makes London feel so cool is its architecture. Prague, Paris, Budapest are works of art as well… but London’s backdrop is the most modernized, which leaves you with vogue-like-vibes.
It’s around here somewhere that I nearly got hit by one of those black taxi’s while trying to cross the street.
Ah… the joys of traveling.
I remember being on the wrong side of the road trying to hop back on the “Big Bus” towards Buckingham Palace. I remember the driver giving me the most dismissive look and pointing to the opposite side of the street.
No worries, I made it. I saw the famous-emotionless-guards there, too.
Buckingham Palace in London, United Kingdom; May 2017
The bus then drove by Westminster Abbey… which I think besides Big Ben & Parliament, this was definitely my favorite super-old-historically-significant building that I saw in London.
I then took a stroll through Hyde’s Park. I watched them play Frisbee, talk, play cards, sit in the grass, relax…
… in other words, I watched them do the opposite of what someone in Central Park does.
Wellington Arch in Hyde’s Park in London, United Kingdom; May 2017
By this point, I officially gave up on my “Big Bus” tour, and decided to hop on the tube to see the well-known, Instagram-able Notting Hill.
Notting Hill in London, United Kingdom; May 2017
There were two older ladies having a smoke and a cup of tea beside me, and they noticed that I was talking to myself as I knelt to the floor in a series of obscure positions just to get a good panoramic. When I recognized their smiling at me, I exclaimed with enthusiasm,
“I am not leaving until I get this shot!”
These two Brits were still smiling at me. One said,
“What spunk and persistence you have!”
To which I responded,
“You have no idea!”
We struck a small conversation and I told them how I had been traveling all over Europe for ten days: doing every last thing on my list, running around cities like mad. They recognized my adventurous spirit, and told me that while I didn’t have a pass to go up the Shard – that I was small and speedy enough that I should attempt to sneak in.
Kensington was a lively area that was far less touristy than Westminster. Live music, little clothing stores… I would’ve stay longer, but it started to rain.
I figured now was a good time to check out the Bourough Market, but I missed it – which gave me something fun to do on my next trip to London. I did end up walking through the closed shops and watched the chefs rolls dough after hours, so even if you don’t make it for the actual shopping – still walk through it, you’ll never know what you’ll come across.
I took the two Brits advice and walked to the Shard, but alas – the security was tight. They were asking people to show reservations or cards.
Walking towards the Shard in London, United Kingdom; May 2017
How Do I Stay Safe When Traveling Solo in London?
As long as you trust your instincts and remain vigilant, you will be fine when traveling alone in London – as it’s a big city with plenty of friendly people willing to help you find your way.
The police were all over London that weekend; particularly near tourist areas like Westminster. Ariana Grande’s concert bombing had just taken place days before, and I was there about a week before the Borough market stabbings…
… but you should never let that stop you. Never let fear rule your life.
Had I not gone to London that weekend, and ended my very first trip abroad with “a bang” as the British would say, it wouldn’t have fueled the fire inside me to travel more and again as fast as it did.
I didn’t leave Notting Hill early just because it started to rain… but because I heard the oddest of sirens. No one else around me recognized it, but I felt as if some peculiar was up, and that it was wrong to stay… so I turned around, and left.
It’s really that simple: just trust your instincts and be ready to act quick on your feet – and I promise, that you’ll be doing the best you can to stay safe.
By this point, it was raining – and I was without an umbrella getting wet, but I was in London getting wet, so… it was okay, in my book.
I had friends from my tour group the week before recommend that I check out Covent Garden. I’m so glad they told me about it, because it wasn’t something I had found online or on my list.
The infamous telephone booths of London in Covent Gardens in London, United Kingdom; May 2017
It’s a vivacious shopping area. Cobblestone streets, live music, plenty of opportunities for souvenir shopping…
Several souvenirs to buy at Convent Gardens in London, United Kingdom; May 2017
… I get bored easily, but even I was able to spend almost an hour perusing through the shops. There are both indoor and outdoor stores, so it’s the perfect place to monitor the rain and take shelter while you wait for the sun to come back out.
I will say that there’s much cheaper places to shop for souvenirs on Oxford street. I bought my brother some U.K flag socks for two or three pounds, and my dad a shot glass for I think £1.50.
The rain let up, and I started to make my way back towards SoHo Square – but not without a stop to see Trafalgar Square first.
Trafalgar Square in the rain in London, United Kingdom; May 2017
I then made my way back to Oxford Street in search for something to eat. London is filled with vegetarian places, and being a big city – you shouldn’t have a probably finding whatever you want.
I found this bohemian style place that was (at the time, not sure if it still exists) across the street from Primark. They offered take-away hot food as well as sit-down styled meals. I ordered some sort of squash dish… it was a little expensive for what it was, but it sure hit the spot after tackling London all day.
Dinner after a hectic day sightseeing London.
Day 3:
My flight was around 4PM the afternoon, but I still had one thing left on my list: Regent’s Park.
Is It Worth Going to Regent’s Park?
It’s a mile and a half (a little under three kilometers) outside of the city center, but in my opinion, it’s worth the trip to Regent’s Park for it’s calming out-of-the-city vibe.
I almost went the day before, but I ran into some locals on the elevator going back down into the underground that told me Regent’s Park is, as one of them said,
“A place you want to sit outside, bring a book, smell the roses…”
After hearing that, I held out to do it early the next morning before leaving.
Is There Uber in London?
Yes, there is Uber in London – just remember that you’ll be entering the car on the opposite side than you usually would if you’re from the United States!
I took Uber back in forth for the sake of time and not wanting to put myself in a time crunch for my flight back to the States. It’s expensive to use ride-sharing services in London, but still cheaper than hopping into a taxi.
I went early to Regent’s Park on a Monday morning. The lady I met in the lift to the tube was right; there were pastel and It was quiet, peaceful… and grounding.
A quiet Regent’s Park in London, United Kingdom; May 2017
Ducks in Regent’s Park in London, United Kingdom; May 2017
The lady in the tube was right, about the flowers…
I knew sitting in that park that traveling was something I was meant to do, and one of the reasons why I’m here.
Sitting at a café in Regent’s Park in London, United Kingdom; May 2017
I slowly strolled around, as the park itself is huge – where I realized…
… international travel is amazing, and if you have the opportunity to do it, you need to take it.
The London Zoo is nearby as well if you have kids and are looking for something to do with them.
It was busy here even at ten in the morning; it’s supposedly very good!
After my reflective walk, I hopped into an Uber back to my hotel in SoHo square, and then (dreadfully) made my way towards the airport.
Don’t waste your time taking a taxi if you’re going to Heathrow. The tube is fantastic in this regard – it’ll drop you off inside the terminal.
Want to see my adventures in London in action? Watch my vlog below!
I hope I inspired your itinerary for your upcoming trip to London.
If you’re looking for other things to do in Europe or the U.K., click here.
Last updated: June 5, 2025