Discover Non-touristy & Secret London with a City Planner

London , United Kingdom

Discover Non-touristy & Secret London with a City Planner

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About this experience

London is only truly experienced when you venture off the well-worn tourist track so that you can see, hear and feel the place the same way a local does. Only then will you get close to the true essence, to the true heart, to the very fabric of the place you are in and have an experience like no other.

We are going to leave the touristy mainstream London to the side and explore its unseen and authentic neighbourhoods outside the centre because this is where the ordinary Londoners acutally live their everyday lives.

We delve into London's modern and pioneering urban history to understand its current challenges as well as future developments.
Despite the length of six hours the tour does not feel too exhausting and time will fly. In between, you can also sit and relax for a bit while we travel by bus and train.
There's also a 30-min sit-down lunch break at a food market (when the weather is cold or rainy).

WE MIGHT FINISH 15-20 MINS LATE IF TRAFFIC IS SLOW.

See you soon
Fabian

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Discover Non-touristy & Secret London with a City Planner

What's included

A professional city planner who will present and explain five different local neighborhoods to you.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

There is a network of hidden alleyways in the wealthy residential areas of West London. You only have to turn a corner to enter a completely different world that feels like a small village in the countryside.
Today the exclusive alleyways are characterized by their beauty and tranquility, but in the past they were polluted and busy workplaces for the lower social classes.

In the 19th century, London was faced with massive population growth, so that the city ran out of burial spaces for the dead. The generous creation of new garden cemeteries provided new space and also improved urban hygiene.
This ancient cemetery is still in use today, but serves primarily as a recreational space for Londoners.

Stop 3

London's largest open-air gallery is tucked away right under a massive railway station and it functions as an open stage that simply everybody can claim for their own ideas.
Fifteen years ago, artists took over the old car tunnel and to this day they change its appearance every day. Anyone can create art down here and it is completely normal to destroy the work of others and to outdo it with something completely new.
If we are lucky, we can watch artists in action, leaving their mark in the tunnel.

Stop 4

Londoners visit their local street markets not only to shop, but also to socialise and interact with each other. These vibrant community spaces offer honest and exciting insights into everyday urban life.
It's not the sights that make London unique - it's the Londoners!
This market generally stands out for its very diverse and rich history but also includes buzzing indoor arcades and meaningful street art.
At 2:30 p.m. we will take a proper 30-minute sit-down lunch break at a food market.
There are two possible South London locations in different neighborhoods and it depends on the weather which one we choose. (One market offers outdoor seating only, the other market is indoors and somewhat heated.)

Stop 5

The once largest port in the world enabled London's rise to become the Capital of the World. (Yes, London is actually a port city!)
However, large parts of the docks were destroyed during the Blitz and the strong fractures are still visible in the cityscape today. The remains of the vast warehouse district were subsequently converted and put to new uses after the docks were finally closed in the 1980s.
The Thames is an integral public space for the Londoners and offers spectacular views the city's ever-changing skyline.

At 16.30h we finish our tour either close to CANADA WATER STATION (East London) or at WATERLOO RAILWAY STATION (close to Central London).
The order of the different stops depends on where we eat, which in turn depends on the weather (indoors or outdoors).
Both endpoints are major transport hubs and offer easy connections for onward travel.

What's not included

Lunch

Public transport ticket

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Guests ages 12 and up can attend, up to 6 guests in total.

Not recommended for travellers using knee scooters.

Meeting point

Inside Paddington railway station at the life-size Brunel statue (a man with crossed legs sitting on a chair).
It's located on platforms 8 and 9 (close to the station's main concourse) and sits 50 metres BEHIND(!) Burger King.

About London

London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.

Top Attractions

Tower of London

A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.

Historical 2-3 hours £28 (adult ticket)

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.

Historical 1-2 hours £27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)

The British Museum

One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.

Museum 2-3 hours Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)

The London Eye

A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.

Entertainment 30 minutes £27-£33 (adult ticket)

Westminster Abbey

A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.

Religious 1-2 hours £27 (adult ticket)

Tower Bridge

An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

Architecture 1-2 hours £11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish and Chips

A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).

Dinner Contains gluten and fish

Full English Breakfast

A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.

Breakfast Contains meat and gluten

Afternoon Tea

A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.

Snack Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets

Sunday Roast

A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.

Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Rock climbing Kayaking on the Thames Cycling tours Afternoon tea Spas and wellness centers Punting on the River Cam Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center

By train

London Waterloo, London King's Cross

By bus

Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon

Getting around

Public transport

The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Westminster Camden Town Soho Notting Hill Shoreditch Greenwich

Day trips

Windsor Castle

34 km from London • Half day to full day

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.

Stonehenge

130 km from London • Full day

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.

Brighton

80 km from London • Full day

Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Festivals

Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August London Film Festival • October New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31

Pro tips

Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets