With these 8 hidden gems in London, you’ll discover amazing places that can truly make your trip unforgettable.
When you think of London, the iconic sights probably come to your mind first – Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and so on. And yes, these places are stunning and definitely worth seeing. But in reality, they’re often overcrowded and after staring up at Big Ben for a minute or two, you’re probably ready to move on.
What made my trip special were the little gems I came across without even looking for them. These unexpected hidden gems gave my London experience a unique twist.
Now I want to share them with you, so let’s get right into it.
1. How Matcha, Marylebone
I have to confess, matcha is the love of my life. I’ve never been more obsessed with anything. So when a good friend (okay, Harry Styles) recommended a specific matcha spot, I had to check it out.
How Matcha, in Marylebone, is a dream come true for any matcha lover. This place is screaming matcha, in the best way possible. Even from the outside, the green furniture, combined with the cream white walls and window frames give it such a cool, inviting vibe.
Inside, it’s super cute. You’ll find beautifully crafted ceramics, the most adorable tote bags, and matcha accessories like whisks and powder to buy. Their menu offers amazing matcha varieties, and they also have a range of sweet treats to go with your drink. As someone who eats vegan, I was thrilled to see so many options. The vegan banana bread was a total highlight and the perfect match for my matcha latte.
The staff were incredibly friendly and surprisingly the place wasn’t crowded at all. It felt like a local spot where people come to relax and meet up.
2.Daunt Books, Marylebone
After you’ve enjoyed your matcha, just a few walking minutes away is the most beautiful Daunt Books bookstore I’ve ever seen. It’s quite spacious and has literally everything. What makes it truly magical are the wooden shelves, the iconic window in the center of the room, the turquoise wall color, and the open layout. It’s so aesthetic, I absolutely love it.
They also have the most beautiful tote bags, which are honestly hard to resist. Surprisingly, this place wasn’t crowded at all, maybe we came at the right time, or maybe it’s still a bit of a hidden gem among bookstores.
3.Vegan Planet, Camden
Visiting the iconic Camden Market, was so much fun and I couldn’t resist taking a look at literally every shop – understandable as I love specific music artists, which are appearing at every second stand. When you start to get hungry the food stands in Camden can be a really good choice. But for us, it was too crowded. It’s difficult to get a place to sit or a table to stand, and during the time of our visit, it was quite cold and therefore not too comfortable standing outside to eat.
We were on the way to the metro, but came across a restaurant called Vegan Planet. It was absolutely delicious. 100% vegan asian kitchen. After having the best meal, we topped it off with a raspberry cheesecake, which is literally the best I’ve ver had.
*The food was so delicious I didn’t find a single picture, where we didn’t already start eating. There was no time for aesthetic pics.
4.Mamma Mia Musical, Strand
It’s nothing new and not so much hidden, but it was quite unexpected. We didn’t plan to visit a musical in London, even though this city is highly famous for it’s musical culture and theatres. I’m more of a concert girly and usually need something to sing along.
Nevertheless the moment came where we booked a ticket for my absolute favourite musical film, Mamma Mia. All I can say is, that I cried, it was amazing. Yes we all know musicals in London are such a vibe, but I think sometimes it’s forgotten how unique it actually is. I would definitely recommend visiting one show.
Be aware that it’s cheaper to book a little beforehand. We didn’t and had to choose between a few left seats – wasn’t too bad tough, because we got a upgrade spontaneously and had the best view.
I have a separate guide, about bookings beforehand, which also shows all the things you need to think about before travelling to London. How to Prepare for a Budget Trip to London: 7 Things to Know
5.Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden
Another one of my hidden gems in London is this spot. It that got more popular over the years and is actually a bit touristy, is Neal’s Yard. Even though it’s a common stop and often filled with tourists, I absolutely love this place and still recommend taking a short walk through it.
It’s a tiny space between buildings, where you’ll find cafes, food spots, and little shops. The magic lies in the surrounding buildings, which are painted in vibrant colours. This gives Neal’s Yard the unique vibe it’s known for.
6.Hideaway Coffee, Soho
Hideaway Coffee is the perfect hidden gem, for people who want to flea from the city hustle. In the middle of Soho, you’ll find a little backyard to enjoy a good coffee, chai or matcha latte. Since the coffeehouse is in the middle of a busy district, it’s filled with people enjoying their lunch break. Yet the cafe is not packed or overcrowded.
I loved every single second. Holding a book in one hand and a warm cup of chai latte in the other, while watching people through the window. It’s my second favourite cafe in London and it’s killing me that I discovered it in the last few hours of my stay in London.
7.Area behind the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), Westminster
Obviously, the Elizabeth Tower is a must see when you’re in London. We went to the bridge, took the typical pictures, and were ready to leave again. Spontaneously, we decided to take a walk around the area and found a really cute and quiet spot directly behind the Parliament. It’s just past the College Green garden, along Great College Street. The buildings there are such a vibe, with barely any people walking past.
8.Sherlock Holmes Museum, Baker Street
221B is a must for every Sherlock Holmes lover in London. It’s a small museum, which captures perfectly the Late Victorian London Times. The Staff is actually dressed like they are currently living in the Victorian time, which sets you already in the perfect mood and makes this experience even more special. Sherlock Holmes rooms, like his study, are reflections of the actual stories, including newspapers and more.
By the time I fell in love with London, discovering these unexpected spots made me even more excited about the city. That’s why these 8 surprising hidden gems in London make the perfect list to follow whenever you’re travelling. Enjoy your trip!
Johanna
About the Author:
If Johanna were a word, she would be "stardust" – nondescript, quiet, demure, until the passion appears that brings the stardust to fully unfold. She’s a traveler at heart, constantly curious to see more of the world, with a camera always close by to capture every moment just as it is. Whether she’s at a concert, lost in the music, or exploring a new city, Johanna’s world is filled with an endless curiosity and love for the little details that make life feel like stardust.
Johanna
About the Author:
If Johanna were a word, she would be “stardust” – nondescript, quiet, demure, until the passion appears that brings the stardust to fully unfold. She’s a traveler at heart, constantly curious to see more of the world, with a camera always close by to capture every moment just as it is. Whether she’s at a concert, lost in the music, or exploring a new city, Johanna’s world is filled with an endless curiosity and love for the little details that make life feel like stardust.
