London is one of the largest cities in Europe and one of the most popular travel destinations for good reason. If you've always wanted to go there but haven't found company or just want to do something on your own, the city is a perfect place for that situation! I've covered the most important things to consider when traveling to London on your own.
Choose your neighborhood
Before you travel to London, it's important to know what kind of environment you want - whether it's a party district, quiet suburbs, parks or the water. From Kensington to Canary Wharf you'll find vibrant city life anywhere, but if you want to see a lot of sights it's a good idea to stay in the western and central areas of Kensington, Westminster or Piccadilly Circus.
Book a hostel
One of the great things about Europe is its hostel culture - there are lots of options, from budget to fancy places, and from 12 bed rooms to private rooms. However, hostels are often much cheaper than other types of accommodation, and there will be more people around you traveling alone. That makes it really easy to connect with others, explore the city together, or just share your experiences with one another.
See the city
London has so many interesting places scattered all over the city that you could easily spend a week or two there. The city, a perfect blend of historical buildings and modern life, always has something for you to do. Walking along the Thames, you can already see many places like Westminster Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral or the London Eye, while enjoying an uninterrupted great view of the river. Just follow the flow of water and take your time discovering the most beautiful things at your own pace when traveling solo to London.
Feel the city
Parks
Depending on the time of year you travel, London offers plenty of opportunities for solo travelers to get into local life. During the summer, the huge parks like Hyde Park or St. James invite thousands of people to soak up the sun, and some also do outdoor exercise. If this is for you, just join the others and maybe meet a new friend there. In the colder months, Covent Garden is beautifully decorated and you can get hot food and drinks in the area, and Hyde Park turns into an ice skating wonderland.
Markets
All over the city you will find various markets to visit if you are traveling to London alone. My personal favorite is Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill, which claims to be the largest antique market in the world. Other than that, Camden Market is an amazing place for small snacks and drinks. So if you are alone, take advantage of it and try what you've always wanted to try!
Museums & performances
If there's one thing London is famous for, it's the large number of world-class museums and theaters, which can be a great thing when traveling alone. The Royal Opera House, Shakespeare Theater and the Natural History Museum are just a few of the fun places you could visit for a high level of culture. Many museums are even free on certain days, so it makes sense to check ahead and plan accordingly.
Bars and night life
As soon as the sun goes down in London, the city turns into a jungle of fun and you'll find people in bars, restaurants and clubs everywhere. Most of the activity takes place around Piccadilly Circus, but basically there is something going on everywhere. When I visited London in the summer there were very cool bars that were open right on the river in Southbank. Another thing you should definitely try is one of the wine bars, which are often located in old cellars and create a very original atmosphere. In that case, the best thing to do is grab some people from the hostel and enjoy the night with them!
