How to avoid crowds in London: 10 capital ideas

From the iconic Buckingham Palace to the bustling shops of Camden Market, London is a city that has something for everyone. Its popularity also means navigating crowds is part of the experience. But don’t let its status as one of the most visited cities in the world intimidate you — there are plenty of ways to avoid the crowds that London is known for.

Learn how to skip the lines at top attractions like the Tower of London and Sky Garden, and discover lesser-known neighborhoods like Little Venice to escape to. Here’s how to avoid crowds in London.

1. Spend Friday night at the British Museum

With collections spanning 2 million years of human history, visiting the British Museum is one of the top things to do in London. An impressive reputation means impressive crowds, though. Fortunately, on Friday evenings, the museum stays open until 8:30 PM. While others are grabbing their first pint of the evening, you can be gazing upon the Rosetta Stone in peace.

Insider tip

Take a break in the Great Court, the spectacular glass-roofed atrium at the heart of the museum. It’s beautifully lit at night and the ideal spot to relax in between exploring.

Address

Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG

Opening hours

Saturday-Thursday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday, 10:00 AM-8:30 PM

2. Swap Hyde Park for Hampstead Heath

Spanning 800 acres, Hampstead Heath is a breath of fresh air in North London, home to woodlands, meadows, and beautiful ponds. It’s a great alternative to the more popular and central Hyde Park. From the top of Parliament Hill, in the southeast corner of the Heath, you’ll also find some of the best and most underrated views of London’s skyline.

Insider tip

In London on a hot day? Pack your bathing suit. One of the park’s most unique features is its three natural swimming ponds — one for men, one for women, and one mixed.

Address

Parliament Hill viewpoint, Heath Lodge, London NW5 1QR

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

3. Stroll along London’s South Bank at night

This riverside promenade stretches from Westminster to London Bridge and offers breathtaking views of London’s landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament. During the day, it’s packed with tourists. For a more relaxed and romantic experience, take a post-dinner stroll when the daytime crowds are gone and see the riverside views and reflections at their best — Big Ben, the London Eye, and St. Paul’s Cathedral are even more impressive lit up.

Insider tip

Wrap up your stroll with a nightcap at The Anchor, a historic riverside pub with great views of the Thames — it’s the only remaining riverside tavern from Shakespeare’s era.

4. Visit Borough Market on weekday mornings

London’s oldest and most famous food market, Borough Market is as well-known for its long lines as its viral chocolate-covered strawberries. To experience the historic market with fewer crowds, pick up your artisanal treats here on weekday mornings, ideally right after opening.

Insider tip

While most vendors accept credit cards, some smaller stalls may prefer cash.

Address

London SE1 9AL

Opening hours

Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Saturday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Sunday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

5. Get early access to the Tower of London

Hundreds of people accept the long wait to enter the Tower of London every day for the chance to see the Crown Jewels — the world’s most famous jewel collection. But you can avoid the same fate by booking an early access tour to the top London landmark. Witness the historic ceremonial opening — a daily ritual performed by the Duty Yeoman Warder, accompanied by a military escort — and be the first to see the dazzling collection of jewels up close with exclusive access.

Best time to go

The last couple of hours before closing time are also usually quieter, especially at the Tower’s lesser-known spots, such as the Medieval Palace or the Wall Walk around the Tower’s defensive walls.

Address

London EC3N 4AB

Opening hours

9:00 AM-5:30 PM every day

6. See spectacular street art in Shoreditch

Avoid long lines at London’s galleries and museums with a street art tour of Shoreditch instead. Here, you’ll find colorful and thought-provoking murals and unique installations by local muralists and renowned artists, such as Banksy, off the conventional tourist path.

Insider tip

If you’re wandering around these parts, don’t miss a stroll along Brick Lane, famous for its bagel shops, curry houses, and vintage fashion. Unless it’s a Sunday, when the market makes it shoulder-to-shoulder busy.

7. Enjoy a VIP experience at the London Eye

Despite welcoming 3.5 million visitors each year, The London Eye’s popularity shows no signs of slowing. To skip the line in style, book a VIP experience for the English capital’s famous observation wheel. You’ll be fast-tracked to your 30-minute flight and enjoy a glass of bubbly as you admire views of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the River Thames, and more.

Insider tip

There is a London Eye stop for the Thames Clipper Uber Boat, so you can take the boat there and avoid cramming onto the Tube or bus.

8. Take a canal boat ride from Little Venice

Quaint waterways, canalside cafés, and tree-lined walkways may not be the first things you think of when you think of London, but you’ll find them in Little Venice, where the Grand Union Canal meets the Regent’s Canal. This is one of London’s most charming areas and you can explore it from the water on a peaceful canal boat ride.

9. Swap the Tube for the Thames

London’s underground can get busy and sweaty at peak times. The Uber Boat by Thames Clipper offers a much more scenic and cooler way to get around the city. It runs every 20 minutes during peak times and connects top spots like Westminster, Battersea Power Station, and Greenwich with an easy hop-on-and-hop-off river bus service.

Insider tip

Understandably, commuters love to use the Uber Boat to get to and from work, too. Opt for a mid-morning or early afternoon ride to miss rush hour.

10. Skip the line at Sky Garden

Perched high above the city on the 35th floor of the “Walkie Talkie” building, also known as 20 Fenchurch Street, Sky Garden offers some of the most stunning views over London. Avoid the line for busy sunset slots and book a table at one of the building’s restaurants — Darwin Brasserie, Fenchurch, or Larch. You’ll be whisked up to the indoor gardens and observation deck without having to wait in line. Simply admire the 360-degree views of landmarks, including The Shard and Tower Bridge, before dinner.

Insider tip

Don’t wait until the last minute to make your reservation. Tables book up well in advance here, especially for weekend and evening slots.

Address

1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF

Opening hours

Public Garden:
Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Friday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM
Restaurant hours vary