10 best hidden gems in London according to a local insider

While London’s grand palaces and skyscrapers are certainly worth your attention, make sure you seek out the city’s hidden places, too.

From Greenwich’s hilltop views to the secret passages only a guided London Underground tour will show you, these are the top 10 hidden gems in London that local experts Narcis and Ela recommend. Having spent the last seven years exploring every corner of the city, they know the rooftops and quiet spaces many don’t.

London’s must-see hidden places at a glance

Historic hidden gems in London: Visit the Painted Hall in Greenwich, abandoned London underground passages or watch the Changing of the Guard.

Secret places for peaceful moments: Discover the Crossrail Place Roof Garden, East Church Garden, Barbican Centre and Buddhapadipa Temple.

Lesser-known spots with great food: Dine on the roof of Mercato Mayfair.

The underrated neighborhoods to know: Explore the historic boroughs of Greenwich and Wapping.

1. Admire The Painted Hall in Greenwich

Known as the "UK’s Sistine Chapel,” the Painted Hall in the Old Royal Naval College is one of the most beautiful underrated attractions in London. Designed by Sir James Thornhill and painted between 1707 and 1726, there are more than 3,700 square meters of Baroque walls and ceilings to admire.

Insider tip

The detailed paintings illustrate British history. Book a guided tour to properly understand the hall's history and its artworks.

Address and opening hours

Old Royal Naval College, College Way, London SE10 9NN. Open daily, 10:00 AM-4:30 PM.

2. Learn the secrets of the London Underground

The London Underground is much more than a way to get around the city, it’s full of history and character. To find out more about the underground’s more than 150 years of history, take a guided tour with one of the experts from the London Transport Museum. You’ll explore long-abandoned tunnels and secret places filled with historic advertising posters.

Insider tip

Look out for every station’s unique details. Baker Street pays homage to Sherlock Holmes, while Aldgate East celebrates Art Deco, and South Kensington has an impressive Victorian exterior.

3. Watch the Changing of the Guard

One of the best free things to do in London is to watch the Changing of the Guard — when the soldiers on duty at Buckingham Palace exchange places with the New Guard. We love to admire the guards’ precision and listen to the music from the military band. The ceremony takes place at 10:45 AM every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday and lasts for about 45 minutes.

Insider tip

Arrive early to get the best view. We recommend securing a spot near the Victoria Memorial. After the parade, take some time to explore nearby St. James's Park.

Address

Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA.

4. Relax in the Crossrail Place Roof Garden

Located above Canary Wharf Crossrail Station, this rooftop garden is the ideal place to escape the streets of one of London’s main business districts. We like to grab a coffee and relax on one of the benches in this tropical paradise. There’s a short story dispenser where you can pick up a free one-, three-, or five-minute read on eco-friendly paper.

Highlight

The plants are arranged according to which hemisphere they’re from, with east and west represented on different sides of the park, as the garden is nearly perfectly positioned on the Meridian line.

Address and opening hours

Crossrail Place, London E14 5AB. Open daily, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM.

5. Discover St Dunstan in the East Church Garden

London is greener than you think. This lovely garden was once a church, but after being bombed during the Blitz, it is now a green oasis in the City of London. Miraculously, its tower and steeple, designed by Christopher Wren, survived and are still around to admire today. Grab a coffee and a book and enjoy some quiet time here.

Insider tip

Leadenhall Market is only a 10-minute walk away. Not only was it a filming location for "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone,” it’s home to several family-friendly restaurants and boutiques.

Address and opening hours

St Dunstan's Hill, London EC3R 5DD. Open daily, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.

6. Explore the Barbican Centre

A striking combination of green spaces and brutalist architecture, the Barbican Centre is one of London’s most Instagrammable places — and one of our favorite spaces in the city. Relax on the Lakeside Terrace or stop by the Barbican Kitchen for a coffee or bite to eat. There are usually live concerts, movie screenings, and art exhibits to enjoy.

Insider tip

This historic location was the setting for Harry Styles’ “As It Was” music video. Join a tour to learn more about its famous architecture and other fun facts.

Address

Silk Street, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS.

7. Admire the Buddhapadipa Temple

Located in Wimbledon, the Buddhapadipa Temple was the first Thai Buddhist temple built in the UK. It’s as beautiful inside as out, featuring murals painted by Thai artists, including Panya Vijinthanasarn, over an eight-year period and surrounded by ornamental gardens.

Insider tip

Visit in the morning before grabbing lunch at The Ivy Cafe in Wimbledon Village and taking a walk on Wimbledon Common to see the famous windmill.

Address and opening hours

14 Calonne Road, London SW19 5HJ. Open daily, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

8. Taste your way around Mercato Mayfair

Situated in the beautifully restored St Mark’s Church on North Audley Street, just a short walk from Green Park, Mercato Mayfair isn’t your average market. Beneath its vaulted ceiling and colorful stained-glass windows, you’ll find kitchens from around the world cooking everything from homemade pasta to bao buns across its impressive two floors.

Insider tip

There is also a rooftop terrace that not many people know about, where you can escape the crowds from nearby Oxford Street — one of the busiest shopping streets in the world.

Address and opening hours

St. Mark’s Church, N Audley Street, London W1K 6ZA. Open Monday-Thursday, 10:00 AM-11:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-midnight; Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:30 PM.

9. Explore the historic borough of Greenwich

Known for its impressive views and attractions, Greenwich is a serious contender for London’s best neighborhood. Take the Greenwich Foot Tunnel for a unique and entertaining way to cross the River Thames. This century-old pedestrian tunnel connects Greenwich from Cutty Sark to the Isle of Dogs. Visit Greenwich Market for delicious food and unique craft products before admiring the city skyline from the Royal Observatory.

Insider tip

Bombs damaged portions of the foot tunnel during World War II. You can see the repairs in the northern end.

10. Retrace London’s maritime past

Wapping is an underrated area that beautifully captures London’s maritime heritage. The River Thames once served as a haven for pirates, and you’ll find replica ships anchored at Tobacco Dock in Wapping. We also love walking along the Ornamental Canal before stopping for a drink at The Prospect of Whitby, one of London’s oldest riverside pubs. Originally named The Pelican, it was a popular hangout for smugglers and pirates.

Insider tip

Look out for the historic Execution Dock around the back of The Prospect of Whitby.

FAQs

What is a hidden gem in London that tourists often miss?

Little Venice is a charming spot in West London that often goes unnoticed by visitors. This picturesque canal area is perfect for a scenic walk, especially in fall when the foliage transforms into vibrant colors.

Where can I find less crowded places in London?

Escape London’s busy streets for one of its many peaceful parks. Nearly one-fifth of the city is covered in public green space, including around 3,000 parks. Hampstead Heath, Hyde Park and Regent’s Park all offer tranquil corners perfect for a picnic or stroll.

What is the most touristy area of London?

The West End is a major tourist area right in the centre of London. It's where you'll find some of the city’s best theatres and restaurants. As a result, you’ll find many hotels here but also higher prices that reflect its convenient location.

What is the most beautiful part of London?

Thanks to London’s parks and palaces, it’s often regarded as one of the prettiest cities in the world. If it’s your first time in London, stroll along the River Thames to pass some of its most iconic and beautiful landmarks, including the Tower of London, Tate Modern, Tower Bridge, and St Paul’s Cathedral. Hampstead Heath also offers 320 hectares of natural beauty and a great view of the city.