Non-Touristy Things To Do in London – This article introduces four unique routes, including a football pilgrimage, opera and cultural tours, as well as visits to Greenwich and Richmond Park. Get full details on timings, highlights, and ticket information to explore these off-the-beaten-path experiences in London.
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London Main Attractions and Food Map
This map highlights London’s classic attractions (deep red camera icons), non-touristy things to do within the city (black hearts, yellow footballs, blue music notes), central dining spots (orange fork and knife), and shopping destinations (red and black shopping bags). The map’s default language is English, but you can switch to your preferred language by clicking "Expand Map" in the top right corner!
If you're visiting London for the first time, check out >>> Top 28 Things To Do In London For First-Time Visitors: Maps & Ticket <<<
London Football Clubs: Pilgrimage for Football Fans
Wembley Stadium
London is a paradise for Premier League fans, boasting several famous clubs and historic stadiums that are absolutely worth visiting. For example, Arsenal is renowned for its impressive history, while Chelsea has earned numerous honours in recent years, establishing itself as one of the top teams.
In London, football fans can start their morning by visiting Wembley Stadium, a symbol of English football with a rich history and countless thrilling match moments. This stadium is not only the home ground of the England national team but also the venue for significant cup finals. If you're interested in the history of football, a guided tour of Wembley is an absolute must.
Emirates Stadium
In the afternoon, you can choose to visit other iconic football stadiums based on your preferences. Arsenal's Emirates Stadium is beloved for its passionate fanbase, while Chelsea's Stamford Bridge Stadium is steeped in rich history and tradition. Alternatively, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium stands out with its innovative design, attracting numerous visitors.
Stamford Bridge Stadium
If you happen to visit on a match day, attending a home game in the evening will allow you to experience the exhilarating atmosphere firsthand. Surrounded by cheers and applause, you'll feel the passion and support fans have for their team, creating an indescribable sense of excitement.
As a devoted England fan, watching the Euro qualifier against Italy at Wembley was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. I look forward to sharing more about my football pilgrimages across the UK in future articles.
Discounted tickets / related tours:
Official stadium tour prices: Adults £26-32
Free Entry With The London Pass
London Pass Purchase Link：Get Your Guide｜KKDAY
Wembley Stadium Tour Discount Tickets
Arsenal Stadium Tour Discount Tickets
Chelsea Stadium Tour Discount Tickets
Opera & Musical Journey: A Haven for Culture Lovers
Royal Albert Hall
London is renowned for its vibrant opera and musical theatre scene, featuring numerous historic theatres and world-class performances, offering countless options for travellers seeking art and culture.
If you're planning a day dedicated to opera and music culture, you could start your morning with a stroll or a picnic in Hyde Park, then head to the nearby Royal Albert Hall for a guided tour. This venue is one of London’s most iconic music performance spaces, where every show, whether it's a symphony, opera, or pop concert, captivates the audience. The venue also hosts a variety of cultural events. I once attended a concert by Hong Kong singer Hins Cheung here, coinciding with cherry blossom season, which felt like a romantic dream come true.
The Phantom of the Opera
In the evening, you can visit the West End, the heart of musical theatre in London, where classic shows like Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Lion King are performed.
For those who enjoy discovering new works, London's National Theatre and The Old Vic offer a variety of cutting-edge and innovative performances that showcase the talents of contemporary playwrights. These smaller theatres are known for their intimate settings and experimental productions, making each visit a unique experience.
Les Misérables
As a fan of opera and musicals, I used to wait in Hong Kong for the rare chance to see a production when they came to town. But then I've moved to London, I can enjoy these shows almost all year round. Honestly, I find myself attending operas more often than going to the cinema! Experiencing these classic performances in person has really brought a vibrant energy to my life here in London.
Discounted tickets / related tours:
Free admission to Royal Albert Hall with the London Pass (official price for adults £17.5)
London Pass Purchase Link：Get Your Guide｜KKDAY
Royal Albert Hall tour
Discount tickets for The Phantom of the Opera
Discount tickets for Les Misérables
Discount tickets for The Lion King
Discount tickets for Mamma Mia!
Discount tickets for Back to the Future
Greenwich: Where Astronomy Meets Navigation
Prime Meridian
If you're interested in astronomy and maritime history, a day trip to Greenwich is a must.
Start your morning at the Royal Observatory, the birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The guided tour will take you through the rich history of astronomy. A visit to the Prime Meridian here is a highlight, as you can stand at the point where the Eastern and Western Hemispheres meet.
The Prime Meridian is the starting point for GMT and represents 0° longitude. It divides the Earth's Eastern and Western Hemispheres, serving as the benchmark for global time and longitude measurement. Moreover, the 18th century saw significant advancements in Britain's maritime trade and navigation, leading to a pressing need to establish a standard for global longitude. In 1884, the International Meridian Conference in Washington designated the Greenwich Meridian as the standard for the global longitude system.
After exploring the Royal Observatory, take a stroll in nearby Greenwich Park to enjoy breathtaking views of London (on a clear day, it’s a hundred times more beautiful than my photo below).
London Skyline From Greenwich Park
In the afternoon, you can visit the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House. The National Maritime Museum showcases Britain’s remarkable achievements in maritime history, allowing you to discover the stories of sea exploration. The Queen’s House is renowned for its stunning architecture and artwork, featuring the beautiful Tulip Staircase that’s sure to delight anyone looking for the perfect photo opportunity.
Queen’s House
If you have time, you can also explore Greenwich Market and the Cutty Sark, the famous tea clipper.
It’s worth mentioning the Greenwich Foot Tunnel, an underground tunnel connecting both sides of the River Thames. Visitors can walk through this tunnel, travelling from Greenwich to the Isle of Dogs on the opposite bank, offering a unique perspective of London’s scenery.
Discounted tickets / related tours:
Free admission to the Royal Observatory with the London Pass (official adult price £20)
London Pass Purchase Link：Get Your Guide｜KKDAY
Discount tickets for the Royal Observatory
Free entry to the Queen’s House and the National Maritime Museum
Londoner's Weekend: Richmond Park & Camden Market
Richmond Park
Before I moved to London, I never thought there could be such a huge royal park—Richmond Park—hidden in this busy city. The scenery here is like the African savannah, and it’s really amazing. You can see wild deer roaming around, which makes you feel close to nature. If you close your eyes and listen, you can hear a beautiful mix of sounds: birds singing, animals calling, the wind rustling, and leaves rustling—it’s as if you’ve stepped into a live Discovery Channel documentary.
Camden Market
In the evening, I recommend heading to Camden Market, one of the best non-touristy things to do in London. A favourite spot among locals, this expansive market offers a vibrant mix of food from around the world—everything from traditional British dishes to unique international flavours. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience London beyond the usual tourist spots.
The market also offers a variety of unique handmade crafts, adding plenty of fun to your journey. If you're a vintage lover, it's a great spot to find branded vintage clothing and limited-edition Japanese anime figures.
Discounted tickets / related tours:
Free entry for Richmond Park
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