London was my second solo trip after Paris. I think it’s one of the best places for a solo adventure. It’s a safe city, everyone speaks English and it offers plenty of tourist attractions for everyone. In this solo female travel to London guide I share the most important sights you should visit, ideas on where to stay, and answers to FAQs. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.
I only spent two days in London and it definitely wasn’t enough. But I’ll take a short trip over no trip anytime. It was also a last-minute trip. I found cheap flights and I had a few days off for Thanksgiving, so off I went. Because it was such a last-minute trip many attractions were sold out and I couldn’t get tickets, but I was still able to do a lot. When I travel I tend to go-go-go and I cram as much as possible into my itinerary. Maybe one day I’ll learn how to slow travel.
I loved London. It’s a big city, there are lots of people running around, and you can’t get bored there. It reminds me of New York a bit. It has a lot of energy and a very cool vibe. I need to go back to see more of London and also explore other places in the United Kingdom.
What should I visit in London as a solo female traveler?
Big Ben
No trip to London is complete without seeing Big Ben in person. I used to learn about it in my English classes when I was a kid in Romania. And I always wanted to see it.
I don’t know about you, but whenever I’m in a destination I wanted to visit for a long time I always have the biggest smile on my face, and I have to keep telling myself “you’re actually here” and “you made it happen”. Being able to see the world and cross off bucket list items is one of the coolest feelings.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is very close to Big Ben. This is where coronations and royal weddings take place. So much history here!
Since I only had 2 days in London and I was rushing to go see the change of guards at Buckingham I didn’t go inside. That’s something I’ll do on my next trip. Even if you don’t go inside you can admire the architecture from outside. It’s a stunning Gothic church.
London Eye
The London Eye is another iconic place in London. Yes, it’s super touristy as it’s visited by over 3 million people annually, but it’s cool. It’s the tallest observation wheel in Europe.
Buckingham Palace
Seeing the change of the guards at Buckingham is such a special London activity. But most people make the mistake of just camping in front of the Buckingham gates and they miss out on all the action.
Top tip: book a tour. I did this and I was able to see so much more. They only end the change of the guards at Buckingham, but they march from a different building. The tour guide will take you to all the spots along their route and you’ll even be able to march alongside the soldiers. How cool is that? It was definitely one of the highlights of my trip to London.
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in London. Walking the bridge will offer some stunning views of both the bridge and London. You can also go inside the bridge. It has a walkaway with Glass Floors that will provide a bit of a thrill.
Tower Bridge should not be confused with London Bridge, a different bridge that it not as aesthetic as Tower Bridge.
Tower of London
If you cross Tower Bridge you’ll get to the Tower of London, a World Heritage Site and a historic castle right in the middle of London. The castle had many uses throughout history such as a prison, royal menagerie, and a treasury. It currently houses the Crown Jewels, which are on display for the public.
Another cool thing you can do at the Tower of London is to attend the Ceremony of the Keys. It’s a 700-year-old ceremony they use to lock up the Tower at night. You have to book a ticket for the ceremony, and they sell out quickly, so you should plan in advance. This is something I really want to do next time since I couldn’t get a ticket when I visited London.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar is a famous square in London. It’s where you can find the National Gallery. There is a large fountain in the plaza, and you can also find Nelson’s Column there. Sitting on the steps of the National Gallery and people watching is a vibe. This is another spot I used to learn in my English classes about, so it was really cool to spend some time here.
Shakespeare’s Globe
Did you know there is a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the south bank of River Thames? It’s a reconstruction of the place William Shakespeare wrote his plays for. It still hosts theatrical performances.
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
If you visit London during the winter months you need to go to Winter Wonderland. The name describes it perfectly. It’s basically a very large winter fair in Hyde Park where you can find lots of amusement rides, food stalls, games, and an ice-skating rink.
There is music everywhere, every single booth or ride has lights and cute decorations. People are having a holy jolly time and letting their inner kids come out to play. It’s so much fun! And an entry ticket was only 5 pounds when I visited, so it’s on the affordable side for London.
Museums and art galleries
I’m not a huge fan of museums, but if it’s your thing there are so many London museums that are worth a visit. The British Museum, the Natural History Museum, Tate Modern, and the National Gallery are among the most popular ones.
Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is a major road junction in London that has become a tourist attraction in itself. It’s close to shopping and entertainment areas such as Regent Street, and it’s also close to Chinatown and Soho.
Sky Garden
Sky Garden is an urban garden at the top of a skyscraper. Totally my vibe. And it’s free! I was so excited to visit it. Until I realized you still need to book a free ticket online and it was sold out. That’s on me because I decided to go to London at the last minute, but I was so sad I couldn’t visit. This is a top of the list activity for me when I visit London next.
Notting Hill
Have you watched the movie Notting Hill and wanted to visit this neighborhood ever since? Because same. Notting Hill is one of the best neighborhoods for cute cafes, vintage stores, and antiques. The pastel houses in this neighborhood also add to its charm.
Where should I stay in London?
London is probably one of the most expensive destinations in Europe (if not the most expensive one!) and you can see this in the prices of hotels. However, booking in advance, keeping an eye on promotions and discounts, and using credit card points are some of the strategies that can make your trip to London more affordable.
Mid-budget hotels
I stayed at Hilton London Bankside in the city center. It’s about a 5-minute walk to Blackfriars train station, so it’s super convenient if you plan on taking the train to and from the airport. The room was spacious, nicely decorated and the service was great. I got there around 10 am and they were able to give me a room.
Other mid-budget options are Kimpton Fitzroy, The Waldorf Hilton, The Resident Kensington, and The Gantry London – Curio Collection by Hilton.
Luxury hotels
If you have a higher budget and are seeking a more luxurious option in the city center, then Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Rosewood London, The Langham, The Savoy, and Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square are all great options.
Hostels
Unfortunately, I am not the right person to recommend you any hostels. I am in my 30s and I value comfort, so I will always choose to stay at a hotel vs a hostel. I can see how a hostel is a great option for younger people, but I’m at a different stage in life, so I prefer hotels.
Airbnb
I also tend to pick hotels over Airbnbs because I feel like it’s less of a risk and it’s a more reliable option. One time when I visited Miami with my friends we booked an Airbnb that looked great in pictures but looked really bad in reality. We ended up going to a hotel instead. After that experience I tend to avoid Airbnbs altogether.
What should I eat in London?
Anything at Borough Market
Borough Market was one of my first stops in London. I love this market so much. It has so many food options and everything looked delicious. I wish I had more time in London to try all the food stalls. The market gets super busy with a mix of locals and tourists. Expect to wait in line at least 5-10 minutes to get your favorite foods. I tried 3 things: donuts, mince pie, and a cheese toastie.
Donuts from Bread Ahead Bakery
These donuts were so delicious. I loved that they were not too big, had a lot of filling, and the filling wasn’t too sweet. Bread Ahead has a lot of donut flavors to choose from. You can also get other pastries while you’re there.
Mince pie
Since I visited late November, I had to try the famous mince pie. I got it at Bread Ahead as well. It wasn’t bad, but I wasn’t a huge fan either. It’s pretty sweet. It reminded me of a date cookie. You should definitely try it at least once.
Cheese toastie
Ok, this cheese toastie from Kappacasein was so good. It’s the British version of grilled cheese, but it’s made with local cheese, fresh bread, and onions. Absolutely delicious!
Afternoon tea
Going to afternoon tea is a must when you visit London. It’s guaranteed to make you feel posh. Pinkies up!
Afternoon tea tends to be pretty expensive, but it’s worth the experience. Besides unlimited delicious tea, you will get a lot of finger foods, scones with clotted cream and jam, and little cakes.
This experience also gets sold out in a lot of popular places. I was lucky to score a reservation at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. Fortnum & Mason is an iconic department store in London, so after enjoying my tea I also browsed the store. I loved my experience here, I highly recommend the spot.
Wild Honey St James
This is a one Michelin star restaurant inside the Sofitel Hotel, very close to Piccadilly Circus. The good news is that they have a pre-theater menu for just 45 pounds (I think it was even cheaper when I visited in 2022). It’s a three-course menu and the food quality is top notch. If you want to experience a Michelin meal without breaking the bank this is a great spot for that.
Circolo Popolare
This one is a fantastic Italian restaurant in Soho. I found out about it from Chrissy Teigen’s Instagram post and it did not disappoint. Try their carbonara pasta. It’s delicious.
It’s a very popular restaurant and I didn’t have a reservation, so I went there as soon as they opened. They were able to squeeze me in. Perks of traveling solo! It’s always easier to get a table when it’s a party of one.
Is London safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, I felt safe in London. There were less tourists than during the summer months since I visited in the fall. I didn’t see any pickpockets and nobody tried to scam me on the street. Of course, as always when you travel solo, do your research ahead of your visit and be on high alert, especially if you visit during peak season.
What is the best time for a solo London trip?
I visited in late November and it was great. The weather was not too cold and I even got a day of sunshine. Plus, all the Christmas decorations were up, so London was even prettier than usual.
I tend to avoid Europe summer travel because it gets so hot and there are so many tourists everywhere that it takes away from the experience for me. I’d rather wait a few months and go in the fall so I can properly enjoy the destinations I’m visiting.
Do I need to book tickets for attractions in advance?
I highly recommend you book all the tickets online in advance of your trip. I took this last minute trip to London and I did miss out on certain attractions because I didn’t book tickets in advance. If you visit during the peak summer months it’s a must to book in advance.
Do I need cash?
I didn’t use cash at all when I visited, I paid for everything with a credit card. But it’s always recommended to carry some cash with you so you can tip tour guides or buy souvenirs or something else from small mom-and-pop shops who don’t accept credit cards.
Pro tip: always get cash from an ATM in the airport instead of going to an exchange place. Your bank will always have better exchange rates when taking out cash in a foreign currency from an ATM.
How many days do I need in London?
I spent 2 days in London and while I was able to see many attractions, it wasn’t enough. If you want to get a feel for London and explore some hidden gems as well, I recommend you stay for a week.
How can I get to the city center from the airport?
I flew into Gatwick, not Heathrow. I highly recommend you avoid Heathrow if you can since it’s so crowded. I landed at Gatwick in the morning and I was out of the airport in 10 minutes.
From Gatwick you can take the Thameslink train that will take you to London Blackfriars station in central London in 35 minutes.
If you have a lot of luggage and don’t want to deal with public transportation you can take an Uber. Alternatively you can also schedule a private transfer.
How can I get around London?
You can walk a lot, London is a very walkable city. If you need to travel longer distances within the city you can take the tube. If you don’t like public transit you can always take an iconic black cab or an uber.
Do I have to tip in London?
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged. I usually leave 1-2 pounds as tip when I eat out. They highly appreciate it when you do this.
Do you recommend London as a solo destination?
Yes, I highly recommend London as a destination for solo female travelers. I think it’s a even a great place for a first solo trip since they speak English, there are lots of things to do, and it’s pretty safe.
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