London Quirky Things to Do: A City Guide for Tourists Visiting for the First Time

London is one of the world’s most iconic and historical cities. Located in the south-east of England, it is a vibrant hub of culture and culture, and home to over 8.9 million people. A melting pot of different cultures and communities, London has been a city since Roman times, and has a rich and interesting history. From its famous landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben to its world-renowned museums, theatres and galleries, London is the perfect place for tourists looking for an unforgettable experience.

But London isn’t just about the traditional attractions; there’s plenty of quirky things to do for those who are looking for something a bit different. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent visitor, here’s our guide to the quirkiest things to do in London.

Explore London from the Sky

For an incredible view of London’s famous skyline, there’s nothing quite like taking a hot air balloon ride. You can take off from North London or Middlesex and soar up high, taking in sights such as London Eye, Tower Bridge, The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and more. The experience takes around an hour, during which you can take in stunning views of the city from up high – it’s an experience you won’t forget in a hurry!

Take a Trip to the Sewers

If you’re feeling brave and want to experience something truly unique, then head underground for a trip to the sewers. The Victorian-era sewers of London are a fascinating piece of history – and you can take a tour of them during your visit! You will be guided through dark tunnels by an expert guide and learn all about how they were built and how they work. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after your trip!

The Old Operating Theatre

For medical history buffs and those with a fascination for the macabre, The Old Operating Theatre is the perfect place to visit. Located in Southwark, it’s the oldest surviving operating theatre in the world – dating back to 1822. You can take a tour of the theatre, which includes fascinating displays on medical procedures from centuries ago. It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted!

The Cereal Cafe

For something a little bit different, head to The Cereal Cafe in Covent Garden. This unique eatery serves over 100 varieties of cereal from all over the world, along with various toppings and milkshakes. It’s the perfect place for cereal-lovers – or anyone who wants to try something unusual!

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

For a unique experience of London’s theatrical past, head to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. This replica of Shakespeare’s original theatre has been faithfully recreated and is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions. You can take a tour of the theatre, or take in a show – whatever you choose, it will be an experience full of history and culture.

The View from The Shard

The View from The Shard is arguably one of the best ways to get an overview of London. Located at the top of the tallest building in western Europe, you can take in breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck. On a clear day you can even see up to 40 miles away! It’s an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.

Sightseeing Bus Tour

If you don’t have time to explore every corner of London on foot, then why not hop on a sightseeing bus tour? These tours are great for getting an overview of the city and its attractions – you can hop on and hop off at will, or stay on board for the whole tour. You’ll get to see some of London’s most iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square – with lots of interesting facts thrown in along the way!

Experience Harry Potter Magic

London is home to lots of Harry Potter-inspired attractions – perfect for fans of the books and films. Take a leisurely stroll through Leadenhall Market for a look at Diagon Alley as seen in the films. You can also visit Platform 9¾ at Kings Cross Station – where you can take your photo with a trolley going through the wall! Finally, you can visit Warner Brothers Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter for a behind-the-scenes look at how they created the magical world. It’s an experience that Potter fans won’t want to miss!

West End Theatre Shows

This one’s for all you theatre-lovers out there – no trip to London would be complete without seeing a West End show. From musicals such as Wicked and The Lion King to classic plays such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Hamlet, there’s something for everyone. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not check out one of the many fringe shows taking place around town?

Take a Tour of London’s Historic Pubs

London is home to some fantastic pubs – some of which date back centuries. For something truly unique, why not take a tour of some of these historic pubs? You’ll learn about their fascinating history, sample some real ales and ciders and meet some interesting characters along the way. It’s definitely an experience you won’t forget!

Visit Camden Market

Camden Market is one of London’s most iconic attractions – it’s perfect for anyone looking for something quirky or unusual. Here you’ll find everything from vintage clothing to antiques, artworks and handmade crafts – it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for something unusual!

Go Ghost Hunting

If you’re feeling brave, why not go ghost hunting in one of London’s many haunted locations? From haunted castles such as Hampton Court Palace to creepy alleyways in Soho, ghost hunting is an experience that will stay with you long after your trip!

Popular Tours

Tower of London Tour

The Tower of London should be at the top of your list when visiting London – it’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and is steeped in history. During your tour, you’ll learn about its fascinating history – from its time as a prison to its use as a royal palace – and get up close to its famous ravens. You’ll also get access to the crown jewels, which are sure to be a highlight! Book a Tower of London Tour here.

Westminster Abbey Tour

Westminster Abbey is another must-visit attraction when visiting London – it’s one of the most significant churches in Britain and has been the coronation church since 1066! During your tour, you’ll get to explore its fascinating ecclesiastical architecture – featuring stunning stained glass windows, tombs and monuments. You’ll also get access to its hidden chapels – including Henry VII’s chapel which is rarely open to visitors! Book a Westminster Abbey Tour here.

St Paul’s Cathedral Tour

St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most recognisable landmarks in London – its iconic dome has been featured in countless movies over the years! During your tour, you’ll learn about its fascinating history – from its origins as a medieval church to its role during World War II – as well as getting access to areas that are usually off-limits to visitors. Book a St Paul’s Cathedral Tour here.

So there you have it – our guide to some of the quirkiest things to do in London! Whether you’re looking for traditional attractions or something completely different, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. With so many things to do, it can be hard to choose where to start – but hopefully this guide has given you some inspiration for your next visit!