A Solo Female Traveler's Guide to London

Solo female travel in London

Welcome to the vast, varied, and vivacious world of London, solo female travelers (please stand behind the yellow line). This is a city that never ceases to amaze me, it’s a city where there is always something going on, and it’s a city that feels hard to know no matter how much time you spend here. As a Londoner myself, I’m talking about all things solo female travel in London - that’s what to do, where to go, and where to stay - so that your experience of this incredible city is one for the books.

Best time to visit London

Winters in the city can be cold and gray, but time it right, and you might wake up to a blanket of white snow (which will stay that way for a matter of minutes before turning to a gray, icy sludge). Don’t let that put you off though, few people come to London for the weather and there are lots of indoor activities to keep you busy. At the opposite end of the spectrum, summer is a time for picnics in the park and drinks in pub gardens, with locals in high spirits and a never-ending stream of festivals and parties going on throughout the city. London in the sunshine is one of the best places in the world!

Spring and autumn are great seasons to be in London, although the weather can be pretty hit-and-miss (I mean, when isn’t the weather hit-and-miss in the UK?). Flowers boom in springtime and there’s a general excitement in the air as the days grow longer, indicating that summer’s on its way. Autumn is also a beautiful time of year to visit, you’ll enjoy crisp orange leaves on the trees and underfoot and mild, bright days with a slight refreshing chill in the air.

All that’s to say, seeing as London isn’t known for its weather and it’s busy all year round, there really is no right or wrong time to visit.

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Things to do in London

I could talk about typical “must-see” landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Leicester Square, but where’s the fun in that? Yes, they’re worth seeing, but we’re pretty sure they’re already on your list of places to visit. So, as a Londoner myself, here are some of the things I like to do when people come to stay.

Get lost at the museums - for free!

Discovering millions of years of history, art, and culture at the museums and galleries is undeniably one of the best things to do in London. Browse the huge collection of art and artifacts at the British Museum, geek out at the Natural History Museum, sail back in time at the Maritime Museum, enjoy fashion at the V&A, and journey through different periods of art at the National Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, and the National Portrait Gallery (phew!). Not only can you visit most of the permanent collections without paying a penny (if you manage to avoid the gift shops, that is), but many of them are within easy reach of each other, meaning you can spend the afternoon going to two or three. Some of the museums also do monthly late-night openings with talks, DJ sets, and drinks, which is a great evening activity for women traveling alone to London.

Try global flavors

While the UK isn’t renowned for its cuisine (unfairly so, in my opinion), the city is filled to the brim with delicious foodie options. Many tourists head to places like Claridge’s, The Savoy, and The Ritz for Afternoon Tea - little triangular sandwiches and cakes accompanied by a pot of tea, of course. But why do what everyone else is doing? Locals prefer indulging their tastebuds in dishes from all over the world - head to Chinatown for (yep, you guessed it) Chinese, find curries and salt beef bagels on Brick Lane, and dig into steaming platters of Turkish food on Green Lanes in Tottenham.

If you’re desperate for some typical British cuisine, start the day with a Full English at a greasy spoon like Terry’s Cafe (and no, we Brits don’t have this every morning), enjoy a late lunch of Sunday Roast at The Old Queen’s Head, and if you’ve got room for it, grab yourself some Fish & Chips from the famous Poppies for dinner (obviously we’re joking about having this all in one day…or are we?).

Go on a tour

Okay, going on a tour as a tourist isn’t groundbreaking, but hear us out, because the tours in London are anything but typical. Wander off the beaten track on a street art tour of Shoreditch, get chills down your spine as you explore the East End on the Jack the Ripper tour, or head to the Warner Bros. Studio for all things Harry Potter.

Get to the River Thames

There’s nothing that makes you feel more like you’re in the Big Smoke than crossing the River Thames. Weave under iconic bridges and past towering skyscrapers on the Thames Clipper boat, which will take you from Westminster to Greenwich for less than £10, or simply stroll along the banks of the river to take in the sights.

Discover the Green Lungs of London

London is full of green spaces, which offer a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Hyde Park is perhaps the most famous, but head further afield to Hampstead Health or Richmond Park where you’ll feel worlds away from the city.

See a show

Grab a pre-theater dinner then settle into your seats for a show-stopping performance at the West End. If you’re looking to save money, book in advance to nab yourself some cheap tickets, get last-minute discounts at the Ticket Booth in Leicester Square, or snap up a standing ticket at Shakespeare’s Globe for as little as £5.

Get cozy in a pub

If there’s anything London does well, it’s pubs. Cozy up by the fire in a pub that’s hundreds of years old, enjoy hearty traditional grub, and perhaps even chat with a local or two. The Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden, The Cittee of Yorke in Holborn, and Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street are some of our favorites.

Visit the markets

Sure, you could head to Oxford Street to shuffle along shoulder to shoulder with other shoppers, or you could enjoy a more unique experience at one of London’s many markets. At almost 300 years old, Borough Market is steeped in history, and today, vendors sell high-quality produce, local delicacies, and freshly prepared food and drink. Spitalfields Market is another excellent spot not only for foodies but also for those looking to pick up a couple of trinkets. Speaking of, Portobello Road Market is your one-stop shop for all things antique, and Columbia Road Flower Market is the prettiest Sunday market in East London (scrap that, in London as a whole!).

Getting around London

London is a big, sprawling city, and for that reason, public transport is your friend here. The London Underground, or the Tube, is quick and easy to use, if a little old and uncomfortable (but we’ll let it off considering it was the world’s first underground railway). Map your journey out with care as some platforms have more than one train going to different destinations, and do your best to avoid rush hour unless you like the feeling of being packed in like a tin of sardines. Buses are cheaper than the Tube and offer you more frequent glimpses of the outside world, but they’re typically slower as you run the risk of getting stuck in traffic. The London Overground, which is a train line that runs above ground, is perhaps the most comfortable form of public transport in the city, but it’s more expensive than Tubes and buses and serves boroughs further afield rather than right in the center.

All that being said, many people automatically hop on the Tube in London without even considering how long it will take them to walk. I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but you see a lot more of the city when you’re out and about. Apps like Citymapper make it super easy to work out when it’s worth relying on public transport or your own two feet and also give you an idea of how long it should take you to cycle if you wish to rent a bike to get around the city.

Weather in London

The weather in London is unpredictable, and I know you didn’t hear it here first. It’s a well-known saying, no, fact, that you can experience all four seasons in just one day here, and that means an umbrella and/or waterproof jacket should be on your packing list no matter what time of year you’re going to London.

Winters can be cold and pretty bleak, with temperatures regularly falling below freezing and the chance of rain (turning to snow in some cases) at an all-time high. As spring approaches, temperatures rise to anything from 6°C to low 20s (43°F to 68°F), and the chance of rainfall reduces somewhat. Summers can bring heatwaves of 30°C+ (86°F), but come to London in an off-year and you won’t hear the end of it from locals (and yes, we’ll complain about the cold while standing there in a T-shirt - we’ll take what we can get). Autumn can be mild despite what’s gone on that summer, with temperatures ranging anywhere between 8°C and 20°C (46°F and 68°F).

Accommodation for solo female travelers in London

London has lots of interesting hostels and hotels to choose from, but it’s a good idea to check out the location before booking as this can mean the difference of spending minutes or hours going back and forth. House and pet sitting is an excellent alternative to your bog standard (and expensive) London accommodation, offering a unique opportunity to explore beyond the typical tourist traps and gain an insight into what it’s really like to live in London. With so much to see and do outside the city center, house sitting allows you to truly experience everything London has to offer. No matter where you choose to stay though, always do your research to find out if it's a safe area in London for solo female travelers - and that brings us nicely on to the next point!

Is London safe for solo female travelers?

London is generally considered to be a safe place for solo female travelers, but with a population of almost 9 million people, it can feel fast-paced and quite overwhelming at first. If you speak English, communicating with locals and getting around will be a breeze, and London is so multi-cultural that you could be a local no matter where you come from. That being said, it’s not uncommon for a phone to get snatched out of someone’s hands while walking or to step off the Tube to find your wallet gone. You may be tempted by someone selling heavily discounted tickets on the street outside a tourist attraction, but you’re better off buying directly from official ticket vendors to avoid getting scammed. If you’re out and about after dark, stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking through parks and open spaces. The good news is there are usually people on the streets, especially in central London, and some of the Tube lines run all night at the weekends. If you find yourself out late during the week, there are always night buses and taxis to take you where you need to go.

Meeting people and connecting with locals

Londoners are often unfairly stereotyped as being miserable and unfriendly, but we don’t bite, I promise! Yes, commuters can look downright grumpy (because traveling to work on a busy train isn’t anyone’s idea of fun) and it seems like everyone’s always rushing because they’ve got somewhere to be, but find yourself in the right place, right time, and you could come away from your stint in London with some lifelong friends. Spark up a conversation with someone at the pub, on a walking tour, or during the interval at the theatre. Whatever you do though, don’t chat to anyone on the Tube (we’re kidding… but not really).

Tips from a local

Keep right, whether you’re going up an escalator or walking along a busy street.
Avoid public transport at rush hour - it’s unpleasant and why would you do it unless you have to?
Get your tickets to shows in advance, or book some cheap seats right at the back and bring a pair of binoculars.
Wear shoes you can walk in - you’ll certainly get your steps in when exploring London.
Don’t turn your nose up at the food - there’s some really good grub in London.
Make the most of the free things to do - visit the museums, browse the markets, and wander through the parks.
Plan your route before stepping out the front door - you don’t want your phone to be snatched out of your hands while you’re navigating your way from A to B.
Don’t queue jump - there’s a line for a reason.
You don’t need an Oyster card anymore - just tap your credit card to use the Tube and buses.
Bring a raincoat - umbrellas often don’t stand a chance when it’s windy.
Get out of central London - there’s more to the city than meets the eye.

London for solo female pet sitters

Things to do with dogs in London

London has lots of dog-friendly parks and green spaces, such as Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath, and Victoria Park. Take your pooch pal for a leisurely walk, play fetch, or simply enjoy the outdoors together.
There are lots of picturesque waterside walks - take a stroll along Regent’s Canal or the Lee Valley with your furry friend.
Many markets are pet-friendly, so why not wander through the stalls with your four-pawed pal and pick up some treats for both of you?
Some walking tours in London are dog-friendly, so you can explore the city with your four-legged friend.

Dog-friendly bars and restaurants in London

There are lots of dog-friendly places in London but remember to always check the rules of each location before stepping inside. Most pubs love having canine customers, but here are some of our tried and tested favorites: