London is one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cities, and there are always new places to explore. While many visitors to London stick to the tourist hotspots, the city is also home to a wealth of hidden gems that can be discovered by public transport. From quaint neighborhoods to quirky museums, there is something for everyone in London’s hidden corners. In this blog post, we will explore the best ways to discover these hidden gems using public transport.
Get off the beaten path
One of the best ways to find London’s hidden gems is to get off the beaten path. This means avoiding the most popular tourist destinations and exploring lesser-known areas. Many neighborhoods in London are not as well-known but are still worth a visit. For example, Camden is a popular music and alternative culture area, and Brixton is home to a thriving food and music scene.
To explore these neighborhoods, take the tube to the nearest station and then walk around to see what you can find. You can also use public transport to reach nearby areas that are not directly served by the tube. For example, you can take a bus to Dalston or Hackney to explore their vibrant nightlife.
Use a bike
While public transport is great for getting around London, sometimes it can be slow and crowded. If you want to explore the city at your own pace, consider using a bike. London has an extensive network of cycle paths, and many of the city’s hidden gems can be accessed by bike.
You can hire a bike from one of the many docking stations around the city, or you can use a private hire service like Santander Cycles. With a bike, you can easily explore areas like Greenwich or Richmond Park, which are harder to reach by public transport.
Take a riverboat
Another great way to explore London’s hidden gems is to take a riverboat. The Thames is the lifeblood of London, and many of the city’s most interesting places can be found along its banks. A riverboat tour can take you to places like Greenwich, Kew Gardens, and Hampton Court Palace.
Several companies offer riverboat tours, including City Cruises and Thames Clippers. You can also use the Thames Clipper River bus service to get around the city. This is a great way to avoid traffic.
Visit quirky museums
London is home to some of the world’s best museums, but plenty of smaller, quirkier museums are worth a visit. These museums offer a glimpse into London’s unique history and culture and are often free or inexpensive.
Some of the best quirky museums in London include the Sir John Soane’s Museum, the Museum of Brands, and the Cartoon Museum. You can use public transport to reach the nearest tube or bus station to visit these museums.
Explore the markets
London is famous for its markets, and there are plenty of hidden gems to be found in these bustling bazaars. From vintage clothes to artisanal food, London’s markets offer a wide range of goods you won’t find anywhere else.
Some of the best markets to explore include Camden Market, Brick Lane Market, and Borough Market. You can use public transport to reach the nearest tube or bus station to get to these markets.
Take a walking tour
If you want to explore London’s hidden gems but don’t know where to start, consider taking a walking tour. Many companies offer walking tours of London’s neighborhoods, which can be a great way to discover hidden gems you might have otherwise missed.
Some of the best walking tours in London include the London Walks, the Jack the Ripper tour, and the Hidden London tour. To join these tours, you can usually meet the guide at a designated spot, which is usually close to a public transport station. Not only will you learn about London’s history and culture, but you will also get to explore some of the city’s lesser-known areas.
Visit the parks
London is one of the greenest cities in the world, and its parks offer a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. While Hyde Park and Regent’s Park are popular tourist destinations, many smaller parks are worth a visit.
Some of the best parks to explore include Hampstead Heath, Victoria Park, and Battersea Park. You can use public transport to reach the nearest station or bus stop to get to these parks.
Attend a local event
London is home to many local events, from street festivals to farmers’ markets. Attending one of these events is a great way to experience London’s unique culture and to discover hidden gems that you might have otherwise missed.
Some of the best local events to attend include the Notting Hill Carnival, the Chelsea Flower Show, and the Southbank Centre Food Market. You can use public transport to reach the nearest station or bus stop to get to these events.
Take a day trip
If you have some extra time in London, consider taking a day trip to one of the nearby towns or villages. Many charming places can be easily reached by public transport, and they offer a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Some of the best day trips from London include Brighton, Oxford, and Cambridge. You can use public transport, such as the train or bus, to get to these places. They offer frequent services throughout the day.
Conclusion
London is a city that is full of surprises, and there are always hidden gems to discover. While the tourist hotspots are certainly worth a visit, exploring London’s lesser-known areas can be just as rewarding. Public transport lets you easily access these hidden gems and discover the unique culture and history of one of the world’s greatest cities. Whether you choose to explore a quaint neighborhood, visit a quirky museum, or take a day trip to a nearby town, there is something for everyone in London’s hidden corners.
