“Tooting so cool right now” that’s what reads on the message board of popular brunch spot Brickwood Cafe. And with a good reason. Tooting has been chosen amongst the 10 best neighborhoods to visit in the world by Lonely Planet. As it happens, Tooting is actually my neighborhood. I choose to live here because I’m love with how multicultural it is, and to be very frank, I’m mostly in love of its super fun markets. To second Lonely Planet: Tooting’s is gritty, but wonderful.
Do you live in London or have been too many times? Had enough of Big Ben? Then you’re in the correct place.
London is undoubtedly the best city in the world. Well, I may be biased, but it is pretty awesome. Part of its awesomeness is that there are unlimited things to do which range from simply the unknown to the most ridiculous. Below you’ll find a comprehensive list of non touristy things to do in London. The list is never ending: as soon as I experience more non touristy things to do in London, I will include them here, so remember to pin this post.
If you don’t know it already, Cat cafes are a thing. And London couldn’t be left behind in this feline trend. Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium offers a chance to have tea with kittens roaming around. To add more to the fun, it’s vegan friendly! Just remember to book in advance.
As a Londoner, one of my favourite absolutely non touristy things to do in London is immersive experiences! An immersive experience is the perception of being in one place when you are actually in another. It is essentially the suspension of reality, even if just for a few moments. London has tons of immersive bars, theatre and dining experiences. Check out the best here.
Yes, this is also a thing! Morning Gloryville is becoming increasingly popular in London. It offers you the chance to rave from ~6 to 10.30 AM, on an alcohol free environment. Superfood smoothies, massages and lots of dancing instead. And yes, tickets sell out early so do book.
Carrie Reichardt’s is the artist behind this house, which is hidden away on a quiet, suburban street in Chiswick. It is covered from top to bottom in colourful mosaic tiles. It tells a thousand stories, each reflecting the various artists who have helped to create this masterpiece, ever since the project first began in the 90s.
The BYOC bars invite you to bring your own bottle of your favourite spirit to then have a skilled bartender create cocktails designed just for you. The bars, spread across four locations in London, are set with a 20s prohibition style to add more to the experience. And yes, in this one you also need to book quite in advance.
The Lost Lagoon is the most fun, bonkers and extravagant immersive experience right now. I know because I went, and I loved it. And it’s not surprising given that the culinary and creative geniuses from Bompas and Parr are behind it. The location? The basement of a Shepherd’s Bush mall which houses the world’s largest underground boating lake. Yes, this experience involves a boating lake underground. Is that even possible? Yes it is.
Visitors are provided with a pirate tricorn hat and a handkerchief which contains a special message. Soon there will be a bit of walking blindfolded involved — yes it does feel like Netflix’s Bird Box for a bit. But do not worry, the first delicious Captain Morgan rum cocktail will be provided while you get the introduction on what’s to come.
Every true Londoner knows and has visited Brick Lane multiple times. This vibrant street is one of the most famous of the city, and is the perfect medicine for Sunday blues. Because, if it’s Sunday, Brick Lane didn’t get the memo.
There is so much to do, see, eat and drink. But the main visual attraction is street art. Just keep your eyes very open, it’s everywhere and all around!
Now, to help your Brick Lane visit I’ve created a map which you can save.
