Discover our locals' 222 hidden gems in London

Let's explore London beyond the landmarks with Spotted by Locals! From hidden tea rooms to vibrant street markets, our Spotters reveal the city's best-kept secrets. Discover London through the eyes of true locals and experience its unique charm.

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Travel Guides by these London Locals!

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Know your way in London like a local!

Spotted by Locals

✓ Discover London through the eyes of a local!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in London

Check out our latest hidden gems in London

Things to do in London

Dalston Eastern Curve Garden

A tiny urban jungle

Built back in 2010 on the site of a disused railway line, it’s a local secret: a quiet, forest-like space to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming.

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Coffee & tea
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Relaxing

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jun 29, 2025

Sutton House

Hackney’s hidden Tudor gem

Inside, the rooms have distinctly different decorative styles. This is to give an idea of how the house would have looked at each stage in its history.

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Art & culture

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jun 29, 2025

Geranium

The Barbican Centre’s best kept secret

Shelves run all around the edge of the shop, piled high with upmarket store cupboard essentials in addition to handmade soaps and eco-friendly products.

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Shopping
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Snacks

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jun 29, 2025

Leighton House

An architectural masterpiece

The domed Arab Hall – a glittering chamber inspired by the inside of the Castello della Zisa in Palermo – is what most visitors come for.

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Art & culture

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jun 29, 2025

Eel Pie Island

An artists’ colony in the Thames

It was once the site of the Eel Pie Hotel, a 19th-century guesthouse turned jazz venue and now it’s been transformed into a hippie artists’ colony...

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jun 29, 2025

The Cosmic House

A postmodernist masterpiece

Features of particular interest include the Architectural Library, the Solar Stair, a central spiral staircase with 52 steps for each week of the year...

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Art & culture

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jun 29, 2025

Morocco Bound

Bermondsey’s secret cultural hub

Tucked away in Bermondsey, Morocco Bound does it all, it is at once a bookshop, café, co-working space, beer bar and intimate events venue.

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Art & culture
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Bars
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Coffee & tea
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Music

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jun 29, 2025

The Phoenix Garden

A secret leafy paradise

The Phoenix Garden is remarkably inconspicuous: a bombsite turned car park turned community garden hidden behind high hedges and wrought iron railings.

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Relaxing

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jun 29, 2025

London Fields Lido

Hackney riviera

"London Fields Lido" is for those rare days when it's actually hot and sunny. Beat the crowds, head over to this colourful pool and meet me there!

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Relaxing

by

Claire

Creighton

Jun 25, 2025

Caravan

The traveler's choice

"Caravan" London is one of my favourite restaurants for having one of my favourite meals of the day: brunch. It's easy to savour every last bit here and...

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Bars
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Relaxing
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Restaurants

by

Claire

Creighton

Jun 20, 2025

Chuku's

North London Nigerian tapas

"Chuku's" in North London serves Nigerian tapas that invites you to 'chop, chat and chill!'

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Restaurants

by

Claire

Creighton

Jun 19, 2025

Eltham Palace and Gardens

Art Deco haven

In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.

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Art & culture

by

Ellie

Swain

Jun 6, 2025

Heading to London?

222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

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What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

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