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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City guides by those who know London best!

Travel Guides by these London Locals!

Our London Cityguide - Made by Locals

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

Fitzrovia Chapel

An architectural masterpiece

Aside from its compelling history, what really sets Fitzrovia Chapel apart is its extraordinary gold mosaic ceiling. So don't forget to look up!

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Art & culture

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jul 13, 2025

London Review Bookshop

A must for book lovers

Twice a week, all the tables are pushed to one side, and the bookshop is transformed into an intimate venue for author talks, film screenings and debates.

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Art & culture
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Coffee & tea
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Shopping

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jul 13, 2025

Strawberry Hill House

London’s Gothic castle

Walpole spent most of his life transforming the building into his own ‘little Gothic castle’, with battlements, arched doorways and stained glass windows.

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Art & culture
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Coffee & tea

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jul 13, 2025

Book 28 Library

A tiny queer utopia

What really sets Book 28 apart, is their commitment to sourcing intersectional literature that would be unlikely to appear in your average public library.

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jul 13, 2025

Woburn Walk

A taste of Regency London

Designed in 1822 by Thomas Cubitt (the architect behind large parts of Belgravia & Pimlico), Woburn Walk retains many of its original Georgian shopfronts.

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Coffee & tea
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Shopping

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jul 13, 2025

Alba Caffè

A taste of the Mediterranean

Savour your food, indulge in good conversation and when you’ve scraped your plate clean, go out onto the patio for a long, drawn-out coffee in the sun.

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Bars
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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jul 13, 2025

Naroon

Authentic Persian food

Everything I’ve tried in this restaurant is delicious and plentiful. I love the bread, the dips and I can guarantee that their saffron rice is to die for!

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants

by

Angelina

Ivanova

Jul 12, 2025

Redemption Roasters

Coffee with a cause

I immediately fell in love with Redemption Roasters for their strong mission, big social impact, and great coffee of course. Plus an excellent brunch menu!

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

by

Angelina

Ivanova

Jul 12, 2025

The Four Thieves

A pub full of surprises

At the ground level - a quirky interior, cosy seating areas, and a great selection of drinks and food! But if you go upstairs though you will discover...

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Bars
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Music
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Snacks

by

Angelina

Ivanova

Jul 12, 2025

Hamish Johnston

The finest cheese shop

An a family-owned independent cheese shop that opened in 1994 and has been going strong since then. Their selection of cheeses is outstanding and varied.

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Shopping
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Snacks

by

Angelina

Ivanova

Jul 12, 2025

Barnsbury Wood

London’s smallest nature reserve

Barnsbury Wood is enjoyed by Londoners all year round, but it is at its most glorious in the summer months when the trees are drenched in golden sunlight.

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Relaxing

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jul 7, 2025

The Hill Garden and Pergola

A tranquil oasis

The gardens and pergola are open to the public and are a great spot for a walk or a peaceful afternoon with a good book in hand while lying on the grass.

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Relaxing

by

Angelina

Ivanova

Jul 5, 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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