Why London, UK, is the Best Destination for Solo Travellers
Photo by Lonely Girl, Lonely World.
I visited London, England from November 14-22, 2023.
It’s hard to feel lonely in London.
Granted, I was only there for one week, I went during a very festive time (Merry Christmas!), and I’m a pluviophile, so London’s dreary skies did nothing to deter me. But I also spent a week in Berlin, and my experience in London, England was markedly different from my time alone in Berlin, Germany (aka. my City of Loneliness).
In a word, London was “poppin’.” There was so much to do, so much to see. London was eye candy through and through.
And maybe my recovery from a bout of sickness just two weeks prior contributed to my happy mood, but have you eaten the food in London??? It’s amazing — a true melting pot of cultures.
There’s something for everyone in London. Want something quirky? Silent disco is a big thing here. Fashionista? Hello, Harrods. Architecture student? Prepare to be amazed by the spires and history. And let’s not forget the energetic West End for theatre lovers. Whether it’s a night at the ballet in Covent Garden or thrifting at Swiss Cottage, London’s got you covered.
But let’s get specific.
Photo by Lonely Girl, Lonely World.
I found groceries to be relatively cheap. Eating out will obviously cost you more (around 20 GBP per meal), but you can get a decent sandwich, drink, and snack set for around 10-15 GBP at grocery stores like M&S (and M&S is one of the pricier ones). Perfect for the budget, solo traveller. Ok, converted to dollars or another weaker currency, that’s still pretty expensive, but if groceries are your major expense, it’s not too bad.
It’s the alcohol that gets you if you’re big on drinking and partying. London’s pub culture is so epitomized that it feels almost a waste to go there and not partake in at least one round. This is where locals, especially, find it difficult to save money because pub culture is so ingrained in their lifestyle that it’s almost a “must.” For the solo tourist, it’s easier to control yourself and manage your budget — even easier if you don’t usually drink!
On the other hand, I did go to a pub one night to get a taste of it (pun intended), and it was pretty fun. The energy’s so high up, you can’t help but be pulled into the midst of it. With the right friend(s), it’s great socializing time. I recommend going with someone you know because pubs can get confusing and crowded real quick.
If you’re someone who’s conscious of being alone, you won’t feel it in London. The entire United Kingdom’s land mass is very small compared to countries like Canada or Russia. That means buildings are stacked vertically, and everything is rather congregated. Take a walk for just 30 minutes in the downtown core, and you’ll pass a variety of boutiques, government buildings, markets, performance houses, and parks. It’s an extremely exciting city and also an extremely populated one.
(Remember my week in Berlin? As opposed to the German capital’s almost ridiculously spacious layout, London is compact, tight-knit, and cozy, which helps to reduce any feelings of loneliness.)
I hadn’t been in such a sea of people for so long (not since Shanghai 10 years ago), and having all those bodies around me, coupled with the temperate weather at the time, comforted me in my solo travels. Even the people are attractions because, gee, they were fashionable! I guess that’s one perk of living in a city that isn’t subzero 7 months of the year.
There are lots of great hostel options, too. I recommend Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage, which boasts great ratings and is located minutes away from so many great eateries. There are also women-only hostels and more upscale boutique hotels for a moderate price if you have the money to spare.
London’s public transportation system is vast and fast, so you don’t have to worry about distance too much if you opt to choose lodging further away from the city centre. Apparently, Londoners themselves are always complaining about the tube, its many delays, and the lack of air conditioning like an inside joke, but honestly, coming from a city that only has 3 subway lines (1 of which is almost guaranteed to be closed on the weekends for maintenance), London’s transit is a godsend. And if you don’t have to be on the tube during rush hour, then it’s very comfortable and relaxed. The only caveat is that some of their stations are DEEP underground (*ahem* Covent Garden)… and long… and twisting, so taking public transport may well turn out to be a physical workout and not the most convenient for those with mobility needs.
Photo by Lonely Girl, Lonely World.
London is also one of the most toilet-accessible cities. Anyone with a small bladder knows the struggles of hydrating when you don’t know where the nearest washroom is. The City of London’s Community Toilet Scheme maps out shops, restaurants, and bars that offer free public access to their facilities. For the Great British Toilet Map and other options, check out this website here. There’s also an app called Toilets4London you can download on iPhone or Android.
Most of London’s big museums and parks are also free to the public, so you can always use the toilets here, too. Speaking of free museum access, even if you’re not a museum person, you won’t regret visiting those in London. The buildings themselves, both interior and exterior, are architectural masterpieces, and they feature some pretty cool exhibits (Paddington, anyone?).
Still, it’s the energy that’s the biggest takeaway. How do I describe it? The city feels alive. It’s vibrant and magnetic. You’ll feel this energy most in areas like Chinatown, the West End, and Covent Garden — basically areas where food, entertainment, and shopping unite. These places are very pedestrian-friendly (or more like, the people just go, and the cars have to deal with it).
Sometimes I wonder if London pedestrians even understand their own traffic rules. One of the funniest things I noticed were the “look left” and “look right” directions painted onto the tarmac at intersections. I don’t know about the locals, but I certainly needed those because London roads confused me to no end. Then everyone just jaywalked, anyway.
The further outside of the downtown core you get, the sleepier the city is, and you’ll start to admire the quaint, charming old-town vibes we see from media.
I felt very comfortable and peaceful in my one week in London. The more I soaked up the city’s vibrancy, the more beautiful I felt too (!). At the end of the day, a happy mindset makes a happy person makes a happy place. As a solo traveller, what more could you ask for?
Photo by Lonely Girl, Lonely World.