You can simply use your contactless debit or credit card to get on to any tube station or bus and be charged at the cheapest rate. If you do decide to buy an Oyster Card<\/a> you can either keep topping it up (the minimum is \u00a35 and you are charged the same as using your debit card). If you\u2019re using your Oyster Card for 5 or more days within a week, it\u2019s normally cheaper than using Pay As You Go. Don\u2019t forget to keep your Oyster Card, it\u2019s reusable!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n It has become incredibly easy to get in to Central London from all the London airports in recent years with buses and trains running earlier and later. The Heathrow Express<\/a> will get you in to London Paddington in an incredible 15 minutes and a single will cost you \u00a322.00 off peak, \u00a325.00 at peak times and only \u00a35.50 if booked in advance. The District, Circle, Bakerloo and Hammersmith and City lines run through Paddington. You can also catch the bus for as little as \u00a37.50 for a single to London Victoria on the National Express<\/a> or Megabus<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Travellers from Gatwick <\/a>can also book a bus to Victoria, for under a tenner but the Gatwick Express<\/a> is by far the easiest way. It runs a direct, premium service between Gatwick and London Victoria departing every 15 minutes during peak times and it takes around 30 minutes. A single will cost you \u00a317.80, it\u2019s often cheaper to buy a return journey at the same time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Stansted <\/a>is a similar story, with trains to Liverpool Street, Tottenham Hale, and Stratford, with a change at Tottenham Hale if travelling to Stratford.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Travelling to London by bus or coach is a piece of cake. Both the National Express <\/a>and the Megabus <\/a>have many routes to London from all over the UK and The Republic of Ireland. Whichever route you take you\u2019ll be dropped off at Victoria Coach Station on the Victoria line, well situated to get anywhere in London. If you find yourself in need of refreshments, the new and vibrant Eccleston Yards<\/a> has bakeries, wine bars, even yoga and everything in between.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you\u2019re travelling to London by train there are a quite a few places you might pop out; London Waterloo, London Paddington, London Liverpool Street to name a few. Check Transport for London <\/a>to see the best way to get around London from your chosen train station, or download City Mapper<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n With just under 9 million people living in London, there is no shortage of places to grab a bite. From Mongolian to Peruvian, you can eat anything you like in London, but when travelling solo, dining out can be a daunting thought.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For solo diners, bar seating is key and there are many central London locations that have incorporated this useful design into their interiors. The pastel walls of Lina Stores<\/a> in Soho are the perfect place to dine alone, and in the warmer months you can enjoy you \u00a36 bowl of pasta al fresco in the shop window. It’s also great for breakfast! Tapas restaurant Barrafina <\/a>has a very similar vibe. Roti King<\/a> is great for a flavoursome quick bite, serving Malaysian dishes for very reasonable prices and open til 10:30pm.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Food markets are another great option for solo travellers looking for a bite on the go. Borough Market<\/a> is the biggest in London and in the lovely London Bridge. Maltby Street Market<\/a> is also a good choice and right near the famous Bermondsey Beer Mile<\/a> and Tower Bridge. Or Greenwich Market<\/a> is right by Greenwich<\/a> Park, The Cutty Sark<\/a> and The Royal Obse<\/a>r<\/a>vatory<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you\u2019re not shy of dining alone and need no excuse to take your fine self somewhere fancy, XU <\/a>on Rupert Street showcases a creative take on traditional Taiwanese cuisine. The interior is inspired by the original social clubs and luxury dining rooms of 1930\u2019s Taipei. They even have tables laid out for one.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Another great way of eating out when travelling solo is Supper Clubs.\u00a0Eat With<\/a>\u00a0lists many innovative supper clubs in London, and Rosie Llewellyn of best-selling supper club\u00a0A Little Lusciousness<\/a>\u00a0is currently presenting a new series of suppers \u2013 A Taste of my Travels. It features food, drinks and memories<\/a> from some of Rosie\u2019s favourite destinations. Rosie also says that 10% \u2013 30% of her guests come alone, so you\u2019re sure to find willing conservationists!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Drinking is a major pastime in London, but for the solo traveller, the idea of cramming yourself into a crowded bar or club could seem bleak. If that is what you fancy then head to Soho and club to your heart’s delight. But if not, London is full of cosy pubs and bars.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Gordon\u2019s Wine Bar<\/a> is one of the most famous in London so it does get pretty busy. The upside of this is that the attitude towards the outside seating is one of communal sharing. If you\u2019re quick enough to get a table then expect to share, and if you see a spot grab it! You never know who you might meet.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n The craft beer scene in London is huge. Bermondsey is known for its Beer Mile<\/a> and is packed with breweries and taprooms offering unique beers. Brewers and people in the craft beer scene are usually pretty friendly and are happy to have a chat, especially about beer! Well-loved Beavertown<\/a> has its brewery in Tottenham and has a great outdoor area. While Howling Hops Tank Bar <\/a>in Hackney Wick doesn\u2019t take bookings, it has a relaxed and spontaneous feeling. Drinkers sit on long beer hall-like benches so it\u2019s the perfect place to chat or soak up the atmosphere. Moor\u00a0Beer<\/a> in Bermondsey is great too, a Bristol brewery regarded as one of the best in the world.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Why not try one of the many amazing rooftop bars in London? With a friend one of you has to end up sitting with your back to the view, whereas solo, you can have the view to yourself. Netil 360<\/a> in Hackney is a trendy place to relax, try Sea Containers <\/a>if you\u2019re feeling flush or Queen Elizabeth Roof Hall<\/a> or The Driver<\/a> if you just want to chill.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Ask any Londoner to recommend you a hotel and they\u2019ll understandably struggle to name more than the Ritz or the Savoy. There are thousands of hotels in London and the one for you depends entirely on why you\u2019re here. Are you looking to stay somewhere peaceful, in the heart of London\u2019s nightlife, or where the cultures at? The Curtain<\/a> is an unbelievably trendy hotel smack bang in the middle of the even trendier Shoreditch. An all-year-round pool and terrace make it easy to chill and bars and restaurants of East London are only yards away.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Described by Vogue as \u2018the most charming hotel in England\u2019, 40 Winks<\/a> on Mile End Road is a boutique hotel with only two rooms! Perfect for someone looking for a quieter stay.\u00a0 Situated a short walk from Brick Lane, Victoria Park and the bars and pubs of Bethnal Green, 40 Winks’ mission is to \u2018offer an antidote to the bland uniformity of most hotel chains\u2019.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The Pilgrim<\/a>, a stylish boutique just around the corner from Paddington is a great choice if you want to be central but not in the thick of it. Hyde Park is less than 10 minutes away and you\u2019re only a few stops from South Kensington, and the museum district.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n If you really want to be in the thick of it, Soho is the place to be. Mimi\u2019s Hotel Soho <\/a>offers cosy and stylish rooms that wouldn\u2019t look out of place in Bond film for reasonable (for London) prices. And Z Soho<\/a> on Old Compton Street is perfectly located for seeing a show. Both hotels have rooms specifically for solo travellers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The exuberantly classy\u00a0\u00a0Kimpton Fitzroy London<\/a> in Russell Square is not kind on the pocket, but is incredibly luxurious and perfectly located to get to Camden, Marylebone and Regents Park. Rooms are simple yet incredibly stylish and there is an incredible bar inside. Situated in the stunning area of Hampstead, The Haverstoc<\/a>k is surrounded by boutique shops, beautiful pubs and independent restaurants. Hampstead Heath is a 15 minute walk away and it\u2019s one mile away from Camden\u2019s markets and cafes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n St Christopher\u2019s Inn Village<\/a> is a lively hostel on Borough High Street and the first in the UK to offer capsule beds, a \u2018bed in a box\u2019 concept popular in Asia. It\u2019s affordable, right near Borough Market and the South Bank and prides itself as a bit of a party place. Their newly renovated bar Belushi\u2019s offers live music, beer pong, DJs and open mic evenings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Located above a pub The Tommyfield<\/a> has six beautiful rooms and is in Kennington, just over the river from Pimlico. Egyptian cotton, a Nespresso machine and black out curtains are in every room!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Why not pick up a few things while you\u2019re in one of the best cities in the world? Greenwich Market<\/a> has some beautiful little boutique shops running around the perimeter of the market as well as artisanal market stalls selling handmade goods. London is full of beautiful bookshops<\/a> and wandering around and finding them is a great solo activity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If it’s beautiful boutiques you’re after then Highgate Village is great. With beautiful surroundings, independent boutiques and lots of great restaurants, you can easily spend the whole day here. Another area that combines a beautiful setting with independent shops is Marylebone High Street. Close to Madame Tussauds and Baker Street, you can ping down this opulent road from stylish bakery to ribbon shop, and don’t forget to follow your nose and find La Fromagerie<\/a> for lunch.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n One final place for a spot of light shopping is Broadway Market in East London. Heaving with giant chocolate brownies, oysters, handmade jewellery, vintage clothes, and F.Cooke<\/a>, one of the oldest pie and mash shops in London. Pop into The Dove pub for an interesting beer!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A walking tour is a great way to see a city, hitting a load of the best sites in one go. Equally, London prides itself on its beautiful parks. Victoria Park in east London is a stunning oasis and a hotspot for sunbathing in the summer. The Pavilion Cafe<\/a> situated by the boating lake is a great place to grab lunch and people-watch. But be quick as it fills up fast! On the other side of the park there are lots of pubs and boutique shops in The Village<\/a>, or go for a row on the lake!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Hampstead Heath <\/a>is a must when in London. Rain or shine this leafy sanctuary is the perfect place to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of London. The Hampstead Ponds<\/a> are wild ponds for swimming and are incredibly refreshing in the summer and bracing in the winter!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Theatreland is the name fondly given to the area in the West End that is home to approximately 40 venues. Many of the buildings are beautiful just to look at but if you did fancy seeing a show, weekday matinees are fairly affordable. \u2018Restricted view\u2019 tickets are also an option for keeping the costs down, but the quality greatly varies! Better to Google it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Smaller fringe venues like the Soho Theatre<\/a>, The Hen and Chickens<\/a>, The Old Red Lion<\/a> and The King\u2019s Head<\/a> all have smaller and often more varied productions for much less than the West End.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Shakespeare\u2019s Globe<\/a> is another great way to soak up some culture while your hear. You can get seats but it\u2019s more traditionally Elizabethan to stand!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n There are nearly 200 weird and wonderful museums in London. By all means the famous ones are 100% worth a look (especially The Natural History Museum<\/a>). But why not go beyond the guidebooks and explore a couple of lesser-known ones?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The Garden Museum<\/a> in Lambeth is a beautiful space and the first in the world dedicated to the history and benefits of gardening and is perfect for a sunny day. If The Horniman Museum<\/a> wasn\u2019t in the mysterious land known as south London, it would be one of the most visited in London. Full to bursting with objects collected by Victorian tea trader Frederick John Horniman. Anthropology, music and natural history were all of interest to Horniman, with its most famous resident a giant stuffed walrus. It\u2019s a fantastic insight in to how the Victorians made sense of a rapidly progressing world.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFrom the Airport<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Eccleston](\"https:\/\/www.goldentours.com\/travelblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Eccleston-Yards-700x466.jpg\")
\r\nFrom the Bus Station<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
From the Train Station<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Victoria](\"https:\/\/www.goldentours.com\/travelblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Victoria-Station-700x439.jpg\")
\r\nWhere to Eat and Drink in London for Solo Travellers<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Where to Eat<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Brunch](\"https:\/\/www.goldentours.com\/travelblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Lina-stores-original-optimised-700x494.jpg\")
\r\n![\"XU](\"https:\/\/www.goldentours.com\/travelblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/XU-optimised-5-700x494.jpg\")
\r\nWhere to Drink<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Gordon's](\"https:\/\/www.goldentours.com\/travelblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Gordon-resized-700x466.jpg\")
\r\nBest Places to Stay for Solo Travellers<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
East London<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"40](\"https:\/\/www.goldentours.com\/travelblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/40-winks-resized2-700x466.jpg\")
\r\nWest London<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Mimi's](\"https:\/\/www.goldentours.com\/travelblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mimis-Soho-resized-700x466.jpg\")
\r\nNorth London<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.goldentours.com\/travelblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Fitzroy-700x395.jpg\")
\r\nSouth London<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.goldentours.com\/travelblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/the-tommyfield.jpg\")
\r\nWhat to See and Do in London<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Unique Shopping<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.goldentours.com\/travelblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Broadway-market-700x466.jpg\")
\r\nGo For a Walk<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.goldentours.com\/travelblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image-1-for-blog.jpg\")
\r\nSee a Show<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Shakespeare's](\"https:\/\/www.goldentours.com\/travelblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/shakespeare-667x500.jpg\")
\r\nFind an Unusual Museum<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.goldentours.com\/travelblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/horniman-museum.jpg\")
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