Last year I spent four months studying abroad in London. The first few weeks I explored the traditional tourist spots. But then, I began asking locals about their favorite places in the city, and more importantly, I just walked. After classes finished, I would take new routes home and discover wonderful hidden London gems along the way.

These are five of my favorite spots to visit in London that are under the radar:

1) Courtauld Gallery

London is renowned for its art scene –– from the Tate Modern to the National Gallery, the city has no shortage of art museums. Few tourists find their way to the Courtauld Gallery though. Located on the Strand, in central London, the gallery boasts an impressive collection, including masterpieces by Van Gogh, Manet, Cezanne, and Monet. If you love impressionist art, the Courtauld is the place to go!

The Courtauld’s well-curated collection is the perfect size to pop in for a few hours and leave feeling satisfied that you’ve seen the whole gallery. Even better, it’s housed in a gorgeous building, Somerset House, right on the Thames.

In the winter, there is an ice skating rink in the large courtyard, but it’s a lovely spot to visit all times of year. Pop into the neighboring cafe for a coffee and treat after exploring the gallery.

Adults can enter the gallery for only £11 and students and children enter for free. https://courtauld.ac.uk/gallery/

2) Postman’s Park & Christ Church Greyfriars Garden

If you’re visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral, pop by Postman’s Park and the Christ Church Greyfriars Garden. Located in the heart of the City of London, these green spaces are easy to miss if you don’t know where to look which is why they rank high on my hidden gems of London list!

Postman’s Park marks the site of the first postal office with a unique memorial to the self-sacrifice of everyday Londoners. Small plaques tell the story of heroic 19th century Londoners who lost their lives trying to help others. Exploring the park is a unique way to engage with the history of ordinary Londoners.

Just around the corner from Postman’s Park stand the remains of Christ Church Greyfriars. First destroyed in the famous London fire of 1666 only to be rebuilt and destroyed by a bomb during World War II, the skeleton of the church remains with a beautiful garden. This is a favorite spot for corporate Londoners, many of whom work nearby. 

I recommend bringing lunch and enjoying it on one of the many benches in either park before touring St. Paul’s. https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/city-gardens/find-a-garden/postmans-park

3) Foyles Bookstore & Cafe

Nestled in bustling SoHo is the Foyles flagship store. Foyles is one of the major bookstore chains in London, comparable to Barnes & Noble in the U.S. On its own, the Foyles bookstore is an incredible spot––boasting four miles of shelves across four floors, the chances of finding a great book are high! On the top floor, though, is where the real treasure is: a cozy cafe with tasty treats. Foyles Bookstore & Cafe cannot be overlooked for my hidden gems of London list!

The cafe is the perfect spot to grab a quick coffee and treat or to sit for a leisurely meal. I tried scones with clotted cream across the city, but the Foyles Cafe takes the prize for my favorite! The cafe is popular among Londoners, so tables can be difficult to get, but it is well worth the wait.

I recommend browsing the incredible selection of books downstairs and bringing a book up to the cafe to read and drink some tea among Londoners. Even if you aren’t a book lover though, the Foyles Cafe is worth checking out to escape the chaos of SoHo!

4) Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill boasts one of the best views in all of London. Next to Regent’s Park (which is also worth a visit), the public park is a natural hill that offers a clear view of central London from the summit. Another spot that is popular among Londoners, it tends to get busier in the late afternoon as city residents flock to Primrose Hill to watch the sun set. Although it may be busier, I recommend joining the Londoners to see the sunset––be sure to bring a sweater as the top of Primrose Hill can be a bit windy.

If you have time, the surrounding area, affectionately deemed Primrose Hill District, is full of cute shops and restaurants. The narrow winding streets are reminiscent of Notting Hill without all the crowds. Also nearby is the London Zoo, a great stop if you are with young travelers! You can even view some of the zoos taller residents––the giraffes––from within Regent’s Park.

5) Bletchley Park

Although this final pick is technically outside London, Bletchley Park is well worth the short train trip and definitely another hidden gem of London.

Only 40 minutes from London Euston (one of the major train stations in the posh neighborhood of Fitzrovia), Bletchley Park offers visitors a look into British and American code breaking during World War II.

Strategically located outside of the city to avoid the incessant bombing by German fighter planes, British codebreakers worked to decode German messages at Bletchley Park. After watching the movie The Imitation Game with Benedict Cumberbatch, I was eager to explore the real location of British codebreaking. I was not disappointed!

The museum is spread across several buildings and the staff did a wonderful job explaining what happened at Bletchley Park. The whole campus is very interactive and would be great for any travelers who are interested in history!

All of these London hidden gem selections are easily accessible by public transit (I recommend taking the double-decker buses so you can sit on the top level and see the city!) and either free or affordable.

Whether you’ve come to London for a day, a week, or a month, I highly recommend checking out these hidden gems!