Follow our hidden London guide to spend a day uncovering some of the city's lesser-known attractions, hidden corners and underground speakeasies.
Morning: Guildhall Gallery, Roman Amphitheatre and Leadenhall Market
Start in the City of London’s free-to-enter Guildhall Art Gallery. Venture down to the basement, where you can explore the hidden remains of London’s Roman Amphitheatre.
Then, make your way to Leadenhall Market to admire the beautiful architecture and do and spot of shopping. Or on a sunny day, soak up panoramic views of the city from the lush Sky Garden where you can enjoy a coffee while spotting landmarks from London's iconic skyline.
Lunch: Café in the Crypt or The Rooftop
Enjoy lunch at Café in the Crypt underneath St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, which serves reasonably priced homemade food. Alternatively, stroll across Trafalgar Square and take in stunning views of London, accompanied by cocktails and small plates at The Trafalgar St. James hotel's rooftop bar, The Rooftop.
While in Trafalgar Square, spot Britain's smallest police station in the south-east corner of the square, and look out for the nose sculpture on Admiralty Arch.
Afternoon: Islington's hidden gems
Take a short Tube ride to Angel, in Islington, where you'll be able to hunt down some bargains at bric-a-brac and antique shops in Camden Passage.
After a spot of retail therapy, enjoy a cocktail from 5pm in hidden speakeasy The Bar With No Name (69 Colebrook Row). Make sure to stop off at the King's Head Theatre, a pub with an upstairs theatre that hosts regular weekend matinees. Or wander to locals' hangout Exmouth Market, where you can join in a game of table football at Cafe Kick.
Evening: Candlelit tour, dinner and quirky cocktails
Start your evening with a candlelit tour of Dennis Severs' House, a time capsule created by artist Dennis Severs (tours until 9pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays). Alternatively, head to the Old Truman Brewery, where you can aim for a hole in one at quirky mini-golf bar Junkyard Golf Club.
Having worked up a healthy appetite, tackle a full English (yes, even at this time of the day) or tuck into burgers, waffles and fried chicken at The Breakfast Club Spitalfields. After dinner, ask to see The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town, and you'll be led through a fridge to a hidden hideaway that serves cocktails until late.
Find more hidden and secret things to do in London, and plan more London days out with our one-day itineraries.
