London is way more than just Big Ben, the London Eye or those free-entry museums everyone talks about. There’s a whole other side to the city—less obvious, less polished, and all the more captivating because of it. It doesn’t follow the usual script, and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. If you’re in the mood to explore London from a different perspective—one that’s a bit more creative and a lot less crowded—this article will be just what you need. We’ll take you through neighbourhoods that still feel authentic, markets where vintage treasures live next to gourmet street food, hidden galleries you’d walk past without knowing, bold hotels like nhow London, and a bunch of other experiences that will help you see the city with fresh eyes.
Neighbourhoods with Soul and Markets Full of Surprises
A great way to start this alternative version of London is to get lost in the east of the city. Hackney, for example, has a rebellious spirit that is reflected in its cafés with recycled tables, vinyl stores that also sell craft beer and bookstores where poetry readings are held at seven in the evening. Nearby, Broadway Market is a street food festival on weekends, but also a perfect place to find independent illustrations, handmade clothes or organic soaps. Another highlight is Dalston, where the Caribbean community mixes with new entrepreneurs who have managed to give it life without losing its essence. If you like urban art, in Shoreditch you can spend hours strolling among murals by well-known artists and new talents. Everything here has an air of improvised gallery, and that hooks you in.
Underground Culture: Offbeat Museums, Indie Theatre and Real Music
If you have already visited the Tate Modern or the British Museum on other occasions and feel like switching things up, London offers options that almost no one mentions. One of those magical places is Sir John Soane’s museum, a real hidden gem with narrow corridors, display cases full of rarities and dim lighting that creates a movie-like atmosphere. You can also stop by The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, a mix between a cabinet of the macabre and an alternative gallery that exhibits such disparate things as skulls, ritual objects and outsider art. If theatre is your thing, forget the West End for a day and take a stroll through the Soho Theatre, where you will find comedy, monologues and new plays that have not yet reached the big stages. For live music, venues like Village Underground or The Jazz Café in Camden offer concerts in spaces with their own personality, far from the usual commercial format.
A Bold and Quirky Hotel in the Heart of London’s East End
When you travel looking for an alternative experience, staying in a generic hotel breaks the magic a bit. That’s why it pays to choose a place that’s in tune with the type of trip you’re going on. In that sense, nHow London fits the bill perfectly. This hotel belongs to the Minor Hotels brand, which is a leader in the hospitality sector worldwide. With concepts like nhow, they’ve moved away from the standard hotel experience and leaned into something bolder. It’s not about making you feel at home—it’s about showing you something new the second you step inside. And at nHow London, that philosophy is everywhere, from the quirky details to the creative vibe that turns every stay into something a bit out of the ordinary.
There is nothing conventional about this hotel. From the moment you walk in, you encounter a bold, colourful design with constant nods to the contrast between the traditional British and the more modern. The decor mixes lamps in the shape of a royal crown with graffiti, baroque armchairs with neon murals and common areas that invite you to create more than to rest. In addition, its location is ideal for getting around the most alternative part of London, as it is close to neighbourhoods like Islington and Clerkenwell, where independent gastronomy and local stores are very important. It is a hotel that not only offersa bed and breakfast, but it also offers attitude.
Walkable Plans: How to Enjoy Clerkenwell Without Checking Google Maps
Staying near Clerkenwell has more advantages than you might think. This neighbourhood has a relaxed pace that is appreciated after a day exploring the city. You can start the morning with brunch at Exmouth Market, where locals know that coffee is at Caravan and sweets are at Gail’s. Afterwards, a stroll along Leather Lane can give you more than one surprise: stores with unique pieces, improvised street markets and bars with short but accurate menus. If you are one of those who do not forgive a good craft beer, The Craft Beer Co. is a must, with taps that change every week and an atmosphere that mixes office workers and creatives. In the evening, you can walk to the Barbican Centre, where there is almost always an interesting exhibition or a classical music concert that breaks with the aesthetics of the brutalist building. All this is just a few minutes from the hotel, without the need to take the Tube or be surrounded by tourists. Thus, the getaway becomes more intimate, more yours, more real.
