Guide to a weekend in London for solo travellers

Wombat's is a lively hostel designed by travellers for travellers. There are plenty of amenities, with facilities like a kitchen, bar, and common areas, so it's easy to meet other people travelling on their own. This trendy accommodation is in former sailors' lodgings and puts you next to lots of exciting places to explore.

Stylish hotel Mama Shelter is design-centric, with rooms featuring exciting design, handpicked furnishings, and in-room movies for when you want to stay in and chill. Handy on-site facilities include a restaurant and bar where you can bump into other travellers. This hotel provides modern accommodation that feels effortlessly cool.

London has several branches of The Hoxton that all offer convenient amenities for solo travellers. The industrial-styled rooms have influences from local artists so you really get a feel for local culture. Rooms also come supplied with guides to the local area. There are eateries on-site if you don't want to venture out too far.

Waxy O'Connor's has a lively and friendly atmosphere that'll make a solo visitor feel comfortable. This maze-like venue is the biggest Irish pub in the city, with four bars set over six floors in total. There's a great choice of drinks, including a large selection of Irish whiskeys. A concise choice of food is offered too.

Nightjar's cosy and intimate atmosphere make it a comfortable environment for solo travellers to have a quiet drink. This bar celebrates the evolution of cocktails, serving classic and original mixes as well as rare vintage spirits. The atmosphere at this sultry and timeless space is completed with live jazz and blues.

Buzzy Battersea pub Four Thieves has loads of activities to try, making it easier to break the ice with new people. This lively neon-lit venue serves a full range of drinks as well as food and has lots going on. Karaoke and comedy nights are on but the pub also has arcade games, VR gaming, and the moonshine raceway.

Intimate Japanese eatery Jugemu has just 20 seats and one chef. Service isn't always speedy but its size makes it popular with couples and solo diners. Here you can sample some of Japan's more unconventional dishes, with the options changing regularly. Food is served in a lively and eclectic environment.

Counter seating at Bocca di Lupo is ideal if you're dining solo and means you get to watch the chefs in action. This award-winning restaurant has an intimate and pared-back look. You can try regional dishes from across Italy here as well as choosing something from the lengthy Italian wine list.

Refined restaurant and wine bar 40 Maltby Street does takeaway sandwiches for lunch and small plates in the evening, all showcasing British produce. Its cosy nooks and crannies are the ideal spot for a solo diner. Wine fans are in for a treat too, with countless bottles to choose from.

If you're passionate about dance then a performance at Sadler's Wells will enthral you. This modern venue in Islington has a 1,500-capacity theatre as well as the more intimate studio. A diverse range of dance performances take place here including musicals, Bollywood productions, ballets, and contemporary dance shows.

If you're travelling solo but you want a big night out, London Party Pub Crawl is the solution. Visiting four bars and a club as part of a lively and social group, you can explore the nightlife in a particular area like Shoreditch or Camden, meet new people, and benefit from big discounts on entry and drinks. 

Have a laugh with a night at Backyard Comedy Club. This place has been staging comedy shows in East London for over 20 years. There are some free nights for up-and-coming talent to showcase their acts but you can also catch some huge names in comedy like Jo Brand, Russell Howard, and Nina Conti here.

A Withlocals walking tour is ideal for solo travellers. You'll be paired up with a London local and go on a private and personalised tour of the city. This is a chance to meet someone new, learn about London, and escape the city's tourist traps. Whatever your interests are, there's a tour that's bound to appeal to you.

Art fanatics can see some of the city's finest street art with Shoreditch Street Art Tours. On these award-winning tours a local expert will guide the group through East London and show you its hottest street art, with daytime or night tours available. Artists to have added their mark to this area include Banksy and Blek Le Rat.

A tour from Secret Food Tours is the ideal activity for foodies visiting London. Whether you're keen to discover more about a certain area or discover the best alcohol or street food in the city, the range of tours on offer will do the job. You'll be guided on your tour by a knowledgeable local.

It's all about noodles at Koya. Counter seating and large communal tables make these restaurants ideal if you're dining solo. It's straightforward and serene here. Udon is the speciality and food is served all day. Think hot and cold udon dishes, donburi, and small plates served in a modern setting.

If you're craving plant-based fast food then Neat is the place to go. There are multiple branches of this award-winning restaurant, each having a friendly atmosphere and cool retro styling. You can eat-in or get a takeaway – the sustainable and modern menu centres on vegan-friendly burgers, sides, and indulgent treats.

Malaysian eatery Roti King is known for attracting long queues but you might get in more quickly if you're dining solo. Once inside you'll find a fuss-free venue serving up sought-after food. Rotis are the star of the show here – choose one filled with tempting ingredients like cheese or have yours with a tasty kari.

Borough Market is a must-visit shopping destination for foodies in London. A market has stood on this site for around 1,000 years and it remains popular with locals and visitors. Shop at this large and bustling market for gourmet treats, load up on free samples, or check out one of the street food stands or eateries around the market.

Voted as the best department store in the world, Selfridges is well worth a visit whether you're shopping or just browsing. You can easily lose track of time exploring the various departments here, which include fashion, shoes, handbags, tech, beauty, and gifts. A range of in-store services like personal shopping are offered here too.

Visit Hoxton Street Monster Supplies for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. This shop has a traditional look but the products on the shelves are very much unexpected. You'll find spooky edibles and mysterious gifts like marshmallow brain food, bottled London smog, old-fashioned quill pens, and quirky travel guides designed for monsters.

Solo diners are welcome at Happy Face Pizza, with seats available at the bar. This easygoing spot has a retro style and specialises in authentic Italian pizza with gourmet ingredients, including seasonal specials. Dough is fermented for 72 hours and a concise range of drinks are offered. There's also a downstairs cocktail bar here.

Michelin-starred restaurant St. John is a celebrated place for traditional British cuisine, credited with the revival of offal dishes. There are a couple of locations but the original is housed in a disused Smithfield smokehouse. The menu changes each day but expect classic British dishes like rarebit or faggots.

Cosy Camden restaurant Seto attracts a varied crowd, including plenty of solo diners. This family-run spot has a homey and rustic feel and is recognised for its friendly atmosphere. You can expect generous portions here; ramen is a speciality but dishes like katsu curry and sashimi are also served. 

If you enjoy visiting museums, you'll be spoilt for choice in London. The city is filled with fascinating museums covering a varied range of subjects, and they are fab places to visit for any solo traveller. Wherever your interests lie, we can help you find a museum to match. Check out our comprehensive guide to the best museums in London.

One of the most famous parks in London is Hyde Park and it's a great place to go for a stroll. The Grade I listed park includes plenty of green space and trees, as well as ample room to sit and relax. It's home to lots of interesting features too like Speaker's Corner and The Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

Home to the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is a must-see if you're visiting London. This palace almost always has a crowd outside and you're welcome to see the building at any time – this is where you can see the famous Changing of the Guard. During the summer months you can also tour the State Rooms inside.

Walking through London helps you to uncover hidden gems, see the big sights, and get back to nature. A long walk is a fun activity for a solo traveller and there are routes of various lengths all around the city. You can plan a fun solo walk by reading our guide to London's loveliest walks.

Located in trendy East London, Esters is an ideal choice for a delicious solo breakfast or brunch. This café has a crisp and modern look as well as an innovative and inspiring menu. The kitchen puts gourmet twists on breakfast favourites like bircher muesli and French toast. It's walk-ins only here.

Try The Good Egg if you're looking for a budget-friendly brunch. You can expect Middle Eastern and Jewish comfort food here served in a space that's vibrant and contemporary. Brunch is served all day with classics like shakshuka and salt beef bagels. Sweet treats such as babka are available too.

Get NYC vibes at Sunday in Brooklyn. Seating at the bar is available for solo diners. This trendy West London eatery has an interior with potted plants and terracotta tiles. Sweet and savoury brunch dishes are served here from pancakes to biscuits and gravy. You can complete the experience with a creative cocktail.

A solo break is the ideal time for some pampering and what could be more relaxing than a massage? There's a big choice of massage places around the city, with lots of different types of massage available. Read our guide to the best massages in London to find the ideal place to relax and let all the tension melt away.

With treatment rooms offering gorgeous views of Hyde Park from their floor-to-ceiling windows, Four Seasons Spa gives you complete relaxation. Luxurious wellness treatments are available with plenty of options for putting together your ideal personalised spa package. Signature spa experiences that include a gift to take home are also available here.

Get a refreshing facial at Re:lax in East London. This friendly and modern beauty salon instantly puts you at ease and offers a range of treatments to target different skincare concerns. All of the facials are holistic and tailored to your needs and skin goals. A thorough consultation ensures the therapist can deliver a treatment that's right for you.

Indulge in luxury hair and beauty treatments at Harrods Hair & Beauty Salon. This premium salon is based at the famous department store and provides a comprehensive range of services. Choose from a full range of hairdressing services, brow and lash treatments, massages and body wraps, peels, facials, and more. The salon space is glitzy and glam.