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9 Hidden Gems in London That Even the Locals Pretend They Know About

9 Hidden Gems in London That Even the Locals Pretend They Know About

In this piece, we’re dropping pins on the hidden gems of London. Not the tourist traps dressed up as “off the beaten path”—we’re talking actual secret places in London that make even born-and-bred Londoners raise an eyebrow in pretentious surprise.

Let’s step behind the curtain.

Ah, London. A city where history lingers in every cobblestone and red phone box—albeit now mostly decorating Instagram feeds rather than making calls. But once you’ve turned your back on Big Ben selfies and waved goodbye to the madness of Oxford Street, you’ll find a different London. The London that keeps its best secrets tucked behind ivy-covered walls, underground wine vaults, and yes—even down the occasional mysterious alleyway that seems designed to devour tourists for fun.

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1. Eel Pie Island: The Boho Island That Time Forgot

Tucked away along the Thames in Twickenham, Eel Pie Island is what happens when a commune collides with a Wes Anderson film. Once a raucous jazz and blues hub that hosted The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd (as you do), the island now plays host to a colony of artists and quirky residents. It’s private most of the year but opens twice annually for art fairs. If you manage to time your trip just right, it's like walking into the Mad Hatter’s art studio.

Curious? You should be. Check out official local visitor info on Richmond.gov.uk.

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2. Wilton’s Music Hall: The World’s Oldest Music Hall That Isn’t a Tourist Trap

Ask a Londoner to name the city’s oldest music hall and watch their eyes flicker with existential dread. Then tell them about Wilton’s. Tucked away in the East End, Wilton’s is gloriously battered with age—the theatre equivalent of a well-worn paperback. Live music, theatre performances and candlelit drama are all on offer in a venue that practically seeps history from its crumbling Victorian bricks.

3. Daunt Books, Marylebone: Book Shopping for the Intellectually Frazzled

Sure, London has bookstores. But Daunt Books in Marylebone is less a store than a calming sanctuary for the literary-inclined. Housed in a gorgeous Edwardian building with oak galleries and skylights so perfect you half expect a Jane Austen protagonist to emerge from the travel section, this shop is a pilgrimage site for bibliophiles.

Bonus Tip: Their travel section is organized by country, ideal for fantasizing about Bali while buying a guide to Yorkshire.

4. The Hardy Tree: Gothic, Weird, and Unofficially His

Nestled in the quieter corners of St. Pancras Old Churchyard, The Hardy Tree isn’t named after Thomas Hardy on a whim. Young Hardy (before he went full Wessex) was tasked with restructuring the churchyard for rail expansion and ended up stacking gravestones neatly around a tree. The result? A peculiar, timeworn circle of life moment in central London. Delightfully eerie.

5. Little Venice: The Name Is Terrible, But the Vibes Are Sublime

Let’s be clear: it’s neither little nor Venice. But this tranquil pocket of canals in Maida Vale is where you’ll find colorful canal boats, whimsical floating cafés, and zero hordes of snapping tourists. A walk along the Regent’s Canal to Camden Town offers serious smugness points, as well as an endless supply of Instagram fodder. Consider a stop at Waterside Café for strong tea and stronger people-watching.

6. The Seven Noses of Soho: A Nosey Treasure Hunt

Strap in: there are seven sculpted noses attached to random buildings in Soho. Created by artist Rick Buckley in response to London's obsession with CCTV surveillance, these protruding proboscises offer a peculiar kind of scavenger hunt. Legend has it if you find all seven, endless wealth shall be yours.

Spoiler: You’ll get confused, mildly lost, and possibly wealthier in character.

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7. Gordon’s Wine Bar: Literal Cellar of Delights

Just off the Embankment and down a narrow staircase lies Gordon’s Wine Bar—London’s oldest. Operating since 1890, stepping inside is like being swallowed by history and then offered an absurdly good house red. The walls are lined with newspaper clippings featuring Churchill and Queen Vic, and the candle-lit cave-like interior is ideal for secret romances or clandestine screenplay readings.

8. Leighton House: Where Maximalism Dines with the Divine

Nestled in the respectable recesses of Kensington, Leighton House is outrageous in the best way possible. Once the home of Victorian painter Frederic Leighton, the house is a dizzying blend of Islamic, classical, and Renaissance influences. Think tiled courtyards, golden domes, and peacock-motif staircases. If Versailles went on a gap year, it would look like this.

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9. The Attendant: Because Your Flat White Should Come with Urinal Chic

Yes, it’s a café in a renovated Victorian public toilet. Yes, the urinals are still there—used now as coffee tables. And yes, the coffee is among the best in London. Located in Fitzrovia, The Attendant serves up flat whites, banana bread, and zero shame about its past.

Go for the novelty, stay for the surprisingly sophisticated brekkie menu.

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Plan Your Not-So-Touristy London Escape

Whether you're looking to ditch the double-decker clichés or just want stories that don’t involve shoving through crowds at Madame Tussaud’s, these under-the-radar spots prove there's always a new side to London worth uncovering.

Ready to plot your unconventional route? Visit London’s official tourism site at VisitLondon.com for maps, guides, and insider travel hacks.

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FAQ: Hidden Gems of London

What's the oldest wine bar in London?

Gordon’s Wine Bar, established in 1890, claims the title. Its atmospheric underground cellar and wide wine selection make it a quintessential hidden gem in London.

Where can I find quirky things to do in London?

Try The Attendant café in Fitzrovia (located inside a former Victorian toilet), hunt for noses in Soho, or explore eccentric art on Eel Pie Island. London is packed with strange and wonderful places.

How do I get to Eel Pie Island?

Take a train to Twickenham, then walk towards the Thames. It's only accessible via footbridge and is open to the public during select art open-studio weekends.

What are some hidden places to visit in London?

Some hidden gems in London include Eel Pie Island, Wilton’s Music Hall, Leighton House in Kensington, and the Seven Noses of Soho. These offbeat spots offer unique experiences away from the typical tourist attractions.

Is Little Venice in London worth visiting?

Absolutely. Little Venice offers a peaceful canal-side stroll, colorful houseboats, and charming cafes. It’s one of London’s most scenic hidden gems and perfect for a quiet afternoon.

Are there any secret spots in central London?

Yes! Gordon’s Wine Bar near Embankment and The Hardy Tree by St Pancras Old Church are lesser-known central London landmarks that even many locals miss.

9 Hidden Gems in Paris You’ll Wish You Knew About Sooner

9 Hidden Gems in Paris You’ll Wish You Knew About Sooner

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If you think you’ve “done” Paris because you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower, strolled the Champs-Élysées, and elbowed your way through the crowds at the Louvre, I hate to break it to you: you’ve merely flirted with the city. Paris’ true charm lives not in its landmarks, but in its layers — those tucked-away courtyards, under-the-radar museums, and whisper-soft bars that make you swear you’ve stumbled into a movie scene.

If your idea of a good time includes less selfie-stick jousting and more discovering Paris like a knowing local, buckle up. I’m peeling back the curtain on nine outrageously good (and gloriously overlooked) secret spots that redefine the City of Light.

1. Rue Crémieux — Paris’ Prettiest Street You’ve Never Heard Of

It’s like Notting Hill and a Wes Anderson set had a particularly photogenic baby. Slip off the beaten path in the 12th arrondissement to find Rue Crémieux: one technicolor block of pastel-painted townhouses, hanging plants, and cats that look like they have career agents. Locals have grown weary of influencers, so be respectful, quiet, and resist the urge to swing a wide-angle lens with abandon.

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2. Musée de la Vie Romantique — The Museum of Moody Parisian Vibes

Tucked away at the foot of Montmartre, this intimate museum feels less like an institution and more like you’ve just stepped into the salon of a bohemian great-aunt with exquisite taste. Once home to Romantic painter Ary Scheffer, it’s now a shrine to the 19th-century art and literary elite — think George Sand and her string of artist lovers. Bonus: the garden café is one of the city’s most peaceful brunch spots.

3. The Aligre Market — Where Parisians Actually Shop

Want to eat like you live here? Marché d’Aligre is where chefs and savvy locals trade euros for pungent cheese wheels and heirloom tomatoes. Part open-air produce market, part covered bazaar, it’s less polished than the posh Marché Bastille—and all the better for it. The adjacent wine stall will happily pour you a tasting while you decide on your charcuterie roster.

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4. La REcyclerie — Zero-Waste Chic at a Former Train Station

Perched inconspicuously on the edge of the 18th arrondissement near Porte de Clignancourt, La REcyclerie is one part urban farm, one part eco-café, one part retro hangout where you’ll wish you brought your laptop. Housed in a defunct train station, they host upcycling workshops, local markets, and café bites with garden-to-plate aspirations. It’s crunchy in the best possible way.

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5. Paris’ “Other” Catacombs — Les Égouts de Paris (The Paris Sewers Museum)

Look, navigating a city from underneath isn’t everyone’s cup of café crème, but hear me out. Skip the overhyped Catacombs and instead opt for the Paris Sewer Museum, recently renovated and fully reopened. It's the subterranean heartbeat of the city — eerily fascinating, surprisingly educational, and, yes, it smells better than you’d think.

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6. Square des Peupliers — The Secret Village Inside Paris

Imagine if rural Provence quietly embedded itself into Paris without so much as a press release. Welcome to Square des Peupliers in the 13th arrondissement. This private road (but public path) is lined with ivy-coated homes and cobblestone curves that make you forget you’re within walking distance of a metro. There’s no commercial buzz—just the quiet chirp of leaves and domestic bliss.

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7. The Hidden Vineyard of Montmartre — Clos Montmartre

Most tourists who trudge up to Sacré-Cœur never realize they were a bottle’s throw away from a vineyard. Clos Montmartre is a legitimate working vineyard right in the Paris city limits. The wine itself? Let’s say it’s more charming than delicious. But the setting, with its seasonal fêtes and views of sloping roofs in autumn, would make Toulouse-Lautrec raise a glass.

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8. Lavomatic — A Cocktail Bar Behind a Laundromat

This wouldn’t be a proper “Paris hidden gems” list without a bar concealed behind something mundane. Behind a legitimate-looking laundromat in the 10th arrondissement, push open the right washer and you’ll find Lavomatic — a craft cocktail bar dripping with millennial chic. Think swing seats, fabric walls, and drinks that taste like someone actually cared.

9. The Secret Rooftop at Printemps Haussmann

Everyone runs to Galeries Lafayette’s rooftop for the view, but if you want fewer elbows and equally gasp-worthy Eiffel glimpses, go across the street. Printemps’ beauty store rooftop terrace has become a hush-hush favorite for quiet coffee breaks accompanied by Paris' skyline. Even better: it's completely free.

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Final Word: Embrace Paris Beyond the Obvious

Paris isn’t a checklist — it’s a choose-your-own-adventure novel with pages hidden between arrondissements. From secret vineyards to vintage cocktail caves, this city adores those who dig a little deeper. So unchain yourself from the tourist traps, throw away your rigid itinerary, and have the kind of day in Paris that can’t be bought in a guidebook.

Want more tips and local secrets? Visit the official Paris tourism website at https://en.parisinfo.com/

FAQ Section (Hidden Gems in Paris Edition)

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Q: What are some non-touristy things to do in Paris?

A: Skip the Eiffel Tower lines and visit Rue Crémieux for colorful charm, sip wine in Montmartre’s hidden vineyard Clos Montmartre, or explore vintage finds at Marché d’Aligre.

Q: Are there any secret museums in Paris worth visiting?

A: Yes! Musée de la Vie Romantique offers an intimate, romantic-era experience far from the crowds—plus one of Paris' best garden cafés.

Q: Where can I find hidden bars in Paris?

A: Head to Lavomatic, a quirky cocktail bar hidden behind a laundromat in the 10th arrondissement. Paris loves a good speakeasy.

Q: Are there any hidden gardens or green spaces in Paris?

A: Absolutely. Square des Peupliers is a leafy residential haven, and the rooftop garden at Printemps offers some of the best skyline views in the city.

Q: What's a unique Paris itinerary for repeat visitors?

A: Hop between Marché d’Aligre, the Paris Sewer Museum, La REcyclerie, and round off your day with sunset drinks at Printemps’ rooftop.

Ready to explore hidden Paris? Bookmark this blog, pack your curiosity, and start exploring the City of Light through the side door.

À bientôt.