Avoid Buckingham Palace’s crowds and overpriced souvenirs by getting your historical and cultural fix at these underrated landmarks instead:
Visit the ruins of St Dunstan’s in the East, now a public garden, which offers a peaceful oasis in the middle of the historic city of London
Tucked away next to Borough Market is what remains of the medieval former home of the Bishops of Winchester, Winchester Palace, often overlooked in favour of sweet and savoury snacks but deeply steeped in history
Unbeknownst to many, you can walk amongst London’s Roman Amphitheatre which is well preserved underneath the City of London, allowing for an interactive dive into the ancient history of the Roman city

Instead of facing heavy crowds of tourists at Hyde Park, one of London’s most loved green spaces, try visiting some lesser known parks across the city such as:
To the North, Hampstead Hill’s Garden & Pergola offers lovely views of the Heath and Hampstead Hill Gardens, with enough pathways to get lost in for an afternoon
Clissold Park is a beautiful open space in the trending area of Stoke Newington, worth visiting if only to visit Clissold House and the lakes often frequented by HRH’s swans
Just a short train ride into south east London is the vast Beckenham Place Park, with nature walks, a beautiful lake and even a BMX Skate Park that’s well worth a visit – right in the heart, you’ll also find Beckenham Place Mansion where you can enjoy coffees and sourdough pizzas with a view

While delicious food and artisanal shops are plentiful in Borough Market and Covent Garden, you’ll spend more time waiting in queues with little change to spare after purchasing a coffee. Skip the tourist traps for better bargains, global cuisine and incredible secondhand finds, at some of these hidden gem markets instead:
A two-floored vintage and antique shop brimming with vinyl, clothes, home goods, books and more at Haynes Lane Market in Crystal Palace
Recent Time Out Love London Award winner Herne Hill Market directly supports local businesses in order to empower their local community, and has plenty of delicious stalls that are well worth a visit
Down an unsuspecting street in Farringdon, Leather Lane Market is lined with delicious street food vendors that serve dishes packed to the brim with flavour

Shoreditch, the cultivator of London fashion and street art, is known for its eclectic dining choices, hipster coffee shops, array of vintage shops, and more recently, hoards of tourists. Add these less-discovered London neighbourhoods to your next weekend outing instead:
Head east to Forest Gate, which is still undiscovered by TikTok tourists but boasts a strong community spirit in the many independent shops that line the high street, and the ample green spaces frequented by locals directly next to Epping Forest.
Just a short walk to the sprawling Alexandra Palace park with its panoramic London views, Muswell Hill offers a trendy high street lined with delis, boutiques, chic cafes and international restaurants, but without the long queues
The fast-developing area of Deptford has it all – a bustling high street with a fresh produce and fish market, indie shops, hip spots for tapas and Caribbean food, and frequent musical and theatre events that enliven the neighbourhood at night

Veronica Lin, Head of Brand & Strategy at Playsee, says: “London is such a culturally rich and diverse city that has so much to offer. However, trending social content and ‘must-visit’ round-ups have meant the same spots are frequented, which results in mass over-tourism. By visiting off-the-beaten-track neighbourhoods, markets and cultural landmarks you get to skip the queues and overpricing, but more importantly, support and celebrate local businesses who aren’t as well known. Playsee is the destination for those who want to discover hidden gems and support their local community, the app empowers users to share content and tips on the best neighbourhood-centric spots to discover.”