London’s Most Overrated Attractions (and What to Do Instead)
Let’s face it, London is full of big-name attractions that everyone thinks they have to tick off their list. The problem? Half the time, they’re overcrowded, overpriced, and don’t really give you the London experience you were hoping for.
Don’t get me wrong: these places aren’t “bad.” They’re iconic for a reason. But if you’re only here for a few days (or even if you live here), you’ll get so much more out of exploring beyond the clichés.
So here’s a guide to London’s most overrated attractions and the places you should check out instead.
1. The London Eye
Why it’s overrated: Yes, the views are great, but you’ll pay around £30 to queue for ages, cram into a capsule, and slowly rotate for half an hour. On a cloudy day (which, let’s be real, happens often), the view isn’t even that spectacular.
What to do instead: Head up to the Sky Garden in the City of London. It’s free (though you need to book ahead), and you’ll get panoramic views of London’s skyline, plus lush indoor gardens and a cocktail bar. Or for something edgier, try The Garden at 120 another free rooftop with fewer crowds.
2. Madame Tussauds
Why it’s overrated: Queueing for hours to look at wax figures of celebrities you could see on Instagram? Not exactly the most “London” experience. Plus, tickets can set you back over £35.
What to do instead: If it’s quirky museums you’re after, London has plenty. Try the Hunterian Museum (medical curiosities), The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities (weird and wonderful oddities in Hackney), or even the Museum of the Home in Hoxton, which tells the story of everyday London life through the ages.
3. Oxford Street
Why it’s overrated: If you enjoy dodging tourists, endless souvenir shops, and the exact same high-street brands you can find anywhere else in the world, then Oxford Street is for you. Otherwise? Skip it.
What to do instead: For a real shopping experience, explore Covent Garden (independent boutiques and quirky gifts), Carnaby Street (edgy fashion and cool history), or Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross (modern design shops and concept stores). These places feel like London — not just a giant mall.
4. Buckingham Palace (from the gates)
Why it’s overrated: Unless you’re actually going inside during the rare summer openings, standing outside Buckingham Palace is basically… standing outside a big grey building with a crowd of tourists. The Changing of the Guard can be fun, but it’s packed and over quickly.
What to do instead: If royal history excites you, visit Hampton Court Palace. It’s just outside central London, stunning, less crowded, and full of fascinating Tudor history. Closer in? Try Kensington Palace, where you can explore exhibitions and lovely gardens without the same crush of people.
5. Leicester Square
Why it’s overrated: It’s marketed as the “entertainment hub” of London, but unless you’re here for a film premiere, Leicester Square is basically full of chain restaurants, overpriced cinemas, and crowds.
What to do instead: For cinema, head to the BFI Southbank, which screens classics, indies, and festivals in a gorgeous riverside location. For nightlife and fun, Soho is just next door and has infinitely more character.
6. The Shard (viewing platform)
Why it’s overrated: The Shard is impressive, but paying £30–£40 just to stand on the viewing deck? Feels steep. Especially when you can’t even sit and enjoy it for long.
What to do instead: Book a table at Aqua Shard or Oblix inside the same building. You’ll get the same stunning views, but with food or a drink in hand and you’ll actually feel like you got something for your money.
7. Camden Market (on a Saturday)
Why it’s overrated: Camden Market has its charm, but weekends are chaos. It’s wall-to-wall tourists, the food queues are endless, and half the stalls sell the same mass-produced stuff.
What to do instead: Go to Maltby Street Market in Bermondsey (smaller, foodie heaven), or Broadway Market in Hackney (great mix of food, vintage, and indie stalls). Both give you that “market buzz” without the tourist trap feel.
8. Tower Bridge Exhibition
Why it’s overrated: Tower Bridge itself is iconic no argument there. But the paid exhibition inside is underwhelming for the price.
What to do instead: Walk across the bridge for free, then head to St. Katharine Docks just beside it. This hidden marina is full of cafés and pubs, and it’s one of the most unexpectedly peaceful spots in central London.
Why This Matters
When people visit London, they often come away saying it felt too crowded or too expensive. And that’s fair if you only stick to the main tourist checklist, you’ll get the glossy version, not the real city.
But the truth is, London’s magic lives in its side streets, hidden gardens, quirky museums, and neighbourhood pubs. That’s where you actually feel the heartbeat of the city.
Final Thoughts
London doesn’t have to be about queues and overpriced tickets. If you skip the overrated attractions (or at least don’t make them the only thing you see), you’ll discover a city that’s richer, stranger, and much more rewarding.
So here’s your challenge: next time you’re planning a London trip, replace at least one “tourist trap” with something offbeat. You’ll come away with a story worth telling not just the same selfie as everyone else.
Want more real London tips and hidden gems? Follow @london.yaar because the best London experiences are the ones most people don’t even know about.