London locals tips: real advice you won’t find in tourist guides

Living in London means you’ve seen the big landmarks, but the best parts are the everyday shortcuts. Want to know where to grab a cheap lunch after work, which park’s best for a quiet jog, or how to avoid the rush on the tube? Below are the go‑to tips locals swear by.

Food and drink hacks

Skip the pricey chain restaurants and head to smaller spots in Shoreditch, Brixton or Peckham. Ask for the “daily special” – chefs often serve the freshest dish at a lower price. For a late‑night bite, try the street food stalls on Southbank after the theater shows; they stay open till midnight and the portions are generous.

If you love coffee, look for independent cafés that offer a free refill after your first cup. Many places near King’s Cross and Camden have loyalty cards that give you a free drink after five purchases – perfect for the commuter who needs a caffeine boost.

Getting around smarter

London’s tube map is useful, but the Overground and TfL Rail can be faster for cross‑city trips. Check the Night Tube schedule on Fridays and Saturdays; it runs every 10 minutes on central lines, so you won’t be stuck waiting after a night out.

For cyclists, the Santander Cycle scheme has docking stations in almost every borough. The trick is to pick a station just outside a busy hub – you avoid the surge price and still get a bike when you need it.

Walking is often the quickest way between nearby neighborhoods. Use the river walk along the Thames from Tower Bridge to Greenwich; the path is flat, scenic, and you’ll dodge the traffic on the A3.

Free and low‑cost entertainment

London’s museums are free most days. Arrive early to beat the crowds at the British Museum or the Tate Modern – you’ll get more space to appreciate the exhibits and avoid the selfie line.

For a change of scenery, head to less‑known parks like Victoria Tower Gardens or Brockwell Lido’s surrounding fields. They’re quieter than Hyde Hyde and perfect for a picnic or a quick yoga session.

Check out local event calendars on borough websites. Many libraries host free talks, film nights, and workshops that give you a taste of the city’s culture without spending a penny.

Saving money on everyday stuff

Supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi have weekly promotions on fresh produce and meat. Pair that with a local market – for example, Borough Market’s early‑morning stalls sell high‑quality items at lower prices before the lunch rush.

If you need a haircut, book a slot at a chain salon during off‑peak hours (mid‑afternoon on weekdays). You’ll often snag a discount that isn’t advertised online.

Use the “contactless day” on the TfL app once a month – you get a free travel day after a certain amount of spending, which can cover a weekend’s worth of tube rides.

These tips are the kind of things you hear over a pint at the local pub. Apply them and you’ll feel more like a true Londoner, not just a visitor passing through.