London’s Most Overrated Tourist Attractions (And What to Do Instead)

London is home to some of the world’s most iconic tourist attractions, but let’s face it—some of them can feel a little bit overrated. The crowds, the expensive entry fees, and the often-underwhelming experience can leave even the most enthusiastic travellers feeling a bit disappointed. But don’t worry, just because you’re avoiding the traditional hotspots doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the best that London has to offer. If you’re staying at London Backpackers Youth Hostel in Hendon and looking for something a little more unique, this guide will show you some of the city’s most overrated attractions—and offer a list of alternative options that will make your London adventure truly unforgettable.

Overrated Tourist Attractions

The London Eye

While the London Eye offers a fantastic view of the city, the long queues, high ticket prices, and often crowded capsules can make the experience feel more like a tourist trap than a must-do activity. If you’re looking for stunning views of London without the hassle, there are much better alternatives.

Alternative: Primrose Hill – For a panoramic view of London that’s free and often much less crowded, head to Primrose Hill in Regent’s Park. The hill offers an incredible view of the city’s skyline, including landmarks like the Shard and the London Eye itself. It’s a great spot for a picnic, a relaxing afternoon, or some peaceful people-watching.

Buckingham Palace

The idea of watching the changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace sounds appealing, but the reality is often a mass of people trying to see the event from a distance, making it difficult to appreciate the spectacle. The crowds, the long wait times, and the fact that the event itself doesn’t always live up to expectations can leave visitors disappointed.

Alternative: Highgate Cemetery – If you’re looking for something a little more serene and off the beaten path, visit Highgate Cemetery. Located in the North London area of Highgate, this historic cemetery is the final resting place of many notable figures, including Karl Marx. The cemetery’s Gothic architecture, lush greenery, and peaceful atmosphere provide a stark contrast to the tourist chaos around Buckingham Palace. The East Cemetery is open to the public, and there are also guided tours available that reveal the fascinating history of the site.

The Tower of London

The Tower of London is undoubtedly a famous landmark, but its steep admission fees and the somewhat anticlimactic experience can make it feel less than thrilling. While the Crown Jewels are impressive, the rest of the experience often feels like a crowded, historical museum rather than an immersive journey through England’s past.

Alternative: The Museum of London Docklands – If you’re still interested in exploring London’s rich history, a trip to the Museum of London Docklands is a fantastic alternative. Located in a former warehouse by the River Thames, this museum offers a fascinating look at London’s history, focusing on the city’s maritime past and the development of the Docklands area. The museum is free to enter and provides a more engaging, less crowded alternative to the Tower of London.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Madame Tussauds is one of London’s most famous attractions, but its high-ticket prices and often overcrowded atmosphere can leave visitors feeling underwhelmed. While the wax figures are impressive, it often feels more like a theme park than a genuine museum experience.

Alternative: The Cartoon Museum – For a more unique and artistic experience, head to The Cartoon Museum in Fitzrovia. This quirky museum showcases the best of British cartoons, comic strips, and illustrations, from historical political cartoons to contemporary works. It’s a refreshing change from the crowds of Madame Tussauds and offers a delightful peek into British humour and creativity.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden can be a fun place to wander around, but its abundance of overpriced restaurants, chain stores, and crowds of tourists often make it feel like an overpriced shopping mall rather than an authentic cultural experience. While it’s great for some street performances, the general touristy atmosphere can leave you wanting more.

Alternative: Neal’s Yard & Seven Dials – For a more charming, offbeat experience in Covent Garden, explore Neal’s Yard, a hidden courtyard filled with vibrant colours, quirky cafes, and small independent shops. Just around the corner, you’ll also find Seven Dials, a historic area with boutique shops, cool cafes, and a much more relaxed vibe. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and discover a more local side of London.

How to Get Around from London Backpackers in Hendon

Staying at London Backpackers in Hendon gives you a great base to explore the city while also offering a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to staying in central London. Hendon is well-connected to the rest of the city, so getting around is easy. Here are some ways to travel from Hendon to the alternatives mentioned above:

Getting to Primrose Hill:

By Tube: From Hendon Central Station, take the Northern Line (Edgware Branch) southbound towards Morden and get off at Euston Station (around 20 minutes). From there, it’s a short 15-minute walk to Primrose Hill.
By Bus: Alternatively, you can take a bus from Hendon to Euston Station or Camden Town and then walk to Primrose Hill.

Getting to Highgate Cemetery:

By Tube: From Hendon Central, take the Northern Line southbound and get off at Highgate Station (about 25 minutes). From there, it’s just a short 10-minute walk to Highgate Cemetery.
By Bus: There are also bus routes from Hendon to Highgate, which will take around 40 minutes depending on traffic.

Getting to Museum of London Docklands:

By Tube: From Hendon, take the Northern Line southbound to Bank Station, then transfer to the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) at Bank Station and get off at Canary Wharf (around 40 minutes total).
By Bus: You can also take a bus from Hendon to Bank Station or Canary Wharf (about 40 minutes).

Getting to The Cartoon Museum:

By Tube: From Hendon Central, take the Northern Line to Tottenham Court Road Station (about 30 minutes). The Cartoon Museum is a short walk from the station.
By Bus: Alternatively, you can take the bus from Hendon to Fitzrovia and walk to the museum (about 40 minutes).

Getting to Neal’s Yard & Seven Dials:

By Tube: From Hendon Central, take the Northern Line southbound to Leicester Square Station (about 35 minutes). Neal’s Yard and Seven Dials are just a short walk from the station.

While London’s iconic tourist attractions are worth visiting, sometimes it’s the lesser-known spots that provide a more unique and enjoyable experience. From the tranquil beauty of Highgate Cemetery to the hidden treasures of Neal’s Yard, there’s so much more to discover beyond the usual crowds. Staying at London Backpackers that offers affordable accommodation in Hendon gives you the perfect base to explore these alternatives, enjoy a more relaxed pace, and truly get to know London beyond the touristy clichés. So, leave the crowded attractions behind and venture off the beaten path—you’ll find a side of London that’s every bit as memorable, but far more peaceful.