Things to do in Central London - for Londoners

I know you've just read the words Central London and envisioned being packed into the sweltering Tube at rush hour and dodging tourists on Oxford Street. While Central London definitely loses its novelty pretty quickly for anybody living in the city, there are still cool things to do here that are worth braving the crowds.

These days, it seems like the influencers of London have uncovered every hidden gem in the city and subsequently doubled the queues to get in anywhere worth going. However, in a city as big as London there are always new places to explore – even in the busiest, most crowded areas. When it comes to Central London you have to look a little closer for the diamonds in the rough (the rough being streets that have more than two Prets).

Brasserie Zédel

Tucked behind the flashing adverts of Piccadilly Circus, Brasserie Zédel is the epitome of a hidden gem. From the outside, it looks like a small cafe but when you venture downstairs you're transported to a lavish grand dining room. Evoking 1920s-era Paris, the brasserie is filled with live jazz music and serves a menu of classic French cuisine.

A meal at Zédel feels like a special occasion even if you're just using it as an excuse to get dressed up and head into the city. It's a truly immersive experience and not in a gimmicky, everyone-is-there-just-to-take-a-picture way. You might even forget the souvenir shops and sketchy American candy stores you'll inevitably have to walk past on your way home.

If you're not quite ready to return to reality, they also have an equally atmospheric cocktail bar inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood. Bar Américain is dimly lit and filled with mid-century furniture making it feel like Don Draper could walk in at any minute.

Piccadilly, W1F | brasseriezedel.com

Sir John Soane’s Museum

Whilst the major museums and galleries in Central London can be tourist-heavy, Sir John Soane’s Museum in Holborn is where you’ll likely find more locals than tourists. The museum was once the house of renowned British architect Sir John Soane and currently contains collections of eclectic artefacts, paintings, sculptures, furniture, sarcophagi and more. The collection spans continents and millennia, walking through the stunning early 19th-century building looks exactly like how I imagined the home of a late Regency / early Victorian-era archaeologist and their multitude of curiosity cabinets if those cabinets were rooms.

HeadBox suggestion: Even if you’re not the type to book a guided tour, the collections in the museum are plentiful and eclectic, with fascinating stories so I highly recommend you book a scheduled tour for your first visit.

Holborn, WC2A | soane.org

Söderberg

I fell in love with Söderberg cafes when I lived in Edinburgh and was so excited when I realised they had a London location in Soho. Not only does it have the same delicious Scandinavian pastries and coffee, but it also has some of the most unique interiors of any cafe in London. You can enjoy their signature cardamom buns in their downstairs "living room" area, with mid-century furniture, a record player and cosy cave-like sitting areas. These little nooks are perfect for finding a quiet moment to yourself in the middle of bustling Soho.

While I've never actually heard them use the record player, the music played throughout the cafe seems to have been taken straight from your coolest friend's Spotify. Every time I go, I find a new song to save to my playlists.

In the evening, they also serve wine and pizza – making it a great place to unwind after a day of shopping or just to mix up your usual after-work drinks.

Soho, W1F | soderberg.uk

Royal Opera House

It seems silly to recommend one of the most famous art institutions in the world, but the Royal Opera House is underrated among Londoners, especially the younger demographic. Traditional art forms can feel inaccessible and the price of tickets often means people won't take the chance of spending money on a show they're not sure will resonate with them. However, the Royal Opera House offer special discounts that make the shows surprisingly affordable and encourage new patrons to experience world-class opera and ballet.

For 16 to 25-year-olds, they offer £30 tickets for any available seat in the historic theatre. Last year, I was able to get third-row seats to see the Royal Ballet. It was so special to spend the evening in such a renowned venue with seats that offered a stunning view of the performance.

If you're still not convinced to try classical ballet or opera, the Royal Opera House has a gorgeous restaurant open to the public whether or not you have a ticket. The Piazza Terrace has amazing views of Covent Garden and serves sophisticated fare made with London’s finest market produce.

Covent Garden, WC2E | rbo.org.uk

British Library

Like the Royal Opera House, the British Library is an underutilised resource by Londoners. When I first studied abroad in London, I wanted somewhere to work on assignments that wasn’t the tiny flat my university had assigned me. So I signed up for a library card at the closest library I could find. That library happened to be the national library of the UK and home to some of the most important documents in the country.

While the library has lovely workspaces open to the public, I would highly recommend taking the extra step to get a free library card and gain access to the private study rooms. A great alternative to coworking spaces, the study rooms are quiet spaces to focus, surrounded by the library's collection of books and documents. To treat yourself after being so productive, grab a coffee and pastry from the library's onsite coffee shop, serving Origin Coffee.

If you're not working on a thesis or any other major project, I also highly recommend visiting their museum exhibitions and attending special events. The British Library often showcase documents from their collection, such as the original copies of the Beatles' handwritten lyrics.

King's Cross, NW1 | bl.uk

The Photographers’ Gallery

Lesser known than its central cousins, like the British Museum and the National Gallery, the Photographers’ Gallery in Soho is one every Londoner should visit at least once. The multi-storey gallery curates fascinating exhibitions featuring renowned photographers both contemporary and past. From portraits to documenting changing landscapes to capturing the peak era of a subculture, the gallery always has something interesting on and is perfect for a rainy day afternoon.

The Photographers’ Gallery hosts regular book events, workshops and in-person and online talks.

Soho, W1F7 | thephotographersgallery.org.uk

Editor's note: Spot any incorrect information? Or have an article idea for HeadBox.com? Get in touch at submissions@headbox.com