People watching—sounds quirky, doesn’t it? But people watching in London, or anywhere, is a wholesome and surprisingly fulfilling activity. We probably do it more often than we realize, as it's natural to feel drawn to observe others around us. Sometimes, we don't necessarily want to interact, but simply being surrounded by strangers can be quite refreshing for the soul.

I used to spend free days at home, often glued to Netflix. While a cozy binge session can be delightful, too many of those days made me question how wisely I was spending my time. Taking a bit of time to people watch, especially in a city as vibrant as London, can be just as satisfying. If you're without plans, why not grab a coffee or sit with a glass of wine at one of London’s best spots for people watching? Sit on a bench, by a monument like Seven Dials, or at a café, and let the world unfold around you—you might even cross paths with someone who becomes part of your story.

People watching in London also holds the chance of sparking a connection. When you're out observing, your chances of meeting someone special are far higher than if you’d stayed in. So take a moment, watch the world, and see where it leads.

Tried and tested places in london for excellent people watching

1. Seven Dials Monument

2. The Londoner [stage bar] Leicester Square

3. Climpson & Sons - Broadway Market

4. Pavilion Road - Sloane Square

5. Bar Italia - Soho

6. The Hoxton - Shoreditch/Holborn

7. Ecclestone Yards, Victoria

people watching in london - the best places

by francesca, founder