Essential Apps for London Living: The Ultimate Guide

Living in London, one of the world’s most vibrant cities, can be both exciting and overwhelming. With its vast cultural offerings, bustling streets, and an array of services, navigating everyday life in London can be a challenge. Fortunately, a variety of apps are available to make life easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the must-have apps for Londoners.
1. onezone
onezone is a fantastic app for those who love exploring the culinary landscape of London (and Europe). It provides curated recommendations for the best restaurants, bars, and cafes in the city, focusing on quality and unique experiences. Whether you’re looking for a cozy coffee shop, a trendy cocktail bar, or a fine dining experience, OneZone offers a well-curated list that caters to every palate. This app is perfect for food enthusiasts and social butterflies who want to discover London’s hidden gems and iconic spots.
2. Need It For Tonight (NIFT)
For those who love shopping but want to support local businesses, NIFT is an essential app. It connects users with local, independent shops and brands in London. NIFT offers exclusive deals and rewards for shopping locally, making it easier to discover and support unique businesses. The app’s focus on community and sustainability appeals to those who are mindful of their shopping habits and eager to make a positive impact on their local economy.
Use code ‘FEMMETECH’ at checkout.
3. Too Good To Go
Too Good To Go is a must-have for environmentally conscious Londoners. This app allows users to purchase surplus food from local restaurants, cafes, and bakeries at a reduced price, helping to combat food waste. With a variety of options available, from bakery treats to full meals, Too Good To Go is perfect for those looking for affordable, delicious food while contributing to a sustainable cause. It’s a win-win for your wallet and the planet.
4. Ruuby
Need a beauty treatment but don’t have the time to visit a salon? Ruuby has got you covered. This app offers on-demand beauty services delivered right to your door, including manicures, haircuts, massages, and more. Ideal for busy professionals, parents, or anyone who enjoys the convenience of home services, Ruuby brings high-quality beauty treatments to you, making self-care more accessible and stress-free.
5. Wheely
When it comes to premium transportation in London, Wheely is the app of choice. It provides an upscale ride-hailing service with a focus on luxury and comfort. With professionally trained chauffeurs and high-end vehicles, Wheely offers a superior alternative to regular taxis or ride-sharing services. Perfect for special occasions, business meetings, or simply when you want to travel in style, Wheely ensures a smooth and sophisticated journey through London.
6. Toilets 4 London
Finding a public restroom in London can be a challenge, especially in busy areas. Toilets 4 London is an incredibly useful app that helps users locate the nearest public restrooms, ensuring you never get caught short. The app includes details on accessibility, opening hours, and cleanliness, making it a practical tool for both residents and visitors. It’s especially handy for families, people with disabilities, or anyone who’s out and about in the city.
7. I Hate Ironing
For those who dread doing laundry and ironing, I Hate Ironing is a lifesaver. This app provides on-demand laundry and dry cleaning services with pickup and delivery. It’s perfect for busy professionals, families, or anyone who wants to outsource their laundry chores. With its reliable service and convenient scheduling, I Hate Ironing ensures your clothes are cleaned and pressed without the hassle.
8. HURR
In a city known for its fashion-forward residents, HURR is an innovative app that allows you to rent high-end clothing for special occasions. It’s perfect for fashion enthusiasts who want to wear designer outfits without the hefty price tag. By renting rather than buying, users can enjoy a rotating wardrobe of stylish pieces, making HURR both a sustainable and cost-effective choice for keeping your fashion game strong in London.
9. Rover
Pet owners in London will find Rover indispensable. This app connects pet owners with trusted pet sitters and dog walkers in their area. Whether you need someone to walk your dog while you’re at work or care for your pet while you’re on holiday, Rover provides peace of mind with its vetted and reviewed sitters. It’s a community-driven app that ensures your furry friends are well taken care of.
10. Zapp
For those late-night cravings or last-minute essentials, Zapp is a game-changer. This app offers ultra-fast delivery of groceries, snacks, drinks, and more, right to your doorstep, 24/7. With Zapp, you can get what you need in minutes, whether it’s an ingredient you forgot for dinner or a midnight snack. It’s perfect for the spontaneous, the busy, or anyone who loves convenience.
11. Google Lens
Google Lens is a powerful app for exploring and discovering London. By simply pointing your phone’s camera at an object, Google Lens can provide information, translate text, identify landmarks, and even help you shop. It’s especially useful for tourists or new residents who want to learn more about the city’s history, navigate language barriers, or find more information about a particular sight or product. It also searches anything via screenshot – I recently found out what toaster Kylie Jenner uses via Lens. Its the Sage Appliances 4 slice smart toasted (you’re welcome).
12. Fiverr
If you need freelance services, whether for a business project or personal use, Fiverr is the go-to app. It connects users with freelancers offering services across a wide range of categories, including graphic design, writing, programming, and more. Fiverr is perfect for entrepreneurs, small businesses, or anyone looking to outsource tasks to skilled professionals. With its vast network of freelancers, you’re sure to find the right person for any job.
13. CLIQ
CLIQ is an app designed to bring people together. It helps users find local events, activities, and meetups in London, catering to a variety of interests and hobbies. Whether you’re looking to make new friends, find a workout buddy, or attend a cultural event, CLIQ is the app to connect you with like-minded individuals. It’s ideal for both newcomers and long-time residents looking to expand their social circles and explore new experiences in the city.
14. Housekeep
Keeping a clean home in a bustling city like London can be challenging. Housekeep offers a solution with its professional cleaning services. The app allows users to book vetted, reliable cleaners for regular or one-off cleans. It’s perfect for anyone who values a clean home but doesn’t have the time or energy to maintain it themselves. With flexible booking and trusted cleaners, Housekeep ensures your home stays spotless with minimal effort on your part.
15. ClassPass
For fitness enthusiasts looking to stay active and explore different workout options, ClassPass is an essential app. Offering access to a vast network of gyms, studios, and wellness centers across London, ClassPass allows users to try out a variety of fitness classes, from yoga and pilates to boxing and spinning. With flexible membership plans, you can easily mix up your routine and discover new workouts without being tied down to a single gym. It’s the perfect way to keep your fitness journey exciting and dynamic in a city that thrives on diversity.
Whether you’re a new resident or a long-time Londoner, these apps can make city living more convenient, enjoyable, and efficient. From finding the best places to eat to taking care of your daily chores, these tools are designed to help you navigate and make the most of life in London. Download these apps and see how they can enhance your London experience!