Think about it. London, on your own. And you can do whatever you want to do. Fantastic!

And, yet: Wouldn't it just be easier to book a tour?

Save that stiff single supplement. Being a solo traveler without a preplanned itinerary — save hotel reservations — can be a pretty great thing in London. The culturally vibrant, diverse city has lots to offer beyond its many museums and fun shopping.

Here's how to put the power of one into action:

Get your learn on: London Walks offers tours of many local favorites, from Harry Potter lore to the British Museum. One of the best features is that you don't need reservations; just show up at the scheduled time and pay 10 British pounds (about $14). The Saturday morning tour of Notting Hill and Portobello Market balanced the old and the new. Our informative guide took the group of 20 tourists along the back roads of the now trendy Notting Hill neighborhood, pointing out features such as the kilns once used to bake bricks, the former paths of Roman horse races and the homes of the famous (yes, Annie Lennox lived there). There might have been one or two fans of the Hugh Grant movie who were thrilled to see key film locations (The bookstore! The church!). The two-hour tour ended at the packed Portobello Market, which is not named after a mushroom after all but has Roman roots. Everyone can find something in this hodgepodge of local food and trinkets and interesting antiques. www.walks.com

Brush up on Shakespeare: One of the tips gleaned from a local was a real gem: cheap shows at the Globe the theater rebuilt by the late American actor Sam Wanamaker to recreate Shakespeare's original theater along the Thames. You can catch a play, performed outside in the round and with audience members standing, for 5 pounds (about $7) in the warmer months. But don't pass up the sometimes quirky offerings in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Though it is a new theater, the playhouse is lit by candlelight, and patrons sit (or stand) like the Bard's fans did long ago. A song cycle reportedly from a list of Anne Boleyn offered an entertaining glimpse into the British fascination with all things royal. The songs were captivating, and the setting was truly magical. www.shakespearesglobe.com

See Hyde Park by bike: One of the best ways to experience the 350-acre Hyde Park is through the bike-share system. You can rent a comfortable bike for the day (it costs 2 pounds [about $3] per 30 minutes) and pedal along the many paths. There are lots of docking stations, so you can take things slow. You are likely to ride past horse riders on the adjacent track on your way to the picturesque Serpentine lake. At the south end is Kensington Gardens. Take a peek into the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground before heading off to Kensington Palace. A tour of the public part of the palace (it is also the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, aka William and Kate) reveals much about Queen Victoria and her love for her husband, Prince Albert. You can take in the beautiful grounds or head over to the Orangery for its celebrated tea. www.royalparks.org.uk

Tea at the Ritz: You need to book ahead (and early) to secure a seat for afternoon tea in the Palm Court of the Ritz London. This iconic custom is worth the 61 pounds ($87). The opulent room is very pink, but somehow it works. It's the kind of place where you want to wear your best — and, in fact, jackets are required for men. The tea service starts with savories, including an exquisite egg salad. Even a table of one gets the full complement of sweets, from fruit tart to macarons. Then come the scones and clotted cream and a slice of specialty dessert. The Ritz works to make the single diner feel welcome, offering magazines and newspapers. During my visit, the reading materials remained untouched, as I was too busy sampling the wonderful food and drinking in the scene. www.theritzlondon.com/palm-court

Experience the countryside: Some of the most beautiful English countryside is a short train ride away. The Cotswolds has many iconic postcard villages, which are easily accessible via the bus system. Plus, it is home to the Cotswold Way, more than 100 miles of walking trails. A hike up the hill in Broadway traveled through sheep fields on the way to the Broadway Tower. The views were spectacular, and it was just fun to unlock the gates and join the locals (and their dogs) on an afternoon stroll. www.nationaltrail.co.uk/cotswold-way

Linda Bergstrom is a freelance reporter.