The best things to do in London: 32 exciting ideas (2024)

Curating a definitive list of the best things to do in London is no easy task. Even born-and-bred Londoners and long-time residents spend their weekends ticking an endless amount of restaurants, bars, exhibitions and attractions off their bucket lists – our weekly guide to the best things to do in London this weekend has this covered. However, there are several places we return to time and time again, whether it's down to special memories made or due to the promise of guaranteed enjoyment. Below, we've rounded up 32 tried-and-tested things to do in London, from the most exciting live music scenes to leisurely Sunday afternoons spent at quirky markets.

1. Go thrift shopping in East London

London has long been known as a style capital thanks to its abundance of flagship stores and fashion events. However, while fans of all things designer keep their spending central, the vintage fashionistas head east. Brick Lane is at the heart of the thrifting scene: a colourful high street with spray-painted walls and the home of the UK’s largest vintage market. Follow the neon-lit stairs at the Truman Brewery down into this underground shopping heaven, where over 40 specialist traders display their eclectic clothing collections dating as far back as the 1920s. From fur coats to retro football shirts, the market offers one-of-a-kind finds for all, so bring your shopping bags and start digging through the racks. Other boutiques nearby include Serotonin, best for designer gems, and Atika, best for colourful bargains. Layla Quaedvlieg

Address: Brick Lane Vintage Market, F Block, 85 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL
Website: vintage-market.co.uk

2. Spend a day on Hampstead Heath

When planning a trip to London, rolling hills and secluded lakes may not be the first things that come to mind. Yet, just outside zone one, Hampstead’s sprawling parkland guarantees an idyllic escape from the bustling centre. The heath is home to more than 180 species of birds and is notably more rugged and wild than London’s other parks. Wander beneath the oak trees on the winding forest paths or climb to the top of Parliament Hill for a breathtaking view of London’s glittering skyline. Three lifeguarded swimming ponds are open year-round for relaxing summer cool-downs and chilly winter dives. Layla Quaedvlieg

Address: Hampstead Heath, London
Website: hampsteadheath.net

3. Experience live music in Camden

As the former home and hangout of pop legend Amy Winehouse, it is no surprise that Camden’s music scene is one of the most lively in London. From stripped-back soul nights at The Blues Kitchen to heavy metal bands at The Underworld, the borough offers a plethora of exceptional performances for all audiences. Since its grand reopening in 2023, KOKO Camden has hosted big names and rising stars in its refurbished Victorian theatre, plus North London’s creatives in members’ club House of KOKO. Roundhouse is down the road, known for its cutting-edge, circular setup with a capacity of 1500. However, the unassuming venues can be the most atmospheric. From the outside, The Dublin Castle may seem like a regular old pub, but hidden out the back is an intimate live music room with a legendary past. Rumoured to have been Amy Winehouse’s favourite place to perform, this retro venue now teems with locals and fans who carry on her legacy late into every night. Layla Quaedvlieg

Address: The Blues Kitchen Camden, 111-113 Camden High Street, London NW1 7JN; The Underworld, 174 Camden High Street, London NW1 9DL; KOKO Camden, 1a Camden High Street, London NW1 7RE; Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8EH; The Dublin Castle, 94 Parkway, London NW1 7AN
Website: theblueskitchen.com; theunderworldcamden.co.uk; koko.co.uk; roundhouse.org.uk; thedublincastle.com

4. Go shopping for blooms at Columbia Road Flower Market

Every Sunday, this quaint Tower Hamlets neighbourhood explodes with colour as florists line the street to flog their sweet-smelling blooms. The market has flourished since the 1980s, attracting experienced traders who either grow their plants or import them from around the world. Fitting with the season, you can find anything here, from tulips and roses to cacti and 10-foot banana trees. All the stock is reasonably priced, but head over just before closing and haggle over the remaining flowers for a real bargain. Behind the stalls are several independent cafes and restaurants open for quick refreshments. Plus, the self-proclaimed professional shuckers at Oyster Boy are tucked around the corner on Ezra Street, selling their speciality British rock oysters and Bloody Marys from a shack. Layla Quaedvlieg

Address: Columbia Road, London E2 7RG
Website: columbiaroad.info

5. Catch a play in the West End

Mamma Mia!, Wicked, The Lion King, Hamilton – you name it, you’ll find it showing in London. The capital is a theatregoer’s dream for good reason, and there’s always something new pulling travellers back time and time again. There’s no denying it can be a costly outing, but there are several ways to bag a West End bargain. For a spontaneous theatre trip, head to one of the ticket booths dotted around Leicester Square in the late afternoon to check last-minute availability. Alternatively, download TodayTix, which reserves a handful of ‘rush tickets’ daily. Activate those notifications and move swiftly – they don’t stick around long.

Website: officiallondontheatre.com; todaytix.com

6. Try open water swimming in Canary Wharf

Traditionally, born-and-bred Londoners have looked to the coast for a bracing dip. However, that’s all changing thanks to a handful of new open-water swimming spots in the city. Just a few years ago, the thought of taking a dip in Canary Wharf’s docks seemed absurd; now, it’s a popular activity between June and October. The water quality is regularly tested and consistently exceeds the minimum requirements for bathing standards. It’s open to swimmers over the age of 10, and facilities include same-sex changing rooms, toilets and showers. You’ll need to purchase a NOWCA membership for £15 per year, which grants access to 40 open water spots nationwide, and each dip costs £9.

Address: Middle Dock, Canary Wharf, London E14
Website: canarywharf.com

7. Take to the water in Richmond

The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is a suburban haven that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. It’s a great place for sunny pub-hopping (our favourites include The White Cross and The Marlborough) and a lengthy leg stretch thanks to the green expanses of Richmond Park, where herds of deer gather under the leafy canopies. Take to the water for a more unique day in this charming Thames-side borough. Paddle Richmond offers tours and classes in stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking along the winding river; you can take a life jacket and see an underrated corner of London from an entirely different perspective.

Address: White Cross, Surrey, Riverside House, Water Lane, Richmond TW9 1NR; The Marlborough, 46 Friars Stile Road, Richmond TW10 6NQ; Paddle Richmond, Richmond, Bridge Boathouses, Richmond, London TW9 1TH
Website: thewhitecrossrichmond.com; themarlboroughrichmond.co.uk; paddlerichmond.co.uk

8. Find some zen at Kyoto Garden in Holland Park

Wedged between Kensington High Street and Holland Park Avenue, Holland Park is more than just green space. There's a pathway through the stunning inner city forest, manicured lawns surrounded by kaleidoscopic flowerbeds – vibrant roses, tall tulips and dazzling purple wisteria. In the centre, weaving between the many paths, is Kyoto Garden, a Japanese-inspired garden filled with acer trees, Japanese murals, a pond home to gargantuan carp and a small bridge over a waterfall. If you sit long enough, you’ll likely witness a proposal and spot a roaming peacock looking for food. Sophie Knight

Address: Holland Park, Ilchester Place, London W8 6LU
Website: rbkc.gov.uk

9. Explore London’s greatest cemeteries

Graveyard exploration isn’t for everyone, but stroll through some of the capital’s most intriguing burial sites, and you may surprise yourself. Highgate Cemetery is one of the city’s most infamous. As night falls, a tall and slender vampire is said to weave in and out of the intricate Victorian mausoleums and gravestones – and that’s just the start of Highgate’s supernatural activity. There’s an eclectic mix of famous faces here, too, from Karl Marx to George Micheal – find out more on a guided tour (adults cost £18). Brompton cemetery may have a considerably smaller plot (and be free of bloodsuckers), but it’s no less interesting. Embark on a self-guided tour past the graves of Emmeline Pankhurst and William Howard Russell, take a peek through the catacomb gates, and stop off for tea and cake in the Grade II-listed café.

Address: Highgate Cemetery, Swain's Lane, London N6 6PJ
Website: highgatecemetery.org; royalparks.org.uk

10. Seek out London’s pretty mews

Whether it’s a crisp autumn afternoon or a balmy summer evening, exploring London’s mews is one of our favourite free things to do in London. Seek out Bathurst Mews in the heart of Connaught Village and spy the equestrian residents in Hyde Park Stables, or amble along Holland Park Mews before dipping into Holland Park to spot the peacocks or savour an exceptional supper in Belvedere Restaurant. Movie buffs best make for St Luke’s Mews, home to the charming house used for that Love Actually scene.

11. Trawl for bargains at the So Last Century Vintage Fair and Market

Antique hunters and lovers of all things vintage have been flocking to So Last Century’s markets ever since they launched in 2015. Fairs pop up 12 to 14 times a year in areas including Beckenham, Catford, Bow, and Gipsy Hill. Expect furniture, ceramics, glassware, homeware, posters, records and racks of designer clothes – you’ll be hard-pressed not to head home with a bargain or two.

Website: solastcenturyfair.co.uk

12. Get cultured at The Yard Theatre

The Yard Theatre was founded in 2011 and quickly became an essential space for East London’s creative folk. The theatre prides itself on working with new talent, bending genres and putting unheard voices centre stage. In addition to thrilling performances by actors and artists, the venue occasionally hosts after-parties for events such as Trans Pride.

Address: The Yard Theatre, Unit 2a Queen's Yard, London E9 5EN
Website: theyardtheatre.co.uk

13. Go to Brixton Market

Brixton Market has had a renaissance of sorts in recent years. It’s home to more than 100 independent traders, from food stalls serving juicy burgers and fish tacos to vintage stores and jewellers. Pick up treats from Latin and Caribbean grocers Ali Food Store, discover arty homeware finds at Artisan Stories, and accumulate accessories from Mishanty & Co. DJs soundtrack Saturday nights during the summer; other events range from festival pre-parties to football screenings.

Address: Brixton Village Market, Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8PS
Website: brixtonvillage.com

14. Pay a visit to Twickenham Stadium

Besides the countless rugby games held at Twickenham Stadium each year, it’s a great day out for rugby fans thanks to the museum and tours. In the award-winning World Rugby Museum, you can learn about the sport's history and participate in interactive areas. You can also go behind the scenes of the enormous stadium on group or private tours and inspire little ones with an education programme. Stay in the area afterwards to explore the suburbs and tuck in at one of the charming gastropubs along this leafy stretch of the River Thames.

Address: Twickenham Stadium, 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham TW2 7BA
Website: twickenhamstadium.com

15. Dine on a floating barge

One of the best things to do in London is tuck in at a celebrated restaurant. Occasionally, a new spot opens its doors to the collective applause of hungry Londoners, making it a cult spot thanks to lip-smacking dishes. It also helps when said restaurant has a unique USP. Enter Caravel, a floating barge in North London where talented chefs cook up a storm each night, small plates of grilled peach with burrata and rabbit and pork rillettes flying out of the kitchen for foodies to mop up every morsel with homemade sourdough. Cosy up in a corner for date night, or make a night of it and round up fellow gastronomes and hire the space for a private supper.

Address: Caravel, 172 Shepherdess Walk, London N1 7JL
Website: caravelrestaurant.com

16. Have a tipple at Sky Garden

It makes sense that London's highest public garden doubles up as one of the city’s most unique event spaces. Occupying floors 35 to 37 of the Fenchurch Building, this city centre oasis offers 360-degree views of the hustle and bustle below against the backdrop of vibrant Mediterranean and South African plant species. Skip the queues and book a free, timed-slot ticket well in advance. Once inside, there’s no obligation to purchase any food or drinks – although cocktail sipping as the sun sets over the capital makes for a pretty unique evening. Watch for special events, including sunrise yoga, live music nights, and parties on special dates like Halloween and New Year's Eve.

Address: Sky Garden, 1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
Website: skygarden.london

17. See the city from a new vantage point on the Thames Clippers

The only way to take in both sides of London’s winding river is by getting on it – or taking to the skies, but that requires a much bigger splurge. Uber Boats by Thames Clippers is the quickest and most convenient way to explore the waterway, with a popular direct route zooming between Putney’s suburban riverside to the heart of North Greenwich in around one hour and forty-five minutes. Stops along the way include the redeveloped Battersea Power Station, Westminster, London Bridge City and Canary Wharf, making it a great mode of transport for hopping between London’s most iconic attractions. Alternatively, sit on the sheltered, open-air section of the boat with a hot, soft or alcoholic beverage from the bar and feel the wind in your hair as the sights glide by.

Website: thamesclippers.com

18. Eat the sea at Epping Forest Oyster Shack and Seafood Bar

Slap bang in the middle of the expansive Epping Forest, a bustling seafood shack is probably the last thing you’d expect to come across. But word is out, and happy walkers queue around the block for their seafood delights. Flying out of the hatch, you can find platters groaning with oysters shipped daily from Ireland, Jersey and Maldon, warming scallops, black pudding and bacon rolls, or a selection of lobsters, prawns and clams. It’s an ideal spot to refuel mid-walk or, even better, as the endpoint for your expedition – all washed down with a Guinness from the neighbouring pub. Lucy Bruton

Address: Waltham Abbey, Loughton IG10 4AE
Website: instagram.com

19. Listen to live jazz at the Crypt

Every Friday since 1995, the Crypt at St Giles Church has put on jazz shows that range from covers of Herbie Hancock to original London-based funk groups. It’s a mere £11 to get into the show – impeccable vibes, cheap wine and a lovely outdoor area to catch up with friends. An evening spent here invokes one of those moments where you feel like you’re living (or visiting) the coolest city in the world. Amber Port

Address: St Giles Church, Camberwell Church Street, London, SE5
Website: jazzlive.co.uk

20. Go back in time at Eltham Palace

Design lovers rejoice. Eltham Palace is an underrated gem, less visited by the masses, but absolutely a shining star. Guests can explore the medieval palace and stunning gardens, but my favourite is the extension, which differentiates this English Heritage site from others. Eltham Palace was bought in the 1930s when new owners built an extension boasting one of the best examples of Art Deco design I’ve seen in the UK. PS: you might recognise some rooms from Netflix’s The Crown. Amber Port

Address: Court Road, London SE9 5NP
Tickets: getyourguide.co.uk

21. Walk up the canals from Broadway Market to Angel

Regents Canal is one of our favourite features of the city. It spans London’s hodgepodge neighbourhoods and is home to eccentric houseboats, lively restaurants and sun-baked (sometimes) benches. It really comes to life in the summertime, with diners overflowing onto the pathways to enjoy the temperamental London summertime. I’d recommend following the canal path from Broadway Market to Angel and stopping for lunch at Towpath or Plaquemine Lock. Top tip: watch for the Hackney Sharks along the way. Amber Port

22. Go for a pint (or five) at Bermondsey Beer Mile

If there’s one thing craft beer lovers should tick off their London bucket lists, it’s the Bermondsey Beer Mile. This is the creme-dela-creme of pub crawls, a strip of local, artisanal breweries just south of the Thames along an unassuming stretch of railway arch. With its increasing popularity, the strip now amounts to around two miles instead of one – making it a true hop-heads marathon. Saturday is the most popular day to take on the challenge, but make sure to research which end you want to start your attack on, as the likelihood is you won’t reach the other end. Line the stomach with a bite from the famous Maltby Street Market nearby, and you’ve got pretty much the perfect food and drink-based day out in the capital. Lucy Bruton

Address: 46 Druid Street, London SE1 2EZ
Website: bermondsey-beer-mile.co.uk

23. Uncover some niche history at the Eel Pie Museum

Uncover a little-known slice of London’s history at Eel Pie Museum, on the north side of the Thames above Eel Pie Island. An eclectic range of bands performed in the Eel Pie Hotel between the fifties and seventies, including Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and Rod Stewart. Learn about the curious spot’s musical heritage and how other creative types used it as a base throughout the mid-twentieth century.

Address: Eel Pie Museum, 1-3 Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 3AB
Website: eelpiemuseum.co.uk

24. Visit Buckingham Palace

No London visit is complete without some royalty, and where better to find it than the official home of the British monarchy itself? Whether from behind the lion-crested gates or within the lavish rooms and gardens, you needn’t be a fan of Netflix’s The Crown to marvel at this world-famous palace. Don’t miss the Changing the Guard ceremony, where the esteemed King’s Guards hand over their duties through an extravagant routine. Dressed in traditional red tunics and bearskin hats, the guards launch into marching and music at 11am each Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, so there’s plenty of opportunity to catch the show. While crowds gather outside the magnificent palace year-round, it’s only open to the public for a few weeks each summer – royalists, plan accordingly. Layla Quaedvlieg

Address: Buckingham Palace, London, SW1A 1AA
Tickets: getyourguide.co.uk

25. Get curious at The Cosmic House

The Cosmic House leaves its impact – invoking a sense of curiosity and wonder, which architect Charles Jencks sought to embody when designing his West London home. The house oozes his postmodernist ideas, with rooms mirroring the four seasons, a spiral staircase and the Dome of Water, a jacuzzi designed by Piers Gough, inspired by an inverted Borromini dome. The lower ground floor is where exhibitions occur – artists range from Marisa Lewandowksa to Tai Shani. Tickets are released on the third Friday of each month at noon, so set the reminder because this is an experience you don’t want to pass up. Amber Port

Address: The Cosmic House
Website: jencksfoundation.org

26. Go window shopping in Mayfair

London is a fashionista’s dream destination. However, nowhere is there a higher concentration of glitzy designer stores than down Mayfair’s Bond Street and the alleys that split off of it. Due to the tough competition between the brands, they often pull out all the stops, meaning a stroll down the street is like an open-air exhibition. During the Wimbledon Championships, Ralph Lauren spills out onto the street as a stylish café, while storefronts illuminate snap-happy shoppers at Christmas – Cartier’s displays have become the talk of the town in recent years.

Address: Bond Street, London
Website: bondstreet.co.uk

27. Dine on the terrace in Covent Garden

Rain or shine, Covent Garden is always a great place to shop, dine, and be entertained. In the lead-up to Christmas, the magnificent tree’s unveiling in front of a wide-eyed crowd marks the start of the West End’s festivities. During December, areas of the plaza are dusted in snow on the hour, every hour between 12pm and 9pm, drawing shoppers out from the warmth of the area’s 200+ stores. In the summer, entertainers draw crowds from mid-afternoon as school groups gawp at their acrobatics, juggling and live performances. It’s also an excellent spot for al-fresco dining. Some restaurants and bars create cosy heated terraces once the temperatures drop, but during summer, the outdoor spaces get floral makeovers.

Address: Covent Garden, London
Website: coventgarden.london

28. Connect with nature at Hackney City Farm

Get close to farmland animals at Hackney City Farm – a calming green expanse in the heart of East London. Chickens roam freely, pigs frolic in their pens, and donkeys, goats and sheep potter about as if the hustle and bustle of the capital is a distant mirage. It’s a popular spot for educational school visits during term time, while families take some time out to wander freely and feed the livestock on weekends. Aside from animal encounters, the team holds pottery classes, woodworking sessions, and whittling workshops during school holidays.

Address: Hackney City Farm, 1a Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QA
Website: hackneycityfarm.co.uk

29. Snack away the day at Maltby Street Market

Foodies have flocked to Bermondsey’s Maltby Street Market since it opened in 2010. It’s a weekend destination in its own right and a vital lifeline for Londoners struggling along the Bermondsey Beer Mile in the summer months. Devour melt-in-the-mouth steaks from The Beef Steaks, dribble over the cheese pulls in Mooncheese toasties’ creations, and save room for something sweet from Crepes a la Carte.

Address: Maltby Street Market, Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby Street, London SE1 3PA
Website: maltbystreetmarket.co.uk

30. Visit the Barbican Centre

Love it or hate it, the Barbican Centre is one of London’s brutalist gems. It’s home to a handful of residents in the tower block’s flats, but the main centre is the area’s most in-demand cultural hub. Discover two art galleries, two theatres, three cinemas, a concert hall and a tropical conservatory inside – you’ve probably seen the latter on your social media feeds. Discover emerging artists at one of the free exhibitions, see nature and architecture collide in London’s second-largest conservatory, and grab a bite to eat and something to drink in one of the numerous bars and cafés.

Address: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS
Website: barbican.org.uk

31. See some art at Dulwich Picture Gallery

Dulwich Picture Gallery is so much more than a gallery space. Granted, London’s arty folk flock to SE21 regularly to explore the fascinating exhibitions, which range from educational Renaissance takeovers to contemporary showcases. However, it’s most loved as a family-friendly space ideal for entertaining children and adults of all ages. Join story-making sessions in the garden during the summer, let little ones get messy at under-5s art classes, and look out for family festivals themed around ongoing exhibitions. There are cheese and wine evenings, cookery classes, lectures and talks throughout the year for the adults.

Address: Dulwich Picture Gallery, London SE21 7AD
Website: dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

32. Go rooftop-hopping in Peckham

There’s a rooftop hideout in Peckham for everyone. Frank's Cafe is a solid all-rounder, where East Londoners take residence from the early afternoon (no reservations here) to sink cold pints and devour pulled pork sandwiches during the summer. Bussey Rooftop Bar has a similar vibe, but you’ll see more cocktail-sippers than pint-sinkers, and it’s a great place for friendly reunions thanks to events such as quiz nights and happy hours – the pizzas are a real highlight. Meanwhile, Forza Wine offers a more laid-back rooftop atmosphere. Book in advance to secure a table you can litter with some of the tastiest Italian small plates around, sipping on jugs of wine as the sun sets over the city in the distance.

Address: Frank's Cafe at Bold Tendencies, Bold Tendencies, 7th-10th Floor Multi Storey Car Park, 95A Rye Lane, London SE15 4ST; Bussey Rooftop Bar, Roof B, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, London SE15 4ST; Forza Wine Peckham, The Rooftop, 133A Rye Lane, London SE15 4BQ
Website: boldtendencies.com; copelandpark.com; forzawine.com