London sees millions flock to its cobbled streets yearly, pursuing the hottest West End show across 39 theatres, an afternoon tea in iconic red buses and a cultural day out pondering portraits in the National Gallery. Our diverse city is far from short of activities so when it comes to planning your weekend, it can be hard to know where to start.
It's set to be another sunny one (fingers crossed it stays that way), meaning London's going to be looking glorious. The FA Cup final is on everyone's screens this weekend, plus a family-friendly festival is landing in Greenwich. Check back here each week to uncover the best things to do in London this weekend and book on DesignMyNight, from free things to do this weekend to the most luxury and unusual.
Best Things Happening In London This Weekend
1. Head To London’s Iconic Rooftop Playground And Bar
- When: from Thursday 17th April
- Where: Roof East, Floors 7 & 8, Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Way, London E15 1XE
- Price: free entry
but individual games vary in cost
- Perfect for: rooftop bars
and outdoor activities
Stratford’s incredible rooftop space, Roof East, has reopened its doors for another year. They’ve got a whole range of activities to enjoy on their bustling rooftop including disco-inspired bowling, themed crazy golf, a rooftop cinema, live music and bottomless brunches – plus so much more.
You can also choose to munch on food from their incredible vendors, including the amazing fried chicken spot, Chick’n’Sours, hearty burger joint, Cheeky Burger, or Turkish foodie favourites like Piddaji. And of course there’s plenty of bars serving summery cocktails, as well as wine and cold crisp pints.
Roof East has opened its doors for another year and it’s totally free to visit.
2. Visit One Of London’s Best Rooftop Bars
- When: times vary depending on location
- Where: a variety of rooftop bars across London
- Price: varies
depending on location
- Perfect for: sky-high views of the city and amazing cocktails
With the sun set to shine over the capital this weekend, there's no better time to elevate your plans, literally. Whether you're after panoramic city views, creative cocktails, or a buzzing atmosphere, London's rooftop bars have got you covered.
From the chic vibes of Circe’s Rooftop in Waterloo to the Mediterranean-inspired oasis at Madison near St Paul's, these sky-high spots are perfect for soaking up the sunshine, with a cocktail in hand.
Rooftop bars are the perfect place to visit as the weather heats up.
3. Experience Futuristic Bingo
- When: Saturdays and Sundays
- Where: Hijingo, 90 Worship Street, EC2A 2BA
- Price: bingo packages starting from £29 per person
- Perfect for: immersive games and a party atmosphere
Looking for something new to try in London this weekend? Head to Hijingo, where you can enjoy an exciting reimagined bingo experience, complete with live entertainment, giant screens, and immersive lighting.
Whether you're enjoying a fun, friendly competition or celebrating with friends, Hijingo offers a unique way to spend your weekend with incredible prizes and tasty food.
This multi-sensory game of bingo allows you to play multiple rounds of the game and gives you the chance to win amazing prizes.
4. Visit An Unusual Museum
- When: various dates and times depending on the museum
- Where: museums across London
- Price: depends on the museum
- Perfect for: quirky art displays and history
It's no secret that London is home to some of the best museums in the world, but if you're bored of all the usual suspects (though we know you really can't go wrong with the Natural History)? We've got just the thing.
These seven weird and wonderful museums are a great way to spend your Saturday or Sunday (especially if you're looking for free events in London this weekend). Whether you fancy checking out the Freud Museum in Hampstead or heading to Bethnal Green to discover a collection of curiosities throughout history, this list will sort you out. - Kiera Chapman
Experience the whacky and wild collections that London has to offer.
5. Drink And Dine At One Of These Amazing Bottomless Brunches
- When: usually held on Saturdays and Sundays
- Where: locations across London
- Price: prices vary depending on the brunch
- Perfect for: tasty cocktails and delicious dishes
Name something you'd rather do on the weekend that a bottomless brunch...we'll wait. Unlimited drinks are now a weekend staple, and mean you can keep track of your pennies without overspending.
There's a whole host of bottomless brunches available across the city, with everything from ABBA-themed affairs in Covent Garden to multi award-winning brunches entirely centered around Eastenders star, Pat Butcher. Whatever you're looking for, there's something for everyone.
London has everything from Taylor Swift bottomless brunches to ABBA.
6. Bask In The Sun At This Kingston Beer Garden
- When: from 12pm to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, closing at 10pm on Sundays
- Where: Boaters, Kingston Upon Thames, Canbury Gardens, Lower Ham Road, KT2 5AU
- Price: the menu items vary in price
- Perfect for: beer garden pints and warm spring days
Looking for a riverside retreat this weekend? Boaters in Kingston offers a serene escape with its stunning riverside beer garden, complete with shady covers and outdoor heaters for year-round comfort.
Tucked away in Canbury Gardens, just a ten-minute stroll from central Kingston, this dog-friendly gem serves up a seasonal menu of gastro delights alongside an ever-changing selection of real ales. Whether you're after a lazy afternoon pint or a sunset dinner with views across the Thames, Boaters delivers the goods.
This beer garden by the Thames is the perfect place to visit for some sun this weekend.
7. Explore The Urban Village
Fete
- When: Sunday 18th May 2025 from 11am
to 5pm
- Where: Greenwich
Peninsula, Soames Walk, SE10 0SQ
- Price: free to enter, with ticketed workshops
- Perfect for: family day out
and wholesome activities
Head to Greenwich Peninsula on Sunday for the 10th anniversary of the Urban Village Fete. This free, family-friendly festival offers a lively mix of music, art, food, and hands-on workshops. Expect live sets from Gilles Peterson, Touching Bass, and London Soul Choirs, alongside over 40 creative workshops.
With more than 30 street food vendors, five buzzing bars, and a makers' market featuring 32 independent designers, there's plenty to explore. Families can enjoy the Incredibly Clever Canine Circus, Allympics games, and art sessions for kids.
The Urban Village Fete is the perfect family-friendly festival to visit this weekend.
8. Book A Saturday Afternoon Winery Tour & Tasting
- When: Saturday 12th April 2025
- Where: Renegade Urban Winery, Unit 7, Lockwood Way, E17 5RB
- Price: from £25 per ticket
- Perfect for: wine tasting
With the growing urban winery scene thriving, Renegade Urban Winery in Walthamstow is a fantastic place to spend your Saturday afternoon. For only £25 per person, you'll be treated to a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about how their wine is made, followed by the chance to try four different wines.
They also have a wine bar with a similar name in Bethnal Green, so be sure to double check your route before heading over.
For just £25 you can get a tour of the winery and a chance to sample four different wines.
9. Immerse Yourself In Art - Quite Literally
- When: dates and times vary
- Where: across London
- Price: check the specific gallery or exhibition
- Perfect for: immersive art and fun activities
Take yourself out of reality this weekend and step into the world through the eyes of your favourite artist with one of London's many immersive art exhibitions. Walk among the famous works of Monet with tickets to Frameless in Marble Arch, or get lost in ethereal soundscapes as you ponder the works of one of the most famous (and tragic) artists of all time, Van Gogh.
It's also one of the last chances to visit The Moonwalkers: Journey With Tom Hanks, an immersive exploration of the Apollo missions, before it concludes at the end of April. - Kiera Chapman
Frameless is one of the most popular immersive art exhibitions in the city, showcasing the like of Van Gogh.
10. Sip Cocktails Opposite Big Ben
- When: every day until Sunday 21st September 2025
- Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
- Price: cocktails from £13
- Perfect for: riverside views and cocktails in the sun
A pop-up cocktail bar and beer garden has landed at the Southbank Centre just in time for the sizzling hot season. With stellar views of Big Ben, The London Eye and The Houses of Parliament, you couldn’t pick a better spot for a sultry sip.
Nab all your favourite cocktails from The Thirsty Farrier, including refreshing margaritas, Aperol spritzes and strawberry daiquiris. You can also try out their white chocolate pina coladas which sound very dreamy.
The Thirsty Farrier has popped up on the Southbank once again.
11. Catch An Iconic London Theatre Show
- When: matinees and evening performances from Friday to Sunday
- Where: theatres across London and the West End
- Price: prices vary depending on the show
- Perfect for: plays and musicals
London's West End is one of the most famous theatre destinations in the world, showcasing productions such as Wicked, Matilda The Musical and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Some of the most recent shows to hit the theatre scene are The Devil Wears Prada - a musical based on the devilishly popular film featuring Meryl Streep - as well as Mean Girls The Musical, which is so fetch.
Whether you're wanting to be transported through a historical masterpiece depicting the American Revolution, or fancy knowing more about Henry VIII wives, then definitely book in for a brilliant show. - Kiera Chapman
Now in its 26th year of running, The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre should be on your bucket list.
12. Join An Illicit Smuggling Gang At Moonshine Saloon
- When: selected times from Friday to Sunday
- Where: Moonshine Saloon, 28-30, Houndsditch, EC3A 7DB
- Price: from £39.60 per person
- Perfect for: immersive game nights and quirky cocktails
Out of all the things on in London this weekend, we bet you didn't think you'd see an illicit moonshine smuggling operation taking place. Grab your mates and be a part of the story from £39.60 per person, as you step into an immersive experience that requires you to don your best cowboy hat and sneak your own bottles of liquor in.
Join wanted man Clyde Cassidy and rub shoulders with locals, play a few dice games and enjoy four bespoke tipples whipped up with your own illegal spirits. Just be careful not to go spilling the beans when the Sheriff comes knocking at Moonshine Saloon: Western Cocktail Experience. - Kiera Chapman
Dress like a cowboy and drink bespoke cocktails at this immersive western-style bar.
13. Check Out Pizza Pilgrim’s Brand-New Brick Lane Restaurant
- When: opening Monday 12th May 2025
- Where: Pizza Pilgrims Brick Lane, The OldTruman Brewery, 21 Hanbury Street, E1 6QR
- Price: 50% off pizza on Friday 16th May 2025
- Perfect for: pizza restaurants and comfort food
Pizza Pilgrims is bringing a slice of Naples to East London with their newest pizzeria at The Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. This vibrant corner spot boasts interiors inspired by the streets of Napoli, think cobbled floors, graffiti murals, and Amalfi lemon grove booths.
Whether you're craving a classic margherita, the fiery 'nduja, or the indulgent 8-cheese, there's something to satisfy every pizza lover. Pair your slice with a frozen cocktail from their slushy bar or a refreshing beer. They’re also offering 50% off pizzas this Friday, so be sure to get in there quick.
London’s much-loved pizza restaurant has landed on Brick Lane.
14. Catch The FA Cup Final
- When: opening times vary depending on the venue
- Where: various venues across London
- Price: prices of pints and food vary across different locations
- Perfect for: watching football and cold pints
The FA Cup Final is here, and whether you're backing Crystal Palace or Manchester City, the capital has you covered for the big match. There's no shortage of buzzing spots to catch every moment.
Whether you’re wanting a bustling sports bar like Belushis, boasting HD screens and plenty of beers on tap, or an outdoor space like Vinegar Yard which hosts a plethora of amazing street food, there’s somewhere to watch the game for everyone.
Grab your table to catch the FA Cup final at one of these London pubs.
15. Mix Up Some Quirky Cocktails At Mr Foggs
- When: Saturday 17th May 2025
- Where: Mr Fogg's Apothecary, Mayfair, W1K 5DN
- Price: from £58 per person
- Perfect for: quirky cocktails and exploring mixology
If you're a fan of unique cocktails, Mr Fogg's Apothecary could be just the place for you. The enticing Mayfair venue hosts two-hour cocktail-making classes, where expert guides will teach you to create three exciting blends. The daring doctors at his Victorian-inspired haunt are keen to test their new, delicious elixirs out and need you to volunteer as quality control.
Head there on Saturday to explore the limits of mixology, as you sip and savour your creations, discovering a world of intricate and unexpected flavours. Book your slot for either 1pm or 3.30pm - and if you fancy something a little less potent, non-alcoholic options are available too.
Create incredible cocktails that fizz and bubble, there's even non-alcoholic options too.
16. Sing-Along At A Eurovision Watch Party
- When: opening times vary depending on the venue
- Where: various venues across London
- Price: prices of pints and food vary across different locations
- Perfect for: vibrant sing-alongs and late-night parties
The city is turning up the volume for Eurovision this Saturday with a host of fabulous watch parties across the city. Bounce in Holborn is going all out with a drag-hosted bash featuring scorecards, games, and two hours of bottomless pizza, prosecco, beer, and cocktails.
For a more relaxed vibe, The Conductor near St Paul's offers indoor and outdoor screenings, a welcome drink, and a menu of burgers and wings. If you're after a classic pub atmosphere, The Admiralty in Trafalgar Square is hosting a party with London's Married Drag Duo, Miss Joelle & Aidan Orange, plus a welcome cocktail and so much more.
Eurovision is hitting our screens this weekend and many places across London are showing the final.
17. Sip Cocktails At Immersive Prison-Themed Bar Alcotraz
- When: selected times from Friday to Sunday
- Where: Alcotraz Penitentiary: London, 127, Hackney Road, E2 8GY
- Price: from £48.50 per person
- Perfect for: immersive theatre and bespoke cocktails
Cocktail bars don't get much quirkier than Alcotraz: Cell Block Two-One-Two, the Shoreditch venue brought to you by the brains behind Moonshine Saloon and Avora that encourages you to smuggle in a bottle of your favourite liquor past the eagle-eyed warden.
This immersive, prison-themed experience sees guards whipping up bespoke tipples for you to sip in your cells, all while you're wearing your bright orange jumpsuits (and taking mugshots during your time here, of course). Tickets start from £48.50 per person and include four personalised drinks, so snap yours up now to spend a night behind bars. - Kiera Chapman
Smuggle in your own alcohol to be made bespoke cocktails by prison guards (AKA prison mixologists) at Alcotraz.
18. Nab A Free Burger At Vinegar Yard
- When: Friday 16th May 2025
- Where: Nanny Bill’s at Vinegar Yard, 72-82 St Thomas St, SE1 3QU
- Price: from free for the first 200 visitors
- Perfect for: hearty food and outdoor dining
Burger lovers, mark your calendars. Nanny Bill’s is celebrating its 10th birthday by giving away 200 free Dalston Dip burgers on Friday. Head to Vinegar Yard near London Bridge from midday to grab one of these gravy-drenched beauties, served on a first-come, first-served basis.
Not a meat eater? They've got you covered with free Chick Queen burgers available too. No tickets, no catch, just be sure to show up early. It’s the perfect Friday treat for anyone craving comfort food with a cult following.
Nab a free burger at Vinegar Yard this Friday.
19. Check Out London's Best Parks
- When: anytime
- Where: London's most famous green spaces
- Price: from free
- Perfect for: free things to do and wholesome experiences
When the weather's looking good for the weekend ahead, there's nothing better than chilling in a beautiful green space, and it's one of the many free things to do in London this weekend. This city has plenty of parks (and is actually made up of 40% public spaces), which is why it's only natural that we've put together a guide to the very best parks across the capital.
We've got all areas covered, from Hampstead Heath to Clapham Common or Greenwich Park - perfect for picnics, alfresco drinks and soaking up the sun among Grade II-listed buildings or picturesque Japanese gardens. - Kiera Chapman
Free-roaming deer inhabit Richmond Park.
20. Visit This Brand-New NYC-Inspired Restaurant
- When: open from 7am until 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays and until 11.30pm on Sundays
- Where: Twenty8 Nomad, 28 Bow St, London WC2E 7AW
- Price: classic cocktails from £19 and mini martinis from £10
- Perfect for: boujee bars and amazing cocktails
The recently opened Twenty8 NoMad is a cool new NYC-inspired bistro that's just landed inside the NoMad Hotel in Covent Garden. Think towering seafood platters, truffle-laced roast chicken, and a chic atrium setting designed for lingering over long lunches or glam dinners.
A lineup of classic cocktails (martini fans, you're in luck) curated by Leo Robitschek. Whether you're in for brunch, afternoon tea or a pre-theatre bite, this place delivers New York style with a London twist.
This brand-new NYC-style restaurant has hit the streets of Covent Garden.
21. Go Clubbing In A Warehouse
- When: all weekend
- Where: multiple venues across London
- Price: tickets vary depending on the venue
- Perfect for: partying and late night dancing
When looking for events in London this weekend, make sure to check out what's going on at some of the city's coolest clubs. You'll find that the Tottenham-based Drumsheds is one of the hottest around, hosting epic gigs in a warehouse space that used to be an IKEA.
If techno's your thing, check out fabric in Farringdon, or make your way over to Hackney Wick for Colour Factory, where you'll find a pretty outdoor terrace serving up delicious food (think burgers and Greek goodies) and all-day and night bashes 'til 4am. - Kiera Chapman
London's home to some of the best nightclubs in the world, including fabric, Drumsheds and Colour Factory.
22. Go Sightseeing Around London On The Big Red Pizza Tour
- When: Saturday 17th May 2025
- Where: Detroit Pizza London, 73, Commercial Street, London, E1 6BD
- Price: from £90 per person
- Perfect for: pizza lovers and sightseeing tours
Are you a lover of the cheesy triangle slices? Then this tour is a MUST this weekend. The Big Red Pizza Tour travels to all of London’s best pizza spots, all while travelling on a vintage red bus – does it get much cooler than this?
There are six different spots to choose from, and whether you’re a stuffed crust fanatic or prefer a thin base, there’s something for everyone. With tickets starting from £90, you’ll also get plenty of beer and music provided on the tour. Ensure to travel with an empty stomach, you’re going to need it.
Take a tour of London while eating the best pizza along the way.
23. Check Out Some Of London's Best Exhibitions
- When: every day on weekends, although each exhibition's opening times are different
- Where: all around London
- Price: price depends on the exhibition
- Perfect for: art buffs and wholesome things to do
If you're wondering what to do in London this weekend, allow us to point you to one of the thousands of exhibitions in the city - some of which are entirely free to enter.
It's a great idea for couples or even a little bit of alone time - just take your pick of everything from iconic, VOGUE: Reinventing The Runway to The World Of Tim Burton and an exhibition on stunning Flora In Contemporary Art & Culture at the Saatchi Gallery.
London's exhibition scene is full of historical delights, such as Spencer House, as well as installations dedicated to David Bowie.
24. Join A Pilates Class With Insane Views Of London
- When: Saturday 17th May 2025
- Where: Sky Garden, 1, Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF
- Price: from £35 per person
- Perfect for: incredible city views and wholesome morning activities
If you need to stretch out the stresses of the week before, then this yoga class is for you. Head up to floor 35 of the iconic Walkie Talkie building to Sky Garden, where you can learn to be zen while enjoying postcard views of the city below.
Included in the ticket is a full body sculpt class, a delicious (and nutritious) smoothie and an exclusive goodie bag from Dr Organic. Be sure to bring your own yoga mat and don’t forget to pack a jumper – Sky Garden can be a bit on the chilly side.
Start your weekend off the right way with a pilates class in front of London landmarks.
25. Check Out Jamie Oliver’s New
Cafe
And Cooking
School
- When: cookery school is open from 10am to 11pm daily, and the cafe is open from 11pm to 7pm every day other than Sundays, when it closes at 5pm
- Where: Jamie Oliver
Cafe, 300 Oxford St, London W1C 1DX
- Price: classes from £59 per person
- Perfect for: cooking classes and cute cafes
Jamie Oliver has just opened his flagship cookery school and café on the third floor of John Lewis Oxford Street, and it’s a foodie’s dream come true. The space features two vibrant classrooms offering over 40 hands-on classes, from pasta-making to Vietnamese street food.
Right next door, the Jamie Oliver Café is serving up a relaxed menu of loaded focaccias, fresh salads, buttery pastries, and brewed coffee—perfect for a post-shop snack.
One of the UK’s most famous chefs has opened a brand-new cafe and cookery school in the city.
26. Dress In Pink For This Barbie Movie Night And After Party
- When: Saturday 17th May 2025
- Where: The Grand, 21 - 25 Saint John's Hill, SW11 1TT
- Price: from £9.09 per person
- Perfect for: sing-alongs and film screenings
The Clapham Grand is transforming into a Barbie dreamland for their Barbie Pink-Along Movie Night. Expect a massive screen showing the iconic film, live hosts, pink cocktails, and prizes for the best Barbie and Ken costumes.
After the movie, stick around for the Hot To Go Pink Pop After Party, which is included with your ticket. Dance the night away with fellow fans in a sea of pink, with tickets starting from £9 a pop.
Look pretty in pink at this Barbie-themed party in Clapham.
27. Get Creative With Pottery Painting
- When: weekend days, with different opening times for each studio
- Where: all over the capital
- Price: dependent on your chosen venue
- Perfect for: wholesome activities and art
Sometimes, you've got to get a little bit creative (or remind yourself why you either loved or loathed having pottery painting parties when you were a kid). Across London, loads of cool haunts are inviting you to decorate ceramics, from cereal bowls and egg cups to classic mugs to drink your morning coffee out of.
Head to West London to the Pottery Café, pay a £7.95 studio fee, then hit the brushes, or make your way over to Kentish Town for Social Pottery's offering which comes with a BYOB option. - Kiera Chapman
Head to a pottery painting studio and pay as little as £6 as a studio fee.
28. Visit Lift 109 At Battersea Power Station
- When: Friday 11th and Saturday 12th April 2025
- Where: Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, Nine Elms, SW11 8DD
- Price: from £17 a ticket
- Perfect for: amazing views and quirky things to do
Take the Northern line to one of the most iconic buildings in the city, which is Grade II-listed and has been transformed into a vibrant shopping and leisure destination. Battersea Power Station has been around since 1929, with a steady construction history and plenty of cool pop culture moments (Pink Floyd album cover, anyone?).
Today, you can ascend 109 metres up to the top of Lift 109 and enjoy a 360-degree view of the city from £17 per person. And if you're hungry, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from for lunch or dinner, including JOIA, run by Michelin-starred Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. - Kiera Chapman
Boasting restaurants and bars such as Searcy's, JOIA and Arcade Food Hall and Bar, Battersea Power Station is a must visit.
29. Dine Along The Southbank At The BBQ Club
- When: from Friday 25th April 2025
- Where: The BBQ Club, Riverside Queens Walk, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
- Price: from £60 per person
- Perfect for: BBQ food and alfresco dining
If you’re planning to take a wander along the Southbank this weekend, then be sure to visit The BBQ Club for a bite to eat. This iconic spot will be serving up some sizzling hot delights, with everything from delicious chicken thighs to smoked ox cheek.
Enjoy a six-course tasting menu like no other in the most beautiful alfresco dining spot in the city. Expect incredible BBQ favourites made with sustainable ingredients, as well as an extensive wine list to wash it all down. Summer is finally here (well, almost).
Jimmy’s famous BBQ Club is back for another year.
30. Try London's Famous Ball Pit Bar
- When: Fridays and Saturdays
- Where: Ballie Ballerson, 97 - 113 Curtain Road, EC2A 3BS
- Price: from £5 a ticket
- Perfect for: big kid fun and quirky cocktails
Boasting over one million balls and an envious lineup of parties from bottomless brunches to dancing into the night, the capital's mightiest ball-pit bar, Ballie Ballerson in Shoreditch, is here for when you're seeking the best things to do in London this weekend. Celebrated in neon, and perfect for cocktail lovers looking for great deals, it's something of an institution in the city these days, so prepare to dive on in with tickets starting from £5 per person.
And on the menu? Signature, Instagram-worthy sips like the Dabbie Dabberson (£11), made with Gordon's Pink and Sloe gin, and cranberry, topped with a Dip Dab. - Kiera Chapman
Ballie Ballerson is the perfect place to unleash your inner big kid.
Need more inspiration? Check out the best things to do in London for more ideas.
