Best Things To Do In London

We know our capital can be a bit overwhelming when searching for what to do or how to spend the day. The bright shiny lights, the huge buildings, the pressing crowds and rush hour crushes; it's hard to decide where to go among all the bustle. Well, you're in luck, because we're here with a guide to the most best London things to do - adding to your ever-growing bucket list.

There are a range of cool events if you're wondering what's on, unique days out, evening activities, and everything happening this weekend. Top things to do in London are around every corner...

Things To Do London: Attractions, Activities, Events And Days Out

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 3rd October 2024




Things To Do In London For Free

When you're after things to do in London on a budget, our guide has you covered for everything from free museums and galleries to stunning views, live music, and free-entry parks and gardens. Because enjoying the UK capital doesn't always have to cost an arm and a leg.

Things To Do In London With Kids

Keeping your little ones entertained in London is a piece of cake with our guide to family activities. From kid-friendly festivals to interactive museum exhibitions, get set for family fun and frolics in the heart of London with this list.

Ballie Ballerson London

Ballie Ballerson is the place for ballpit antics, bottomless pizza brunches and plenty of flowing cocktails. If that wasn't enough, then also know the venue is always on-hand to offer up the very best themed events come different seasons or holidays.

Tonight Josephine

Looking for the best things to do in London? Whether you're in Clapham or Waterloo, there's plenty of fun to be had. Step inside one of these neon-lit pink bars, where you'll be able to let loose to entertainment-fuelled events including drag divas, bottomless brunches and themes ranging from Harry Styles to Taylor Swift and divas of pop.

Alcotraz London: Cell Block Two-One-Two

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: London on Various dates from Tuesday 8th October 2024

Not only does Alcotraz offer one of the most unique things to do, but it's also home to some of the best cocktails too - and that's because they're fully bespoke to your group. Smuggle in your choice of spirit and the inmates will whip you up rounds of drinks, all while you get involved with the immersive prison experience alongside live actors and fun scenarios. 

Flight Club

If you're short of things to do and fancy something to keep you busy as you swill spirits, make your way over to Flight Club. This cool darts bar boasts a digital scoring system, games to be played, and social brunches where you'll munch through unlimited pizza while drinking a bottle of prosecco each.

Paranormal Activity Tour

@ Outside Farringdon Station (Infront of Timpson) on Friday 11th October 2024 and 5 other Fridays

After the best things to do in London at night? Prepare to be scared like you've never been before. Using the help of Ouija boards and other paranormal equipment, you'll be looking through some of the most haunted places in the city. This tour boasts serial killers, mass graves and bloody executions.

The Big Bakes

The Big London Bake is a food event that will challenge London's amateur bakers in new and exciting ways, with Haggerston and Tooting locations waiting for you to book into. You'll take part in a number of testing challenges in pairs, with winners crowned after judging at the end. Will you whisk past your opponents?

WeJam

Ever dreamt of being in a rock band? Then WeJam is bound to get you groovin'. Make your way through the ordinary guitar shop in Camden, where you'll be able to gather your closest pals and record your own music in this cool (and hidden) immersive experience. 

Hip Hop Brunch LDN

Leave all your inhibitions at the door and dive head first into all the fun on offer at the Hip Hop Brunch. Guests will first be treated to two courses of Southern food, before enjoying fun rounds of karaoke, live performances, dance-offs and plenty of opportunities to dance to top tunes.

Map Maison

If you're looking for fun activities in the Hackney area, Map Maison is always a top choice. As well as having London's largest collection of Japanese whiskey, they've got gin, cocktail or whiskey masterclasses on offer if you fancy learning more about your favourite tipples. Fancy something with food? Then there's mouthwatering bottomless brunches and tapas-style afternoon tea.

West End Musical Brunch

@ Secret London Location on Various dates from Saturday 12th October 2024

Get yourself down to this secret location where they'll be laying on another round of their epic West End musical brunch. With tasty food, bottomless bubbles and non-stop live show tunes, this one will have musical maniacs in heaven, especially when you consider that the cast have been in the likes of Wicked, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Lion King, The Book of Mormon and more.

The Reggae Brunch

Get over to a secret London location, where the Reggae Brunch will be kicking off with a whole afternoon of delicious food, an hour of unlimited rum cocktails and the very best music. Think reggae, soca, calypso and bashment from some excellent DJs - as well as everything from boat parties to bank holiday BBQs.

Moonshine Saloon: Western Cocktail Experience

@ Moonshine Saloon on Various dates from Tuesday 8th October 2024

Whether you're looking to shake up date night or breathe a new lease of life into your weekend antics, Moonshine Saloon makes our list of unusual things to do in London. Join wanted man, Clyde Cassidy, and embark on a great American trip to the Wild West, where bespoke cocktails made from your smuggled moonshine, gambling and a suspicious sheriff await.

plonk

Some of the city's best crazy golf venues are bringing mad, neon-filled courses and all kinds of fun. Plonk has taken over places in Shoreditch, Hackney, Borough Market and Camden Market, with mini golf challenges that include loops, shark mouths, ramps and more.

Party n Paint

If you love painting and booze, then this is the night for you. Party N Paint let's you bring out your creative side with an evening of making art while sipping on prosecco, vodka shots and cocktails. Plus, all the sounds of 90s bangers are going on around you.

Electric Shuffle London Bridge

Happy Hour!

When it comes to things to do in London, Electric Shuffle is one to consider for rounds of high-tech shuffleboard complete with exclusive mini games and automatic scoring for your group's leader board. As well as offering bites to eat and thirst-quenching cocktails, this place will add a dash of healthy competition to your weekend with its boozy brunches that sling out unlimited pizza and a bottle of prosecco each.

The Piano Works West End

Happy Hour and 1 other offer

Assemble a group and get over to The Piano Works West End or Farringdon, where you'll be serenaded by piano vocalists and a singing waitress, with an in-house 6 piece band only playing songs requested by you. Enjoy classic British brunches or dinners spanning lasagne, pork ribs and steak to fuel your experience, then stay 'til late to let down your hair on the dancefloor.

Sounds Familiar Music Quiz

Need plans? Sounds Familiar Music Quiz has got you covered. These events at pubs and bars city-wide make sure you're using your brains (and ears) to match lyrics and song snippets to the correct answers, with bangers from across the decades being played. And don't forget about the afterparty either.

Barrio Bars

Bored of regular trips to the boozer? Head to Barrio Bars across the city for their top-notch array of bottomless brunch themes, including rum bingo, Cardi RnB and a block party inspired by East Harlem. They also have a crackin' menu filled with fresh Mexican street food and cocktails galore.

Sky Garden

Get to one of the city's most iconic rooftops to enjoy sublime views and live music. Tickets to Sky Garden's music events take a place on our list of things to do at London attractions, including a drink on arrival and a truly unique night, complete with a DJ or band. Otherwise, there's sky-high morning yoga, sunrise sessions and breakfasts too.

Silent Sounds Boat Party

@ The Silent Disco Boat on Saturday 30th November and Saturday 25th January 2025

Ever wanted to party on a boat going down London's iconic river, soaking up the views while dancing at the same time? Well, now's your chance. Over at Silent Sounds' parties, you can groove the night away to house and disco bangers across the two-storey vessel, as well as tip back tasty drinks at multiple bars across each deck.

Thames Rockets

Need unique things to do in London? Get a load of Thames Rockets. These speedboat tour experiences will cruise you along the iconic river, offering a gorgeous view of 20 of the capital's iconic landmarks, with comedian guides and seasonal drinks at hand.

Fairgame Canary Wharf

Located in Canary Wharf, Fairgame is fronting carnival vibes with its funfair games and quirky cocktails. While wolfing down street food, you can get stuck into the likes of Roll-A-Ball Derby, Shoot the Clown and Whac-A-Mole across a huge space. You can even keep track of your group's scores on each game using RFID wristband tech that logs wins on leader boards in a bespoke app. That's eternal bragging rights coming your way.

YO!

Discounts available on certain events

On the hunt for new things to do for adults, couples and families alike? YO!'s Sushi School is not to be missed. You'll be guided on how to make a scrumptious selection of Japanese bites on Bond Street, from sashimi through to crunchy Cali rolls. And to top it all off, you'll enjoy a drink each and gyozas to munch as well.

Immersive Gamebox

From experiences based on hit Netflix series Squid Game to becoming a spy or blasting off on a spaceship, Immersive Gamebox offers some of the most fun things to do in London with friends. Team up with your pals in a private pod, don your motion-sensor visor, and use your body's movements and the touch-sensitive walls to complete adventures ranging from surviving Squid Game to spying.

Hidden Jazz Club

Hidden Jazz Club is the ideal place for adults to have fun, as the sultry pop-up jazz club brings the sexy sounds of local live musicians to the stage in Soho, Hackney and Marlyebone. Plus, when the event has been frequented by famous artists and Grammy winners, you know it's got to be good.

The Candlelight Club

@ The Candlelight Club on Various dates from Saturday 26th October 2024

For those fun things to do in Central, The Candlelight Club has got you covered. This top-secret speakeasy bar has a boatload of shenanigans going on, including live jazz, cabaret entertainment and multi-course meals. On top of that, this joint encourages you to wear 1920s-style clothes to fully immerse yourselves in the experience.

The London Cabaret Club

You can always rely on The London Cabaret Club if you're in need of something fun to do in London. Not only will you get to catch a plethora of top-notch performers taking the stage, but there are also themed events, including burlesque and British dining experiences to boot.

The Covent Garden Comedy Club

@ Freemasons Arms on Various dates from Friday 11th October 2024

The Covent Garden Comedy Club promises you an absolute laugh and a half over at Freemasons Arms. With 22 years in the business, they're bringing some of the best acts on the circuit for one helluva show, featuring names from the international circuit alongside up and comers across lineups of three to four comedians and a compere per show.

The 90's Brunch

Pay homage to one of the greatest eras at The 90s Brunch. Shimmy on over to a secret London location and get ready for a mouthwatering two-course meal, one hour of bottomless booze and non-stop hits that'll get you up and dancing. Plus, there'll be quizzes, lip sync competitions, dance offs and the chance to win prizes as well.

Bounce Battersea

A playful ping pong hub in the iconic Battersea Power Station, Bounce Battersea is equipped with 17 tables, the latest in tech and frolics like shuffleboard, Wonderball and beer pong starting at only £6pp. Perfect for family-friendly fun or a boogie with close friends, they've got a tasty menu and cocktail bar to keep you going all night.

The Murdér Express

@ Pedley Street Station on Various dates from Wednesday 9th October 2024

Embark on the most chaotic train ride of your life with The Murdér Express. This immersive dining experience will see you dining on a four-course meal from Michelin star chef and winner of The Great British Menu, Niall Keating, all while a murder investigation unfolds in the aisle. Expect flamboyant characters, funny interactions and an unexpected conclusion... 

Quiz Boxing

How do you think you'd fare in a ring? Now's your chance to find out, with the unforgettable Quiz Boxing Camden. This interactive experience combines the best elements of a TV show with the atmosphere of an arena, offering you the chance to play alongside or go head to head with your friends in games such as true or false, guess the song and classic trivia. Tickets start from £25 each and you're able to customise your go by picking the themes. Geography wizz? There's a category for that.

Babylon Park

Whether you're after the best things to do London has on offer or just fancy a blast from the past, Camden's Babylon Park is worth putting on your list. This space-themed adventure and amusement park features old classics like basketball and air hockey alongside everything from roller coasters, bumper cars and carousels to a choice of fun interactive video games or VR experiences.

See Your City

Historical tours are one of the best ways to see the city, and See Your City offers some of the best around. Think Jack the Ripper walking tours that'll teach you all about the infamous tale and the locations where it happened, or ghostly excursions that include a boat ride, with prices starting from £10 per person.

Barbican Conservatory

The Barbican's botanical Conservatory is one of London's most stunning spaces, thanks to over 2,000 species of tropical plants like indoor trees and foliage descending from the tiered walls. Their glass ceiling allows for some cracking views too, and you can either visit via the weekly ticket release or hire out this spot for private events with a capacity of up to 150 people.

Albert's Schloss London

With seven days of showtime on offer - meaning you'll be covered for entertainment every single night - Albert's Schloss London is a top pick of things to do whether you're going out as a couple or with a group. Grab a table for alpine food or drinks of German beers and twists on classic cocktails. Be treated to views of the stage, where everything from wild cabaret to request-based piano performances, and the haus band playing popular tunes alongside a DJ and promenading dancers await.

Gin School & Bespoke Gin-Making

@ HALF HITCH Micro-Distillery on Various dates from Tuesday 8th October 2024

The perfect outing for gin lovers, Half Hitch Micro-Distillery are offering wonderful Gin School & Bespoke Gin-Making sessions. You'll be provided with a range of ingredients to create your own blend, as well as tasting some delicious tipples along the way. Tickets cost just £70, and you'll get the chance to purchase extra gins at a discounted price afterwards too.

Avora: A New-World Cocktail Experience

@ Roscorp Laboratories on Various dates from Tuesday 8th October 2024

Set apart from your regular cocktail bar is Avora: A New-World Cocktail Experience, the immersive adventure at Roscorp Laboratories in Hoxton. This one-of-a-kind haunt invites you to embark on a mission through a film-like set (think mythical foliage and woodlands), befriending the local inhabitants, the Avorians, along the way. Tickets start from £42.50 each and include three complimentary bespoke tipples, one of which is essential to drink before entry to help you acclimatise to the magical landscape.

London Cocktail Week 2024

@ Hundreds of London's Best Bars on Thu, 3rd Oct 2024 - Sun, 13th Oct 2024

London Cocktail Week 2024 is taking place from Thursday the 3rd of October to Sunday the 13th, with many top city venues taking part and offering signature £8 cocktails. These can be enjoyed with a £20 wristband, which includes a guidebook to help you navigate the festival and browse the bespoke tipples. It's a truly fantastic time for cocktail connoisseurs and bar managers alike, offering insights into the industry alongside some seriously delicious creations.

Bustronome

Hop aboard a see-through double-decker bus and indulge in top-notch gourmet treats at Bustronome. You'll savour exquisitely crafted dishes from the lower deck, perfectly matched with specific wines in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. In between bites and perfectly paired vino, you can tune in with the audio pens to hear fascinating tidbits about London, many of which will totally blow your mind.

WINGTOBERFEST 2024

@ Big Penny Social on Friday 11th October 2024 and 2 other dates

WINGTOBERFEST 2024 is flying into Big Penny Social from Friday the 11th of October to the 13th, and for £55, it's going to be a clucking good time. Enjoy axe throwing, live music, and jaw-dropping eating competitions. Unlimited wings and bratwurst fries are yours for 90 minutes, and if you're thirsty for more, go VIP for £40 extra to sip bottomless beer, wine, or soft drinks for 3.5 hours. Gather your crew and wing it - this festival is sure to take your taste buds to new heights.

The Prettiest Secret Gardens

With tree-lined streets and abundant parks, gardens and commons, London is brimming with green spaces to explore. Sure, you've heard of the big hitters like Hampstead Heath and Hyde Park, but did you know there are plenty of gorgeous hidden grasslands tucked away in the city, waiting to be discovered by those who seek them out? If that's not your thing though, check out these secret bars, some of London's best parks (Royal or otherwise) or some pretty waterside walks instead.