Best Things To Do In London

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.

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.

Looking for some inspiration to make your date night unforgettable? We've scoured the city for the best sightseeing opportunities, interactive themed bars, and offbeat activities to make your date night one for the books with a guide. Earn your brownie points here.

With pottery painting, house parties with Stormzy, and hidden roof gardens on the cards each and every weekend in London, there's no stopping you from getting to do something fun. Become a booze-smuggling cowboy at an immersive experience, putt golf balls into toilets or try a Michelin star restaurant - the city is your oyster.

Wondering what to do in London for a day? Last minute planners rejoice; you've not missed a trick. Whether it's a walking tour to catch the changing of the guard, grabbing tickets to a comedy show or taking in some immersive art exhibitions, nothing will stop you from finding something to do right here, right now.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Lucky Voice has proven time and again that it is one of the most fun places around. Providing strong cocktails, a dressing up box and a soundproofed room, this place is letting you sing your heart out with all your mates in the ultimate karaoke sesh. Get a load of their bottomless brunches too.

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 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?

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. 

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.

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.

You can't go wrong with Swingers when looking for things to do in the City, where you can enjoy two 9-hole crazy golf courses, five amazing cocktail bars, a two-storey club house and all the street food vendors you need. You can also hang out at their seaside-themed West End location.

Using the latest in cutting edge technology, Puttshack is a fun mini golf experience across a fairground-style space. Brought to you by the crafty team behind Bounce, this West London watering hole is a drinking, dining and sporting hub where prices start at just £12.50 per game.

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.

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.

When in need of cheap things to do that are just as fun, check out Ginger's Big Drag Bingo at The Looking Glass Cocktail Club in Shoreditch. From massive party anthems and wild dance-offs to mouthwatering pizza and a whole load of sass, this is the classic game, but not as you know it.

Pair your boozy brunch with an exhibition of wonderful acts courtesy of The Greatest Brunch. This unbelievably fun experience at a secret location promises immersive characters, West End singers, dancers and cabaret acts, alongside a whole load of surprises up their sleeves. 

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.

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 and Borough Market, with mini golf challenges that include loops, shark mouths, ramps and more.

Make your way over to Battersea Power Station, where DNA VR is providing you with a whole catalogue of experiences and adventure in a cool setting. Not only are there 11 different pods for gaming, but there's also a four-person area to join forces with all your mates. Think battling zombies, taking on escape rooms, fighting robots and more.

Pay homage to the beautiful game with this fun-filled football games experience - the UK's original destination for a digital kick about. The interactive experience will have you facing off against mates in front of your own goal, while foosball tables, classic arcades and photobooths await at the bar area too.

With numerous board games, seven interconnecting rooms and a mega outdoor area, Draughts Hackney is a great shout for fun nights out. Get down here with your mates to enjoy two cocktails for £14 and an array of burgers, tacos and small plates from roasted squash mac 'n' cheese to bubble fried shrimp - all to fuel your gaming sesh.

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.

Whether it's a quirky date, group experience or family day out you're after, Biscuiteers is a must-visit. Get hands-on with your own icing biscuits, from flowers to butterflies and themed treats, at this charming spot in Notting Hill and Belgravia. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Indoor activities and things to do for adults don't get much better than the whole host on offer at Bat & Ball. The Stratford spot is serving up Olympic-sized table tennis, pool, interactive darts, live sport, DJs and beer pong, alongside a private karaoke room.

Inject your life with a little fun at Gravity in Wandsworth. Not only is this top-notch venue home to a plethora of immersive activities (nine to be exact) including digital darts, VR and E-karting, but it's also touting a Coca-Cola experience, a food hall and two bars. This place really has it all.

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.

Wondering what to do in London? Make sure this one's on your list. Monopoly Lifesize is offering up a fully immersive experience of your favourite board game, complete with building houses, going to jail, and other activities based on the scenarios you know and love. Plus, there's themed cocktails and food at the restaurant to refuel.

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.

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 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.

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.

From post-apocalyptic storylines to codebreaking and mysterious disappearances, there's a whole load of different scenarios to get stuck into at Mission: Breakout London. Whether it's for teambuilding or with mates, this is a great way to get the ol' brain matter working.

A top choice of fun activities, Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace in Shepherd's Bush is the ideal place to take your group for a fun outing and a healthy dose of retro nostalgia. Think skating to the tunes of live music or DJs, before making your way to the American diner and bar for afterwards.

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.

One of the most fun things to do south of the river, Sunday Socials at The Golf Groove has that winning combo of activities, food and drink on cards. Expect to spend an hour in their high-tech bays playing unique games, with a pint or house wine and a meal included too.

There's no doubt that a trip to Boom Battle Bar at The O2, on Oxford Street, Aldgate or in Wandsworth promises a load of fun antics. There are more games than you can shake a stick at, so have a go at axe throwing and crazy golf. If you get hungry? Tuck into wings and loaded fries accompanied by cocktails.

Inject your plans (literally) with Mr Fogg's Cocktail Experiments on Mayfair. Inside the Elixir Room, daring pharmacists will teach you all about how to make the finest boozy antidotes and the art of mixology. The result? Moët & Chandon potions or colour-changing pours.

On the hunt for cool things to do in London? Head to Vinegar Yard and tuck into the likes of lip-smacking bao buns, burgers and more at various street food vendors. Afterward, check out pop-ups, art installations or simply settle in for a couple of pints.

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.

Get on down to Control Room B at Battersea Power Station for this unique experience, Escape The Power Cut. The exciting adventure will see you using your skills to solve puzzles, decipher clues and uncover mysteries. Plus, you'll get a couple of cocktails thrown in too.

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.

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.

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... 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pay a visit to the city's tallest building for unbeatable 360 degree views of London from their elevated platform at the very top. Not only is this a brilliant spot for a day out, but you can also hire out their exclusive space for up to 400 guests - ideal for an unforgettable party and a show-stopping private dinner or wedding reception.

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.

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.

For something a little different to your average theatre event, then head to one of The Magic Hour's spectacular shows across London, taking place at the famous Sheraton Grand Park Lane and Andaz London.

From £49 per person, prepare for a spellbinding evening that shows you how deep the rabbit hole really goes. Prepare to be tricked, amazed and wowed at this acclaimed magic show. 

Another spellbinding collaboration between Squidsoup and renowned DJ Four Tet, who aim to bring performer and audience closer together through immersive experiences, Lost In Light is an unmissable event in the heart of Shoreditch. Expect light, sound and more to engulf your senses across a unique experience.

If you've exhausted all the crazy golf destinations in the city, then why not try our Crazy Boules instead? This quirky Shoreditch destination promises six courses of jumps, ramps and corners - offering a unique twist on petanque.

Decked out in neon signs and colourful interiors, this spot is ideal for competitive group activities and date nights alike. Tickets start from only £11 per person, and there are cracking cocktails up for grabs as well.

London Bridge Rooftop has undergone a full transformation into an Après Bar, complete with ski lift gondolas for seating, heated and covered pergolas decked out in snowy firs and lights, and vintage ski memorabilia to boot. Complete with close-up views of the Shard, it's the ideal destination for some fun.

Think weekend DJs for the après vibes, an après-themed brunch, free-flowing mulled wine teapots and more.

This 25th to the 27th of July, experience the fiery fun of London Wing Fest 2025 at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Enjoy the finest wings, discover new flavours, and cheer on the Wing Eating Challenge participants.

Between the music, axe-throwing competitions, and BBQ masterclasses, there's plenty to keep you entertained. Snag a VIP ticket to enjoy fast-track entry, 20 wings, seven drink tokens, and your own table service station.

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.

Cricket with the boys? Ladies' day at the nets? Sixes in Fitzrovia, White City and Fulham have you covered. Best of all, these bars have high-tech areas with your shots playing on the big screen, so you get the full immersive experience. And a pint afterwards, of course. 

Fun activities for groups don't get much better than Breakin' Escape Rooms. The cool destination in Islington has seven different scenarios to choose between, including pulling off heists, scheming against Davy Jones, and fighting the forces of darkness as witches or wizards.

What better way to spend a day in London than going on a Thames river cruise? City Cruises offer musical events like jazz nights and Elvis tribute acts while sailing through the city, or you can even take part in a murder mystery evening on the water, all from £99 per person - which includes a three-course dinner and drinks.

If you've been dreaming of catching the Swedish pop sensation in action, now's your chance with ABBA Voyage. This epic concert takes place in a one-of-a-kind arena and features the iconic stars performing in avatar form. Tickets kick off at £67 per person for this mind-blowing virtual show, brought to life by CGI wizards Industrial Light & Magic ILM, famous for their work in the Star Wars and Marvel flicks. Get ready to sing your heart out as the band rocks out to classics like 'Knowing Me, Knowing You' and 'Dancing Queen'.

If you're craving more magic from the wizarding world and the eight movies just don't cut it, snag £34 tickets to the famous Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre in Central London. Split into two spellbinding parts, the play follows Potter as he wrestles with his past while his son Albus grapples with the burden of the family legacy.

Contemporary or classical, modernism or traditional, whatever your taste, there's a gallery in London to pique your interests. But once you've seen all the latest art shows in London, picking a gallery can be quite the challenge. That's why we've compiled a selection of the essential London galleries you should explore, including renowned establishments like the National Gallery and Tate Modern and independent favourites such as the White Cube.

From massive whale and dinosaur skeletons to ancient Roman temples and 18th-century art, here's our list of the best museums in London, including the Natural History Museum, The British Museum, Tate Modern, and many more.

If you're a fan of immersive art experiences, you're going to love FRAMELESS. This exhibition houses 42 stunning masterpieces and four galleries all in one place, and you can get in with just one ticket starting at £20. Journey through a mix of art styles, from old-school classics to cutting-edge contemporary pieces, all set to a surround soundscape. You'll uncover digitally remastered works by Kandinsky, Van Gogh, Canaletto, and more. Want more? Frameless Lates keeps the fun going after hours.

Kew Gardens, also known as the Royal Botanic Gardens, is situated in Richmond and houses over 7 million preserved specimens. Swing by to stroll through the grounds, taking in over 50,000 plant species and soaking up breathtaking views from the top of the Japanese pagoda.