Non-Touristy Things To Do In London In 2024

There’s so much to do and see in the capital, so you really need to know what’s what before you take it on. If you want to avoid tourist traps in exchange for more non-touristy things to do in London, we've got you covered. There’s rooftops with views of famous landmarks, cool pubs with arcade games and if you're not afraid of water - floating restaurants. Buckle up and get booking, cause here's a local's guide to discovering things off the beaten track that aren't part of the usual London bucket list. 

Last edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 9th July 2024




LONDON WING FEST 2024

@ London Stadium, on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July 2024

The world's largest dedicated festival of its kind is back and hitting London Stadium from Friday the 26th of July, with tickets starting at around £25 per person. London Wing Fest 2024 is celebrating its ten-year anniversary, with an extravaganza that's bigger and better than ever. Look forward to tucking into juicy wings, gaining a free trucker hat and getting stuck in with activities like axe throwing, while live music surrounds you.

DesignMyNight Presents The Mistletoe Mixer At Merchant House

@ Secret Bar on Various dates from Thursday 1st August 2024

Prepping you for a holly jolly time in the midst of summer, DesignMyNight Presents The Mistletoe Mixer At Merchant House, AKA London's first Christmas pop-up bar to open in the summer. From 1st August until 17th August, you can head down a secret toilet door to reveal a cosy, 12-seater Christmas wonderland where you'll get to savour festive cocktails and jam to seasonal hits while taking in the retro decor and allll the merriment. Tipple options, you ask? From a Home Alone-inspired creamy eggnog-filled creation to a Grinch-themed spiced apple concoction, the drinks will transport you straight inside your cinematic festive favourites. Your £35 ticket comes with two complimentary drinks, and if you're planning to bring all your mates, you can reserve the space for groups of 8 to 12 guests at £65 each which includes four cocktails per person and complimentary bar snacks. Plus, cheese or charcuterie boards are available for pre-order at £25 to munch on while you enjoy your drinks.

Best Brewery Tours In London

When you think of London, do you think of beer? Thought so. If you're looking to do something a little bit different in the city, have a snoop at London's best brewery tours. You'll get history lessons, plenty of beer, complimentary cheese boards and in some cases, some free merch. 

The BBQ Club - 2024

@ BBQ Club on Various dates from Saturday 27th July 2024

Fancy trying out something a little different this summer? Returning to Southbank for its seventh year, The BBQ Club is a quirky, alfresco dining experience where dishes are cooked over fire right in front of your eyes. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients from local suppliers, these guys are whipping up everything from honey-glazed chicken to confit garlic asparagus on a six-course tasting menu, with the option to add on wine pairings for an extra £50 each.

Hidden Jazz Club

There's something to be said for finding a hidden gem. If you love jazz and a good night out, grab yourself some tickets to the Hidden Jazz Club. This artist-run pop-up has sets from some of the best in the biz and tickets start at just £20 a pop. 

Silent Sounds

Believe us when we say this is one boat ride you want to miss. Silent Sounds is one of the best ways to drink in the sights of London with a beverage in hand and three killer radio stations to tune into. They even lift Tower Bridge when you set sail towards Greenwich. 

Best Pop-Up Cinemas In London 2024

London's a busy place and sometimes you need to put your feet up after pounding the pavement. Hit two birds with one stone and kick back with some tickets to one of London's best pop-up cinemas. They have popcorn, they have drinks and if you but the right ticket, some slick views of city landmarks. 

Ballie Ballerson London

Did you know there's a world-famous bar in London? Ballie Ballerson is one-of-a-kind with a karaoke room, sweet-inspired cocktails and two ball pits fit for hours of fun. if you're after a day of being a big kid in the city, this is the ticket. 

The Pretty Parlour

If you fancy venturing a little further to the beautiful borough of Ealing on your visit to London, then be sure to stop by The Pretty Parlour. This unique venue combines high-quality nail treatments with amazing cocktails and Veuve Clicquot Champagne, making for a luxurious pampering session. Choose between 13 different cruelty-free products, with hot towels and head massages on the cards too.

Midnight Apothecary

This stunning rooftop garden near the Thames was voted the most sustainable roof gardens in the world and we can't gatekeep it any longer. They garnish their cocktails with ingredients they grow themselves and they have a fire pit year-round where you can toast S'mores. Tickets are from as little at £8 too, so an absolute bargain. 

Alcotraz: Prison Cocktail Bars

Love theatre but seen it all? Take a journey to Hoxton to find Alcotraz; London's BYOB prison-themed bar, where you'll be trusted with becoming part of the story line. You'll be expected to sneak a bottle of booze past the guards in an orange jump suit in pursuit of criminally good cocktails. 

Sky Garden

Sky Garden is one of the biggest tourist attractions in London, so why is it in this list? Well, everyone knows about Sky Garden but they don't know about their cool events that include everything from yoga at sunrise to VIP music nights fuelled by Champagne.