Things To Do In London Today: Attractions, What's On & Events

Last minute dash for something to do? Being hounded by your friends for fun and quirky plans but not had the time to organise? Fret not. While already known for amazing parks, museums and world-class musicals, we've also got the nitty gritty on the best of the best in events, activities and what's on. Check out our recommendations for what to do in London today, from last-minute tickets for a West End show to quirky gaming bars and top attractions.

Last edited by Jasmine Lee Kennedy

Last updated on 30th October 2024




Comedy In London Tonight

Looking for indoor things to do in London today? Then why not head to a hilarious comedy show - and there are plenty to choose from in our city. From Monday night shows on the Southbank to weekly West End comedy clubs, there are more than enough places for a good laugh. These picks are all super affordable too, great if you're after fun things to do in London today on a budget.

Best Theatre Shows in London

A trip to the West End has to be one of the top things to do when visiting London, and if you're lucky you might just be able to bag last minute tickets to see a fantastic show. We've got all the classics such as Mamma Mia, The Book Of Mormon or Moulin Rouge! The Musical, as well as some more unusual picks like West End Musical brunches and immersive, Sherlock-themed murder mysteries - witch price starting from as little as £25 per person.

The Brig

@ Merchant House on Various dates from Thursday 21st November 2024

The Brig is London's smallest bar, which can be booked for just two to four people at a time. You'll find this intimate spot in Merchant House on Bow Lane, complete with your own personal bartender to whip up bespoke drinks for you. This unique experience can be entirely tailored to you, with the opportunity to play your own music and try out whatever spirits you fancy, all for just £65 each per hour.

Gin Masterclass @ The Distillery

@ The Distillery on Various dates from Thursday 21st November 2024

Dive into the exciting world of gin as you join the epic Gin Masterclass @ The Distillery priced at £45 per person. Led by their in-house gin guru, this experience guarantees the ultimate boozy adventure, whether you're coming with a group or flying solo. Throughout the 1.5-hour gathering, you'll taste and uncover the mysteries of four outstanding gins, unleash your inner gin-ius, and have a tonne of fun.

Paint a Pic London

Taking place most days, Paint a Pic is a fun, relaxing way to let your creative side out. Multiple venues across the city host these wholesome events, from the White Hart in Southwark to Finch's in Finsbury Square. You'll be given all the materials you need to create your own masterpiece, with different themes to choose from every day. Your £33 ticket includes high-quality materials and an expert instructor to guide you through the process, with drinks available afterwards from the bar.

Sky Garden

Looking for the very best views that the city has to offer? Then head to Sky Garden, where you can enjoy 360-degree panoramas of the capital from their gorgeous, plant-filled rooftop space. There's an outdoor terrace, bars and restaurants as well as plenty of spots to snap the perfect Instagram picture, and you can find cool events here almost every day as well. Whether you're in the mood for sunrise yoga sessions, DJ-led music nights or a delicious lunch in beautiful surrounds, this place is well worth a visit.

Bottomless Brunch - Ballie Ballerson London

@ Ballie Ballerson, London on Various dates from Thursday 21st November 2024

There are plenty of bottomless brunches to be found across the capital, but this one is possibly the most unique. Iconic party bar Ballie Ballerson host their boozy events every single day in the afternoon and evening, promising 90 minutes of unlimited pornstar martinis, beer, prosecco and hard seltzers. There are all kinds of tasty pizzas to get stuck into here as well, with gluten-free bases and vegan cheese available too. What's more, you can add access to their ball pit or even a private karaoke booth onto your ticket.

Electric Shuffle London Bridge

Happy Hour!

With venues in both London Bridge and Canary Wharf, Electric Shuffle is a great choice for last-minute fun. Their interactive shuffleboard tables come with electronic scoring and screens that replay your best moments, as well as a number of fun different games to choose from. Tuck into small plates, pizzas, burgers and cocktails while you're here, and why not check out their boozy brunches on the weekends?

Alcotraz London: Cell Block Two-One-Two

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: London on Various dates from Thursday 21st November 2024

The first immersive theatrical cocktail bar to hit the streets of London, Alcotraz has become quite the viral destination over the years. This prison-themed experience will have you and your friends hopping into orange jumpsuits and heading to your cells, all while smuggling in your favourite bottle of liquor for the expert mixologists to create four personalised cocktails from during your visit. What's more, you'll get your very own mugshots to take home as well.

Bounce, Old Street

Looking for a fun activity bar that's got it all? Then check out Bounce, with venues in Shoreditch, Farringdon and Battersea. These quirky spots boast a whopping 17 different ping pong tables to play on, plus interactive, digital table tennis and beer pong too, with prices starting from just £6 per person. You'll also find DJs here until late on a regular basis, while you're busy enjoying signature cocktails like the Ting Pong and delicious pizzas, garlic sourdough strips or barbecue beef poppers.

plonk

Founded by a group of set designers from the film industry, Plonk Crazy Golf is one of the quirkiest activity bars around, with venues in Hackney, Shoreditch, Camden and Borough Market. You can book on to their nine-hole courses for a little competitive fun, costing as little as £8.50 per person, with pool tables and arcade games available at some of their locations too. And if you're looking for things to do in London today with kids, under 18s are welcome before 5pm on weekdays.

Best Tours

If you're looking for a unique way to explore the city while still seeing all the best sights, Best Tours are the way to do it. You'll get to explore all kinds of interesting areas over the two hours, all while hearing fascinating stories about London-based celebrities and film trivia from your knowledgeable guide. They've got tours themed around Harry Potter, The Beatles and more, or if you're hunting for royal events in London today, then check out their Changing of the Guard walking tour.

Treasure Hunts In London

Ideal for team building activities, family days out or something a little different to do with your friends, these London treasure hunts can usually be booked to take part in on the very same day. There are plenty of different routes and styles to choose from, taking place everywhere from Richmond to Greenwich or Covent Garden. You can even guide yourselves through these experiences, meaning that there's no time pressure from anyone else, and it's a great way to see more of the city while getting outdoors.

Flight Club Shoreditch

Afternoon Fizz

Whether you're in Shoreditch, Victoria or Islington, Flight Club is well worth the visit. These quirky fairground-themed venues are filled with colourful, nostalgic decor, but the real star of the show is their interactive dartboards where you and your friends can play all sorts of fun minigames. These high-tech electronic boards will add up your scores as you go, and there are plenty of exciting cocktails and pizzas to keep you fuelled through all the competitions. What's more, their brunch socials take place every weekend starting from £30 per person, promising a whole bottle of prosecco each, all the pizza you can eat plus an hour of games.

Albert's Schloss London

Albert's Schloss London is a Bavarian beer palace offering the best in drinks and traditional food from the Alps. Named after Prince Albert and a reflection of his Bavarian heritage, love for music, and art, it's known for top-notch entertainment with live performances every night. Get ready for seven days of fantastic showtime acts, each with its own theme and live performers, perfect for enjoying over dinner or drinks. On the menu? Juicy bratwurst sausages, comforting schnitzels, and a fantastic selection of beers imported from Germany, the Czech Republic, Belgium, and beyond.

The Four Thieves

Midweek Meal Deal and 1 other offer

The Four Thieves may be a great pub, but it's so much more than that too. This Battersea location fronts a huge arcade full of retro machines, alongside huge projector screens, a pretty outdoor terrace and some of the tastiest pizzas around - to pair with gin or a craft beer. There are plenty of events on here as well, from their weekly quiz nights to karaoke Mondays and comedy shows every Wednesday, and there's also a fun-filled bottomless brunch on Saturdays.

Avora: A New-World Cocktail Experience

@ Roscorp Laboratories on Various dates from Thursday 21st November 2024

If you find yourself asking 'what is on in London today', then Avora could be just the thing for you, taking place in Hoxton every day of the week. This unique experience is created by the team behind Moonshine Saloon and Alcotraz, offering a totally immersive event that's unlike anything you've tried before. Don custom-made jumpsuits and take part in laboratory missions along your journey through mystical, luminous woodlands, brought to life by interactive actors. You'll get to try three bespoke cocktails here too, including a magical colour-changing concoction.

The Big London Bake East

@ The Big London Bake East on Various dates from Thursday 21st November 2024

Whether you're in Haggerston or Tooting, The Big London Bake is one of the best things to do in London today - with some pretty tasty results. Head to their marquees where all the equipment and ingredients you need will be provided, with up to 12 teams of two competing to create the very best sweet treats. This 90-minute competition puts your skills to the test while having a laugh, with tickets starting from just £36 per person.

Explore Immersive Art Exhibitions

After cool things to do in London today? We all know that this city is full of brilliant art galleries, but if you fancy stepping things up a notch, then why not check out these immersive art exhibitions. We've rounded up the weird, the whacky and the seriously impressive, including the mesmerising Frameless in Marble Arch, Shoreditch's Van Gogh Exhibit and an interactive LEGO display at The Boiler House on Brick Lane.

Top London Attractions

Looking to explore some Central London attractions today? Well you're in luck, as we've rounded up the very best of the best for you right here. Whether you're a tourist visiting for the first time, or you've lived here your whole life, these places are well worth visiting. We've got everything from £5 tickets to Shakespeare plays at The Globe to rooftop views from The Shard, as well as all the big names like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

Best Art Galleries In London

If you're looking to visit some London attractions today for free, then check out all the best art galleries that the city has to offer - many of which have no charge to enter. Check out some of the greatest paintings in history at the National Portrait Gallery, admire architectural wonders at the Barbican, or check out some of the coolest contemporary art around at White Cube, all of which will leave you feeling cultured without breaking the bank.

Unusual London Attractions

Bored of all the usual tourist hotspots? Then take a look at some of London's more hidden attractions, with our guide to the city's most unusual must-visit destinations. We're talking immersive Michelin-star meals on a train, quirky museums deep underground, secret city centre beaches or even gothic cemeteries in Nunhead, with something to suit all budgets. So if you're stuck for ideas today? Check out these unique spots.

London Parks Where You Can See Animals

Who says that we can't admire nature just because we're in a city? Certainly not these brilliant parks, where you can catch wild animals in their natural habitat. The 600-plus red and fallow deer at Richmond Park may be a well-known attraction, but did you know that there are also more than 40 pelicans in St James's park, and that you can catch glimpses of London Zoo from Regent's Park as well? From city farms to parakeets roaming free, there are plenty of ways to catch intriguing animals in the capital.

Visit London's Best Parks

Searching for free things to do in London today? What better way to spend your day than by visiting one of the very best parks in the city. Whether you're looking for quirky picnic spots, places to see the sights from a distance or just a laid-back green space to relax in, we've got it all here. From Hampstead Heath to Clapham Common or Kensington Gardens, there's plenty to keep you busy in the capital without spending a penny.

London Pub Crawl

@ Coyote Ugly Saloon - Piccadilly on Various dates from Thursday 21st November 2024

Fancy getting to know London's nightlife a little better? Then check out this Central London Pub Crawl, beginning at Bar Soho every night of the week. You'll get to jump the queue for free entry to five different venues throughout the night, each offering free shots as part of your £15 ticket. You can also enjoy cracking drinks deals at every location, as well as a photographer capturing all the best memories of the evening.