In a city as packed full to the brim with excitement and activities as ours is, it’s not exactly easy to work out which are the very best things to do. After all, we’ve got a population of around nine million people, and you could probably do something different every day of your life and still not cover everything there is to do here. Still, we’re nothing if not ambitious here at Secret London, so we rallied up the team’s suggestions and have put them all here in this handy article for you to peruse at your leisure. So, without further ado, here’s a roundup of 55 of the best things to do in London that you simply must try at least once in your life.
1. Soak up the city views from Primrose Hill
Now, we couldn’t round up the best things to do in London without mentioning this one. High up on the list and equally high up in the city. Primrose Hill has previously been crowned the most scenic view in the whole of the capital – and for good reason. It’s also the place where poet William Blake uttered the words: “I have conversed with the spiritual sun. I saw him on Primrose Hill.” Some compliment then…
You can see everything from the London Eye to Canary Wharf from here, so it’s a great (and romantic) spot to come when the sun is beginning to set. Pop a bottle of prosecco and enjoy!
2. Experience the magic of a West End show
London is renowned for being one of the best places in the whole world to see plays, musicals and West End shows. With a constantly evolving lineup of performances of all different kinds, you’re always in for a good time here, so see what takes your fancy, grab some popcorn, and settle in! Current standouts include Disney’s The Lion King, Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Stranger Things: The First Shadow, but that doesn’t even scratch the surface of what London has to offer. And if you’re pinching the pennies – here’s some of the most affordable musicals to watch in London at the moment!
Even better, many restaurants surrounding Theatreland do cheap, pre-theatre dinners so you can save a bit of cash before you experience the show. Neat hey?
3. Get a head for heights at the iconic Tower Bridge Experience
Now, when it comes to iconic buildings, we’re not exactly lacking in our beloved capital. After all, this is the city where you’ve got Buckingham Palace, The Shard, Big Ben and the Tower of London (more on that later). But if push comes to shove, we’d have to argue that Tower Bridge is the most iconic of them all.
While this feat of engineering is impressive from all angles, we think that seeing it from above walking across its high-flyin’ glass walkway is the way to do it. Set 42 metres above the River Thames, it’s certainly not one for those with vertigo – but it’s not an experience you’ll forget in a hurry!
4. Embark on a riverside pub crawl
Speaking of the Thames, The Thames Path allows Londoners to walk along the river, more-or-less uninterrupted from estuary to source. As luck would have it, there are also a whole ton of pubs and restaurants along the way, and lots of them are frothing over with salty, maritime history. While there are wayyyyyy too many to mention here, we’ve got a particular soft spot for Greenwich’s Trafalgar Tavern, The Anchor Bankside and Rotherite’s The Mayflower. Better yet – why not see how far you get on a riverside pub crawl?
5. Explore a fascinating art exhibition
London is a major player in the global art scene, with over a hundred different galleries to visit dotted about town, showcasing everything from classic works to cutting-edge modern pieces. Our essential guide to London’s art exhibitions will help you find the latest and greatest shows to drop in on, but if you’re running short on time, we’d suggest you head to the Tate Modern – which holds the coveted title of being the ‘most popular modern art gallery in the world’!
Other art galleries of note include the Royal Academy of Arts – which is famous for its popular Summer Exhibition – The National Gallery and the Dulwich Gallery – the oldest public gallery in the whole of the UK. Don’t miss the Monet immersive experience either in East London’s Boiler House, which will take you on a mesmerising multi-sensory journey that will plunges you in the painted world of the famous French impressionist artist. Get a hold of your tickets here.
6. Take a step back in time at the Tower of London
If you’re wanting to unearth some of our capital’s intriguing history, then the imposing Tower of London is really the place to head. One of the city’s oldest and most recognisable tourist attractions, the imposing Tower of London has stood since William the Conqueror decided the capital needed a fortress to remind Londoners of his conquest. Nearly 1000 years later, it’s still standing, famously housing the Crown Jewels and a flock of ravens, who are billed as the ‘Guardians of the Tower’. It’s also reputed to be one of the most haunted spots in the Big Smoke… scary stuff!
The infamous prison where many lost their lives (and their heads), the Tower also doubles as a Historic Royal Palace and you can join numerous guided tours here throughout the year – including by the famous Yeoman Warders (AKA ‘Beefeaters’). You can explore it further by getting tickets here.
7. Amp up the spook factor on a city ghost tour
In a city as ancient as London, it stands to reason that there would be a couple of ghosts and ghouls knocking about – if you believe in that sort of thing, of course. From haunted hotels to spooky subterranean spots, there are ample places in the city for you can give yourself a scare. Heck – there’s even a pet cemetery in Hyde Park (look out for mad moggies)!
But to get a real insight into the haunted history of the capital, why not join a guided tour? From Jack the Ripper tours to moonlit walks to the ‘bucket of blood’ pub (!), there’s something for everything here – as long as you’re not scared to death of course…
8. Dance the night away at one of London’s nightclubs
It’s no secret that London plays host to some of the coolest nightclubs on the planet, from sweaty, rave-filled warehouses to long-established legends of the London nightlife scene.
On the one hand you’ve got fabric – which burst onto the scene back in 1999 and has its own ‘bodysonic’ vibrating dancefloor. On the other, you’ve got The Pickle Factory – an intimate little spot in Hackney that only has a capacity of 150 and often has ‘all night long’ techno raves. That’s not even mentioning LGBTQ+ powerhouse Heaven, alternative spot Electrowerkz or new-kid-on-the-block Drumsheds in an old Ikea in Tottenham. Phew!
9. Come face to face with a mighty dinosaur at the Natural History Museum
This gorgeous museum – one of London’s most visited attractions – is most famous for the stunning Hintze Hall, dominated by the suspended skeleton of Hope the Whale. It’s dedicated to the flora, fauna and geology of the planet we call home, with exhibits on dinosaurs, earthquakes, venomous insects and other bad-ass features of the natural world.
10. Enjoy an afternoon stroll through Highgate Cemetery
Ok we’re biassed we know, but we think London does a lot of things better than everywhere else. And that includes cemeteries (not something we thought we’d be bragging about)! The jewel in the crown is arguably the astonishing Highgate Cemetery – a beautiful, serene spot in North London which also doubles as a nature reserve too. The graves and mausoleums found here are really where funeral architects let their imagination run wild.
In the West Cemetery, Victorian fascination with the Egyptians resulted in the stunning Egyptian Avenue, as well as numerous impressive tombs. Meanwhile, the equally impressive Lebanon Circle has appeared in many a ‘gram over the years. Plus, don’t miss a visit to the celeb graves of literary heroes George Eliot and Douglas Adams as well as Karl Marx too.
11. Let your stress out at one of these rage rooms
You’re dealing with expensive living costs and a work routine that feels like it never ends. It’s no wonder we Londoners are dying for a way to let off some steam, right?
Enter rage rooms, your own personal stress-free zone where you can let loose and break stuff without any consequences. Feel like smashing a huge TV, for absolutely no reason? Well, you can actually make it happen at one of these rage rooms near London!
12. Class it up with a spot of afternoon tea
Well deserving of its spot on this roundup of the best London activities is indulging in a spot of high tea. But of course darlinggggg. From freshly-baked scones and warming cups of tea to egg and cress sarnies and classy flutes of bubbly, we like to think we’ve got the whole afternoon tea thing down here.
So, whether you’re after a flamboyantly-fancy day out at a five-star hotel or are wanting something a bit more quirky and out-of-the-box, our beloved capital has got you covered.
13. Visit the UK’s first museum dedicated to LGBTQ+ people
Charity, Queer Britain, secured their first physical home in Granary Square back in 2022, with the aim to give London a much-needed space to celebrate Britain’s rich and varied queer history. With four galleries, a workshop, an education space, a gift shop, and buckets of office space too, there’s plenty to keep you occupied here, and you can’t miss the award-winning ‘We Are Queer Britain!’ exhibition, which marks the 50th anniversary of the UK’s first Pride March.
It’s described as ‘a diverse and rich array of artefacts that culminates voices, objects and images from the worlds of activism, art, culture and social history covering over 100 years of queer life‘. Plus it’s completely free to enter!
14. While away the hours in Covent Garden
Arguably one of the most popular areas of London, Covent Garden is practically dripping with bougie restaurants, bars, boutique stores and pubs – meaning there’s plenty to keep you busy! If you can tear yourself away from all of that hubbub, then we’d recommend paying Neal’s Yard a visit. It’s not only incredibly photogenic due to the bright colours decking all the walls, windows and doors – but it’s also a great spot to grab a glass of vino and get some peace and quiet.
Other things of note include the Royal Opera House and the London Transport Museum – the world’s leading museum of urban transport. Alternatively, you could just spend your time watching the mime artists and contortionists performing in the picturesque piazza.
15. Queue for a doughnut at Bread Ahead
London bakeries don’t come much more cult than Bread Ahead, who’ve conquered far and wide with their incredible, cream-filled doughnuts. Getting your hands on one of these mouthfuls of heaven is, admittedly, something of a quest, seeing as they’re often completely sold out before midday.
But with delectable flavours including velvet chocolate, lemon curd and sea salted caramel and honeycomb, and you can see why it’s worth the effort. There are now six different branches across the city, but word of warning, you’ll likely have to queue. But trust us – it’s worth it.
16. Discover the UNESCO-listed Old Royal Naval College
Greenwich ain’t exactly short of beautiful buildings it has to be said, but the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College is arguably the jewel in the borough’s crown. Billed as the ‘Sistine Chapel of England’, this extraordinary hall is an artistic masterpiece which is an ode to Baroque design. Designed in the early 18th century by Sir James Thornhill, it features 40,000 square feet of walls and ceilings – all of which are covered in striking images depicting 200 figures including kings, queens and mythological creatures too.
As you wander around the rest of the college, you might be able to recognise scenes from some blistering Hollywood blockbusters and TV shows, including ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, ‘The King’s Speech’, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, ‘The Crown’ and the upcoming ‘Napoleon’.
17. Saunter your way through the city by foot
Despite the tempestuous nature of the British weather, London is a wonderful place to stroll through, whether you’ve got a destination in mind or are just out for an aimless meander. So inhale some fresh(ish) air into your lungs, and take in the beautiful scenery that surrounds you. There are a whole host of routes you can take, but we’d recommend the Parkland Walk – which follows an old railway line through graffiti-covered tunnels and secluded wooded groves – and ‘The Line’ – London’s first dedicated modern and contemporary art walk. You’ll discover nine different artworks on this one, including pieces by Damien Hirst and Anthony Gormley.
18. See the roller skaters do their thing in Hyde Park
Smack-bang in the centre of the capital, it’s pretty hard to avoid Hyde Park when you’re visiting London. But, why on earth would you want to? Grade I-listed, it was originally established as a hunting ground back in 1536 by none other than King Henry VIII, and has since become a beloved spot characterised by rolling green open spaces, manicured gardens and wide, tree-lined boulevards.
Said boulevards are often used by squads of roller skaters practising their skills – and they’re pretty impressive it has to be said. Head to the area right by the Serpentine to see them do their thing.
19. Gorge yourself silly in Chinatown
Offering lots of pretty darn delectable food options, all the saucy (and soupy) dumplings you could ever want, and some Chinese supermarkets to inspire you to get cooking at home, London’s Chinatown is practically bursting with foodie wonders and delicious delights. Taking a wander through here is definitely one of the best things to do in London, as you’re sure to stumble across some bloody good restaurants whipping up some of the best Chinese food you can find outside of actual China.
Our top picks are ‘Four Seasons’ – who rustle up the ‘best roast duck in the world’ according to the Financial Times – and ‘Bun House’ – a laid-back throwback to 1960’s Hong Kong, serving up some of the city’s best steamed bao buns in a colonially-decorated interior.
20. Get the beers in at the Bermondsey Beer Mile
Many of us have spent a perfectly good Saturday afternoon in the pub, sinking pints and putting the world to rights. Still, if you prefer your drinking sessions to have more of a direction and more of a challenge about them, then London Town is only too happy to oblige. The Bermondsey Beer Mile is a challenge worthy of any self-respecting beer fiend, stretching a whopping 1.4 miles through the streets and railway arches of South London.
There are a whole host of bangin’ breweries here – from The Kernel Brewery to Affinity Brew Co., and FourPure Brewing to Hiver Beers – so you’ve got plenty of scope for one big old crawl. If you’re North London based, then check out the capital’s newest drinking ‘route’ – the Blackhorse Beer Mile.
21. Scope out the capital’s many food trucks for a street food feast
There’s nothing better than a food truck right? Quick, street food-style food for (usually) under a tenner – what’s not to love? We’re blessed in the big smoke to have a whole shedload of trucks handing out the goods, rustling up everything from meatballs and dumplings to chicken wings and even mac’n’cheese. Sign us up!
22. Catch a gig or concert at one of the capital’s celebrated live music venues
We’re pretty spoiled here in London, it’s got to be said. Not only do we have some of the best live music in the world, but we’ve also got some of the coolest music venues in which to see it being played. So whether you’re looking to see a legendary rock band like The Who play the gargantuan Wembley Stadium or are wanting to see up-and-coming talent in a venue like LaFayette – London’s got you covered.
For an up to date list of what’s on the bill throughout town, check out our monthly gig guide. You can also catch a candlelight concert in mesmerising spots like the Southwark Cathedral – dreamy!
23. Find one of London’s infamous hidden bars
It’s been all the rage for a while now to open cocktail bars that are notoriously ‘difficult’ to find. But there’s something to be said about a bar that forces you to seek it out, as if it’s playing hard to get. We’ve got loads of ‘em here in London, hidden behind shopfronts, phone booths, fridges, unmarked doors, and even in bloody toilets too! Don’t miss a visit to ‘Happiness Forgets’ – an unassuming joint in Hoxton Square who regularly find themselves on the ‘World’s 50 Best Cocktail Bars’ list.
24. Channel your inner Royal at one of London’s palaces
Lords and ladies! We boast a fair few magnificent buildings here in London, it has to be said. In fact, in a city as old as ours, you won’t go far before you stumble upon some historic gem, age-old boozer or towering skyscraper. But when it comes to Royal Palaces? Now that’s where we really come into our own.
We’ve already mentioned the Tower of London, but we’ve also got Kensington Palace – the home of HRH The Prince and Princess of Wales – St. James’, Hampton Court and the ever-so-stately Buckingham Palace – best tied in with watching the Changing of the Guard. But perhaps our favourite one of all is Eltham Palace – part mediaeval palace, part kooky, Art Deco-style mansion.
25. Have an award-winning feast
London’s culinary reputation has truly transformed over the past two decades, and the city boasts a gut-busting smorgasbord of award-winning eateries – a whopping 80 of which are Michelin-star winning. We’ve got everything here from Le Gavroche – which is owned by none other than legendary chef and skinny-one-off-Masterchef, Michel Roux Jr – to Veeraswamy – which claims to be the oldest Indian restaurant in the entire country. So dig deep into your pay-check, friend, and treat yourself to one of these high-end tasting menus.
26. Surprise your eyes with a place you won’t believe is in the capital
Our city isn’t all concrete and chaos. Believe it or not, we also have castles, caves and calm – and all of this is within the confines of the M25. Seriously! Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a beautiful, traditional Hindu temple carved entirely out of stone, and it lays claim to being the largest Hindu temple outside of actual India.
Likewise, Painshill Park is a gorgeous, landscaped garden that dates back to the 1730s, and it’s even got a bloomin’ crystal grotto within it! These two are just merely scratching the surface – you can discover more in our roundup here.
27. Escape into the world of photography
When it comes to art galleries and museums in the capital city, we’re more than spoiled for choice. In fact, we’d go as far to say that our dear city has some of the best museums in the world. But we’d also argue that we’re not doing too badly on the photography exhibitions front either. From portraits capturing the diverse lives of those living on the African continent to photos chronicling the floods and fires which are ravaging out planet, there’s plenty to see here, with numerous different exhibitions on throughout the year at different spots.
Keep your eyes peeled on our photographic exhibition guide, which regularly gets updated throughout the year.
28. Enjoy a tipple or two at a historic boozer
With well over 3,500 boozers to choose from, we’re pretty well-stocked with pubs in our beloved capital. From ones dating all the way back to the 16th century to ones which are supposedly haunted by spooky spectres, there’s a whole gamut of pubs for you to choose from all across town. To see where best to go, check out our guide to the best pubs in London.
29. Let loose at one of London’s many festivals
Summer ‘tis the season of music festivals in London, and we’re well and truly set once again this year. From Field Day and All Points East to RALLY and South Facing Festival; there’s still plenty of acts to be caught this summer. So, get ready to crack open the cans of beer, slap on the suncream, lather yourself in glitter and prepare to let loose and show off your moves!
30. Tuck into waffles at all hours of the night
The esteemed Duck & Waffle is pretty notorious for their 24/7 dining. They’re often mentioned in the same breath as Beigel Bake and Polo Shop when pub conversations swing around to the legendary London institutions that stay open around the clock.
It’s the perfect place to tuck into waffles and other goodies at all hours of the night while savouring views of the city below. Sounds like a real winner to us!
31. Roam around Richmond Park
A rambling, wild-feeling deer park on the outskirts of south-west London, Richmond Park is the second largest park in London, and it’s positively overflowing with wildlife and nature. Designated a special conservation area, it’s well worth exploring, with open grasslands and woodland trails with year-round appeal.
Add in herds of deer, fantastic panoramic views of the city, the pretty Isabella Plantation and the National Trust property, Ham House and you can see why this is one of the things to do in London you’ve got to try at least once in your life.
32. See some of the capital’s eclectic street art
Our beloved capital is fit to bursting with eclectic street art to brighten your day (and your Instagram feed). From murals of the legend that is David Bowie to intricate cranes that are three stories high, London is chock-a-block full of some pretty fine street art. From Camden to Brick Lane and East Dulwich to Hackney Wick, there are numerous spots around town where you can see some of these incredible pieces of art.
33. Wander around a weekend market
From flower markets to farmer’s markets, and vintage markets to delectable street food markets, we’re not exactly lacking when it comes to weekend markets in London. So, even if you’re nursing a hangover, it’s well worth getting out there and seeing what goodies you can get your mitts on.
Greenwich, Bermondsey, Walthamstow, Brixton, Clapton – almost every corner of the city has one to offer, so get out of bed and go and explore some of ’em!
34. Take to two wheels and see where you end up
London has more than its fair share of bike hire services, where you can pick up a bike using just a mobile app, Apple pay or a debit card – it’s simple! So, if the weather is playing ball and you’re wanting to get a bit of exercise in, then we’d recommend seeing the city from the comfort of two wheels. Make your way down the scenic Thames Path, explore the tree-lined boulevards of Regent’s Park or hit up the 8,000 or so acres of woodland in the vast Epping Forest. You can also hire yourself an e-scooter – and what could be funner than that right?!
35. Have a giggle at some live comedy
London is jam-packed with some of the best comedy clubs in the world – taking place everywhere from large arena-style venues to snug pub basements – and for most of them, you can grab a ticket for under a tenner. They’re places where you can drink cocktails or sink a few pints, have a laugh, and forget about what’s going on in the world for an hour or two – which we can certainly all do with sometimes.
36. Go for a swim in a lovely London lido
Al fresco swimming first became a trend back in the 1930s, and it became majorly popular in the big smoke in the decades that followed. From heated ones like London Fields to the largest freshwater swimming pool in the UK, there are a whole host of lidos for you to choose from. It should be noted that in the Summer, they get very busy on sunny weekends – so it’s best to get there early (or book ahead) if you want to avoid the queues.
37. Explore brilliant Bankside
Head East along the river from the Southbank and you’ll come across some gorgeous medieval streets, with hidden gems located around each and every corner. You’ve got everything here from The Globe to the mighty HMS Belfast and the bars and restaurants of Gabriel’s Wharf to the critically-acclaimed cocktail joint Lyaness. Let’s also not forget the Golden Hinde – an authentic reconstruction of the ship Sir Francis Drake used to circumnavigate the globe in the late 1500’s.
38. Get lost in the urban jungle in the sky
If you’re looking for some pretty swanky views over London for free, look no further than the Sky Garden; the 43rd floor paradise with sights across the Thames. Definitely one of the best things to do in London, it’s a place from where you’ll be able to see The Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and The Gherkin, and you’ll also be able to get lost in its leafy, foliage-filled indoor rooftop garden. There are also an array of different restaurants and bars up here too – cheers!
39. Watch a flick at one of the capital’s very best cinemas
There’s nothing quite like the experience of watching a film at a cinema in London. From mighty establishments like the ODEON IMAX in Waterloo to tiny independent gems in Hackney, there’s a whole roster of different ones here, so check out our list of the best cinemas in London and see where takes your fancy!
40. Be blown away by some cabaret
You don’t have to travel all the way to Paris to be entertained by cabaret and burlesque. From breathtaking dance shows to Vegas-style glamour and plenty of bare skin, there’s loads here to keep you well and truly entertained, so have a gander at this list and see where takes your fancy!
41. Do things by the book
London is a dreamy spot for bookworms, boasting so many bookshops that you’re guaranteed to find one that ticks all the right boxes. From the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookshop – Gay’s The Word – to Alice Through The Looking Glass – which is entirely dedicated to all things Lewis Carroll, see where you you’re wanting to end up with our London bookshop guide here.
42. Amble your way down Regent’s Canal
This walk will give you the chance to follow the course of a 200-year-old canal, which will take you on a diverse journey through the city, all the way from Paddington Basin to Limehouse Basin. You’ll wander leisurely through Little Venice, taking in the adorable houseboats; pass through Regent’s Park, where the canal is overlooked by London Zoo’s huge aviary; or check out the quirky craft stalls and street food in Camden Market.
43. Bring your own bottle…
Eating out can be particularly expensive, especially in a cost of living crisis, so what better way to save some money than by saving on the drinks front at a BYOB restaurant? We’ve got a whole variety here, from Thai and Moroccan to Ethiopian and Vietnamese – all you’ve got to take care of is the vino and beers. Now that we can certainly get on board with…
44. Catch a game of some live sport
Footie, rugby, cricket, tennis – we’re famous for our live sports here in the UK. Whether you’re wanting to catch a game or match in a mighty stadium or hang out with some mates in a sports bar, you’re in the right place in our capital. Both offer a major experience – especially if you’re having a cold frosty one or two. So game, set and match!
45. Add some vintage threads to your wardrobe
London’s array of vintage shops are as stylish as they are sustainable, and there are plenty knocking about town if you’re wanting to dive back into the past, find forgotten gems and revitalise your wardrobe while you’re at it. From larger chains like Beyond Retro to gargantuan warehouses near Brick Lane, there’s plenty for you to rifle through, so get out there and see what treasures you can find!
46. Satiate your appetite with a bagel on Brick Lane
Speaking of Brick Lane, it’s hard not to fall in love with this thoroughfare, which snakes its way from Bethnal Green down to Whitechapel. A diverse melting pot of vintage fashion boutiques, authentic curry houses, tasty street-food spots and lively bars, it’s also a great spot if you’re wanting to grab a bagel. Beigel Bake is a pioneer in the 24 hour beigel game, and it’s stood the test of time for good reason. The star of the show is their hot salt beef bagel, which arguably is one of the best street eats you’ll find in town.
47. Appreciate the city skyline from a rooftop bar
Here at Secret London, we don’t think a weekend is quite complete if you can’t pair a drink with some pretty intoxicating views of the city. Luckily for us, our beloved capital is full to the brim with rooftop spots where you can enjoy a pint or cocktail while surveying the city’s gleaming skyscrapers. From bars overlooking St. Paul’s to some in glitzy five-star hotels, we’re fit to bursting in our city, so have a read of our trusty guide here and see where takes your fancy!
48. Delve into London’s history on a guided walking tour
It is memorably said that “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”; effectively, you’ll never be done exploring our capital. And certainly one of the best things to do in London is explore the city via walking tour. From ones uncovering the city’s secret alleys, ancient pubs, old bookshops and lost societies, to those visiting the ominous sounding ‘Temple of the Occult’, there’s plenty of history to learn as you wander across the capital. Find out more with our alternative walking tours roundup here.
49. Pootle down the Thames aboard a boat
London is famous for its waterways, and some of the best views in town come from the network of canals, reservoirs and one certain big old river. The best way to see them is via boat, and there are a whole range of options here in London Town. From leisurely cruises along the Thames to speedboat rides, and canoe hire to white water rafting – yep, really – there are all sorts of ways to take to the water in London. Some of them you can even take your pooch on! So raise the flag, hoist the mainsail and anchors away!
50. Make some time for some wine
If you’re looking for a grape night out (sorry), London’s superb wine bars are the place to go, providing classic vintages from around the world along with natural, biodynamic wines, English varieties, and orange and green wines too. From candlelit venues like Gordon’s Wine Bar to delicatessens that moonlight as a wine bar, they’re all incredibly vibey spots and well worth a visit for a glass/carafe/bottle.
51. Find things to do for under 20 quid
Yep – we’re all aware of it right? Things are bloody expensive in London right now, and there seems to be no let-up in the near future (sigh). Well, if you’ve headed onto our Instagram page, you’ll be able to see our very own videographer Phoebe, who has been on the hunt for the best deals and steals in London that are all under the £20 budget. From bagging yourself a steaming bowl of ramen for under a tenner to indulging in a three-course Lebanese feast, there’s plenty on offer here so make sure you stay tuned to bag yourself some deals going forward!
52. Eat your way through our capital’s vast array of vegan restaurants
London is officially the most vegan-friendly city in the world according to HappyCow, with an increasing number of us adopting a plant-based lifestyle. In fact, we’ve actually got over 400 vegan restaurants, eateries and foodie spots in our city now, so if you haven’t sampled any of them yet – then what are you doing? From Sri Lankan curries at Mildred’s to wild mushroom risotto cake at The Gate, there’s plenty of tasty options to try, so what are you waiting for?! Get out and explore!
53. Get a head for heights at Europe’s highest viewing platform
Now it should come as no shock to you dear reader that London recently has become home to Europe’s highest viewing platform, Horizon 22, and the best part of all? It’s completely free to enter! Standing at a whopping 254 metres tall, this is the second tallest building after The Shard, and you’ll be able to soak up some pretty incredible panoramic views from up here! Tickets are completely free and they give you access to the platform itself as well as the lift, which takes around 41 seconds to get up there. But hurry, as you’ll likely be fighting for a ticket…
54. Take a trip to the outer zones
Our penultimate entry on this list of the best things to do in London is, well, leaving it. Push your Oyster card to its limits and make your way out to the outer zones, where you’ll be able to stumble across such delights like Eel Pie Island – an old hippie commune that saw the likes of Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton and The Who play – the magnificent Morden Hall in South London and the River Colne out in Rickmansworth. As well as many others of course…
So there you have it – a roundup of 54 fun things to do in London that you’ve got to try at least once in your life. From exploring world-class museums to perusing some markets at the weekend, there’s something for everyone here. See how many you can tick off the list! Of course, we’re always open to suggestions, so if you think we haven’t covered your favourite bucket-list activity, give us a shout on socials or via our website.