The C&TH Pick Of The Very Best Things To Do In London

Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, love art or sport, walk everywhere or prefer to ride the tube, are a carnivore or a vegan or however else you choose to define yourself, there is a place in London for everyone. This is a fast-paced cultural melting pot – meaning there are constantly new things to do, taste, try, discover and experience.

The idea can be daunting – overwhelming, even. Which is why we’ve come up with this definitive guide to the very best things to do in London, from must-see tourist attractions to the lesser known gems. Whether you’re a tourist or a native, tick these recommendations off your list and fall in love with London town.

Looking for something more specific? Here are the best free things to do, here’s how to entertain teenagers in the city, here’s what to get up to if it’s raining, and here’s our guide to the weekend, updated weekly.

Best Things To Do In London 2025

Chelsea Arts Festival

The inaugural Chelsea Arts Festival is coming to down, bringing a slew of talented celebrity guests with it. Think Elizabeth Day, Ian McEwan, Sheila Atim, Lenny Henry and oh so many more. Taking over the streets of Chelsea from 18 to 21 September 2025, here’s a comprehensive guide to what’s on each and every day.

Exhibitions

London’s art scene is rich, from street art in the East End to private Mayfair galleries. Whether you are a design lover, an art collector or a casual appreciator, there’s an exhibition for you. Here’s our guide to seeing art in London. And if you’re looking to see more art by women in London, we’ve got a guide for that, too.

For your one-stop shop, the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square is a must. And with its newly refurbished Sainsbury Wing finally open to the public after two years, there’s all the more reason to visit.

The Garden Museum

Celebrating British gardening past and present, the Garden Museum is a totally unique space next door to Lambeth Palace, and a treasure trove of invaluable resources for gardeners of all levels. Visitors can explore its exhibitions, permanent collection and beautiful gardens, and its award-winning café serves seasonal British cuisine and low-intervention wines.

See A Film

London is home to an annual star-studded film festival as well as a plethora of gorgeous independent cinemas. But London’s only social-enterprise cinema is The Lexi in Kensal Rise, which is run by volunteers and donates 100 percent of its distributable profits to The Sustainability Institute in South Africa. This in turn runs educational and food programmes and ecological research initiatives, supporting the local community, businesses and nature.

And if you fancy watching flicks al fresco, Rooftop Film Club is the ultimate choice: think comfy loungers, huge screens and high-tech headphones for the perfect audio experience.

Live Music Bars

There’s only one thing better than live music: live music with a glass of something in your hand. London’s live music bar scene is thriving – it always has been – and from jazz clubs to hi-fi DJ venues, there are plenty to choose from. One of our favourites is Brilliant Corners, a vibrant yet moody spot tucked away in Dalston, serving natural wine, zingy cocktails and a delicious seasonal five-course set menu inspired by the izakaya of Japan.

Life Drawing

It’s never too late to discover your artistic talent, especially at the drop-in life drawing classes that take place most days of the week courtesy of London Drawing. Bringing together beginners and experienced sketchers alike, the buzzy atmosphere is so very London.

Food Market

Skip the supermarket and get a taste of some of the freshest foods in London. Tooting Market, the 80-year-old indoor market with traders and eat-in options, is worth a trip. Borough Market is too, just a stone’s throw from London Bridge station and full of unpackaged fruits and vegetables, as well as homemade breads and an incredible fudge stall. Find more here.

Growing Underground

Thirty-three metres below the streets of Clapham, there’s a food revolution happening. Growing Underground cultivates microgreens and salad leaves in its farm, its hydroponic system using 70 per cent less water than traditional farming methods. Book a tour or buy its produce in M&S, Whole Foods, or online. growing-underground.com

Terra Hale

The capital’s first eco-friendly fitness chain, Terra Hale (which means ‘strong earth’) has three studios in Shepherd’s Bush, Fulham and Notting Hill. Here, the spin classes power the lights, everything from the yoga mats to the reclaimed-wood floors and the rubber floor are made from recycled materials, and the walls are lined with air-purifying plants. A feel-good factor that won’t be beaten.

London’s World-Class Theatre

The West End of London is a huge attraction to tourists. It’s also theatreland, so head here to see a play or a musical.

Elsewhere Trailblazing east London theatre Arcola doesn’t just platform the most daring shows and up-and-coming talent, but it also aims to be the world’s first net zero theatre. It has reduced its footprint by 25 percent since 2012, and has installed 24 square metres of solar panels to generate electricity, as well as a waste wood-fired heating system for carbon-neutral heating.

And while West End prices may be soaring but, with tickets starting at just £5pp, visiting Shakespeare’s Globe is always a good idea. Expect a more relaxed vibe than at other London theatres – emulating the atmosphere from the Bard’s day, might we add – with stellar performances from new and established thespians alike.

Japan House

You’ll find the best Japanese art, design, food, innovation and technology under one roof at Japan House, a project funded by the Japanese Government. The art deco building in Kensington offers a programme of exhibitions, shows, and even retail space. We particularly enjoy the cutting-edge restaurant from esteemed chef Akira Shimizu. japanhouselondon.uk

Comedy Clubs

Big West End shows not your cup of tea? Head instead to the more down-to-earth and vivacious Soho Theatre for the best new British comedy, theatre and cabaret shows. The late-night slots are great for post-dinner entertainment and it’s slap bang in the middle of Soho, so make the most of the multitude of top-notch restaurants around. Elsewhere across the city, there’s a vibrant comedy club scene to enjoy; find our favourite spots here.

Edible Landscapes London

Edible Landscapes is a not-for-profit community project in Finsbury Park, north London, that specialises in forest gardening – a food growing design system that mimics natural ecosystems. Its courses, hosted by Edible Landscape’s expert team, act as an introduction to all things permaculture, from sowing seeds to composting.

Parks & Walks

A particularly good activity for the summer. London is a National Park City, meaning there is a plethora of picnic spots ready and waiting for you to settle into for a day in one of London’s most beautiful gardens and parks. If you’d rather keep it moving, at four kilometres in length the Parkland Walk is the longest Linear Nature Reserve in London, following a former railway line connecting Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace. Strangely spooky, it is said to be sci-fi author Stephen King’s favourite stroll when he’s visiting the city.

Brunch

If there’s one thing many Londoners will agree on, it’s that we love our weekends. And what better way to spend a Saturday morning than tucking into brunch? Add the word bottomless into the equation and we’re sold.

See The Sights

You don’t have to be a tourist to enjoy exploring some of London’s most famous landmarks. Spend a day learning about London’s history and London’s future with our guide to being a tourist in London.

Take A Dip

We’re not talking about the Thames – that would be deeply unsanitary (and cold). But when the sun’s out (even just a little), there’s one place you’ll find us all: at an outdoor swimming pool. There are lidos scattered over the city (from parks to rooftops), and for an experience closer to nature, take a dip in Hampstead Ponds.

Enjoy The View

From the streets, London can look short and cramped. The best way to see London is from above, which is why, especially when a beautiful sunset is expected, London’s rooftop bars and restaurants get so busy. The Sky Garden atop the Walkie Talkie is one of the most famous, while The Shard is one of the most opulent. Book ahead and sip cocktails while the sun goes down and you can overlook the city, admiring its landscape and practicing landmark-spotting.

Afternoon Tea

It’s one of the main things London is known for. That, and the Queen. So an afternoon tea is a must-do. They range from traditional to alternative and there are child-friendly afternoon teas, too.

The Museums

History fanatics, there’s a museum for you. Science fanatics, there’s a museum for you. London practically has a museum for every interest. The Garden Museum, The National Maritime Museum, The Design Museum, The Charles Dickens Museum, The Royal Air Force Museum… the list goes on and on.

Chinatown

Naturally this is the place to go for the best Chinese food and culture in town, no question. It’s a hard decision of which restaurant to choose, but once you do you’ll enjoy an authentic Chinese meal in the mini China that is Chinatown, hidden between Soho and the West End.

Unique Antiques

Mooch along Portobello Market and you’re bound to find something no one else has got. If you’re hungry for more and are a real antique lover, there are a handful of very good shops to visit in town.

Vintage Gems

If it’s fashion you’re interested in, you’re still in luck in London which is a haven for vintage boutiques, stuffed with fashion jewels from the last few decades and beyond. Head to Nordic Poetry in Bethnal Green for its curated style edits; Laura Von Behr for flirty floral prints and fabulous frocks prints; and Found and Vision on Portobello for its high-fashion finds.

South Bank

The South Bank is a strip of culture and fun activities in London. You’ve got the Southbank Centre which has art, music, spoken word poetry and much more. There’s also a skate park, plenty of restaurants, a market at Christmas time and it’s where you’ll find the London Eye.

Royal Albert Hall

Booking ahead is necessary here, but well worth it. The Royal Albert Hall is a grand London landmark where artistic performances take place all throughout the year, from opera to the annual BBC Proms.

Festivals

The music scene in London is one of the best in Europe and our festivals are a great way to experience that. The vibes are lovely, food offerings are rich and the day festivals in particular are super fun.

Sunday Roast

It’s a traditional British meal, so it’s no wonder the Sunday roast offering in London is vast. Make a beeline for the best ones with the help of our selection of the best roasts in London.

Ballet & Opera

…at the Royal Opera House, a true London icon and cultural gem. It’s one of the seven top opera houses in the UK and has lots on each and every season.

Monument

You might’ve seen it but have you ever actually been inside? The Monument, which commemorates one of the largest events in London’s history, the Great Fire of London, stands 202 ft high and has stood in that spot since its completion in 1677. Climb up the 311 steps and see panoramic views of the city, as 150,000 visitors do every year. Tickets are available to buy on the day. themonument.org.uk