11 fun things to do in London for a one-of-a-kind trip

London is one of the most loved cities by travelers worldwide. Almost 30 million people visit yearly for its legendary theatre and magical film sets.

From climbing the O2 Arena at sunset to taking a food tour of Borough Market, a day in the UK’s capital is as colorful as it is diverse. Go beyond the big hitters, like Big Ben and Tower Bridge, with this guide to 11 unique and fun things to do in London.

Top fun things to do in London at a glance

Fun things to do as a couple: Climb the O2 Arena or stroll through Columbia Road Flower Market or Little Venice.
Cool activities in London for kids and families: Get lost in the magic of Harry Potter and Frameless’ immersive art, or ride the underground mail rail.
Unique things to do in London on your own: Catch a standup or musical show, or discover London’s best pubs.
Fun food experiences: Eat your way around Borough Market or perfect your gin and tonic-making skills.

Fun things to do in London as a couple

1. See the city from the top of the O2 Arena

Get a new perspective on London during a 90-minute guided O2 Arena climb. Admire the city view from 52 meters above the ground, then share a glass of wine with your partner at one of the Arena’s many bars.

Best time to go

For added romance, climb the arena at sunset to see the city’s backdrop beautifully framed by the changing sky.

Address and opening hours

Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX. Open daily, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM.

2. Stroll through Columbia Road Flower Market

Come Sunday, Columbia Road Flower Market in London’s East End explodes with colorful blooms. You can pick up everything from your favorite flowers to 10-foot trees as this popular pop-up market becomes one of the most beautiful and unique things to do in London at the weekend.

Highlight

Wandering around the market sure works up an appetite. Luckily, there are many food spots and cafes you can recharge at across the street, including Hermanos, loved for its specialty Colombian coffee.

Address and opening hours

Columbia Road, London E2 7RG. Open Sunday, 8:00 AM-3:00 PM.

3. Take a romantic boat ride through Little Venice

West London’s Little Venice neighborhood is set around a network of canals lined with colorful houseboats and weeping willows. Stroll through its charming streets or enjoy a romantic boat trip along the Regent’s Canal.

Insider tip

You can board a boat to Camden Town to grab lunch at one of the vibrant market’s many stalls.

Cool activities in London for kids

4. Ride the mail rail at The Postal Museum

There’s more than one way to discover London’s underground. Beneath the capital’s streets, you and your kids can go on a miniature adventure along the railway that once transported letters across London at The Postal Museum. There are also interactive exhibitions to entertain the entire family.

Insider tip

The museum houses a secret bunker built during the Cold War. It isn’t usually open to visitors but occasionally offers guided tours. Keep an eye out; maybe you’ll get lucky!

Address and opening hours

15-20 Phoenix Pl, London WC1X 0DA, Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

5. Get lost in the magical world of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio

A must-see for every magic fan, the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio tour is one of the most fun activities in London. This enchanting experience takes you behind the scenes of the beloved movies, allowing you and your kids to explore the sets, props, and costumes used to make the series.

Insider tip

The floors you’ll see on set are the original ones used when filming the movies, so turn it into a game with your children to spot scuff marks left by the actors.

Address and opening hours

Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR. Open Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-10:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday, 8:30 AM-10:00 PM.

6. Immerse yourself in famous artworks at Frameless

Go beyond the static art in traditional museums with an interactive and unique artsy experience at Frameless Art Experience. Lose yourself in the 360-degree floor-to-ceiling digital projections of some of the most famous works of art in this unique thing to do in London with your kids.

Best time to go

Try to visit on weekdays and early in the morning to get the galleries to yourself.

Address and opening hours

Fun things to do in London on your own

7. Catch a standup show at the UK’s highest-rated comedy club

Top Secret Comedy Club near Covent Garden is known for its intimate atmosphere and surprise guest appearances. It’s a great place to discover new standup artists and to unwind after exploring London’s nearby cultural sites.

Insider tip

Don’t just show up for the main show. Grab a drink at the bar beforehand, as you might catch a “work-in-progress” set by an up-and-coming comedian.

Address and opening hours

170 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5PD. Open daily, except Christmas. Hours vary.

8. See the stars in London’s West End

Catching a show in London is a must. The West End is a global theatre mecca that attracts some of the best talent in the world. You can choose between long-running classics or newer hits, and even see a few shows in one day as the venues are so close together.

Insider tip

Many of the West End’s theatres are very old and the chairs are close together. For a little extra room, book an aisle seat.

9. Discover London’s pub culture

More than just places to drink, pubs in London are community hubs, offering a variety of local ales and a friendly atmosphere. From traditional Victorian pubs with etched glass and dark wood to modern gastropubs serving craft beers and gourmet food, there’s something for everyone on a London pub crawl.

Insider tip

Nothing beats a pub quiz. There’s plenty of healthy competition at London pubs, so time your visit to coincide with one of the many quizzes, darts, or domino competitions.

Fun things to do in London as a food lover

10. Try local delicacies at Borough Market

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a three-course meal, Borough Market has plenty of inspiration. You can sample fresh produce, artisan cheese, seafood, and more at one of the city’s oldest and biggest food markets.

Insider tip

To find the market’s best suppliers and stories, let a guide show you around on a London street food tour.

Address and opening hours

8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL. Open Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM; closed Mondays.

11. Discover the art of gin distilling at the Beefeater Distillery

Home to the world’s most-awarded gin, Beefeater London Dry Gin, the Beefeater Distillery offers a unique look into the art of distilling. Join a tour to sample different gins and learn how to make the perfect gin and tonic.

Highlight

Pay attention to the botanicals used when making the gin. London’s history as a global trading hub is key.

Address and opening hours

20 Montford Pl, London SE11 5DE. Open daily,11:00 AM-7:00 PM (last entrance is 5:00 PM).

FAQs:

Is London expensive?

London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. However, there is an impressive street food scene, offering affordable dishes, and lots of free activities, from museums to viewing platforms, to help you navigate the city on a budget.

What is the best way to get around London?

The London Underground or “the Tube” is generally the quickest and easiest way to get around. Most major tourist attractions, such as the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London, and the major shopping hubs are in Zone 1.

Are there any fun day trips from London?

While ticking off everything you want to see in London might be a stretch, it’s worth mentioning that there are some cool things to do outside of the city. You can explore iconic sights such as Stonehenge, Bath, and the White Cliffs of Dover on a day trip from London.

What are some unique outdoor activities to do in London?

London is surprisingly green, with more than 3,000 parks and open spaces. So, you can expect an impressive selection of unique outdoor experiences in London, from paddleboarding on the River Thames to open-air movies.

Are there any fun things to do for free in London?

Most of London’s impressive museums offer free admission to their permanent exhibitions, including the British Museum. You can also make the most of its many parks, including Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, or stroll along the Thames River.