The best things to do in London right now, according to Glamour editors
London: it's unbeatable, isn't it? Take it from someone who has lived here for well over a decade. It has sprawling parks, the historical significance of the city's most stunning architecture and a whole lot of entertainment to keep you partying and socialising until the early hours. Bliss.
As the city that never fails to captivate and offers a kaleidoscope of exciting activities and events that cater to every taste, in London, you will find something to suit everyone, from adrenaline-pumping adventures to cultural escapades. London has rightly gained the reputation as an unrivalled destination.
And as Londoners, we're lucky to have pretty much everything on our doorstep. Whether your interests involve music, shopping, food, the royals, or – quite literally – anything else, you will not have the chance to be bored this season. And if you don't live here, our edit of the best hotels in London will go a long way in helping you out.
If you feel overwhelmed with all the choices of what you can be doing in the city RN, Glamour has you covered below.
Ahead, the best things to do in London in 2026.
London's biggest food festival is back
WHAT: Taste of London returns to Regent’s Park this June with five days of restaurants, chef demos, cocktails, street food and sunshine dining.
New names joining the 2026 line-up include the famous Sexy Fish, Rottura, DakaDaka, Gallio and Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai, alongside favourites like Roti King, Los Mochis, Oblix and the popular Big Mamma Group.
Expect live-fire cooking, BBQ masterclasses, Caribbean-inspired cook schools, plenty of drinks pop-ups and over 160 artisan food and drink stalls to snack your way around. They say ‘come hungry’ for a reason...
WHERE: The Regent's Park, NW1 4NR. 🚇 Regent's Park Station
WHEN: 17-21 June 2026
HOW MUCH: Tickets from £24, with tasting and VIP packages also available. Book here.
Enjoy free theatre performances at West End LIVE in Trafalgar Square
WHAT: Musical theatre fans will want to clear their diaries for West End LIVE, which is returning to Trafalgar Square this June with two days of free performances from some of London’s biggest shows.
Expect live numbers from major West End musicals, appearances from theatre stars and previews of brand new productions, all taking place in the middle of central London. The 2026 line-up is still under wraps for now, but performers will be announced soon… Previous years have included Six The Musical, Mamma Mia! Musical and one of our personal faves, Magic Mike Live.
The event is completely free, although entry is first come, first served - so expect queues, especially on the Saturday. Fingers crossed the weather holds up!
WHERE: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DS 🚇 Charing Cross
WHEN: 20-21 June 2026
HOW MUCH: Free entry, find out more here.
Deborah TurbevilleThe National Portrait Gallery’s major new exhibition celebrates a Hollywood icon
WHAT: It’s hard to believe it but, like David Attenborough celebrating his 100th year, Marilyn Monroe would have been 100 this year too, and the National Portrait Gallery is marking the occasion with a major exhibition dedicated to one of the most photographed women in history.
Bringing together portraits by artists and photographers including Andy Warhol, Richard Avedon and Cecil Beaton, the show explores how Monroe carefully shaped her own image - and how that image went on to define pop culture for decades after her death.
Alongside famous fashion and film portraits, visitors will also be able to see previously unseen photographs taken just one day before Monroe’s death in 1962. A must for film lovers, old Hollywood obsessives and anyone still inspired by Marilyn’s lasting influence on fashion, beauty and celebrity culture today.
WHERE: National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin's Pl, London WC2H 0HE. 🚇 Charing Cross
WHEN: 4 June - 6 September 2026
HOW MUCH: Tickets from £25, book here.
East London has a new museum
WHAT: The V&A's newest museum, V&A East, is officially open in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and it's a long-awaited addition to the capital’s museum landscape, and one we’re genuinely excited about for east London.
Co-created with young people and local communities, the new museum is built around ideas of making, creativity and cultural change, and launches with a landmark exhibition exploring the power of Black British music.
The Music is Black: A British Story traces 125 years of sound and culture, from early pioneers to today’s defining artists, bringing together over 200 objects that map the evolution of genres from lovers rock and Brit funk through to grime, jungle and UK garage.
Expect everything from Stormzy’s famous Glastonbury vest designed by Banksy to Joan Armatrading’s childhood guitar, plus fashion, photography, instruments and newly commissioned works from leading contemporary artists.
TIP: There's great vibes outside Sadler's Wells East on a sunny day if you fancy drinks after. See you there!
WHERE: V&A East Museum (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, East London), 107 Carpenters Rd, Stratford Cross, London E20 2AR. 🚇 Stratford Station
WHEN: Now open
HOW MUCH: Free entry to permanent galleries and exhibitions. Book here.
Watch some classic films outside at these iconic London locations this summer 2026
WHAT: Outdoor cinema season is officially back. Adventure Cinema returns this May with screenings at some of the UK’s most beautiful locations, including Kew Gardens, Chatsworth House and The Eden Project.
This year’s line-up includes sing-alongs for Wicked, Grease and The Greatest Showman, alongside classics like Jurassic Park, Back to the Future and Star Wars. There’s also an ABBA disco screening, Queen-themed movie nights and special screenings at real filming locations from films including Pride & Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility.
WHERE: Across London plus various UK locations.
WHEN: Now open
HOW MUCH: From £9.80, book here.
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Matt Willis joins the cast of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club
WHAT: One of London’s most immersive theatre experiences, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club begins the moment you arrive. Greeted with a shot of schnapps before even reaching the bar, audiences are transported straight into the hedonistic world of 1930s Berlin. Performers dance across gold-leaf bars as accordion and clarinet music fills the transformed Art Deco space, dissolving the boundary between theatre and nightclub.
Once inside the auditorium, iconic songs unfold within its intimate circular staging, performed by brilliant actors clad in bloomers and kiss curls. Singer and presenter Matt Willis is exceptional as The Emcee, delivering a charismatic yet increasingly unsettling performance that characterises the story’s slow descent from glamour into unease. Seductive, stylish and quietly devastating, this haunting portrait of a society on the brink lingers long after the music fades.
WHERE: Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5DE
WHEN: Matt Willis’ run is scheduled to end on 23 May 2026.
HOW MUCH: From £30, book here.
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TARAN WILKHURonnie Scott’s ‘Upstairs at Ronnie’s’ has relaunched
WHAT: We all know it – Ronnie Scott’s is the jazz club to go to that is world-famous, and is known for hosting some of the biggest names in music since 1959. Tucked in the heart of Soho, the venue has recently unveiled its newly reimagined first-floor space, Upstairs at Ronnie’s, following a year-long renovation. Now a purpose-built, 140-capacity listening room with world-class acoustics, cabaret-style seating and rich, low-lit interiors, it blends intimate luxury with the club’s legendary late-night energy. Just as dark, romantic and effortlessly seductive as ever, it’s the perfect setting for dinner or cocktails at the bar alongside exceptional live performances spanning jazz, soul, R&B and beyond.
WHERE: 47 Frith Street, Soho, London, W1D 4HT. 🚇 Tottenham Court Road
WHEN: Upstairs at Ronnie’s runs live music seven days a week.
HOW MUCH: From £18pp, book here.
Schiaparelli takes over the V&A
WHAT: Surrealism, but make it haute couture darling - the V&A’s upcoming Schiaparelli exhibition has certainly got our attention. Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art is the first UK show dedicated to the legendary designer, tracing her boundary-pushing work from the 1920s through to today under the creative direction of Daniel Roseberry.
Expect over 200 objects on show, from iconic pieces like the ‘Skeleton’ and ‘Tears’ dresses, to bold collaborations with the Salvador Dalí and works by artists including Picasso and Man Ray. It’s a deep dive into the designer who blurred the lines between fashion and art long before it was the norm, and whose influence still shapes the industry today.
WHERE: The Sainsbury Gallery, V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL 🚇 South Kensington.
WHEN: 28 March - 8 November 2026
HOW MUCH: From £28, book here.
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Helen MurraySadie Sink & Noah Jupe lead a bold new Romeo & Juliet
WHAT: A new take on an absolute classic has arrived on the West End, and it’s already one of the most talked-about productions of the year; and that's just in the Glamour office.
Starring Glamour cover star alumni Sadie Sink and Hamnet's Noah Jupe, Romeo & Juliet, showing at the Harold Pinter Theatre, is promising a fresh, contemporary retelling of Shakespeare’s most iconic love story. If you aren't aware of the plot (erm, where have you been?!), the play is set in Verona and the production follows two young lovers whose fleeting connection spirals into tragedy. We've cried too many times to the film…
Do expect a standout creative team and a stacked supporting cast bringing new life to the play, alongside a striking design vision that pushes the story into a new light. But you'll need to be quick as tickets are selling out fast.
WHERE: Harold Pinter Theatre, Panton St, London SW1Y 4DN 🚇 Piccadilly Circus
WHEN: 18 March - 20 June 2026. Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm and Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.
HOW MUCH: Tickets from £38.95, book here.
Tracey Emin’s unfiltered retrospective lands at the Tate Modern
WHAT: The one exhibition everyone is talking about, RN, has finally landed at the Tate Modern. A Second Life is a major retrospective of Dame Tracey Emin, and the largest exhibition of her career to date, spanning 40 years of bold, confessional work that has reshaped contemporary art.
Bringing together over 90 works – from her iconic My Bed to new paintings and bronzes – the show traces the personal experiences that have shaped her practice, from love and heartbreak to trauma, healing and reinvention.
Expect neon, embroidery, video and sculpture that confront the deeply personal, alongside rarely seen early works and pieces shown in the UK for the first time.
WHERE: Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG 🚇 Blackfriars.
WHEN: 27 February - 31 August 2026
HOW MUCH: From £20, book here.
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UCG/Getty ImagesBar hop like a local down Exmouth Market
WHAT: If it's one thing we just love in London, is a street where there is no traffic, you jump from bar to bar, and the party bleeds out onto the street. Exmouth Market is perfect, if you fancy a casual fun affair that's social and ideal if you're on a first date. Get off at Farringdon, grab a tinny from the Co-op on your way up.
Start at Cafe Kick for a chilled glass of vino (get there early/5ish to grab a seat inside or sit outside if it's mild). Then book a table in advance at Morito, which is just perfect for small tapas plates to get social over. Then make sure you finish at Coin Laundry (which is sometimes used as a film set..) for a fun pint that does get lively at the weekends (quiz night is on Tuesdays).
If you're after something a little more fancy for dinner, stop by the fantastic Morchella which is situated on the end of Exmouth Market. It's modern mediterranean flavours are unique and make the evening just that little bit more special.
WHERE: Exmouth Market, EC1R
Lost turns the old Odeon into a temporary nightlife venue in central London
WHAT: A new club is in town, and it’s one that’s rather elusive. From club nights and gigs to late-night vintage cinema screenings and Christmas markets, we can’t wait to get lost inside this mysterious venue - but it's planned for demolition (sadly like so many clubs….) so you'd need to check it out ASAP…
House rules state that your mobile phone will be sealed in a secure pouch for the duration of your visit, and it’s essential that you bring a physical bank card - making this a night to truly disconnect, without worrying about ending up in the background of someone’s selfie. Perfect for celebs wanting to keep it on the down-low. Think of it as Studio 54 for today’s hedonistic night owls in need of an escape…
WHERE: 135 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8AH 🚇 Tottenham Court Road
WHEN: Open now
HOW MUCH: Club nights from £25, book here.
The Red Bull Soapbox race is back
WHAT: Life can get serious, and sometimes you just need something that's a little bit silly to put a smile on your face. Well, the Red Bull Soapbox is back in London, and it's a joyous day for all.
Members of the public are invited to build their very own non-motorised vehicle in advance and then race them down the hill at Ally Pally in a bid to be the fastest (without falling apart and crashing that is). It's honestly one of the most wholesome days out you'll have this summer. Take the family, pitch up on the green, and let yourself have a laugh.
If you're not sure if it's your thing, then catch some highlights from last year's episode here to see if it's your cup of tea (or Red Bull, rather), and we'll race you down there.
WHERE: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY. 🚇 Alexandra Palace Train Station
WHEN: Saturday 20th June 2026, 2pm - 8pm
HOW MUCH: Tickets start from £23.50. Book here.
Dine on a vintage tube carriage at Supperclub.tube
WHAT: For those who just love the tube (the Bakerloo line's design is just 🤌), secretly enjoy a bit of Francis Bourgeois, and only do fine-dining on the weekends (life is too short after all), then this experience might be right on track.
Supperclub.tube is a unique dining experience that certainly plays tricks with your mind as you enter - and that's even before the pre-dinner drink (Mora Rush is the cocktail of choice). The usual rush of human traffic and motion is replaced with evening jazz and a Latin American-inspired 6-course tasting menu curated by head chef Beatriz Maldonado Carreno.
There are booths for an intimate dinner for two or a large table to mingle with others and joke about which stop you're getting off at. Either way, it's a cosy setting perfect for locals who want to treat a loved one, or for tourists who want to get the most out of London. It's the only tube carriage in London you won't want to get off of.
WHERE: Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum, South Access Road, London, E17 8AX 🚇 St James Street / Walthamstow Queen's Road
WHEN: Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7pm.
HOW MUCH: 6-course tasting menu from £73pp, book here.
Astronights at the Science Museum
WHAT: Truly one of the most memorable and exciting things to do with kids in London is Astronights; it's a sleepover like no other. Aimed at children aged 7 to 11, families, schools and groups sleep in the galleries after dark at The Science Museum, after an evening full of activities and interactive workshops.
You set up your little “camp” in one of the big galleries, either on a yoga mat or, if you go for the VIP option, on an inflatable mattress. A fun extra is that every ticket comes with a Tempur memory-foam pillow you actually get to take home, which the kids loved.
The evening is packed but not overwhelming: an interactive space show, a hands-on craft activity, and a constellations trail through the new Space gallery. Once the lights go down, the kids get the thrill of sleeping under rockets and satellites.
But the best part comes after some rest and breakfast the next morning, where your ticket grants you access to the Wonderlab, an amazing interactive gallery with hands-on exhibits and immersive experiences, as well as a 3D documentary on a giant IMAX screen. It's definitely something you
WHERE: Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
WHEN: Friday 19 June 2026, Friday 10 July 2026, Saturday 14 November 2026 and Saturday 5 December 2026.
HOW MUCH: Standard tickets: £80; VIP tickets: £120. Book here.
Titanique at the Criterion Theatre
WHAT: OK, imagine this: Titanic has been hijacked by a certain ‘Celine Dion’, has had a complete colourful makeover and has been turned into a camp, chaotic musical fever dream: This is pretty much Titanique – the Off-Broadway cult smash that’s now docked in London’s West End at the Criterion Theatre.
This gloriously unhinged parody sees ‘Celine’ herself (well, kind of) retelling the story of Jack and Rose – only with a load more energy, wigs and absurdity. Expect all the big ballads (“My Heart Will Go On” obviously), plus outrageous comedy, drag energy and an iceberg with serious attitude. Ruth (played by the incredible Tom Allen) was our personal highlight that had us laughing SO hard. It’s 100 minutes of pure escapist fun and we cannot wait to go back again. Anchors aweigh.
WHERE: The Criterion Theatre – 218-223 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HR 🚇 Piccadilly Circus.
WHEN: On now until 30th August 2026. Tuesday - Sunday at 7.30pm. Matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 3pm. Runs for 100 minutes with no interval, meaning it's great if you need to head home pronto.
HOW MUCH: Tickets from £29.50, book here.
Everyman Cinema
WHAT: One of our favourite luxury cinemas in London has to be an Everyman Cinema (the Stratford International branch in East London is one of our faves). Their flagship branch is 15 minutes away from Paddington station at The Whiteley, and this one is so bougie.
We especially love Everyman's bars because they are très Soho-House-esque, and a cheesy pizza and chips direct to your seat in the cinema itself is just how films should be watched. This branch is also right next to Hyde Park, so you can plan a romantic walk around The Serpentine and give off main character energy before settling into a film. Here for the drama, darling.
WHERE: 8 Porchester Gardens, London, W2 4DB (plus more branches all across London - you can also get in the festive mood with a festive film at their Screen on the Green branch now - more info here 🚇 Angel)
WHEN: Open now.
HOW MUCH: Tickets start from £20.90, book here.
Discover new talent in intimate settings with Sofar Sounds
WHAT: Intimate gigs are the best (especially in winter) and getting all cosy in a unique setting is what Sofar Sounds is all about.
From the Barts North Wing, Britain’s oldest hospital, to the private residence within St. Pancras Clock Tower, there is a Sofar Sounds gig happening in every part of London (and the world). Even Billie Eilish has played at one of their sessions in LA.
Some nights are set for singles only (take this as your sign to ditch the apps and meet IRL), and some are staged in peoples lounges where you can BYOB. Plus Valentine's Day is around the corner, with some sessions even taking place on the river for extra rom-com vibes.
WHERE: All over London
WHEN: All year round
HOW MUCH: From £28pp, book here.
Wes Anderson: The Archives at the Design Museum
WHAT: For indie film obsessives and people who just really love a perfectly symmetrical frame, this one’s for you. The Design Museum has been given rare access to the director’s personal archive for the very first time, bringing together a very comprehensive collection of 700+ objects from across his pastel-perfect film universe.
Expect original puppets, miniature sets, storyboards, costumes (yes, Margot Tenenbaum’s Fendi coat is there), plus actual models from The Grand Budapest Hotel, Asteroid City (including the Martini vending machine - wish this was real) and plenty more.
It’s a dreamy deep-dive into the meticulous world-building behind some of cinema’s most iconic visuals – and an absolute must for Anderson fans and those who love a behind the scenes look.
WHERE: The Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High St, London W8 6AG. 🚇 High Street Kensington
WHEN: On now until 26 July 2026.
HOW MUCH: From £19.69, book here.
Getty/fotoVoyagerSouth Bank London
WHAT: We love the South Bank. The atmosphere on a sunny day is unbeatable – think buzzing riverside strolls, impromptu buskers, and alfresco Aperols as far as the eye can see. South Bank is inclusive on budget too; you can watch the skaters at the Skate Park, browse the book stands outside the BFI Southbank, and you can even pop into the Mediatheque at BFI and watch some vintage clips for free from a catalogue of over 70,000 titles (they have little booths too, so it's perfect if you're on a first date and fancy a cute moment). Festival Pier is also here, so do look out for any private events that start here so that you can make the most of the area before jumping on board a boat to take you into the night…
WHERE: Southbank, SE1. 🚇 Waterloo Station.
The kind of bingo you'll actually want to go to
WHAT: You’ve never played bingo like this before – unless your local hall also had strobe lights and Baby Guinness's. Hijingo Bingo in Shoreditch is a full-on sensory immersive experience, that feels a bit like a mix of Squid Game vibes and Wagamama's style seating. It's part club, part gameshow, all chaos.
It's sounds like a lot, but if you do get distracted, the bingo numbers are listed on the screen, so you can still sing-along to the music whilst the bingo plays on and you can catch up. There's also prizes and even holidays to be won at each session. We’re obsessed.
WHERE: 90 Worship St, London EC2A 2BA 🚇 Liverpool St Station & Shoreditch High Street Station
WHEN: Open now.
HOW MUCH: From £20, book here.
Moco Museum London
WHAT: For the days when you fancy seeing a bit of art, but would rather not leave central London, Moco Museum London is a good shout. Think sweet pink tones, three floors of contemporary art masters such as Keith Haring and Banksy and an immersive light room by Daan van Hasselt. More than enough space to get the selfies in for social after a day of shopping on Oxford Street.
The standout for us turned out to be the Robbie Williams exhibition ‘Radical Honesty’ where the ex-Take That singer presents prints and sculptures on the themes of anxiety, self-love and morning affirmations with a playful sense of humour.
WHERE: 1-4 Marble Arch, London W2 2UH 🚇 Marble Arch
WHEN: Sunday - Thursday, 10am - 6pm. Friday & Saturday, 10am - 7pm.
HOW MUCH: Tickets from £18, book here.
Ferla PaoloMake the most of Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant & Castle before it closes later this year
Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant & Castle is one of those places that just gets summer in London – it's a bustling, outdoor and indoor food hall packed with over 40 global street food vendors (it literally has everything), great cocktails, and an outside dance area that often spills past the seats. It's perfect all year round.
Sadly, it’s set to close some time this year to make way for a huge redevelopment, so now really is the time to make the most of it. We love the slightly hidden on-stage karaoke area that is sometimes on on a Saturday night; although you better be brave to get on stage! But Carpe Diem, as this venue won't be around for long.
WHERE: 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR 🚇 Elephant & Castle Station.
WHEN: Open Mon-Wed: 12pm-11pm; Thur: 12pm-12am; Fri: 12pm-1am; Sat: 11am-1am; Sun: 11am-10pm.
HOW MUCH: Entry is free. Find out more.
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The Jazz Cafe
WHAT: The Jazz Café is Camden’s iconic music hotspot where you can experience gigs and performances from a mix of iconic artists and rising talent, plus DJ nights and special events. Whether you're on your feet in the crowd, soaking up the atmosphere from the balcony, or enjoying dinner and drinks with a view of the stage, it’s the perfect spot for music lovers.
WHERE: 5 Parkway, Camden, London NW1 7PG. 🚇 Camden Town.
WHEN: All year round, including weekly gigs and weekend club nights.
HOW MUCH: Tickets from £5, book here.
Johan PerssonABBA Voyage Experience in London
WHAT: Abba fans, rejoice! The Swedish pop supergroup are back on stage with a revolutionary new concert that sees them performing digitally in their very own purpose-built ABBA Arena on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. You will not believe your eyes.
With the foursome performing as avatars (or ABBAtars, if you will), the immersive concert includes some of their greatest and beloved hits, including songs from Voyage, the band’s first album in 40 years, all performed digitally alongside a live ten-piece band. With London being the only destination you can see ABBA Voyage, why not make a weekend of it and stay locally? Design hotel The Stratford is in the neighbourhood and the perfect place to rest after singing your heart out. It's also worth checking out the area’s new cultural quarter, East Bank, and grabbing a bite at the new social space Riverside East, which includes an outdoor street food yard and rooftop terrace with views over East London.
WHERE: ABBA Arena, London. 🚇 Pudding Mill Lane (DLR) is a 1 minute walk away and Stratford (London Underground/DLR/Overground/National Rail) is a 20 minute walk.
WHEN: Various dates and times throughout the year.
HOW MUCH: Ticket options include seated, dance floor and standing. Tickets are from £55, book here.
Scott MathiesonThe Big London Bake
WHAT: The perfect group activity, The Big London Bake, offers up no-experience-required baking sessions across two London locations (and one in Birmingham). Set out just like The Great British Bake Off, 12 baking stations are laid out in a tent-like marquee and fully stocked with measured-out ingredients and instructions to create that month's themed bake.
Led by top patisserie chefs – and with a fully-stocked bar complete with bespoke cake-inspired cocktails at the East London venue – up to 24 guests bake in pairs and get inventive in the tent's ‘Creation Corner’ bursting with edible decorations, flavours and sprinkles.
If you're a bridal party, there are even ‘Bride to Be’ and ‘Bride Tribe’ aprons available to pre-purchase and wear on the day. Just be sure to leave enough time to take your precious freshly-baked goods home before you head out out. They make the perfect snack when you return in the early hours…
WHERE: Haggerston Venue - Under the Bridge, Lee St, London E8 4ED. 🚇 Haggerston / Tooting Venue - The Castle, 38 Tooting High St, London SW17 0RG. 🚇 Tooting Broadway.
WHEN: Mon-Sun, 11:15am/2:15pm/5:15pm/8:15pm.
HOW MUCH: From £49.90pp, book here.
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Flat Iron SquareFlat Iron Square
WHAT: Flat Iron Square is an iconic and very cool sporting, food and drink destination for those in-the-know – hidden under the railway arches close to London Bridge station. We've long loved it for sun-drenched drinks with friends in the summertime (there is an outdoor terrace lined with street food vans, as well as an indoor bar-turned-club that does live music) – but we've recently visited to get a better grip on its winter offering. And I was not disappointed.
Plus you can watch every Six Nations fixture live here this season. Tickets are available here, so nab them whilst you can.
WHERE: 45 Southwark St, London SE1 9HP. 🚇 London Bridge.
HOW MUCH: Price is dependent on the food and drink you order. Private hire price on request.
Joshua AtkinsThe Chimney Lift at Battersea Power Station
WHAT: See London from a new perspective – atop Battersea Power Station, to be specific. A glass elevator that ascends 109m to the top of Battersea Power Station's north west chimney, soak up 360 views of the city skyline and learn about the building's rich history along the way.
When you're done taking in the view, enjoy the rest of the day at the countless shops and restaurants that sit within the decommissioned coal-fired power station.
WHERE: Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW8 5BN 🚇 Battersea Power Station.
WHEN: Open year-round.
HOW MUCH: Adult tickets start at £16, book here.
ERSIN ERThe Piano Works
WHAT: A captivating mix of live music, great food, epic cocktails and good vibes all round, The Piano Works offers up the ideal location for just about any celebration. With two central London locations - in Farringdon and the iconic West End - both venues are perfectly situated whether you arrive pre-dinner for a full night of fun, or head over to close your night.
In terms of timings, the in-house pianist kicks things off at 5:30pm, with singing waiters jumping in to perform requests while serving your dinner and drinks. From 8:30pm the house band kicks off, performing the most mind-blowing renditions of every genre of request before the DJ takes over at 1am.
WHERE: West End Venue - Gillian Lynne Theatre, Parker St WC2B 5PW. 🚇 Holborn / Farringdon Venue - 113-117 Farringdon Rd, Corner of Ray St EC1R 3BX. 🚇 Farringdon.
WHEN: West End Venue - Weds-Sat / Farringdon Venue - Tues-Sat.
HOW MUCH: From £15pp, book here.
Horizon 22: London's highest free viewing platform is now open
WHAT: Step aside Walkie-Talkie building, there’s an even taller building in town – and it features a viewing platform 254 metres up in the sky that you can book for free. You’ll catch all the London views on Level 58, including the Cheesegrater, Gherkin and the infamous Shard; but you won’t have to pay a penny.
WHERE: 22 Bishopsgate, London EC3V 4QT. 🚇 Liverpool Street station.
WHEN: Open now. 7 days a week from 10am, closing 6pm weekdays, 5pm on Saturdays and 4pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
HOW MUCH: Free! Tickets are released every Monday 14 Days in advance from 10am - so make sure you've got it planned in advance! Limited Walk In On the Day tickets are also available each day at the entrance of Horizon 22 from 10am.
ONE MORE THING: Whilst you’re in the area, visit The New London Model at the nla. It features scale models of London, and is a great addition to an architecture-fuelled day. You’ll easily spend at least an hour here. Oh, and that's free, too.
iFLY London at The O2 Indoor Sky Diving
WHAT: Looking for some adrenaline but in a controlled way, without having to step too far from the city. Then you can head over to the O2 Arena, where IFLY house their indoor sky diving wind tunnel. This exhilarating experience is one of the best activities London has to offer. It pushes the boundaries of gravity, adrenaline and thrill, but all in a safe and controlled environment.
The staff members are professional, friendly, and knowledgeable, ensuring that you feel comfortable and well-prepared for your flight. Whether you're a seasoned skydiver or a first-timer, they provide comprehensive training that covers the basics of body positioning and hand signals, ensuring you make the most of your flight experience.
The powerful vertical wind tunnel creates an updraft that supports your body, allowing you to experience the incredible feeling of freefalling without the fear of actually jumping from a plane. It's a unique blend of adrenaline and freedom that will literally leave you grinning from ear to ear. Fear not, highly skilled instructors are by your side throughout the entire flight, providing guidance and support, ensuring that you maintain proper body position and help you make the most of your flight time.
It's an unbelievable and out of this world inclusive and family-friendly activity. As a gentle bonus, after your flight, you have the opportunity to relive your experience with personalised videos and photos.
WHERE: O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX. 🚇 North Greenwich.
HOW MUCH: Packages start from £69.99.
DEA / W. BUSS/Getty ImagesBuckingham Palace tour
WHAT: A fan of the Royals and want more than just watching The Crown? Well, why not head off on a self-guided tour of Buckingham Palace! From the immaculately nineteen (yes, nineteen) decorated State Rooms to the Throne Room (where they take all those family portraits) to special royal displays, you'll find yourself completely lost within the King's royal residence.
WHERE: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA. 🚇 St James's Park.
WHEN: Running from 9 July to 27 September 2026.
HOW MUCH: Adult tickets start from £32. Purchase them here before they sell out!
Monopoly Lifesized / InstagramMonopoly Lifesized
WHAT: How about mixing a bit of board-game nostalgia with some summer fun? Basically, the ever-so-popular Monopoly (Yes, Monopoly!) has been brought to life in London, and you start collecting the (fake) cash yourself - just avoid ending up in jail! So grab your closest group of friends, and get ready to roll the dice.
WHERE: Monopoly Lifesized, 213-215 Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 7PS. 🚇 Goodge Street.
WHEN: Open now.
HOW MUCH: Tickets start from £54 plus fees, book here.
Up at The O2
WHAT: We don't know about you, but we love seeing the London skyline, not just from any ol' viewpoint but up at The O2. Get your heart pumping and adrenaline coursing through your veins as you enjoy an exhilarating 90-minute climb over the roof of the world's most popular entertainment venues. Don't worry, it's all safe! So just enjoy the climb to the top, and then reward yourself with 360 views of the Capital.
WHERE: O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX. 🚇 North Greenwich.
WHEN: Open all year round (weather permitting, of course).
HOW MUCH: Tickets begin from £35, book here.
Emilie1980Spend the day exploring Carnaby
WHAT: Slap bang in the centre of London, Carnaby is full to the brim with world-famous stores, unique independent shops and some of the best and most diverse restaurants the capital has to offer. Check out maximalist clothing at Kat Maconie; sought-after aftermarket trainers and streetwear at OG Kicks; beautiful and unique brass jewellery at Mor; or get your thrift on at Mind, Carnaby’s first permanent charity shop.
For a bite to eat, don't miss Inko Nito, unconventional robatayaki Japanese fare dishing up the likes of black cod and beef check from the robata grill; or head to Kingly Court where you'll find the likes of Pizza Pilgrims, Dirty Bones and The Rum Kitchen. In the evening, there's plenty of glamorous bars to choose from if you fancy a night cap (our favourite is speakeasy cocktail bar Nightjar, where you can relax with a showstopping bev to a background of live music).
If you want to make the most of this vibrant area, you'll want to reserve a whole day – there's over 160 brands spanning fashion, beauty, interiors and lifestyle to explore – or better yet, check into the Soho Hotel, the area's trendiest, sleekest place to call home for the night. Choose from 85 bedrooms and suites, or apartments boasting their own street entrance and private elevator, with enormous, cloud-like beds and colourful, contemporary interiors you'll want to copy in your own home ASAP. Don't miss breakfast at the Refuel Bar & Restaurant (we can wholeheartedly recommend the scrambled eggs and smoked salmon).
For more information, visit thisissoho.co.uk/carnaby-street/.
WHERE: Carnaby Street, W1. 🚇 Oxford Circus.
Magic Mike Live
WHAT: The brainchild of Channing Tatum (need we say more?), Magic Mike Live is a 90-minute showcase featuring some of the world's most talented male dancers performing super sexy routines in front of - and all around - you.
With a somewhat unexpected, but very welcome, empowerment message running throughout thanks to the female MC, it's an inclusive atmosphere than sees everyone - from the performers to the attendees - relish in a shared sense of confidence.
Punctuated by mind-blowing acrobatic scenes, impressive musical interludes and unexpectedly hilarious moments of comedy - not to mention at-seat drinks service available throughout the show - it's got quite literally everything to ensure a thoroughly sizzling evening.
Read our full review ‘In defence of the classic hen: why Magic Mike surpassed my expectations’ here.
WHERE: Cranbourn Street, Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7JH. 🚇 Leicester Square.
WHEN: Weds-Sun - 4pm(Sat only)/7pm/9:30pm.
HOW MUCH: From £42pp, book here.
