Top Things To Do In London This Weekend

If you’re looking for things to do in London this weekend, you’re going to be spoilt for choice. We’ve put together our top picks to help you decide what to do!

It's no surprise that London is packed full of fun activities, historical landmarks and achingly cool hotspots. But, if you're strapped for time, where do you begin putting together the perfect itinerary of sightseeing and exploring the city like a local? Don't fret, we're here to help! We've scoured the scene and found the ultimate things to do in London for a weekend!

Visit the British Museum

One of the world’s leading museums, the British Museum boasts an impressive collection of over 8 million artefacts and exhibitions dedicated to human history, art and culture. Amongst the most famous exhibits are the Rosetta Stone, which led to the translation of hieroglyphs, and Assyrian lion hunt reliefs, dated around 650 BC. The Parthenon (Elgin) marbles are another must-see, as well as the ever-popular departments of Ancient Egypt, Ancient China or contemporary art from Native Canadians. You’ll need to set aside a reasonable amount of time to get around everything, as it’s a very large building (over 800,000 square feet!). Don't forget to check out our top tips for the best British Museum artefacts you won't want to miss! The British Museum is free to visit and located in Bloomsbury. It’s within walking distance of Oxford Street, the famous shopping destination, and many West End theatres, as well as the Charles Dickens Museum.

Ride on the London Eye

One of the top-rated attractions in London, the London Eye boasts impressive views of the city. The world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, the Eye’s passenger capsules travel at the leisurely pace of 26 cm per second, giving you plenty of time take in the sights and go snap-crazy to up your Instagram game. A complete revolution takes 30 minutes, and on a clear day you can see up to 40 km in all directions. It’s also possible to book your own private capsule if you’re planning to celebrate a special occasion with loved ones. Located on the banks of the River Thames, in Southbank, the London Eye is very close to Westminster Bridge, Big Ben and the Sea Life London Aquarium, which could influence your plans for things to do in London this weekend.

Shop at Camden Market

Arguably one of the most eclectic and popular areas of London, Camden is also home to a fantastic street market. With stalls lining the streets and alleys, and quirky little stores in-between, you can expect to find everything from clothes and handmade jewellery to music and plenty of tasty food. Love the street food market scene? We've got you covered with the best food markets in the city!

Take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour of the city

Bus tours are an excellent way to explore a city and London is no exception here. Covering a number of key routes, you can simply sit back and enjoy the sights, whilst listening to either a live English-speaking guide or pre-recorded audio in a number of languages.

Image via The Comedy Store facebook

Catch a performance at the Comedy Store

If you love comedy, then this one’s for you. Described as ‘the city’s busiest comedy venue’, the Comedy Story welcomes over 3500 visitors to see their shows week-on-week. And with two performances a night at the weekend, there’s always a good selection of comedians to choose from. Please note that this venue is for over-18s only. The Comedy Store is nestled away at the heart of the West End, an area known for its nightlife. Within walking distance of Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, there are lots of theatres, cinemas, restaurants and bars nearby.

Take a walk through St. James’s Park

The oldest Royal Park in London with over 90 acres of space, St. James’s Park is a great place to relax and take in some fresh air. When walking through the luscious greenery or watching the pelicans swim across the lake (yes, pelicans!), it’s easy to forget you’re in one of the busiest cities in the world. St James is situated in Westminster, between Horse Guards Parade and Buckingham Palace. The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey are a very short walk away.

Go for a drink in Shoreditch

Shoreditch is often considered one of the jewels in the crown of the capital’s nightlife. Whether you’d like to sip on cocktails and relax, or go for an all-out party (which can of course sometimes follow the cocktails), there’s something for all types of drinker and reveller here. Brick Lane, also known as the Curry Mile, is located in this area – a bustling hub of markets, restaurants and of course, bars and clubs.

Visit ZSL London Zoo

Fun for all the family, ZSL London Zoo was opened to the public in 1847, and has been educating and inspiring its many visitors ever since. With a reptile house, the Gorilla Kingdom, the Land of the Lions and more, it presents the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with a number of fascinating species. It’s sure to be a hit with kids especially. The Zoo is located in Regent’s Park, not too far from the Jewish Museum and Camden Town.

Grab a bite to eat in Covent Garden

Known for opera, street performers and fancy shops, Covent Garden is also a great place for a meal. There are plenty of exciting eateries to suit a variety of budgets in walking distance of the tube station, including American diners, tasty Thai restaurants and sophisticated French establishments. Recharging your batteries with an Afternoon Tea or people-watching from the window of a café are also to be recommended. The Transport Museum is tucked away next to the plaza, if you fancy a peek into the history of London transport and its iconic designs. We hope you’ve enjoyed our top picks of things to do in London this weekend, and have found something that sounds of interest to you. All that’s left to do now is to wish you a pleasant trip!