Things to do in London today

Beer gardens are one of the best things about London. There’s no finer way to spend a sunny (or not-so-sunny) afternoon in the capital, than supping on a couple of cold boys under the city’s famous sky. If you’re looking to sink some pints or sip a chilled wine while you embrace the breezy great outdoors, we’ve got you covered with the city’s best beer gardens.

London might well be the world’s greatest city for top nosh, but it’s also expensive enough that most of us can’t eat out as much as we’d like to. But never fear! Everything in this list has been priced at £10 a head or less to eat in or takeaway, but many of them will have you well-fed for a fiver. And variety is the name of the game – so expect London staples like fish ’n’ chips or pie ’n’ mash, but also the best banh mi, patties, gozleme, shawarma, steamed buns, lahmacun and more. Not only will visiting these places give you the kind of buzz only a bargain bite can deliver, you can relish the fact that you’re supporting small London businesses. Winner winner, chicken dinner!

Open-air theatre season in London stretches from March to late October: Londoners are simply that tough. Or at least, optimistic about the weather. Substantially it revolves around a few key theatres, notably Shakespeare’s Globe – which is open for by far the longest time – and the delightful Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, which is open late spring to the end of summer. 

Londoners, real Londoners, genuinely love walking. The whole city, with its winding streets, historic buildings and green spaces is made for strolling. There are loads of truly beautiful spots in London for walkers. Learn a little about the past with a historical trot around town, or feel calm and restored after bathing in the glory of nature. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as is an umbrella. Nothing spoils a walk like getting drenched in a downpour.

Come summer, you can’t move for outdoor cinemas helping us get our film fix under the stars and with a sweet summer breeze in our hair. Alfresco movie spots have popped up all over the city everywhere from docks and parks to rooftops and manicured gardens. There’s something for everyone, from Rooftop Film Club’s 360-degree views at Peckham’s Bussey Building to screens in the grounds of big historic houses. Basically, if there’s space for a screen, someone is putting one up – and we’re here for it.

Want a view with your food? Eat at altitude. London’s best rooftop restaurants offer the elevation you need to gaze upon our beautiful city, and top grub to enjoy while you do. Our list includes swish spots, gastropubs and even a thriving herb garden. Although dining in the clouds is best in the summer, most of these places have terraces that are open year-round, so you can catch the sunset whenever you like. 

Whether you’re a visitor, a daytripper or a tourist in your own hometown, there are certain iconic London attractions that you simply have to visit. These museums, galleries, monuments and parks are part of the city’s fabric – to experience them is to uncover the capital’s identity, culture and history. But where to begin? We’ve pulled together a list of the 50 best attractions in London for you to start ticking off your bucket list.

Looking at great art needn’t cost the same as buying great art. With a shed-load of free art exhibitions in the capital, wandering through sculptures, being blinded by neon or admiring some of the best photography in London doesn’t cost a penny. Here’s our pick of the best free art exhibitions this week and beyond.

Grab a bunch of thrill-seeking, puzzle-solving mates and sign up for one of the many live escape room experiences London has to offer. These range from the traditional locked-room escape mission to a ‘Sherlock’-themed mystery and an all-out recreation of classic ’90s TV show ‘The Crystal Maze’. Whichever you choose, your group will have to help each other to solve puzzles within a strict time limit. Our advice? Pick your teammates wisely. 

Do you ever hanker to experience the quirkier side of the capital? Our guide to unusual and original things to do in London sends you off the beaten track to those one-of-a-kind, unexpected places and experiences that give the city its edge. Read on for animal adventures, historical havens, culinary curiosities and loads of other really strange stuff.