20+ Crazy Fun Things to Do in London in 2023 (Curious, Quirky & Cool!)
I know there are many people who talk about fun things to do in London. Yet, my goal today is not to talk about famous London attractions. I’ve written quite a few articles about the best things to do in Central London already. For instance, I’ve written about the best free things to do in London when you’re absolutely broke. I also focus a lot on things to do in London by area on The London Local, including Bethnal Green, Brick Lane, Shoreditch, or even lately Hampstead Heath. In this article, I’m going to be focusing on cool things to do in London in 2023.
That includes some exhibitions, some absolutely tremendous cemeteries, and some very fashionable museums and art collections. Of course, I know you are looking for the best things to do in London at night and cheap activities. I mean, we are not all very rich when we live in London – far from it.
20+ Crazy Fun Things to Do in London in 2023 (Curious, Quirky & Cool!)
When I talk about cool things to do in London, I have a very specific idea of what cool, quirky, and curious mean. It is not enough to look for the best free things to do in London if you’re going to be finding yourself at the Tate Modern and the usual walk around Covent Garden and Regent Street up to Oxford Circus. There’s so much more that I want to share with you, even amazing things to do in London tomorrow, during the weekend, or at night.
Before we get started, you might like to take a look at these guides I’ve written for you to find them the top things to do in London:
- the best things to do in London for free (when you’re broke af),
- and the best cheap things to do in London alone
If you’re just feeling like shopping a different way, how about discovering the best Japanese shops in London? I’ve broken them down for you so you can find the coolest Japanese stationery, makeup brands, snacks, and much more!
City Exploration Games by CityDays
The ultimate London experience for urban adventurers
If you’re looking for an immersive day out in London full of fun challenges, then a CityDays exploration game could be just the thing!
Not only do you get to explore some of London’s hidden secrets and historic landmarks whilst solving an array of riddles and clues, you also get to stop in top-rated cafes, pubs and bars along the way (some of which will give you a discount if you let them know that you’re on a CityDays hunt!).
CityDays have 8 different treasure and scavenger hunts to choose from – The City, Greenwich Guile, A Forbidden Fayre, Secrets of the Squares, Mysterious Mews, A Rift In Time, All Gone South and Shoreditch Shuffle.
The Secret City offers 8 different treasure and scavenger hunts to choose from – The City, Greenwich Guile, A Forbidden Fayre, Secrets of the Squares, Mysterious Mews, A Rift In Time, All Gone South and Shoreditch Shuffle.
CityDays – Mystery Walks of London
Location: Various starting locations depending on which experience you book
Price: From £15 per person
🐣 Visiting London for Easter?
Check out our guide for the best things to do in London this Easter!
Including Easter Egg hunts for the kids, tasty themed afternoon teas and classic London Easter traditions.
Have a Harry Potter Themed Afternoon Tea
Interactive Afternoon Tea for Two at Wands and Wizards Exploratorium
Indulge in a magical and interactive afternoon tea at the Wizard Exploratorium in Soho. You’ll be invited to select a magic wand and then lead to an interactive work station where you’ll brew your teas. The magic wand also controls your afternoon tea stand which is filled with a carefully curated selection of delicious sandwiches, desserts and a traditional English scone for each ‘wizard’.
The main Wizards afternoon tea is aimed at adults and older children from ages 12+.
If you are looking to take younger children, you can book in for a Little Wizards Afternoon Tea designed for ages 5-11.
University students can get a 20% discount on specific dates and times.
Arcane Afternoon Tea for Two – Wands and Wizard Exploratorium
Location: 26 Greek Street, London, W1D 5DE View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Leicester Square
Price: £42 per adult (ages 12+), £32 per child (ages 5-11), £33.60 University Students
DISCOUNT CODE – 10% OFF Potion Making Experience
Use code Magical_Potions to get 10% off all Potion Making experiences booked in March 2023
*End Date: 31st March 2023*
Birdies Battersea
If you are looking for really fun things to do in London, I think you should take a look at Battersea. I feel like this is one of the most underrated areas of London, and under the tunnel, at Battersea Power Station, you can find Birdies. This is a totally undescribable mini-golf course focused on the most unforgettable features that a golf course in London could have.
I’m talking great menu for food, I’m talking 9 holes, I’m talking super instagrammable golf course. I’ve never been that much of a golf lover, to be honest. That is not one of the things in London I would choose to do when with friends. However, Birdies is so instagrammable, so actually absurd… I still recommend it to you as one of the fun things to do in London this weekend, or during the week. If you want to eat great street food in London far from the famous London attractions and landmarks, Birdies in Battersea will definitely make for a good time.
Birdies Battersea
Location: 6 Arches Lane, Nine Elms, SW11 8AB View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Battersea Power Station
Price: Adult Peak £12 | Adult Off Peak £8 | Children £6
Fun Things to do in London: Monopoly Lifesized
I spotted the Monopoly Lifesized game while walking from Fitzrovia to Tottenham Court Road one day. This is not one of the cheap things to do in London, far from it, actually. However, when you get the chance to play Monopoly in real life, can you really look at the price? You could definitely spend a day in London shopping in one of the cheap shopping centers, for instance, or going to one of the amazing art galleries. You could go to one of the famous London parks and visit instagrammable bridges like Albert Bridge or Tower Bridge. But then, if you really want to have some good fun, Monopoly Lifesized is your immersive destination.
If you’ve played Monopoly before, you already know what the deal is. You’re going to play on your feet, buying properties, solving mysteries, and competing against the clock. In 80 minutes, you need to have won the game. There are 4 life-sized boards to choose from and they will cost you from £49 per adult and from £25 for a junior. Forget about the usual London sightseeing because Monopoly Lifesized is one of your ultimate top things to do in London this weekend.
Monopoly Lifesized
Location: 213-215 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7PS View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Goodge Street
Price: From £49 per person
Fun Things to do in London: Visit Roller Nation
The reason why I don’t like golf that much is the same reason I don’t really like roller skating. It’s not that much of a matter of not liking, it’s more that I suck at roller skating. However, Roller Nation, a roller-skating nightclub in Tottenham, is one of the best things to do in London in 2023. It goes beyond any fun you could have in the city if you just don’t mind going all the way to Tottenham.
This is one of the most amazing venues for cheap date ideas in London, for instance. To be fair, when you can have that much fun, you don’t really mind spending a few more stations on the tube. You can either meet with friends there, plan a hen party, or just go solo, you know. If you’re looking for the best things to do in London at night, for sure, Roller Nation is one of them. Basically, it is described as a nightclub on skates. Yet, I’d like to highlight the fact that if you’re looking for the best street food in London, Roller Nation is it.
Roller Nation
Location: 117 Bruce Grove, N17 6UR View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Bruce Grove
Price: From £10 per person
Otherworld: Virtual Reality in London
Otherworld is one of the other amazing things to do in London this weekend, during the week, or in the evening. It was mentioned in many famous publications, such as BBC, The Times, The Evening Standard, or even Vogue. We don’t often talk about cool things to do in East London other than going out in Hackney or going to dinner in one of the best halal restaurants in East London, for instance. But I’ve always been an East London girl, even when I was living in Seven Sisters, up north.
Otherworld is one of the London attractions that focuses on virtual reality. I think I speak for many of us when I say that when we’re looking for fun things to do in London, we’re looking for something that’s gonna knock us off our feet. The London crowd is a demanding one, and that’s definitely the place where you can have an otherworldly experience. You can go on your own or with friends, turn yourselves into avatars, and just ride the wave of the adventure stream in London. I’m talking immersion, I’m talking virtual, and extreme relaxation and fun in the midst of the city.
Otherworld
Location: 336 Acton Mews, E8 4EA View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Haggerston
Price: From £14
God’s Own Junkyard
I remember the first time I ever visited God’s Own Junkyard near Walthamstow. This full neon gallery and shop is one of the best free London attractions. I was a make-up artist when I first visited it, and just so you know, you cannot take a professional camera or a reflex when you go visit God’s Own Junkyard. Only phone pictures are allowed. We’re not talking about the best free things to do in Central London as Walthamstow is located far East. However, if you don’t go, you’re going to regret it big time. Especially since it’s free, folks.
God’s Own Junkyard is full of neon signs, movie props, controversial objects, and amazing neon lights. Basically, Chris Bracey, God’s Own Junkyard’s owner has been creating art for the likes of David Lachapelle and Martin Creed for almost 40 years. The place is absolutely one of the most aesthetic places in London. There’s even a small independent coffee shop inside, where the cakes are decadent.
God’s Own Junkyard
Location: Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St, London E17 9HQ View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Wood Street
Price: FREE ENTRY!
Luna Cinema: Outdoor Cinema in London
Luna Cinema is a company that provides an amazing open-air cinema experience in London. They focus on drive-in and open-air cinema, which means you can even watch a movie outdoors in London. Without a doubt, it’s one of the top things to do in London at night with your other half or with friends after work. It’s not only a company that works in London since Luna Cinema is a moving attraction across the UK.
At the moment, of course, since it’s cold, the Luna Cinema is closed. However, you can still follow them on social media or see straight on their website when they’re going to reopen and what kind of movies are going to be screened. These are mostly classic movies showing in this open air cinema in London, including Dirty dancing and the likes of Pretty Woman. Not only will you pay £15 for a great classic movie but the setting is bound to be exceptional, like the Geffrye Museum and Kensington Gardens. The Luna Cinema tops all London attractions when you want to create memories with your best friends or with the city of London herself.
Luna Cinema: Outdoor Cinema in London
Location: Various locations across London
Nearest Station: Various locations across London
Price: Prices start from £19.50 per person
Swingers Crazy Golf – Fun things to do in Londons West End
If you’re looking for unique date ideas in London, I would suggest passing by the Swingers Crazy Golf. Basically, each game lasts about 30 minutes and this is one of the most instagrammable places in London. Also, if you are a sucker for the best street food in London, you will find Patty & Bun, Pizza Pilgrims, and Crosstown Doughnuts at Swingers Crazy Golf.
That’s a true London experience, given how quirky it is and how blown off you’re going to be when you spend time there. It is true that London has always been an aesthetic place, with its skyscrapers and mix of the old and the new. But now, it seems that most of the cool things to do in London are based on Instagram. I would say that spending date night at the Swingers Crazy Golf (which has since then moved away from its Shoreditch warehouse) is one of the most fun things to do in London.
Not only are you going to spend an amazing evening, but you’re going to eat well and you’re going to go to sleep with amazing memories. Much like any of the best London attractions, right? So if you’ve never gone mini-golfing before, that’s a place you should visit.
Swingers Crazy Golf
Location: 15 John Prince’s Street, W1G 0AB
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus
Price: £13.50 per person
Fun Things to do in London: Upside Down House
If you’re looking for amazing things to do in London, then one of the best activities I can recommend this year is visiting the Upside Down House at Westfield White City. The Upside Down house arrived in London last year, and it’s the exact replica of a home flipped upside down. There are already Upside Down houses in other United Kingdom cities like Manchester, Bristol, and another city I adore – Brighton.
Aside from very overrated famous London attractions, it’s great to know that you can live street art and entertainment another way in the city. I don’t know if you are familiar with Westfield White City: it’s one of the most famous shopping centers in London. There, you can find great brands like Inglot, M&S, and even high-end brands to shop for clothes, perfume, makeup, electronics, and much, much more.
It seems that more and more activities and installations in London are made for Instagram. To be honest, the Upside Down House is one of the most instagrammable places in London. It is not one of the free things to do in London as the ticket costs £5 per person, while kids under 3 go for free.
However, it is indeed one of the cheap things to do in London at the moment. If you pay attention to your Instagram feed, that’s one of the aesthetic places in London you are going to want to regram. For sure, you’re going to capture some crazy good pictures at the Upside Down House. It makes for an amazing cheap date idea in London whether you’re a student, a freelancer, or a couple.
Upside Down House – Westfield
Location: Westfield Square, Ariel Way, W12 7GF View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Wood Lane
Price: £5 per person
Go to a Pancake Art Cafe – Fun things to do in London with the Kids
The first time I came across the Pancake Art Cafe was actually last year. I know that when I talk to you about it, and if you have children or a child, you’re going to want to visit straight away. If you’re ever around Camden (which, if you like aesthetic places in London, you’re bound to be), the Pancake Art Cafe is one of the independent coffee shops in London you’ll want to spend an afternoon at.
No one is telling you to actually make pancake art if you don’t want to. But you can definitely get one of the best hot chocolates in London in this cafe. However, I have come to put more value in things I do by myself rather than things prepared by other people for me. If you’re like me, creating your own colorful pancake is something you’re gonna love to do. A few days ago, I wrote about the best instagrammable cafes in London to get your pink latte fix. Although that’s not a coffee shop where you can get a pink latte, you can definitely get an aesthetic matcha latte at the Pancake Art Cafe.
That makes for one of the best date ideas in London, and one of the best things to do in London tomorrow, during the week, or this weekend. I would recommend you to go see the Camden street art, go shopping at the best charity shops, and finish the afternoon with a break at the Pancake Art Cafe. For sure, you’re going to go back home with great memories.
Pancake Art Café – Camden
Location: 3 Water Lane Arch, NW1 8NZ7 View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Camden Road
Price: £25.00 per person
Go on a London rooftop
One of the best things to do in London will always be to go on a rooftop. There are quite a few rooftops that I’ve talked about. From some of them, you can see the view and from others, you will just enjoy the presence of the city in the background as you’re having drinks and eating the best street food in London. It’s not all about sightseeing when I talk about the best things to do in London, actually. It’s about being able to share evenings with friends, and family experiences with the best backgrounds in the city.
When I’m talking rooftops in London, I can give you a few examples that will leave you dumbfounded, including:
- The famous Sky Garden in the Walkie-Talkie building
- The Greenwich Observatory
- The top of the Tate Modern
- The Fen Court Rooftop at Monument (pictured above)
- The rooftop garden at New Change
I will dedicate a full article to London rooftops and you best believe that is one of the best free things to do in London. The best part is you don’t even need to pay for most of them, whether it’s a garden or one of the skyscrapers in London.
Fun Things to do in London: Harbour Quay Gardens
I know that when we live in the city, one of the things that we miss the most is the fact that there are not that many beaches in London. There are water points, there are lakes – artificial and natural, there are natural reserves… but I often miss the feeling of a real beach in London. Well, I’m here today to tell you about Harbour Quay Gardens.
Located in Wood Wharf, Harbour Quay Gardens is a long boardwalk built along the water. When it’s spring and summer, taking a walk in this very clean piece of quiet is one of the best free things in London you can do with your other half or with your family.
I actually feel very inspired whenever I am near the water, and I cannot recommend enough ditching the famous London attractions for an afternoon at Harbour Quay Gardens. You can even have a picnic there, read the book or just chill while other people are passing by. There is also fitness equipment right on the Harbour Quay Gardens, and many people come to train here when it gets all sunny and warm.
Harbour Quay Gardens – Canary Wharf
Location: Harbour Quay, E14 9ZX View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Canary Wharf
Go to the decadent Wallace Museum
If you’re looking for the best free things to do in London and you’re getting kind of tired of all the famous museums, I would recommend visiting the Wallace Museum. The Wallace Collection was built between the 18th and 19th centuries and it is all about fine arts, fine furniture, armor and arms, and everything paintings and sculpture dating back to those centuries.
This is even one of the cool things to do in London tomorrow if you have a day off. It used to be a private collection owned by the marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, and it was transferred to the British nation in 1897.
There are countless exhibitions and events held at the Wallace Museum, and to be fair, it might very well be one of the most instagrammable museums in London. If you like aesthetic places and are keen on being brought back in time, this all golden and burgundy gallery is one of the too underrated London attractions.
Wallace Museum London Art Gallery
Location: Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Bond Street
Price: FREE ENTRY!
Visit The Chocolate Factory
It always gets better in the city when it comes to cool things to do in London. Next up on my list is visiting the Chocolate Factory in Westfield. I bet you didn’t even know there was a Chocolate Factory in London, right? It is definitely one of the best London attractions in 2023, and it is totally built on Instagram fame.
You can go with friends, solo, or with your family and visit various rooms that revolve around sweetness, cakes, and lollipops all blended together. What is super cool is that the Chocolate Factory is one of the London attractions that run challenges and competitions on their social media and allows you to win various prizes.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in London this weekend and you don’t want to go sightseeing, spend an hour at this wonderland. Rooms there are called Chocolate Town, Lollipop Forest, or the likes of Cupcake Room. Everything around you is built for you to take amazing selfies. If you were planning in going to Westfield Shepherd’s Bush this weekend or tomorrow, why not book a ticket for the Chocolate Factory as well?
Not only will you be able to experience one of the best cheap things to do in London, but you will also be able to eat sweets and chocolate in this ethereal space. It might very well be one of the best things to do with kids in London in 2023 and I would recommend not to miss the opportunity. It’s fun, family-friendly, and everything you’d expect from the city’s curiosity.
The Chocolate Factory
Location: 1st Floor Westfield London, Ariel Way, W12 7GF View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Wood Lane
Visit the Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition
For some reason, the top things to do in central London often seem to revolve around Covent Garden. Many times I have walked around the area and found amazing independent coffee shops, bakeries, and even skincare brands that I really love like The Ordinary. Covent Garden is also home to some of the best stationery shops in London like Kikki K.
Just a few minutes’ walk from Covent Garden, on Wellington Street, is one of your best things to do in London this weekend, namely the Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition. Although I am a die-hard Potterhead and a Ravenclaw at that, I too have gotten a bit tired of Harry Potter. Above all of the messy fame that the Harry Potter franchise has garnered over the last years, starting with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
The Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition is somewhat a different type of London attraction. If you would like to learn Harry Potter film facts, that’s a journey you’re going to want to take. It’s not going to be one of the cheap things to do in London, since a ticket for an adult retails for £20 online. However, you’re going to be able to ride a broom, go home with a Harry Potter-style ID, and even go to a Butterbeer Bar.
I have been to the Harry Potter Warner Bros studios in Leavesden more than once, and I have always enjoyed the experience very much. This might very well be your chance to live the Harry Potter craze one more time without having to go all the way to the studios – straight in the heart of London.
Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition at The London Film Museum
Location: London Film Museum, 45 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 7BN View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Covent Garden
Price: £20 Adult, £14 Child (discounts available on family tickets)
Go full-on kid at Ballie Ballerson in Shoreditch
If you are into fun things to do in London such as a crazy golf background or neon exhibitions, then you will love Ballie Ballerson in Shoreditch. This is a London experience that is totally built on quirkiness and reflects the colorful area of Shoreditch. Ballie Ballerson is about colorful ball pits like the ones we used to jump in when we were kids.
The goal is to give adults amazing things to do in London at night, and what’s better than jumping around in a colorful ball pool without the fear to be judged? No one’s telling you that you can’t go London sightseeing during the day but during the night, you can get amazing street food at Ballie Ballerson and enjoy a colorful venue. Plus, if you are an Instagram freak and love finding aesthetic places in London, Ballie Ballerson provides the energy you need to go through the night with your friends or your partner.
That’s definitely one of the best cheap date ideas in London since a ticket is £7.50. I’ve written about the best coffee shops in Shoreditch to work, relax, or study a few days ago. I would totally recommend spending the day working or cramming your exams in one of these London cafes, especially Powerhouse Coffee on Curtain Road since Ballie Ballerson is located on the same street. One of the best fun things to do in London tomorrow, or this weekend.
Ballie Ballerson – Shoreditch
Location: 97-113 Curtain Road, EC2A 3BS View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Shoreditch High Street
Price: From £4 per person
Fun Things to do in London: Go to a rooftop park
Among the best things to do in London, I don’t know how I could leave out spending time at a rooftop in London. There are many more than you could ever imagine. Actually, London rooftops will be the topic of an upcoming guide on The London Local. Can you imagine that a lot of them are actually free London attractions?
One of the best-known rooftops in London is – of course – Skygarden. Located at the top of the Walkie Talkie building, it garners immense popularity because of its free access. Yet, another one of the great rooftops in London is the Crossrail Place Roof Garden in Canary Wharf.
Canary Wharf has always been one of my favorite areas in London. To think that you can spend time at this free rooftop garden is breathtaking. Not only is the pathway there decorated with greenery and plants from all around the world, but it’s also quiet. Plus, it’s a very romantic place if you’re looking for cheap date ideas in London. The Crossrail Place Roof Garden is located at the top of the Canary Wharf shopping center. This one I already mentioned in my guide about the best places for cheap shopping in London. If you want to know where to go shopping on the cheap in London, that’s one of the spots.
This roof garden might be one of the most instagrammable places in London. There are lots of hidden pathways and corners in the Crossrail Place roof garden. Opening times? It’s open every day until 9 pm (until sunset during the summer). The plus? If you’re looking for fun things to do in London, lots of events and shows take place at the Crossrail Place roof garden all year round. One of the best secret London attractions.
Go to an instagrammable cafe in London
You guys have really enjoyed my guide to the most instagrammable cafes in London for your pink latte fix. I mean, who doesn’t love colorful latte? Soon enough, I’ll write about the most instagrammable cafes in London. We’re talking pink cafes like El&n Cafe, flowers everywhere like Saints Aymes…
For me, a freelance writer, spending time at one of the best cafes in London to work and study is one of the best things to do in London. It’s not free, but when you go to an instagrammable cafe, you’re actually very happy to pay the price. Because they’re picture-perfect, the prices usually follow.
However, as in many parts of London, a latte shouldn’t cost more than £4 or £5. Which is expensive but still worth it. And balanced when you compare those cafes to non-IG-friendly cafes in Central London. So, you know. If you’re looking for the best things to do in London, I would recommend one of those instagrammable cafes. El&n Cafe probably being the first.
Saint Aymes – Instagrammable cafe
Location: 59 Connaught St, St George’s Fields, W2 2BB View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Marble Arch
Visit the cemetery parks in London
Back when I used to live in Mile End, I was literally 5 minutes away from the Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park. In France, we have a very different cemetery culture than the United Kingdom has. For instance, we wouldn’t consider mixing the words cemetery and park. It’s just not a thing. Except maybe for the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris where lots of famous people are buried.
Well, I’ve found that one of the best free things to do in London is to visit the cemetery parks. To be fair, it makes for a nice walk and a quiet moment, although I wouldn’t recommend it in a list of cheap date ideas in London. Just a bit creepy, innit?
The Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park is one of the “Magnificent Seven†cemeteries in London. It’s completely free to access, huge, beautiful, and there are even some colorful benches there. I’d say the best thing to do is to spot the names and dates on the tombs. Since it’s a cemetery park, the fauna and flora remain untouched. They’re pure and green, with great trees towering over the tombs and the occasional ray of sunlight breaking through. Absolutely worthy of any plan for your day of London sightseeing, if you’re looking for free things to do in London.
In case you’re wondering, the other cemetery parks in London are:
- Nunhead Cemetery
- Brompton Cemetery
- Abney Park Cemetery
- Kensal Green Cemetery
- West Norwood Cemetery
- And the very famous Highgate Cemetery
All these cemetery parks in London look a bit alike, but actually – no, they don’t. They all feature that beautiful nature in London, that’s for sure. However, they all have their own personality. Some look more like city cemeteries, while others are true natural attractions in London.
Do a tour of fun statues in London
I love finding new fun statues in London. That’s one of the coolest free things to do in London, no doubt about it. When I talk about the most famous statues in London, of course, I’d include memorial statues and sculptures. But unless you’re a history freak, that’s not the kind of London attraction I want to recommend.
I’m talking about fun statues in London that represent movie or cartoon characters, for instance. So that would be Leicester Square statues, implemented a few years ago in one of the most famous areas of London. Just a stone’s throw away from Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden, you can find statues of famous people and characters, including:
- A Mary Poppins statue
- A Harry Potter statue
- A Mr. Bean statue
- A Batman statue
- A Paddington bear statue,
- And a Charlie Chaplin statue, among others.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in London at night, that’s one of them. At night, the Leicester Square statues get all lit up. That makes them very unusual and quirky characters to have in your Instagram feed, for instance. And that’s definitely one of the fun things to do in London with kids too.
If you’re with kids, you might love Holland Park (inside which is nestled the famous secret Kyoto Garden). There, you’ll find several statues and sculptures. That includes a giant wrinkled yellow apple, a sculpture of a walking man, and a giant chessboard built right on the ground. How’s that for London sightseeing?
See the London views from secret places
I know that when you look for London attractions, one thing you’re expecting to see is the beautiful London views. There are quite a few places in London where you can spot amazing views. I’d start with the famous Primrose Hill sunset, for instance. You can also spot the amazing view at Hampstead Heath, still in the London parks register.
If you’d like to spot the London views closer to the center, these are some places I can recommend:
- The Shard
- Sky Garden
- At the top of the Garden Museum
- The Crossrail Place Roof Garden in Canary Wharf
- The Madison Bar
- Ratcliff Beach in Bermondsey
Those are all great spots to see the London views. FYI, Ratcliff Beach in Bermondsey is not really a beach, but it does provide amazing views of Canary Wharf. Going to this secret beach in London is one of the best things to do in the summer. It doesn’t matter that the actual “beach” isn’t that pretty – nor sandy. But this place, like the whole Bermondsey, Wapping, and Limehouse seashores is amazing. Especially when you can spot the London skyline under the burning sunset sky.
Visit an ethnic market – Brixton Market
There’s nothing I like doing more than learning about other cultures. One of the cool things to do in London, since it’s such a melting pot, is to learn and taste other cultures. I mean, what is the best way to discover a new mindset, other than through food?
The ethnic market you should definitely include in your London sightseeing plans is Brixton Market. That’s one of the very best markets in London, if I may say so. There, you can buy absolutely pure shea butter in London, for instance, along with other great hair products and ethnic food. Since Brixton is such a young and lively place, there is lots of street art all around the station, and lots of cool things to do in London at night in this area of South London. I’m talking about some of the best street food in London, some amazing independent shops and brands for hair, fashion, and many events scattered all throughout the year.
Brixton Market, in Brixton Village, is an African slash Caribbean market. There, you’ll find all the necessary fresh and pantry ingredients to make jerk chicken, for instance, or mafe – both incredible dishes. You don’t even need to buy anything if you want to keep it one of the best free things to do in London. But I guarantee you’ll want to taste some of that amazing street food.
Unlike many other activities you’ll do while London sightseeing, Brixton Market is a breath of fresh air in the hustle and bustle of the super structured London life. It’s lively, colorful, tasty, and culturally richer than any other area of the city. I’d even go as far as saying it might be cooler to spend an afternoon there than in most famous London attractions.
Brixton Market
Location: Electric Ave, SW9 8JX View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Clapham Common
Go see the cherry blossom (from March)
I will write a post about the best places in London to see the cherry blossom, come spring. There are countless areas where you can take super instagrammable photos with cherry trees blossoming all around London. It’s actually one of the best free things to do in London when the weather is warming up nicely and to be honest, I look forward to this season every year.
Among the best places to see cherry blossom in London, I can list quite a few. That includes Notting Hill, Hampstead Heath, and Battersea Park. Stanley Crescent is one very famous street in West London to see the cherry blossom too. There, plenty of influencers take cherry blossoms pictures that you then see on social media.
If you’re located in East London, you can see the cherry blossom at Aldgate Square, for instance. I would recommend going to get a filling breakfast at Grounded or Dolce Coffee. Then, start walking down towards Whitechapel and Fenchurch Street.
There, on the right, you will see an amazing little square with a church and very fairytale-like cherry blossom trees. Mark it down as it’s going to be one of the best things to do in London in 2023. You would not want to miss the beautiful flowers in bloom.
20+ Crazy Fun Things to Do in London in 2023 (Curious, Quirky & Cool!)
So there you have them, the best things to do in London in 2023. I’ve included quite a big chunk of free things to do in London. Yet, I do know that some amazing activities that the city brings to us have to be paid for. To be honest, I’m very much okay with paying for London attractions that do not break the bank. And for activities that are really different from anything we’ve ever seen in London. I’ve never agreed with the fact that paying for the London Eye was a thing. And I think I never will.
I’ve tried to include some cool things to do in London at night. Most you can do without having a big budget at hand. Whether you’re looking for places to chill this weekend or during the week after work, those are my best bets. That should help you make the most of your London sightseeing experience. It’s all about learning about history, monuments, and famous landmarks. But London is much more than that. It’s about reaching out to other populations and cultures, to the past and the present, and broadening your horizons.
If you’d like to learn more about other cultures, I’d suggest taking a look at the best halal Malaysian restaurants in London. Or, why not, the best vegan bakeries for cakes and cupcakes, or the cutest cat cafes in London! Those are definitely some of the best things to do in London, and I know you’ll enjoy the ride!
Having previously lived in both Paris and Rome as a fashion makeup artist, she enjoys the freedom that freelancing offers and loves to spend her time seeking out new and exciting spots in London.