Things to do in London today

There are few better ways to make the most of a sunny (or not-so-sunny) afternoon in London than by spending it in a beer garden. Supping on a couple of cold ‘uns with yer mates feels good anywhere, but there’s something seriously special about pints under London’s famous skies. Here are our favourite alfresco drinking spots.

There’s nothing more magical than seeing a play or musical in the open air, and London is absolutely the city for it. In defiance of the weather gods, our outdoor theatre season now stretches from March to late October: we’re are just that tough. Or at least, optimistic about the weather. Not sure where to start for an open-air theatre trip? Here’s our guide.

Summer has finally hit the city and outdoor dining is officially back on the cards. Soak up that all-important vitamin D while you eat at London’s best restaurants that have some of the best rooftops views and terraces that will make you feel like you’re on holiday. Whether you’re in the mood to have spaghetti in the sun and snack on schnitzel by starlight, our list has you covered. 

RECOMMENDED: These are the best rooftop bars in London. 

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!

Guess what? It’s summer. Guess what else? There’s a high chance that if you look outside during the daytime right now you’ll see actual sun beaming down from sky. There are two things you should do immediately to capitalise on this. First: go outside. Secondly: have a big old picnic. Here’s where to do it.

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. 

You can’t get bored of eating out in London. The city’s restaurant scene is a rich tapestry of different cuisines and flavours. From the family-run neighbourhood Thai joint that’s been around for years to the Michelin-starred grandee where you can sit at a counter and watch genius chefs at work, London’s restaurants are diverse, creative and always exciting. This is your guide to eating out in the capital in 2022. Tuck in.

From swanky skyscrapers to casual warehouse hangouts and hidden pub terraces, London has a real crush on a rooftop bar. To enjoy a heatwave high, we are blessed with all kinds of rooftops which offer a winning combination of wicked city views and perfect drinks. So take your pick from stylish Shoreditch, buzzing Soho and Covent Garden, trendy Peckham and more – it’s time to soak up those sunsets, with rooftop bar season now upon us.

Fancy a majestic meal up in the air? Check out London’s best rooftop restaurants.