The best activities in London

London boasts some of the best-known museums in the whole world, with institutions such as the Natural History Museum, the British Museum, and the V&A, drawing millions of visitors from across the globe each year. There's also a number of lesser-known yet still fascinating museums around the city, showcasing stunning collections of artefacts from all walks of life, delving deep into a single topic, and chronicling times gone by. Find the best ones in our guide.

Going to see a musical in London's famed West End can be one of the most fun things to do in London. Even those with a distaste for musical interludes in their stories are regularly won over by the combination of stellar performances, jaw-dropping scenery, and well-written stories. Whether it's a family-friendly classic like “The Lion King” or a snarky favourite like “The Book of Mormon”, there's sure to be a musical for you in our guide.

Just like museums, there's no shortage of art galleries to be found around the city. You can see all kinds of art under the sun here, from classical masterpieces to bold new works by present-day artists. Browse our guide to the best galleries in London to find the most thrilling exhibitions on in the capital.

Popular with both locals and visitors, Borough Market is a paradise for food lovers. Explore the market stalls, buy artisan ingredients or street food, or enjoy a meal in one of the market's restaurants. Borough Market runs a variety of special events too, including cookery demonstrations.

Up at the O2 is popular with thrill-seekers, giving you the opportunity to scale the roof of this iconic arena. Take in clear views of Greenwich, Canary Wharf, and beyond with a daytime, sunset, or twilight climb. A celebration climb with a glass of champagne at the top is also available for special occasions.

The West End isn't the only place in London for theatre. You can watch a Shakespeare play at Shakespeare's Globe on the South Bank. This reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre has a regular programme of performances, including plays aimed at children. You can also visit the gift shop or take a guided tour.

Jack the Ripper's mysterious crimes continue to fascinate today and you can discover more on The Jack the Ripper Tour. This walking tour takes you to each of the murder sites and the pubs that Jack and his victims frequented in the 19th century. You'll gain insights throughout from your specialist tour guide.

The Monument is an instantly-recognisable London landmark but visitors can get another perspective by climbing the 311 stairs to the top. Once you reach the top you're greeting with fantastic views of the London skyline. This is a popular activity for getting your steps in and snagging that perfect photo opportunity.

Classical music lovers can take in a performance at St Martin-in-the-Fields, a church close to Trafalgar Square that's well-known for its classical and choral concert programme. Enjoy a free performance at lunchtime or book tickets for an evening concert in this unique setting. Family-friendly and educational performances are also on.

For a unique day out that's full of history and atmosphere, visit Highgate Cemetery, best known as the final resting place of Karl Marx, George Michael, Douglas Adams, and others. Take either a guided or self-guided tour to explore the burial sites of many famous faces, as well as the cemetery's imposing Victorian architecture.

Hackney City Farm is a working city farm with plenty to do. Meet the farmyard animals, see the gardens, visit the packaging-free farm shop, or participate in activities like art classes or bicycle maintenance sessions. There's also an Italian restaurant on-site offering farm-to-table cuisine throughout the day, including breakfast.

See London in a different light on a scenic cruise between Camden and Little Venice with London Waterbus Company. The 45-minute trip involves beautiful scenery, a relaxing pace, and commentary from your guide. Trips run regularly throughout the day in both directions.

Visit Holland Park's Kyoto Garden for a peaceful activity in the heart of West London. Gifted by the Chamber of Commerce of Kyoto in 1991, you can take your time wandering around this elegant landscaped Japanese garden. Check out features like the koi pond, waterfall, and peacocks that roam around freely.

Experience the first electric scooter and bike tours in London with ScooTours. A variety of routes are available – there's something for everyone, whether you want to see the famous sites, explore hidden London, or journey across the whole city. This is the fast and eco-friendly way to get to know the capital.

Tower Bridge is immediately recognisable but you can go deeper with a visit inside the attraction. Explore the bridge's engine room, walkways, and towers, and learn how its famous bridge lift works. Brave visitors can step onto the glass walkway between the towers for thrilling London views.

iFly provides a top-notch indoor skydiving experience that caters to individuals of all ages and skill levels. By utilising cutting-edge wind tunnel technology, iFly can generate velocities reaching 150mph, allowing you to experience the sensation of freefall without the need to jump from a plane. Experienced staff members are available to assist you throughout the process, and various group packages are also available.

Play the arcade games you remember from your youth at one of the Four Quarters bars in London. These retro arcades are full of carefully restored games from the 1970s up to the early 2000s. Play the games you love with a drink from the bar or refuel with a snack. Live music and comedy events are held regularly too.

Modelled on the bingo bars of Tokyo, at Hijingo you can enjoy a multi-sensory bingo experience with lights, sound, and entertainment. You could earn some exciting prizes too. Drinks and snacks are available whilst you play, or you can join in with a Hijingo bottomless brunch.

Sky Garden is London's highest public garden on the 36th floor of the Walkie-Talkie building. See impressive views of the city and soak up the atmosphere amongst plenty of lush plants. Enjoy a drink or meal on-site, listen to live music, or join a morning yoga class in this unique setting.

Enjoy nature, art, and history with a visit to the Crystal Palace dinosaurs. These intriguing monuments were built in the 19th century and are quite different to what we know of dinosaurs now. You can tour these Grade I-listed monuments either on foot or by water in a pedalo.

Cruise along the River Thames at top speeds on the Thames RIB experience. A popular activity for thrill-seekers, you'll zoom by the city's sights with commentary from your guide. The powerful PA system ensures you won't miss anything. You can also take photos home with you as a souvenir.

Explore the rich street art of East London on a walking or bike tour with Alternative London. Local street artists and experts lead the tours, guiding you through the history and culture of the area. You can also take part in a street art workshop and create your own work with professional guidance.

Visit the Palace of Westminster, one of the world's most recognisable buildings and home to the UK parliament. UK residents can attend some tours free of charge but everyone is welcome to join. On the tour you'll discover the history of the building and can finish off with a trip to the gift shop.

Get close to wildlife in the city at London Zoo. A popular day out for the whole family, you can see animals like big cats, gorillas, and rainforest creatures at the world's oldest scientific zoo. There are also special events like the adults-only after-hours nights and events for children.

If you're a fan of gin you can learn more on a tour of the Sipsmith Distillery in Chiswick. Find out more about the history of gin and how it's made before taking part in a guided gin tasting. Guests also receive a gift bag of treats to take home.

Enjoy peaceful sightseeing on the London Eye, one of the most popular attractions in the UK. Located on the South Bank, the clear pods give you panoramic views of the city on your 30-minute journey. You can also book private pods or indulgent champagne experiences.

Whether you're a natural-born belter or a secret shower singer, a night singing karaoke can be great for letting off some steam in good company. Many of London's karaoke bars are fitted with private booths, so you can channel your inner rock star without worrying about what strangers might think. Grab your friends, order a drink or two for courage, and sing the night away at the best karaoke bars in London.

Bunker 51 in Greenwich is styled as a nuclear bunker where you can play a range of thrilling games. Choose paintball, airsoft, laser tag, an escape room, or a heart-pounding zombie experience – pick from three different zombie-themed games. Children's birthday parties and sessions just for kids are also available here.

Skuna Boats offers modern boat hire with a twist. You can choose between a boating barbecue or drifting in a floating hot tub, perfect for families and groups of friends. Enjoy a two-hour electric BBQ boat ride with the option to bring your own food or order a BBQ package, or unwind in a heated hot tub boat while taking in the sights of London from a fresh perspective.

In order to get out of these fun chambers, you'll have to collaborate with your friends or colleagues, utilising each individual's distinctive skill set to crack different riddles, puzzles, codes, and other clever challenges. The first clue to point you in the right direction? Our guide to the best escape rooms in London, spanning everything from adventures in ancient Egypt to confronting murderous dentists.

For those craving heart-pounding excitement and exhilarating adventures, London's go-karting venues are sure to satisfy your need for speed. Our guide to go-karting in London highlights the best destinations where you can hit the track at full speed and get your adrenaline rush.

Crazy golf has become a popular pastime activity among Londoners in recent years, and there are all sorts of different themed courses scattered around the city. Whether you're planning a family outing, want to get together with your mates, or organise a fun team building event, our guide to where to play mini golf will have you swinging away in no time.

For Londoners eager to explore stand-up paddleboarding, Active 360 is an excellent choice, catering to all experience levels. At multiple locations across the city, you can engage in a range of paddleboarding activities, from beginner and private lessons to paddleboard yoga or pilates, guided tours, or simply renting a SUP for a solo adventure.

Thanks to technological advancements, immersive VR experiences have become incredibly realistic and responsive. At the various VR experiences around the city, you can explore wondrous digital worlds, get unprecedented insight into artistic masterpieces, or tackle all sorts of thrilling challenges, from battling zombies and other creatures to racing and more.

Bubble Planet invites guests to explore a playful, bubble-themed universe with uniquely designed rooms featuring optical illusions and vibrant landscapes. Having captivated audiences in cities around the world, the immersive experience has now arrived in London, tapping into the 'Kidulting' trend. Visitors can expect a sensory journey through colourful, multisensory environments with interactive technologies, ensuring a whimsical and memorable adventure for all ages.

Play Monopoly in a completely new way at Monopoly Lifesized. You can get competitive as you move around a life-sized game board and take on fun challenges to win as much cash as possible. Once you finish the game you can relax at the on-site bar and restaurant.

With a rich history spanning over half a millennium, shuffleboard has experienced a resurgence in London's vibrant nightlife. Striking the perfect balance between entertainment, competitiveness, and fun to enjoy after a few drinks, this addictive game is sure to captivate you. From neon-lit modern bars to cosy traditional pubs with wooden tables, read our guide to where to play shuffleboard to find the top spots in the city.

Even before it was redeveloped and reopened, Battersea Power Station was worth checking out – the massive brick building is hugely impressive and imposing, and it's no wonder it's been immortalised on album covers and elsewhere. Since the relaunch, however, it's steadily climbing the ranks of London's top attractions. You can learn about the building's history, take a lift up one of the chimneys, take advantage of the numerous leisure and dining options, and more.

A herd of deer rambling through the early morning mist in Richmond Park is one of the most majestic sights in London. The deer roam freely throughout the park, though how likely you'll see them changes with the seasons. Even if you miss out, however, London's largest Royal Park is perfect for a day out in nature, with vast green spaces to stroll through, have a picnic, play some outdoor sports, and the like.

A vibrant spectacle rivaling Las Vegas, God's Own Junkyard is the creation of artist Chris Bracey, known as the Neon Man. Located in Walthamstow, the gallery and café display an array of neon signs in dazzling colours, many of which Bracey designed and salvaged. The collection includes pieces featured in films like “Eyes Wide Shut” and “Batman”, offering a unique and experience for film buffs too.