The best things to do this weekend in London

Miga is a family-run Korean restaurant on trendy Mare Street that's gained a bit of a cult following since it opened back in June, predominantly through word of mouth and social media buzz. It's run by two brothers, with their father heading up the kitchen, bringing a fresh take on Korean cuisine to Hackney's thriving food scene. The restaurant is constantly evolving, with dishes like their creamy bone broth, soy braised short rib and sweet potato glass noodles stealing the limelight.

Step into the future of wildlife at the Natural History Museum's new mixed-reality exhibition, Visions of Nature, kicking off this Thursday, October 24. They use cutting-edge tech to take visitors to explore eight ecosystems and discover how animals and habitats might evolve over the next century, showing the impact of human intervention and scientific innovation.

London's largest African cinema festival, Film Africa, kicks off Friday with a weekend full of events. Highlights include 'The Kids Are OK', which explores Nigeria's creative youth scene, and 'Record Found Here', a documentary on the Egba Women's Revolt. Screenings will be held at venues like the BFI, Rich Mix, and Ciné Lumière, and the festival will run until November 3.

To celebrate World Pasta Day this Friday, November 1, Emilia's Crafted Pasta is giving away 5,000 free packets of its latest pasta products. Follow their social media to find out where their team will be stationed across London and grab a free goodie bag for a delicious Italian feast at home.

All October long, London is gearing up for the big Halloween finale with many eerie events and activities for kids, adults, and families alike. We've handpicked the best of the city's spooky offerings so you can celebrate in style, from club nights and theatre performances to spooky tours and dinners.

London Literature Festival is running at Southbank Centre until November 3, celebrating the written and spoken word with renowned authors and rising stars. Saturday's Poetry Day features free events from the National Poetry Library, plus appearances by actor Rupert Everett and foreign correspondent Lindsey Hilsum. Biologist Richard Dawkins is among the highlights of Sunday's lineup

Archer Street Notting Hill is hosting a thrilling Halloween-themed Bottomless Brunch on Saturday, October 26. Guests can enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited prosecco, beer, and pizza while being entertained by a live West End cast performing spooky anthems, including songs from 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' and other Halloween classics. Tickets are priced at £55 per person, which covers all the drinks and food.

The London Breeze Film Festival returns for another year and is set to be bigger than ever, with a gala opening, industry day, and programs celebrating top global filmmakers. It's running for five days starting on October 23 and will be held at venues around the city, like Riverside Studios and Cinema in the Arches, with an online pass available for streaming. It kicks off with Naqqash Khalid's satire 'In Camera'.

Eden Dock, created in partnership with Cornwall's Eden Project, has transformed Canary Wharf's Middle Dock into a tranquil waterfront with pontoons and aquatic islands, designed to reconnect people with nature. This green oasis promotes biodiversity and supports mental and physical wellbeing, while also creating habitats for wildlife. In addition to offering peaceful walks, Eden Dock hosts events such as evening origami kayaking sessions and the "Nature Rising" sculpture exhibition, with related activities across Canary Wharf.

October is Black History Month in the UK, with all sorts of events taking place across the city, from markets and exhibitions to family adventures, talks, and more. This year's theme is “Reclaiming Narratives”, aiming to inspire Black communities to take control of their stories, celebrate their heritage, and make their voices heard. You can find a round-up of some of the best events commemorating Black History Month in our guide.

The Doc'n Roll Film Festival is back in London this weekend, screening an eclectic mix of music documentaries across several cinemas. Highlights include international premieres, Q&As, live performances, and films on legendary artists like Ol' Dirty Bastard and Ani DiFranco. It's been running since 2014 and celebrates all genres, from punk to hip-hop, across 12 UK cities.

This autumn, Junsei, led by Chef Aman Lakhiani, launches the "Junsei & Friends Guest Chef Series," featuring renowned chefs like Shaulan Steenson and Petty Elliot. The series features curated menus showcasing unique culinary fusions, including an exclusive Wingmans collaboration and  a unique Indonesian twist on Japanese-style dishes.

The "Batman Unmasked: The Exhibition" celebrates the 85th anniversary of Batman, showcasing never-before-seen props and costumes from the superhero's various films. Spanning nine themed rooms, the exhibition offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at key settings like the Batcave, Batsuits, iconic vehicles, and super-villain props from Batman films between 1989 and 2022. Visitors can also enjoy photo opportunities, a comic book and gaming area, and a merchandise store, appealing to fans of all Batman eras.

An immersive exhibition dedicated to the beloved US sitcom "Friends" is coming to London this summer as part of the new Immerse LDN entertainment district. Fans can explore recreated sets, including the iconic Central Perk couch and Joey and Chandler's foosball table, reliving memorable moments from the show. Photo opportunities abound throughout.

Open on Sundays only, the Crystal Palace Museum explores the history of the architectural masterpiece that gave its name to the entire area. Three times the size of St Paul's Cathedral, the Crystal Palace was originally built to house the Great Exhibition, later relocated, and finally destroyed in a fire in 1936. You can see original bits and pieces at the museum, as well as photographs, scaled models, and other exhibits exploring the building's fascinating past.

The annual Sculpture in the City has returned for its 13th edition, transforming the urban landscape of the Square Mile into a free, accessible gallery featuring 17 artworks by 15 contemporary artists. Spread across the area between Liverpool Street, Aldgate, and Fenchurch Street, the exhibition runs until Spring 2025 and is accompanied by workshops, talks, and other events. You can download a map of the trail and learn more about the artworks on their website.

You've probably noticed, but just in case your address for the past couple of years has been “1 Under a Rock Rd” – Barbie has made a major comeback on the back of Greta Gerwig's blockbuster film. The iconic doll is celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2024 and is the star of a major new exhibition at London's Design Museum, exploring her evolution from 1959 to the present. The exhibition offers the chance to see rare and unique items from the Barbie archive in California, thanks to a partnership with Mattel.

Launching at the V&A on Saturday 22 June, “NAOMI: In Fashion” explores the career of Naomi Campbell, showcasing items from her wardrobe alongside designer archives and V&A exhibits. The exhibition, produced in collaboration with Campbell, covers her journey from being scouted as a teenager to her supermodel years, relationships with designers, global fame, and impact on fashion, and is slated to be one of the year's unmissable events.

London's busy pace can sometimes be overwhelming, but its prime location makes escaping for a day trip a breeze. Whether you're craving beachside relaxation, a peaceful countryside walk, or a dive into the history of a nearby town, your perfect getaway is just a short journey from the city. Our guide to the best day trips you can easily take from London will help you plan your next adventure.

Celebrated immersive theatre company Punchdrunk has extended the run of its latest success, a retelling of a classic gothic mystery. Narrated by none other than Helena Bonham Carter, “Viola's Room” takes visitors on a chilling sensory adventure lasting one hour. It was originally slated to run for just one month, but has been extended thanks to demand.

The opening of the Serpentine Pavilion is a major fixture on London's art scene. The 2024 pavilion, designed by Korean architect Minsuk Cho, opened to the public on 7th June. The unique design includes a number of distinct spaces that connect the South Gallery with the wider park. It's free to visit and will stay open until October.

“Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” a prequel to the popular Netflix series, is making waves in London's West End as a major theatrical hit. The play, unfolding the backstory of the series' villain Henry Creel, is co-directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin, and has been praised for capturing the essence of “Stranger Things” as well as putting on an astounding visual feast.

Lightroom, an immersive art gallery in King's Cross, has unveiled “The Moonwalkers: A Journey With Tom Hanks”. This immersive experience, narrated by Tom Hanks, uses advanced projection and audio to explore the historic Apollo missions and the current Artemis programme for manned lunar exploration. Co-written by Hanks and Christopher Riley, the experience also features interviews with Artemis astronauts, offering a unique perspective on this new chapter of space exploration.

Head on a Greek journey to the island of Skopelos for an unforgettable evening of dining and dancing at this Mamma Mia-inspired event. As the sun sets, discover yourself at Nikos' family-run taverna, feasting on a tasty four-course Greek meal, including dishes like Greek mezze, salad, confit lamb shoulder, and slow-cooked beef with garlic-roasted potatoes. A live band will play iconic ABBA tracks throughout the night, ensuring the dance floor stays lively with their best hits. 

Our event calendar highlights the top things to do in London.