Things to do on a Saturday in London

Start the day at one of the buzzing Saturday food markets in London. Find a foodie's paradise at Borough Market with delicious treats at street food stalls and shops; or venture to nearby Maltby Street Market for handheld bites under the railway arches.

Alternatively, step into Soho for Saturday brunch in London, where historic Berwick Street Market serves up a range of treats.

Further afield, sip on a flat white from Climpson & Sons' cafe as you peruse the food, clothes and crafts at Hackney's Broadway Market; seek out delicacies from the world over at Brixton Market in south London; or mix vintage wares with street food at picture-pretty Portobello Road Market in west London.

Saturdays are a great time to join the locals in one of the many diverse areas of London.

Wander through the beautiful cobbled streets of Greenwich before visiting the Old Royal Naval College's newly restored Painted Hall, or delve into the home of time at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

Or explore Brent, the Mayor's London Borough of Culture for 2020, which is home to spectacular BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (also known as Neasden Temple).

Take your pick from one of the many Saturday matinees London has on offer. Many of the top West End musicals and plays have shows in London on Saturday afternoons. Laugh out loud to farcical The Comedy About a Bank Robbery, or sing along to ABBA hits with Mamma Mia!.

After the show, hit the shops in London's West End. Browse big name brands on Bond Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street, before venturing off the beaten track to discover charming courtyards. Alongside upscale boutiques, the likes of St Christopher's Place, St James's Market and St Martin's Courtyard are also home to eclectic eateries that are perfect for a lunch stop.

Alternatively, indulge in an afternoon tea. Skip the traditional tea for more unusual afternoon tea creations: fill up on dainty bites as you gaze at the pastel-pink interiors of Sketch Gallery, or tumble down the rabbit hole with a Mad Hatter's afternoon tea at Sanderson.

After all that, you'll need a breather, so take some time out in pretty Soho Square or grab a coffee in laid-back Brown Hart Gardens.

Escape the crowds with a visit to one of the more unusual museums in London. See Edwardian display cases packed full of specimens at the Grant Museum of Zoology, or admire beautiful creations at The Fan Museum before enjoying a pot of tea in its Orangery. 

Step back in time at the residence of Georgian writer Dr Johnson, who coined the phrase "when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life...". Or marvel at the collection of artworks amassed by Sir John Soane, the architect of the Bank of England.

For something more modern, search for some of the best street art in London, including pieces by Banksy and tributes to music legends such as David Bowie and Amy Winehouse.

Go on a hair-raising adventure as you see London's attractions from new angles. Dare to climb high up over London with Up at The O2, go even higher into the air for views of London from a helicopter, or hurtle past iconic landmarks such as Big Ben and Tower Bridge in a speedboat.

It's time to fill up your Insta feed and your belly, with dinner and a side helping of special views. Coq d'Argent's terrace is the perfect place to enjoy fine French cuisine; Sushisamba fuses Japanese and Brazilian flavours; while sky-high views can be found at The Shard, which hosts Chinese eatery Hutong and inventive cocktail bar GŎNG.

If you're just up for a cocktail or two and some evening fun and games, visit one of the capital's many rooftop bars. Enter immersive worlds that change seasonally at Queen of Hoxton or hotfoot it to Skylight for seasonal fun, such as ice skating and croquet.

Keep going through to the early hours at London clubs on Saturday. For a big night out, head to the dance floors of legendary institutions Fabric and Ministry of Sound.

Remember, you can make use of the Night Tube on five lines, so there's no excuse for going home early. Follow our tips on late-night activities using the Night Tube and discover more ways to enjoy legendary London nightlife for top nights out in London on a Saturday.