8 things to do in London on a Saturday

Fill your Saturday in London with adrenaline-fuelled adventures, eclectic neighbourhoods and rooftop bars.
Visit London Editors
Written by Visit London Editors 24 May 2024
Greenwich Peninsula viewed from the Emirates Air Line cable car.
Aerial view of Greenwich Peninsula. Image courtesy of Visit Greenwich.

The weekend is here and there are plenty of exciting things to do in London on a Saturday. From food markets and West End matinees, to park strolls and nights out for every taste and budget, Saturday in London is a day filled with fun adventures from dawn till dusk, and beyond. 

Whether you want to relax, shop, sightsee or party till late, make the most of your next Saturday in London with these top ideas and recommendations across the capital. It's time to kick off the weekend in style with this guide to the best things to do in London on a Saturday.

1. Brunch at Saturday markets in London

Scrambled eggs with tomatoes and ham on toast for a traditional brunch
A traditional brunch of scrambled eggs on toast © Adam Bartoszewicz via Unsplash. Image courtesy of Adam Bartoszewicz via Unsplash

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 Village in south London; or mix vintage wares with street food at picture-pretty Portobello Road Market in west London.

2. Discover new neighbourhoods

Two men walking in front of Greenwich Hill and Royal Observatory
Royal Observatory Greenwich. Credit: © visitlondon.com/Antoine Buchet

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 Croydon, the Mayor's London Borough of Culture for 2023. Discover foodie paradise Boxpark Croydon and stroll around Wandle Park.

3. Catch a Saturday matinee in London

Three cast members of Mamma Mia dressed in orange, green and red outfits performing a song on stage under the spotlight
The 2019 cast of Mamma Mia © SEE Tickets. Images courtesy of SEE Tickets.

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. Spend the afternoon with the Wicked Witch of the West at Wicked, or sing along to ABBA hits with Mamma Mia!.

4. Explore London's West End

A dining table with display boxes full of cakes and candy floss, scones on plates, glasses of champagne and a teapot, cup and saucers
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych. Image courtesy of One Aldwych.

After the show, hit the shops in London's West End. Browse big name brands on Bond StreetOxford 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. Enjoy a traditional tea or opt for unusual afternoon tea creations in stylish locations.

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.

5. Find a hidden gem

Two women walk down a narrow road past colourful street art in Shoreditch, East London.
See East London's latest street art around Shoreditch. © London and Partners/Jon Reid.

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

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.

6. Get your adrenaline fix

People sat in rows with life jackets on and their hands up on a speedboat trip down a river
Thames Rockets speedboat tour. Image courtesy of Golden Tours.
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 on a speedboat tour.

7. Things to do on a Saturday night: start with cocktails and dinner... 

Sushisamba restaurant with orange tables, black and white floor, lights hanging from the ceiling and large windows with views of London.
Enjoy the views of London from Sushisamba © Steven Joyce / Sushisamba. Image courtesy of Steven Joyce / Sushisamba.

It's time to fill up your Insta feed and your belly, with dinner and a side helping of beautiful 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 looking for a cocktail or two and an evening of 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 one of London's best activity bars for fun including ball pits and electric shuffleboard.

8. ... and continue the party

Illuminated London Underground roundel at night at a Tube station
The Night Tube runs 24 hours at the weekend on some lines. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Keep going until 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. Learn more about 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.

How do you spend a Saturday morning in London?

You could start things off with one of the best breakfast and brunch spots in town.

Then stroll through the city's most beautiful parks and dreamy gardens, before visiting one of London's iconic royal attractions. Hampton Court Palace is ideal for a weekend visit, as are Kew Gardens

Saturday morning is also a great time to browse London's best markets and head to the river for a leisurely cruise on the Thames or a riverside pub lunch.

Is Saturday a good day to visit London?

Saturday is a fantastic day to visit London, with plenty of fun activities, sightseeing, shoppingdining spots and nightlife to check out. 

Don't just spend Saturday in London, make a weekend of it with our guide to the perfect Sunday in London.

Find things to do in London this Saturday with our pick of this weekend's events