8 things to do in London on a Saturday

Find inspiration for the best things to do in London on a Saturday, from eclectic neighbourhoods and rooftop bars to delicious food markets.
Georgina Groom-Rietschy
Written by Georgina Groom-Rietschy Edited by Visit London Editors 02 July 2025

The weekend brings a roster of exciting activities and events to the capital.  Whether you’re seeking a scenic stroll through one of London’s royal parks or a feel-good West End matinee, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. Here, we highlight the hottest food markets, top attractions and the best spots to enjoy a cocktail come sunset. 

Read on to kick off your weekend in style with our top picks for things to do in London on a Saturday.

1. Brunch at Saturday markets in London

Chalk board on top of stacks of parmesan with a cheesemonger at a Borough Market stall
Search for locally sourced goods at Borough Market. Image courtesy of London & Partners/Michael Barrow.

Start your weekend at one of London’s vibrant Saturday food markets. Head to Borough Market for a mouthwatering mix of street food stalls, coffee shops and award-winning restaurants. Bread Ahead is a must for pastries – particularly their signature donuts – while Monmouth Coffee draws crowds with its expertly brewed blends. If you’re visiting in the evening, check out Michelin-starred standouts such as Oma and Agora, or feast on spice-packed plates at Sri Lankan restaurant Rambutan and refined Persian dishes at Berenjak

Make tracks to nearby Maltby Street Market for handheld bites under the railway arches. The Beefsteaks serve exceptional steak and chips, while Mooncheese toasties deliver the grilled goods. Bar Tozino is a must-visit for tapas lovers.

Alternatively, explore Soho for a Saturday brunch in London, where historic Berwick Street Market serves up a range of treats, and staple restaurants like Scarlett Green dish up brunch with a side of bubbles. Nearby Seven Dials Market in Covent Garden has plenty of food and drink options, too. 

Looking for more inspiration? Sip on a flat white from Climpson & Sons Café 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 Portobello Road Market in west London.

2. Explore London's coolest neighbourhoods

Three dancers from Autin Dance Theatre lock arms as one of them leans back off of a giant wheel during a performance in Wandsworth as people watch
Enjoy showstopping performances during the Wandsworth Arts Fringe. Credit: Jenny Harper. Image courtesy of Wandsworth Arts Fringe.

Saturdays offer the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in London’s vibrant local culture across various areas of the city. Wander through the beautiful cobbled streets of Greenwich, where you can explore the stunning Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College, or delve into the home of modern timekeeping at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

Discover cultural landmarks in Wembley Park such as the world-famous Wembley Stadium, the OVO Arena Wembley and Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. The area makes a great base for those visiting the city, with hotels, restaurants, green spaces and the London Designer Outlet. 

King’s Cross is another standout area, featuring a mix of shops and restaurants and the buzzy Coal Drops Yard. Art enthusiasts should carve out time to catch a show at digital art space Lightroom. It’s a great spot to catch live sporting events like Wimbledon, shown on the outdoor screens along the banks of the canal. 

Head over to Wandsworth, the Mayor's London Borough of Culture for 2025. Shop and dine at Battersea Power Station or cool off in the UK’s largest freshwater pool at Tooting Lido. Be sure to browse the south London borough’s 2025 events calendar for a stellar mix of events happening throughout the year such as an open-air day festival in Battersea Park and a country music festival on Tooting Common. 

3. Catch a Saturday matinee in London

A group of villagers cheer a man who jumps high into the air during a performance of Fiddler on the Roof.
See the musical Fiddler on the Roof at the Barbican Theatre. Image courtesy of London Theatre Direct/Johan Perrson.

Take your pick from one of the many Saturday matinees London has on offer. Spend the afternoon with the Wicked Witch of the West at Wicked, or sing along to ABBA hits at Mamma Mia!.

Watch an Oliver-Award winning production like the new stage adaptation of Oliver! or the cutting-edge Fiddler on the Roof. Secure tickets to a limited run show with top stars hitting London’s theatres in 2025 including Imelda Staunton, Paul Mescal, David Tennant and Rachel Zegler – to name but a few. If you’re visiting London with kids in tow, our family-friendly theatre guide highlights the best shows for little ones.

4. Adventure to London's West End

A woman poses with a glass of orange juice on an afternoon tea bus tour
See London's top sights on an afternoon tea bus tour. Image courtesy of London & Partners/Michael Barrow.

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, places like 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. Don’t miss the chance to combine an afternoon tea with a panoramic tour of the city on an afternoon tea bus tour, stopping at top attractions such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament

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

5. Uncover London's hidden gems

Visitors are walking within the Great Court at the British Museum and its blue dome.
Walk under the glass ceiling of the The Great Court at the British Museum. Image courtesy of Nicolas Lysandrou/Unsplash.

Escape the crowds with a visit to one of the more lesser-known museums. See Edwardian display cases packed with specimens at the Grant Museum of Zoology, or admire a beautiful collection of fan-themed artefacts 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 diverse collection of artworks, antiquities and sculptures amassed by Sir John Soane, the architect of the Bank of England.

Explore the British Museum or the National Gallery with an expert and uncover the highlights of these museums and galleries while listening to fascinating trivia.

 

For modern art, seek out some of the best street art in London, including pieces by Banksy and tributes to music legends such as David Bowie and Amy Winehouse. Brick Lane in Shoreditch and Leake Street Tunnel beneath Waterloo Station are notorious for their vibrant bright, bold murals. 

6. Check out London's top attractions

Two people are lookiing at a tiger lounging on the top of a tree at the London Zoo.
Explore the Tiger Territory at London Zoo with The London Pass. Image courtesy of London & Partners/Michael Barrow

Go on a hair-raising adventure and see London's attractions from new heights. Dare to climb 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 thrilling speedboat tour.

Take a scenic tour through the city on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, stopping at 60 key landmarks across the capital such as Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. Access even more attractions with The London Pass, a handy digital pass offering entry to more than 100 attractions.

7. Things to do on a Saturday night in London

A DJ infront of a crowd at the Netil360 rooftop bar.
Netil360 rooftop bar in Hackney. Image courtesy of Netil360/Reganography.

Ready to spice up your Saturday night? It's time to fill your Instagram feed and satisfy your taste buds, all while soaking in sweeping views across the city. Head to Coq d'Argent's terrace for a taste of French cuisine, or secure a table at Sushisamba for a mouthwatering blend of Japanese and Brazilian flavours. For panoramic views, The Shard is your go-to, where you can feast on Chinese fare at Hutong or sip inovative cocktails at the slick GŎNG bar.

If cocktails and a lively atmosphere are more your vibe, London’s rooftop bars have you covered. Rooftop bar Joia, located at art’otel in Battersea, serves exceptionally good Portuguese plates alongside playful cocktails inspired by the Iberian region. Forza Wine in Peckham is a great choice for low-intervention wines and a terrace with city views. In Hackney, Netil 360 is worth visiting for its local craft beers and wood-fired pizzas. Or embrace your playful side with some fun games at one of the city’s best activity bars – think ball pits, electric shuffleboards and live music. 

8. Where to party on a Saturday night in London

Lights glowing in the evening sky from high rises buildings in City of London
City of London skyline at night. Image courtesy of Shutterstock /MarkLG.

For a big night out, dance at London’s best clubs this Saturday. Head to legendary institutions such as Fabric, Ministry of Sound and XOYO. Discover London’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community at iconic bars like Dalston Superstore, Heaven, Village Soho and Eagle London.

Make use of London’s Night Tube, which operates across five key Tube lines including the Central, Victoria and Northern lines. Learn more late-night activities with the Night Tube and discover more even more ways to enjoy legendary London nightlife for an unforgettable Saturday night out.

How to spend a Saturday morning in London

Kick off your Saturday with breakfast or brunch at one of the city's top spots. Afterward, take a scenic stroll through some of London's most beautiful parks and gardens, before exploring iconic royal attractionsHampton Court Palace and Kew Gardens are both perfect for a weekend visit.

Saturday mornings are also ideal for browsing London's markets, followed by a relaxing 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 and nightlife. Make the most of your entire weekend with our pick of things to do including limited run shows, day festivals and cutting-edge exhibitions. Check out our London event's calendar for key happenings in 2025 and be sure to download the Visit London app for on-the-go inspiration and exclusive offers.