7 things to do in London on a Sunday

Make the most of a Sunday in London by mooching around weekend markets, feasting on the best Sunday roasts and exploring pretty canals.
Written by Visit London Editors 24 May 2024
An aerial image of three people having brunch, including a full English, avocado on toast, scrambled eggs and coffee.
Brunch at Darwin Brasserie, at the Sky Garden © visitlondon.com/Antoine Buchet

With most attractions, shops, restaurants and theatres open every day of the week, including at the weekend, there are so many things to do in London on a Sunday. Whether you want to relax, eat out, sightsee or party, you'll find countless options to choose from in the capital. 

Check out this guide to the best things to do in London on a Sunday, featuring insider tips and recommendations for the best places to brunch, top Sunday markets to visit, must-do attractions, fun family activities, cool drinking spots and top-notch evening entertainment.

1. Kick off with Sunday brunch, London style

A bright pink cafe front with a large floral feature over the door.

Relax into Sunday morning with a leisurely brunch in pretty surroundings. Sip on pink lattes and nibble on vegan cakes at Palm Vaults and Peggy Porschen, some of London’s most Instagram-worthy cafes.

Or feast on brunch classics, from poached eggs to pancakes, in the plant-filled conservatory at Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings, sophisticated brunchie-spot Balthazar or laid-back Riding House Café in Fitzrovia. For something a little different, savour Latin flavours at Señor Ceviche or Breddos Tacos during a bottomless brunch.

If you'd rather brunch with a view, brave the glass lift up to Duck & Waffle for a generous fill of waffles, head to Darwin Brasserie at Sky Garden for modern takes on much-loved dishes, or discover riverside views at Sea Containers while choosing from a range of guilt-free options.

2. Hit the Sunday markets in London

A person with a bicycle browses the flower-filled stalls of Columbia Road Flower Market

The Sunday markets in London are worth getting out of bed for. Pick up some beautiful blooms at Columbia Road Flower Market, dig through old books at Southbank Centre Market, feel the buzz at Greenwich Market, or find vintage bargains galore at Brick Lane Market. Art and design lovers should head to Covent Garden Market, jam-packed with handmade jewellery, prints and gifts.

3. Treat the kids to a family day out in London

Standing on the deck of the ship Cutty Shark, a women points out to the sky, showing something to the two children and man accompanying her.

Make memories by visiting iconic attractions you can only find in the capital. Grab a sightseeing pass for a stress-free Sunday in London for kids, so you can treat them to attraction hopping all day long.

Take the teens to pretty London areas outside Zone 1, which are perfect for cool, quirky and unique attractions, and low-key hangouts. They can also fill up their feeds at Instagrammable spots, such as the vertigo-inducing Tower Bridge glass walkway, bustling Piccadilly Circus or the Leake Street Arches at South Bank.

Find more cool things to do for teenagers or let the little ones take a pick from the many fun things to do with kids in London.

4. Soak up the vibes along waterways

Houseboats on the calm waters of the Canal in Little Venice, London, on a sunny day.

Sundays are a great day for exploring some of London's beautiful waterways. Venture to some of London’s prettiest riverside areas, from Greenwich in the east, to Richmond in the west – both ripe for some Sunday exploration. There are oodles of riverside pubs along the way too for a quick pit stop.

Get active stand-up paddleboarding for unique views of the pretty canals around Paddington. Sit back, relax and take in the views on a river cruise. Or feel the wind rush through your hair on a speedboat ride.

If you prefer your feet firmly on dry land, take a stroll along the Regent’s Canal between Little Venice and Camden Town, with plenty of photo stops and sprawling locals' hangouts to discover.

5. Become a culture vulture

A shot of hope the blue whale in the main hall of the natural history museum in London.

Feel nostalgic as you spot your childhood favourites at The Cartoon Museum or bathe in inspiration at the Photographers’ Gallery, which is guaranteed to up your Insta game.

If you’re feeling curious, dive deeper into London’s Roman history at the London Mithraeum, or explore a Roman Amphitheatre at the Guildhall Art Gallery.

Spending the day with little companions? Then head for big adventures under the giant masts of Cutty Sark, explore iconic buses at London Transport Museum or meet dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum.

6. Feast on Sunday lunch in London

A plate piled high with roast meat, potatoes and vegetables, set on a wooden table with side dishes surrounding the plate

Nothing beats a Sunday roast in London. For the ultimate traditional treat try Simpson’s in the Strand or The Ritz, where carvers slice sumptuous pieces of beef straight onto your plate from a trolley; or seek out old-school eatery The Guinea Grill in Mayfair.

For a more casual vibe, snuggle up beside log fires after a ramble on Hampstead Heath at The Holly Bush, or savour succulent meats at Blacklock Soho. There's also a side helping of musical entertainment at Covent Garden's Cora Pearl and Boisdale Canary Wharf.

Alternatively, while away a Sunday afternoon by munching on dim sum at one of London's many Chinese restaurants. Enjoy family- and budget-friendly fare at Ping Pong, savour inventive bites at Hakkasan, pick from more than 100 dumplings at Orient London, or pay homage to the Cantonese pastime with weekend Yum Cha at Yauatcha in Chinatown.

7. Things to do in London on a Sunday night? Hit the high notes at Sunday evening shows

Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in Soho

You can't end the weekend without seeing a West End show. Take your pick from top musicals and top London shows for kids for a memorable Sunday night in London.

Or you could top off your weekend exploring London's lively entertainment scene. Laugh out loud at The Comedy Store, dance to live music at The Blues Kitchen or Ain't Nothin' But, or explore London's grassroots music venues for emerging bands and artists.

For something more sedate, nestle into a comfy armchair as you watch a film at one of London's cool cinemas, including Electric Cinema, BFI Southbank and Regent Street Cinema.

What is open on a Sunday in London?

Most attractions, museums, shops, markets, restaurants and theatres are open in London on Sundays. Most areas and neighbourhoods are buzzing with activity, except for office parts of the city such as Bank and Farringdon which are usually quieter at the weekends.

Don't just visit on Sunday, make a weekend of it! Find more weekend inspiration with our guide to Saturdays in London. Or check out what's on this weekend, from family fun and free activities to parties and one-of-a-kind events.