15 Best Things to Do in London This Weekend

London never runs short of things to do on the weekend, but sorting the genuinely good from the merely advertised takes local knowledge. We've done the legwork so you don't have to.

1. Catch the Yayoi Kusama Mirrors at Tate Modern

The Tate's Kusama exhibition continues to draw crowds, and for good reason. The infinity mirror rooms are genuinely mesmerising — not just an Instagram opportunity, though they are that too. Book a timed slot to avoid the worst of the queues. Free entry to the main gallery, exhibition tickets from £18.

2. Borough Market on Saturday Morning

Skip the lie-in and get to Borough Market before 10am, when you can actually move between the stalls without being swept along by the crowd. The raclette stand is still the best value hot lunch in central London. Free entry.

3. Rooftop Cinema at Bussey Building, Peckham

Peckham's rooftop cinema is back for the season. This weekend they're showing a double bill of classic London films. Wrap up warm — even in summer, the wind up there is no joke. Tickets from £18.

4. Walk the Regent's Canal from Camden to King's Cross

One of London's best free walks. Start at Camden Lock, follow the towpath east past the houseboats, through the quiet stretch behind London Zoo, and end up at Granary Square for coffee. About 45 minutes at a comfortable pace.

5. Columbia Road Flower Market, Sunday

Get there early — by 9am ideally — and bring cash. The market runs along the full length of Columbia Road in Shoreditch, and by midday the crowds are shoulder-to-shoulder. The real deals come after 2pm when sellers start discounting, but the best selection is in the morning. The surrounding shops and cafes are excellent.

6. Jazz Night at Ronnie Scott's

Soho's legendary jazz club has a late-night session on Saturday that's looser, louder, and more affordable than the headline shows. The atmosphere in that basement room is hard to beat anywhere in London. Tickets from £30.

7. Free Lunchtime Concert at St Martin-in-the-Fields

One of London's best-kept free culture secrets. Every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 1pm, St Martin-in-the-Fields on Trafalgar Square hosts free classical concerts. No booking needed, just turn up. The acoustics are beautiful.

8. Explore Shoreditch Street Art

Take yourself on a self-guided street art walk around Shoreditch and Brick Lane. Start at the corner of Rivington Street and work your way south. The murals change regularly, so even if you've done this before, there'll be new things to see. Completely free.

9. Greenwich Park and the Observatory

The park is one of London's finest, and the view from the top of the hill — across the river to Canary Wharf and the City — is spectacular. If you've got kids, the observatory's stargazing evenings are brilliant (from £12). The park itself is free.

10. Camden Market Street Food

Camden Market's food stalls have levelled up significantly in recent years. The Thai, Ethiopian, and Argentinian stands are particularly good. Go hungry. Free entry, food from about £7.

11. Tate Modern Late: Contemporary Voices

Friday's Late at the Tate brings DJs, talks, and special access to the galleries after hours. It's free, it's social, and it's one of the most civilised ways to spend a Friday evening in London. Runs until 10pm.

12. Nottinghill's Independent Bookshops

Notting Hill has some excellent independent bookshops that are worth a browse. Start at Lutyens & Rubinstein on Kensington Park Road and work your way to the Travel Bookshop. Pair it with coffee at Farm Girl. Free to browse, dangerous for your wallet.

13. Brixton Village and Market Row

The covered arcades of Brixton Village are packed with small restaurants and independent shops. Franco Manca started here, and the pizza is still good. The whole area has a buzzy, community feel that's different from central London.

14. Walk the Southbank

From Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge, the south bank of the Thames is one of the best walks in any city in the world. Street performers, the National Theatre, the BFI, Tate Modern, Borough Market — you'll pass them all. Completely free.

15. Catch a Show at the Young Vic

If you want theatre that's more interesting than the average West End show, the Young Vic in Waterloo consistently programmes bold, surprising work. They keep ticket prices accessible too, with some at £10.