For those visiting London for the first time, there’s little to worry about when it comes to filling your days with cool things to do in London. There are a whole host of renowned tourist attractions available for visitors to enjoy, but it’s the lesser known or simple gems that can often conjure the greatest memories when visiting a city of the size and scale of London, especially if you want to avoid the obvious and impress your mates!
To help you out, we’ve collated a list of 8 super cool things to do in London.
Camden Market
It’s hard to talk about cool and London without mentioning Camden. With markets, street food vendors, music venues and plenty more going on, Camden is a must visit for anybody wanting to reach out from the more generic high streets of central London. Perhaps the best-known attraction is Camden Lock Market, which comprises stalls and shops offering all kinds of goods, from vintage clothing to the delicious cuisines of distant corners of the world. Stick around in the evening to enjoy some live entertainment at one of Camden’s numerous live music venues, including the Roundhouse and Jazz Café.
YHA Stay: YHA London Central
A bar with a twist
The variety of establishments for evening entertainment which London has to offer is unparalleled in the UK. Don’t come to the capital without trying something different, such as an activity alongside your Saturday evening pint or cocktail. Bounce, a table tennis bar in Farringdon, is one of the coolest, with a number of high-end table tennis tables filling the floor, allowing you to complement your drink with a tournament amongst friends. If darts is more your thing, then Flight Club in Bloomsbury could well be up your street! Take to the oche amidst fairground-style décor and battle it out with your friends! London also boasts mini golf, bowling, draughts and beer pong bars, ideal for group gatherings and adding a bit of fun and excitement to your evening.
YHA Stay:Â YHA London St Pauls
Outdoor Cinema
If the skies are clear and the air is warm, London is a beautiful destination in which to enjoy an open-air film – be it on a rooftop, a boat or in a famous London landmark such as Trafalgar Square. The array of locations is matched by choice of films on offer, with something for everyone being projected on screens across the capital. An outdoor cinema trip should definitely be on your ‘cool things to do in London’ list.
YHA Stay:Â YHA London Central
Alexandra Palace
North London is home to Alexandra Palace (or Ally Pally), former home of the BBC and now a multi-use centre which caters for events and activities from music concerts and art exhibitions to a Go Ape course, an ice rink and a pitch and putt golf course. 2018 sees gigs from Dua Lipa, Haim and Chemical Brothers and of course, the venue has hosted the PDC World Darts Championship since 2008.
YHA Stay: YHA London Central
Greenwich Park
Located in South East London, Greenwich Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and is one of the most packed in terms of interesting features. The home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian, it’s well worth paying a visit to Greenwich Park and its Royal Observatory, which also overlooks the Queen’s House, Canary Wharf and the Thames. The park is also a super spot for a summer’s stroll and a classic picnic, whether you’re looking for a romantic spot or some family fresh air. Such a cool thing to do in London when visiting!
YHA Stay:Â YHA London Stratford
Head to a sporting event in the capital
London is a hotbed of high-level sporting activity, with a vast number of sporting events populating the calendar year round. Whether it’s tennis or cricket, golf or football, horse racing or athletics, generally if you’re interested in a sport, you’re likely to find it available to watch live in London at some point during the year. And what’s more, London has become a trusted location to host some of the largest sporting events on the circuit – with the ATP Tennis World Tour Finals, Wimbledon, the FA Cup final and the Challengne Cup final amongst a number of high profile events which have become staples of the capital’s sporting calendar.
YHA Stay:Â YHA London Central
Go to the Theatre
It’d be rude to visit London without taking a trip to the theatre to take in some of the majestic musicals and productions which the capital hosts throughout the year. London’s West End is one of the most famous areas in the world for theatre, with countless venues presenting shows ranging from smash hit classics to fresh new productions. Alternatively, there are plenty of smaller venues dotted around the city which will provide more than ample entertainment, often for a far lower price. The talent on display across the capital is remarkable, and will leave you with a tune in your ear and a spring in your step.
YHA Stay:Â YHA London Oxford Street
Columbia Road Flower Market
Add some vibrancy and colour into your trip to London with a Sunday morning visit to Columbia Road Flower market in London’s East End. A stroll down the street is rather like going back to a simpler time, and if you’re a garden or horticultural enthusiast, you’ll adore the beauty of the bulbs, herbs, plants and flowers which flank the route. Be warned, the market is only open on a Sunday, and things start to wind down at around 2 pm, so be sure to make the most of your trip by getting down there early to see the stalls presented at their very best. Such a cool thing to do in London when visiting the capital.
YHA Stay:Â YHA London St Pauls
Check out DesignMyNight’s blog, all about the amazing things London has to offer in the evening.
