Things to do in London this Saturday

You’re never far from a museum or gallery in this city. What’s more, some of the greatest of them all are completely free to visit. You can gaze up at an enormous whale skeleton at the Natural History Museum, explore the huge archive at V&A Storehouse or see a real-life Monet painting at the National Gallery without spending a single penny. But that barely scratches the surface. London is home to more than 170 weird and wonderful museums that cater to almost every interest you can imagine. We’re talking venues dedicated to things like cinema memorabilia, grotesque eighteenth-century surgical instruments, fans, vaginas and sewing machines.  

Here’s our pick of the top ten museums in London, and the best art shows to see in London right now.

Fridays and Saturdays are when London’s nightlife really kicks into gear. Bars extend their opening hours and, contrary to what they say about the city’s dying party scene, there are dozens of clubs to choose from – from grassroots raves at the Cause to drag-fuelled discos at the Divine to bone-rattling sets at MOT. If you prefer live bands to DJ sets, there’s plenty of those every Saturday too. Look out for stuff going on at the likes of Brixton Academy, EarTH, the Roundhouse or Kentish Town Forum and stay updated on the best gigs happening every month here. 

One of the best ways to spend a Saturday (aside from having a lie-in) is snooping around London’s marvellous markets. If you’re looking for second-hand gems, east London’s Kingsland Market is a treasure trove that runs weekly on Saturdays and Deptford has a brilliant and bonkers Saturday junk market (hagglers beware!). Both Broadway Market in the east and Portbello Road Market in the west have their largest offering of street food, artisan stalls and antique treasures on Saturdays, too. 

The capital boasts some truly spectacular parks. They’re a top way to while away the day anytime of the year. Warm up with a frosty stroll, admire London’s leaves as they turn a hundred shades of orange, spot spring flowers or, if it’s summer, bring a picnic and you’ve got yourself an entire afternoon of lounging action. In Hampstead Heath, pair your walk with a dip in one of the three swimming ponds; after a peaceful stroll around Regent’s Park, complete the experience by watching a magical performance at the Open Air Theatre in the heart of the park; or when wandering around Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, make a stop to see whatever art is on display at the Serpentine. 

It’s hard enough to find the time to cook dinner during the week, let alone trying to squeeze in a workout class. Come Saturday, though, you’re granted a blissful window to fill with the gruelling workout of your choice. Whoopee! You could get your blood flowing with a high energy barre class at Kensington’s Equinox, or with a deceptively challenging pilates session at Frame. If spinning is more your bag, get on your bike at an immersive Psycle spin class in Clapham, Shoreditch, Oxford Circus or Notting Hill, which promises the ultimate pedalling challenge. 

When you’ve got something to celebrate (like the fact that it’s Saturday), head to one of London’s excellent rooftop bars. Even during colder months, lots of them have outdoor heaters that’ll help keep you nice and toasty. Our favourites include Peckham’s Frank’s Cafe, which is open until 11pm from Tuesday to Sunday and home to that famous pink staircase, and Forza Wine at the National Theatre where you’ll find Italian-ish small plates, creative cocktails and a seriously impressive view of the Thames and South Bank. If you’re looking for a slick bar with stunning sightlines, The Rooftop St James exceeds expectations, providing a delightful drinking spot overlooking Trafalgar Square. Though it’s not exactly cheap, the views will ease that walletache.

If your idea of a good Saturday is drinking, dancing and frolicking in an open space with your closest pals, you’re in the right place. Nowhere does festivals like London. And they almost always fall on a Saturday. Peak festie season lasts from May to September, with huge parties like Field Day, Mighty Hoopla and All Points East, but there are festivals dotted throughout the year. In March there’s country music fest Country 2 Country, in April you’ve got Brick Lane Jazz Festival and in November there’s Pitchfork Music Festival. 

It’s not just music, though. London hosts festivals dedicated to all sorts of stuff, from craft ale to literature, coffee to meat. 

Got money burning a hole in your pocket? Well, you’re in the right place. From Chelsea to Shoreditch and Notting Hill to Soho, you won’t be short of places to splurge. It’s what Saturdays are for, right? For ultimate retail therapy, head for Selfridges. The literal one-stop shop is an experience like no other, accommodating to all the needs you could possibly have from high-street fashion to designer couture – there’s something for everyone in this Oxford Street department store (though for fashion and Christmas, we prefer the one-and-only Liberty). And if you’re far too cool for Selfridges, swap it for Time Out’s number one shop of 2025, The Goodhood Store. 

London’s theatre scene is unmatched. At one end of the spectrum we have cutting-edge contemporary shows in shiny modern venues and at the other, rivivals of centuries-old classics in historic playhouses. That’s not to mention all the film and TV legends that carve time out of their schedules to star in a West End production. In 2026 we’re most looking forward to Chris Pine in Chekhov’s Ivanov, Cynthia Erivo in a stage adaptation of Dracula and Tilda Swinton in a revival of Stephen Unwin’s Man to Man.