London isn’t short on things to do. You could spend a lifetime here and still not tick off every museum, every park, every riverside pub. But what if you’re after something a little different? Not the big-ticket tourist stuff, not the same old brunch spots or West End shows (as great as those are). What if you want to do something that makes people go, “Wait, you did what in London?”
This isn’t your typical London list. We’re talking offbeat adventures, secret rooftops, surreal art installations, and immersive experiences that remind you just how weird and wonderful this city can be—if you know where to look. Whether you’re a lifelong Londoner or just passing through, these are some of the most unique things you can do in London.
Take a Dip in a Sky-High Hot Tub
Yes, a hot tub. On a rooftop. Overlooking the London skyline. You can actually book a hot tub boat or take a steamy soak at a sky-high spa like AIRE Ancient Baths in Covent Garden or the super-exclusive Banya No.1, a traditional Russian bathhouse in Hoxton. It’s part wellness, part surreal city break—and very Instagrammable, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Solve a Mystery at an Immersive Theatre Show
Forget sitting quietly in a theatre seat. Immersive experiences in London throw you into the story—sometimes literally. Shows like Phantom Peak (a steampunk town where you uncover strange secrets) or The Gunpowder Plot (set in the vaults under the Tower of London, with real actors and VR) make for nights out where you’re not just a spectator—you’re part of the plot. Choose wisely, ask questions, and see where the story takes you.
Visit a Museum That Makes You Go “Huh?”
Sure, the British Museum is a classic, but if you want something quirkier, London delivers. There’s the Hunterian Museum (a collection of preserved anatomical oddities that’s not for the faint-hearted), the Old Operating Theatre (yes, an actual surgical theatre from the 1800s tucked above a church), or God’s Own Junkyard in Walthamstow—a psychedelic warehouse full of vintage neon signs, religious art, and disco lights. Equal parts baffling and brilliant.
Have a Drink… in a Time Machine?
Well, okay, not technically. But it feels like it. Head to Cahoots, a 1940s-style underground bar in what looks like a disused train station, complete with wartime posters and jazz tunes. Or book a seat at ABQ, a Breaking Bad-themed cocktail lab where you wear hazmat suits and mix drinks in test tubes inside a converted RV. London’s bar scene is full of these mad little pockets of creativity that turn a casual night out into something kind of unforgettable.
Get Lost in a Hidden Garden (Literally)
You don’t need to leave London for a bit of wilderness. There’s the Barbican Conservatory, a futuristic jungle tucked inside brutalist concrete. There’s Eel Pie Island, a tiny artists’ commune on the Thames that opens a few times a year like something out of a Wes Anderson film. Or the Phoenix Garden, hidden behind the chaos of Tottenham Court Road, where time slows down and squirrels run the show. These green spaces feel like the city’s best-kept secrets.
Ride a Mail Train Under the City
This one’s for the inner child (or the underground history nerd). At The Postal Museum, you can hop on a mini train and ride through the old Mail Rail tunnels beneath London. It’s short, strange, and entirely unexpected—basically, everything a good London experience should be.
Eat Dinner… in the Dark
There’s novelty food, and then there’s Dans Le Noir?, a restaurant where you eat a three-course meal in total darkness, served by blind and visually impaired staff. It’s disorienting, humbling, and strangely intimate—you’ll never look at a dinner date the same way again. Bonus: it forces you to actually talk, since scrolling your phone is literally impossible.
Explore Little Venice by Boat
Yes, London has a Little Venice. And yes, it’s every bit as dreamy as it sounds. You can rent a narrowboat, hop on a canal cruise to Camden, or just wander the leafy towpaths, waving at the sleepy boat cats along the way. On a sunny day, it feels like you’ve stepped into another city entirely—somewhere slower, softer, and slightly enchanted.
Watch a Film in a Cemetery
Sounds morbid, but it’s magic. Nomad Cinema and The Luna Cinema host pop-up film nights across London, including screenings at Brompton Cemetery and Kensal Green. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and watch a classic movie surrounded by Victorian tombs and twinkly lights. Spooky? Maybe. Romantic? Weirdly, yes.
Go Full Tourist… But At Night
You’ve probably seen Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Piccadilly Circus a hundred times. But have you ever wandered through the city at 1am? There’s something surreal and beautiful about being in the heart of London when everything’s quiet. No queues, no crowds—just you, the lights, and a sense of cinematic calm. Bring a camera. Trust us.
One More Thing
The best thing about London isn’t any one experience—it’s the fact that even after living here for years, the city can still surprise you. A hidden door leads to a speakeasy. A local tip gets you into a gallery opening. A missed turn brings you to a jazz band playing under a railway arch.
So next time someone tells you they’ve “done London”? Smile. They’ve barely scratched the surface.
