Things to Do in London for Young Adults

Kicking off our list of things to do in London for young adults, something you probably haven’t done since you were a kid–but this is better than you remember.

Treasure hunts like these are an easy way to fill a few hours, get out of the house, explore, and solve some brain-teasing clues. 

Perfect for anyone who loves a challenge and wants to explore London’s quirkiest spots, you’ll navigate iconic landmarks and discover the city in a whole new light.

In news that will come as no surprise to anyone, London is very expensive. Too expensive, if you ask most people (especially if they’re our age). 

If, like me, you find yourself trying to move away from fast fashion but finding typical clothes shops too expensive, there’s an obvious solution: buy second hand.

As all Londoners will know, there are charity shops galore if you know where to look, but there’s something really fun about going to the markets. It’s a bit old school, but you can find some real gems amongst the general “stuff”. 

Here’s where I go: 

• 📍Portobello Market:
  A paradise for bargain hunters and vintage lovers. Especially good for anyone who’s into retro fashion and unique collectibles.
  
  
• 📍Brixton Village Market
  Vibrant, unique, and full of flavour, Brixton Market is your go-to for independent boutiques, street food, and hunting down some one-of-a-kind fashion pieces.
  
  
• 📍Camden Passage
  Not to be confused with Camden Market, this Islington gem offers quirky vintage finds, retro jewellery, and unique trinkets.
  
  
• 📍Roman Road Market
  A total underrated hidden gem for trendy thrifters. Perfect for anybody who wants to shop sustainably but stylishly.

Why stay locked indoors when you can solve puzzles outside? 

Outdoor escape rooms like these take the thrill of problem-solving to the streets, where you’ll uncover hidden clues while racing against the clock. 

Perfect for groups of friends wanting to test their wits and explore the city in a fun, interactive way. It’s like an escape room, but with fresh air—and no locked doors.

You might be looking for things to do in London for young adults that get you out of the house and away from your consoles, but…one out of two is enough.

Besides, these are way more sociable, and there’s way more to arcade bars than just button-mashing. 

Depending on where you go (we have a guide to the best arcade bars in London if you need inspo), you can play anything from retro games to fair games all year round. This is especially good if you have a big group of friends to entertain, or you just want somewhere relatively cheap to hang out.

Christmas is an expensive time of year, but if you’re looking for budget-friendly ways to soak up some festive spirit, this is for you. 

Explore twinkling streets, track down dazzling displays, soak up the seasonal atmosphere, and work together to save Christmas. It’s also a great excuse to get some pics of London looking stunning to upload to BeReal or Insta, if your feed needs a refresh.

If you’re looking for things to do in London for young adults that offer a rich, immersive cultural experience without breaking the bank, this is for you.

Whether you're into history, art, science, or design, these museums allow you to explore diverse topics and expand your horizons. Plus, they’re perfect for rainy days, spontaneous plans, or a thoughtful date with someone special. 

Here’s where I recommend: 

• 📍British Museum
  A perfect all-rounder. There’s no way you’ve seen all the exhibits here. Just pick an era or a part of the world and go check out its history.
  
  
• 📍National Gallery
  Get a peek at world-class masterpieces made by everyone from Van Gogh to Da Vinci, FOR FREE.
  
  
• 📍Tate Modern
  Packed full of striking modern masterpieces housed in a former power station, the Tate is always good value.
  
  
• 📍Natural History Museum
  Dinosaurs, space, and the wonders of the natural world—what’s not to love?
  
  
• 📍Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
  Contains a stunning collection of fashion, art, and design spanning centuries.
  
  
• 📍Science Museum
  Geek out on interactive exhibits covering space, technology, and the future.
  
  
• 📍Museum of London
  DExactly what it says on the tin: the whole of London’s history from its Roman roots to the modern metropolis in one, free to access place.
  
  
• 📍National Portrait Gallery
  I’m biassed because I love this place, but I’m recommending this one especially because it hosts free drop-in drawing sessions, all materials included.

If you’re looking for things to do in London for young adults that involve food, this is for you.

Mystery picnics like these are built around a game where you have to solve clues that lead you to different foodie hotspots around the city. Along the way, you’ll collect ingredients for the ultimate al fresco feast. 

In other words, it’s part food tour, part scavenger hunt and totally satisfying.

When the sun makes a rare appearance in London, there's no better way to enjoy it than by lounging in one of the city’s best beer gardens. 

Obviously, you don’t have to be a beer drinker or even consume alcohol to enjoy a pub garden (but, if you do, it tastes better outside for some reason. At least I think so.). It’s just a nice place to hang out, chat, and spend some time with mates away from expensive places that expect you to order food as well.

Whether you’re a Londoner, recently moved to the capital or just visiting, there’s one thing we all have in common: sticking to a postcode.

I’m not exactly sure why we do this, but everyone seems to wear which side of the Thames they’re on like a badge of honour. Well, I’m here to tell you that’s out.

Break out of your comfort zone and discover a new side of London by exploring a borough you’ve never visited. Each area has its own unique character, and if you’re bored and looking for things to do in London for young adults that you won’t have done before, this is it. 

Self-guided walking tours like these are the perfect way to experience the diversity of the city while uncovering hidden gems and local hotspots you wouldn’t find in the tourist guides. Who knows? You might just find your new favourite hangout…

Reading this around Hallowe’en or just interested in the paranormal? Go to one (or all) of London’s 7 Cemeteries.

Why would you want to hang around in a creepy old churchyard? Because this is the best place to find London’s best-kept secrets. 

Cemeteries are a great place to wander among towering tombstones and weathered statues, follow overgrown paths while learning about the famous figures who rest there. It’s also unlikely you’ve ever been there before, so it’s another thing to tick off your bucket list.

If you’re just in need of something fun and lighthearted to do, grab your friends, book a table at Bounce, and show off your skills. 

Even if you’re rubbish at the game itself, I feel like that only makes it more fun (if you didn’t already guess, I’m terrible at ping pong), but what Bounce does really well is add an activity to your usual pub activities: chatting, listening to music, and sipping on drinks.

Golf, but with cocktails and street food—need I say more?

Swingers is mini-golf like you’ve never experienced. Worlds apart from your traditional mini golf courses in seaside towns or town centres, the courses at Swingers almost look better placed as very detailed TV sets. 

Perfect for a fun and competitive night out or to hang out with mates you haven’t seen in a while.

Anybody who lived in halls at uni can attest to some truly grim stories of watching their housemates cook, and if you can’t, I hate to break it to you…but you’re someone’s story.

Now that you’re all grown up, it’s time to ditch the dull recipes and learn how to cook food you’ll actually enjoy eating. I can already hear you: “In this economy?!”

Yeah, food is horrifically expensive but good food can be made pretty cheaply at home. You can take plenty of fancy food classes around London but don’t sleep on YouTube tutorials–I’m a big fan of School of Wok.

Pro Tip: Go to Chinatown, grab some ingredients and cook up a storm at home with friends. It’s more fun and way cheaper if there are more of you to chip in, and it costs you way less than eating out.

I’m not suggesting you spend all day at The Reading Room, but if you’re looking for things to do in London for young adults you won’t do every day of the week, this is where to go. 

If you didn’t already know, The Reading Room is a quiet, atmospheric space perfect for reading, research, or simply soaking in the scholarly vibes, and there’s plenty of material to keep you occupied: the Magna Carta, Shakespeare’s first folio, the world’s largest collection of patents, music scores, theatre archives…the list goes on.

Want to get fit but feeling like you’d need a mortgage to afford a gym membership? I hear you.

Luckily, there’s plenty of free or cheap activities to get you moving in London, and this is one of my favourites.

If you have your own bike, it’s time to dust it off or get it out of storage and ride along Regent’s Canal. The route passes through picturesque neighbourhoods, making it a relaxed but active way to explore the city. 

If you don’t have your own bike, Santander cycles are available all over the city for hire.

Speaking of physical activities…

If you’ve ever wanted to see London from the water, this is for you. 

Paddle past iconic landmarks while getting a bit of a workout, and enjoy a unique perspective of the city. Ideal for groups of friends or even a solo trip, the London Kayak Company caters for all abilities so don’t worry if you’re a total novice.

If you’re a Londoner or you’ve been in London a while, you might be feeling like it’s time to maybe step away from the usual “tourist traps”. Honestly, some tourist traps are great too (that’s why tourists want to visit them), but if you’re looking for something a bit different to do…

Get an authentic glimpse into London’s rich history, culture, and quirky character by visiting some places you don’t find in the typical guides. 

And believe me when I say, there are hundreds–if not thousands–of places I’d recommend visiting. Here are just a few: 

• 📍Barbican Conservatory
• 📍St Dunstan-in-the-East
• 📍Crystal Palace Dinosaurs

Already been to these places? You’ll find more Inspiration here.

City life can be hectic, and it’s good for all of us to get a break from it every now and then.

You may or may not have heard of forest bathing (it’s a Japanese mindfulness exercise that seems to be everywhere at the moment), and honestly, don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.

You can drop hundreds of pounds doing a guided forest bathing session, but honestly, just getting out to London’s green spaces and immersing yourself in nature does the trick. 

Wander through ancient trees, breathe in fresh air, and feel your worries melt away. And if you’re into photography, good news: a lot of London’s bigger parks are full of amazing wildlife like deer, pelicans, and even exotic birds. 

TLDR: Just go outside, you’ll feel better. 

I’d really recommend 📍Hampstead Heath or📍Richmond Park if you want to see wildlife close up.