Lady’s Guide to a Perfect Weekend in London

One of the most challenging things about London is that there’s so much to do it’s difficult to know where to begin. Most of my weekends involve trade-offs between a number of amazing options. But that’s also one of the best things about London. This city has so much to offer that there’s something for everyone to have a perfect weekend in London. If you’re looking for things to do in London this weekend, read on for A Lady in London’s guide.

Things to Do in London This Weekend

From events to exhibitions, festivals to markets, London has a constant parade of options for things to experience on Saturdays and Sundays.

If you want to take advantage of as many as you can, my best advice for a perfect weekend in London is to plan ahead and group things geographically.

That way you won’t spend all your time getting from one place to another. Distances in the city can be far, so minimizing your travel time will allow you to see and do more in two days’ time.

Checking the weather forecast is also a good idea. Sun, rain, heat, and cold can play big roles in what an ideal London weekend can look like.

And given the weather is ever-changing, it’s wise to have a back-up plan in case the forecast isn’t as accurate as you’d hoped.

The good news is that there are plenty of things to do in London this weekend (and every weekend) no matter the season or climate.

Where to Stay in London This Weekend

If you’re coming in from out of town, my guide to where to stay in London can help you find the right location and accommodation for your personal style.

The city is huge and the main attractions are spread out, so there’s no right or wrong place to stay. That said, given two days is a short time to see London, you may want to choose somewhere central to maximize your time.

Shows, Festivals, and Exhibitions in London

So now for things to do in London this weekend. Or any perfect weekend in London, for that matter.

There are always shows, festivals, exhibitions, plays, musicals, and other performances going on in London. It’s one of the things that keeps the city entertaining.

Even if you’ve lived in London your whole life (lucky you!), there’s something new you can see each Saturday and Sunday.

There are great resources for finding the latest events around the city. From the Visit London website to Time Out, you can find a lot of information about specific goings on.

The big museums always have information about exhibitions on their websites, and there are posters and billboards up all over the city with the latest events.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure to book tickets well in advance. London is a victim of its own success when it comes to things selling out, so booking ahead can help ensure you get to do and see what you want to.

Markets in London

If you’re more interested in things to do in London this weekend that don’t require booking, there are a lot of great markets to explore. Saturday is the big day for them, and it’s a good one to go to Borough Market and others.

I’ve written about 14 markets that are worth visiting and 7 under-the-radar markets, many of which are open on Saturdays.

But there are some great Sunday markets in London, too. The Columbia Road Flower Market is a popular one, and Chatsworth Road Market and Herne Hill Market are good under-the-radar Sunday markets.

I’ve also written a blog post about the best Sunday markets in London if you want more inspiration for a perfect weekend in London.

Indoor Activities in London

If the weather forecast calls for rain, there are plenty of indoor things to do in London this weekend.

I’ve written about how to spend a rainy day in London, and I’ve always found the city’s museums and theaters perfect places to dodge a downpour.

And that’s to say nothing of London’s pubs. They’re institutions in their own right, and they really come into their own on cold days and rainy ones.

I’ve written about my favorite London pubs, so hopefully you’ll find one that can tempt you in. I’ve also published a pub itinerary that will let you see the best of them.

Outdoor Activities in London

If the forecast is sunnier, you have more options for a perfect weekend in London.

I love spending time in the city’s parks and gardens on sunny days. I’ve published blog posts about the best parks in London and the most appealing secret gardens in the city.

I’ve also written about the best places for picnics in London, which can be useful if you’re in town on a warm day. And that’s to say nothing of the riverside pubs and pubs with gardens.

If the weather is clear, walking is my top pick for things to do in London this weekend. I’ve written a lot of self-guided walking tours of London that can keep you busy for an entire Saturday and Sunday.

Nightlife in London

Weekends are the perfect times to delve into London’s nightlife scene. Whether you’re looking for a bar or club, dinner or show, you’ll find something to entertain.

I’ve written a whole guide to London at night, and there are a lot of good ideas in it for things to do in London this weekend after the sun goes down.

Weekend Itineraries for London

If you’re looking for a set sightseeing agenda for a perfect weekend in London, I’ve written a 2-day London itinerary that can help.

I’ve also published a lot of themed London itineraries for those with special interests. Most of them are two-day itineraries, so they’re perfect for a weekend in the city.

Whether you’re into coffee or cocktails, mews or museums, there’s an itinerary for you.

Beyond these, I’ve written about how to have a perfect Saturday in London’s South Kensington and Notting Hill, and how to have a perfect Sunday in east London.

Perfect Weekend in London

If you want more ideas or are interested in getting off the beaten path, you can also take a look at my London travel guide to get more ideas for things to do in London this weekend.

However you end up spending your time, I hope you have a perfect weekend in London.

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