London is full of fun things to do whatever age you are. But let’s be honest, your twenties are the best years of life; you have time to see and do all the things you want to (even if it feels like you don’t). Before life gets a whole lot different in your 30’s, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in London before babies, work, marriage and hen/stag do’s take up most of the time in your life...
Eat everything at Street Feast Dinerama
For the ultimate street food experience, Dinerama in Shoreditch is a must. This fun hang-out is everything you’re looking for when you fancy a boozy day or evening in East London. Shoreditch is renowned for its epic food scene and at Dinerama you get to taste loads of amazing street food from the different stands. Serving up the best buffalo wings in London, juicy tender steaks, bao buns, kebabs, pizza, burgers, dumplings, jerk chicken, ice cream and more, this is one of the coolest dining experiences in the city boasting a real sociable atmosphere. It’s essentially a mini open-air market with cocktails, craft beers and amazing music. You can walk there from Old Street station in just a few minutes.
Sing your heart out at Karaoke Box
Let your hair down with your friends at Karaoke Box in Soho where you can release your inner Bon Jovi (or Kayne if that’s more your thing). This karaoke bar on Frith Street is the perfect intimate setting to hang out with friends where you don’t need to worry about belting it out as you get to enjoy your very own private room. With booth seating, a cocktail menu and snacks to enjoy, this place takes karaoke to a whole new level. Your favourite tunes playing, a microphone each and lyrics on the big screen - sounds like an awesome Friday night to us. We recommend booking your room in advance. There’s also a Karaoke Box branch in Mayfair.
Crazy Golf and cocktails at Swingers
Going for drinks or dinner can get a bit samey samey. If you’re looking for a fun activity in the city where you can get a bit competitive, adult crazy golf is a great option. Swinger’s has two central city locations, one in the West End (just off Oxford Street) and the other in the City near Liverpool Street. With a big bar, you can drink cocktails or beers while you tackle the crazy golf course with an awesome playlist in the background. There are also several street food options in the venue so you can eat all you like from tacos, burgers, pizzas and more.
Appreciate art at the Tate Modern
Everyone simply must visit the Tate Modern at least once in their life. One of London’s best museums for modern and contemporary art, be inspired at the Tate and get a look at some of the most innovative art concepts created. Displaying over 78,000 artworks by over 4000 artists, you could spend all day at the Tate Modern getting lost in the different galleries and exhibitions. Located on London Bankside, pay a trip to the Shakespeare’s Globe theatre afterwards, or walk across the Millennium Bridge.
Bottomless Brunch in style
Bottomless brunching in London has been a craze in the city for a while now - and it’s not going anywhere with all the new inventive brunch concepts popping up around the city to satisfy hungry (and thirsty) Londoners. Locals love a good brunch, specially when there’s booze involved. If you haven’t been to one before, these are 8 of. You can get some quite pricey ones in the city, but we’ve scoped out the ones that won’t break the bank!
Go to a London music festival
Never been to one of London’s music festivals before? Well then you should add it to your bucket list ASAP. With some of the hottest festivals taking place throughout the summer, any music lover should make the most of London’s festivals. SW4 Festival, All Points East, Wireless, Lovebox, BST Hyde Park, Gala Fest and more. There’s plenty to make your summer months ones to remember ahead of your dirty thirties. Need some more inspiration?
Crack codes at a speakeasy bar
Get off the beaten track in London and head to one of the hidden speakeasy bars. The British capital has plenty of quirky underground bars: a particular favourite being The Bletchley in Chelsea which boasts a World War Two theme. You have to crack codes to earn your cocktails including detonating a bomb and mastering morse code. All of the cocktails are personalised too so no two drinks are ever the same. Military uniforms are also provided! Another cool bar in London is the Alcatraz Penitentiary, a prison themed cocktail bar where you have to try and smuggle your drinks past the prison warden.
A messy night out at Belushi’s
Nobody can miss out on a messy night in Belushi’s before they hit thirty! This rock n’ roll themed party bar has different branches across London including Camden, London Bridge, Greenwich, Hammersmith and Shepherd’s Bush. Play a game of beer pong, enjoy live music and party late into the night with cocktails and an epic playlist to match. There’s never a dull night at this bar so it’s definitely one to try if you want a real party atmosphere. Belushi’s also hosts parties for massive sports events and national days such as Australia Day, Super Bowl, the Six Nations, Halloween and more.
Get balls deep at Ballie Ballerson
While it’s still somewhat acceptable to roll around in giant ball pit, experience Ballie Ballerson, an adult ball pit and bar in Shoreditch before you get too old. Featuring over one million balls, have a unique night out playing around in Ballie Ballersons giant ball pit, sipping on retro cocktails (that are inspired by sweets) and reliving your childhood memories in true young adult style. There’s even a dancefloor, tasty food and amazing music. You have to book ahead if you want to give Ballie Ballerson a go. Tickets are from £7.50 per person for two hours where you will have access to two ball pits.
Pizza making at Bunga Bunga
It’s always fun to take a cooking class, even more so when fresh pizza is involved. BungaTINI , it’s all about the dough and dosing yourself up on delicious cocktails while you make your pizza from scratch, all for a bargain price of just £30! On arrival you’ll be given a welcome drink, either beer, wine or an Aperol Spritz with some authentic Italian antipasto. Then you don your chef’s hat and apron before the pizza master teaches you the secret formula of their perfect Italian pizza dough. Get your hands dirty and create the perfect pizza, then gobble it up afterwards. The perfect birthday present or activity to do with a friend, what’s better than pizza making?
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Have good craic at an Irish Bar
If you haven’t been to one of London’s Irish bars then you’re missing out. For a real Irish pub experience, we recommend heading to one of the cities biggest Irish bars Waxy O’ Connors in Soho. Spread over six levels with four different bars, this old school bar will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time to a traditional bar in Ireland. In fact, it almost feels like the Three Broomsticks pub in Harry Potter. Have a blast and embrace the live music that takes place three nights a week. Enjoy some Guinness, Irish coffee or Irish whiskey and have a good old craic with some locals.
A Rogan Josh curry on Brick Lane
Love Indian food? There’s no better place for your curry fix than Brick Lane in Shoreditch, a street famed for being home to London’s best curry houses. Whether you like a lamb balti, rogan josh or chicken tikka masala, Brick Lane has you covered for hot spicy, authentic Indian food that will make you feel amazing at the time but perhaps a little sore after. Get some friends together for a curry night and eat till you can’t no more. We recommend Aladin or City Spice on Brick Lane for the best cheap Indian food.
Experience a Drag Show
If you want to see a drag show in London then head to London’s most talked about gay bar The Glory in Dalston. With a basement disco, 80s music and main stage where you can watch amazing drag and cabaret performances, this place is a no frills, casual bar that won’t let you down for a good time. Check out the website to see what’s on but you can expect drag shows taking place most nights of the week. The bar is actually owned by former drag stars, too! You can watch the famous drag contest here called Lipsync1000.