101 things to do in London for teenagers

1. Ride the IFS Cloud Cable Car: Travel from the Royal Docks to Greenwich and take in sweeping views across the river – be sure to grab a discount if you have a Zip Oyster card.
2. See London from new heights on the London Eye: Spot the capital's top landmarks such as Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral and The Shard. 
3. Visit Tower Bridge: Hold your nerve as you walk across the sky-high glass walkway, positioned 42 metres above the river. 
4. Experience Up at The O2: Scale the roof of London’s famous entertainment centre and be sure to snap a selfie at the summit against London's skyline. 
5. Admire The View from The Shard: Discover the city from one of Europe’s tallest buildings.
6. Watch London's skyline sparkle on a nighttime bus tour: Swerve the crowds on this open-top bus and hear the fascinating history of the city's storied streets from an onboard guide. 

1. See one of London’s best musicals: Check out teenage-friendly shows such as Back to the Future and The Lion King, and keep an eye out for cheaper tickets for those aged 26 and under.
2. Secure tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre: Follow Harry, Ron and Hermione's adventures nineteen years after graduating from Hogwarts. 
3. Become immersed in all things ABBA with Mamma Mia! The Party: Enjoy the immersive show and dinner experience at The O2.
4. Marvel at The Book of Mormon musical at the Prince of Wales Theatre: Follow the story of two young American Mormon missionaries traveling to Uganda.
5. Catch a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre: Be a "groundling" for a show at the famous open-air venue.
6. Watch a show at The Unicorn Theatre: The venue near Tower Bridge performs shows specifically for a teenage audience.
7. Make the most of the Young Barbican membership scheme: The Barbican offers discounted tickets for film, music, art, dance and theatre shows for 14 to 25-year-olds.
8. Sign up to receive the National Theatre's 16-25 tickets: The free membership offers a limited number of £5 and £10 tickets to performances for UK residents aged 16 to 25 years.
9. Don't miss the return of the National Theatre's award-winning production of The Importance of Being Earnest at the Noël Coward Theatre: Watch Olly Alexander lead the cast in Oscar Wilde's celebrated tale. 
10. Book ahead for Christmas theatre shows in the West End: ELF the Musical takes over the Aldwych Theatre, while the magical Nutcracker returns to the London Coliseum. 

Discover more fun things to do in London with young adults and the top theatre shows in London for 2025.

1. Book tickets to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter: Step inside the Great Hall at Hogwarts, wander the cobbles of Diagon Alley and board the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 ¾. 
2. Discover Harry Potter’s London: Visit more locations from the Harry Potter films and books.
3. Don't miss the Marvel Universe 4D experience at Madame Tussauds London: Watch as your favourite superheroes work together to save the universe.
4. See films for less at BFI Southbank: Tickets for 16 to 25-year-olds cost just £3, with a stellar programme featuring cult classics and new releases. 
5. Catch the latest action blockbuster on the biggest screen in Britain at BFI London IMAX Waterloo: Or enjoy the world’s most immersive film experience at the Science Museum’s IMAX 3D cinema.
6. Catch a film beneath the stars at Rooftop Film Club: Choose between its locations in Peckham and Stratford and enjoy a tasty selection of street food while you watch your favourite title. 

Relive your favourite films and TV shows with our guide to famous film locations in London.

1. Fly along the Thames on a Thames Rockets speedboat: There are a handful of thrilling river tours you can try.
2. Discover piranhas, sharks and creepy crawlies at SEA LIFE London Aquarium: Explore the marine world and wonders of the rainforest across themed rooms at this thrilling walk-through experience. 
3. Scale Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on The Dare Skywalk: The vertigo-inducing experience is a must for football (and Spurs) fans.
4. Enjoy an exhilarating day out at London’s theme parks: Strap yourself in and hold on for dear life at Thorpe Park or head to Chessington World of Adventures for even more rides and a safari! 
5. Get active at Go Ape Battersea: Fly down an epic zip-wire through the treetops.
6. Or take a trip up Lift 109: See the iconic Battersea Power Station from a new perspective.
7. Climb to new heights on the Cutty Sark rig climbing experience: Navigate a ladder-like network of ropes and enjoy spectacular views of nearby landmarks like The O2 and Greenwich's National Maritime Museum.

Find more ideas for adventure in London.

1. Gather friends and family for Sherlock: The Official Outdoor Game: Attempt to solve clues and become a super sleuth.
2. Get a hole-in-one at Jurassic Falls Adventure Golf: Putt your way to glory in this fun-filled activity.
3. Solve clues at one of London's escape rooms: It's the only way to find your way out of a locked room.
4. Master becoming a pilot with the Emirates Aviation Experience: Discover state-of-the-art technology, interactive displays and life-size aircraft models.
5. Watch a real-life court drama unfold at The Old Bailey (age 14+ only): The public galleries are open for viewing of trials in session.
6. Take to the skies at the Science Museum: Experience the Red Arrows in the Fly 360° interactive 3D flight simulators.
7. Head to Lightroom in King's Cross for artist-led immersive exhibitions: Uncover the natural world and marvel at life-sized dinosaurs in Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs (until 2 November). 

Explore even more activities in London that the whole family will enjoy.

1. Get spooked at the Tower of London: Hear historic tales of torture and death.
2. Don't be scared at The London Dungeon: Learn more about London's dark history.
3. Go ghost-hunting at Hampton Court Palace: You won't forget your trip to The Haunted Gallery.
4. Hop on a Ghost Bus Tour: Discover London’s sites of murder, torture and supernatural activity.
5. Trace the gruesome trail of Jack the Ripper: Follow Jack the Ripper’s trail of terror on a themed walking tour.
6. Explore the history of surgery at the Old Operating Theatre Museum: Get an insight into what surgery was like in the pre-anaesthetics era.
7. Eyeball gory and spooky Halloween activities across London on 31 October: Join a ghost tour, dress up for a Halloween party or dare to step inside spooky attractions. 

Hold your nerve with more spooky London ideas.

1. Tread in the footsteps of football legends at Wembley Stadium: Or tour the grounds of Arsenal and Tottenham in north London, west London team Chelsea, and West Ham's London Stadium.
2. Visit Twickenham: If rugby is more your game, then it's the only place you’ll want to go.
3. Enjoy a special day at the Lee Valley White Water Centre: Go hydrospeeding along an Olympic course.
4. Take a plunge in the Olympic pool at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: The Aquatics Centre hosted major events during the London 2012 Olympics.
5. Learn about your favourite sport at Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum: Take an interactive tour behind the scenes at this iconic venue and bookmark our guide to Wimbledon for tips on braving the queue. 

Check out more of London's sporting attractions and events.

1. Hurtle around the capital on a grand London bike tour: Peddle around the city and take in top landmarks and quirky sights on this three hour guided tour. 
2. See the illuminated river during a city cruises evening river cruise: Marvel at London’s bridges as they’re lit up as part of a special light installation.
3. Feast on authentic street food on a Brick Lane Indian street food tour: Explore the culinary delights of London's Brick Lane. 
4. Get some inspiration on a Shoreditch street art tour: Explore an eclectic exhibition of urban street art on this thrilling walking tour, with pieces from Banksy, Sweet Toof and Swoon.
5. Discover the city on a thrilling themed afternoon tea bus tour: From Taylor Swift and ABBA, there's an experience to suit the whole family. 
6. Pick up a Go City London Explorer Pass and save on more than 90 top attractions: This handy digital pass gives you 30 days to explore the capital at your own pace with access to iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge, Kew Gardens and Westminster Abbey.
7. Adventure outside of the capital on a Stonehenge day trip: Visit the world-famous Unesco-protected site and wander the area with an expert guide. 

Discover more of the best London tours.

1. Tick off the most visited attractions in London: Then, explore some of London’s more unusual museums to get one over on your friends.
2. See unusual specimens at the Grant Museum of Zoology: Peer at jars filled with brains and a tweeting jar of moles.
3. Spot your favourite comic characters at The Cartoon Museum: Discover original artwork from the 1800s to the present day.
4. Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum: Follow in the footsteps of the famous sleuth and pose at the famous doorway.
5. Rattle along on the Postal Museum’s underground mail train: It once transported letters around the city.
6. Head to the Twist Museum on Oxford Street: Explore more than 60 exhibits and interactive illusions.

Discover more London attractions.

1. Wander around buzzing Covent Garden: You may just be ambushed by some free, highly entertaining street theatre.
2. Don't miss London's cool Sky Garden: Venture 150 metres (164 yards) above London and take in great views.
3. Explore Richmond Park: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including the resident deer (all 650 of them!).
4. Step into M&M’s World: Come face to face with a giant wall of chocolate.
5. Visit one of the many free museums in London: Enjoy the best of London's culture completely free.

Find more budget-friendly activities in London.

1. Discover London's top 10 photo spots: Gather for a family selfie at some of the most Instagrammable places in the city.
2. Head over to One New Change: Capture the perfect reflection of St Paul’s Cathedral from this cool spot.
3. Take a #nofilter shot at colourful Neal’s Yard: Wander around brightly coloured independent restaurants, bars, cafes and shops.
4. Soak up the quirky street art at Leake Street Arches: Snap away in the former railway arches.
5. Pose for a picture in one of London's best Instagrammable cafes: Get a shot of coffee and a shot for the gram!
6. Snap away at the neon signs in God’s Own Junkyard: Discover a neon paradise at this quirky spot in Walthamstow.

1. Explore modern clothing stores along Carnaby Street in Soho: Stop off for something to eat at Kingly Court while you’re there.
2. Get discounts on your favourite high-street brands at Outlet Shopping at The O2: Or shop till you drop at London Designer Outlet in Wembley.
3. Wander around Covent Garden’s market: Pick up luxury fashion and beauty products in its many boutiques.
4. Shop in a pop-up shipping container at east London’s Boxpark: The cool venue is home to more than 50 fashion brands and food and drink retailers.
5. Tap into the retro vibe at one of London’s vintage clothing stores: Or hunt down pre-loved clothes in London's charity shops and thrift stores.
6. Find a hidden treasure at London's markets: Don't miss Portobello Road, Camden or Old Spitalfields.
7. Find all your favourite brands in Selfridges on Oxford Street: Explore the department store’s six floors.

Discover more top shopping destinations in London.

1. Go to a free gig at House of Vans: Why not have a skate too?
2. Sing like a superstar at karaoke bars in London: Some allow entry to under-18s at specific times and days.
3. Catch one of Rough Trade East's in-store gigs: Browse for fresh vinyl and check out their upcoming events for gigs from emerging and established artists.
4. Don't miss the Young Creatives workshops at The Roundhouse (aged 15+ only): Learn how to be a DJ or musician.
5. Check out TfL's Grassroots Tube map: The special edition map pinpoints London's grassroots music venues, record shops and legendary artists that have been inspired by the city. 

Hear more live music in London.

1. Emulate your favourite bloggers at Peggy Porschen and Farm Girl: Have coffee and picture-perfect sweet and savoury delights at London’s coolest cafes.
2. Eat your way around Soho's famed Chinatown neighbourhood: Experience tastes from Sichuan to Saigon!
3. Use the interactive ordering system to select your food at Inamo: This quirky Asian restaurant puts you in control of your surroundings using fun interactive technology.
4. Find cutting-edge plant-based treats at top London vegan restaurants: From fried “chicken” to dairy-free banoffee pie, choose from plenty of deliciously inventive options.
5. Pick up handheld bites from London’s street food hubs: Check out Borough Market, Greenwich Market and Pop Brixton.

Tuck into more delicious food at London's top family restaurants.

1. Go for a ride with the London Cycle Hire Scheme (only £2 per day): Explore hidden streets and riding paths.
2. Show off your slides, grinds and kickflips at House of Vans: Also check out Southbank Skate Space and the Bay Sixty6 skate park.
3. Get an adrenaline rush on the Olympic BMX track at Lee Valley VeloPark: Don't miss this cool spot, a London 2012 Olympics venue no less.

1. Cool off in one of London’s many outdoor swimming lidos: Then discover the city's parks on four wheels, two wheels or on foot.
2. Have a magical summer evening at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre: Enjoy comedy and theatre under the stars. 
3. Soak up the sunshine at the open-air deck of a City Cruises boat: Enjoy the commentary while taking in the sights from a different vantage point.

1. See the Harry Potter film studios transformed for winter with Hogwarts in the Snow: Discover flaming Christmas puddings and more as Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter is given a makeover with special effects and decorations.
2. Spot London's Christmas lights on a special Christmas lights bus tour: Watch London twinkle at night with iconic decorations.
3. Be dazzled and snap away at Christmas at Kew: Be amazed by mesmerising light displays.
4. Get into the festive spirit with seasonal food, shows and Christmas markets at Winter at Southbank Centre: Then check out sprawling Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and Christmas by the River.
5. Skate around London's ice rinks, including beautiful outdoor rinks: Don't miss the rinks at Hampton Court Palace, Somerset House and Canary Wharf.
6. Watch one of the world's most spectacular fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve: Hear Big Ben's famous "bongs" ring out at midnight on New Year's Eve in London.

Delve into more winter fun in London.

For more inspiration with the best of secret London, unmissable family activities and top immersive experiences. Get the lowdown on the best things to do in London with children of all ages, and be sure to check out our guide to what's on in London this month for fresh inspiration. 

You can also find fun things to do in London with young adults by downloading the Visit London app to use while you’re on the go.

Top tips for exploring London with teens

Where is the best neighbourhood to stay in London with teens?

South Kensington is a great base for exploring London with teens, with top museums such as the Natural History Museum, the V&A and the Science Museum, all located in the heart of the neighbourhood. In east London, Shoreditch makes for an ideal location with its buzzy food and drink scene, renowned street art and affordable accommodation options such as One Hundred Shoreditch and Leman Locke in nearby Aldgate. If you’re seeking a central location, the South Bank offers sweeping skyline views and easy access to popular attractions such as the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium and The Paddington Bear Experience. 

What is the best museum in London for teenagers? 

The British Museum houses the largest collection of artefacts in the world, with more than eight million pieces spread across seven galleries. Admission is free, and the museum features everything from Egyptian mummies to Parthenon Sculptures. Discover more top museums in London for young adults – such as the Transport Museum and Imperial War Museum – in our guide to the city’s best galleries.

Are any attractions free for teens in London?

There are plenty of brilliant free attractions in London including the spectacular Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace and stunning green spaces like the ancient trees and herds of deer in Richmond Park. Explore the best free activities in London with our round-up covering galleries, museums, parks and more.