Best Fun Things to Do in London for Young Adults

London is a playground for young adults looking for adventure, culture, and unique experiences. Whether you’re into late-night gaming, rooftop cocktails, immersive experiences, or quirky activities, the city has something for everyone. From thrilling arcades to hidden speakeasies and buzzing markets, here’s a guide to the best fun things to do in London for young adults.

Amazing Things to Do in London 2025

1. Get Competitive at London’s Best Arcades

Whether you love retro classics or high-tech gaming, London has an arcade for you. Challenge your friends in a nostalgic setting or try something futuristic:

• Four Quarters (Peckham, Hackney, Elephant & Castle) – A retro arcade bar where you play classics like Street Fighter II and Pac-Man using U.S. quarters while sipping craft beers.
• NQ64 (Soho, Shoreditch) – A neon-lit gaming paradise offering arcade games and game-themed cocktails.
• Las Vegas Arcade (Soho) – A Japanese-style arcade with dance machines, racing simulators, and intense fighting games.
• Otherworld VR (Haggerston, Victoria) – A fully immersive VR gaming experience that lets you battle zombies, explore new worlds, and feel real-life sensory effects.

Perfect for competitive nights out or a fun alternative to clubbing!

2. Experience a Rooftop Bar with a View

London’s skyline is best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand. Whether it’s sunset drinks or a late-night gathering, here are some must-visit rooftop bars:

• 20 Stories (Liverpool Street) – High-end cocktails with breathtaking views.
• Frank’s Café (Peckham) – A trendy rooftop bar known for its vibrant atmosphere.
• Bar Elba (Waterloo) – Ibiza vibes, bottomless brunches, and a lively crowd.

Rooftop bars are ideal for young adults who want to mix great drinks with an unforgettable backdrop.

3. Discover the Northern Quarter’s Street Art and Vintage Markets

For a more alternative vibe, head to Shoreditch or Camden Market for thrift shopping, indie boutiques, and colorful street art. Whether you’re looking for a cool leather jacket, one-of-a-kind artwork, or a vintage vinyl record, these spots are perfect for an afternoon of browsing.

Don’t forget to stop by Brick Lane for the best street food—loaded bagels, Japanese soufflé pancakes, and the famous salt beef beigel.

4. Challenge Yourself with an Escape Room

Put your teamwork skills to the test with one of London’s immersive escape rooms. Whether you’re solving a murder mystery, escaping from a haunted house, or hacking into a top-secret facility, it’s the ultimate group challenge.

• Escape Hunt (Oxford Street) – A variety of thrilling themes, including time travel and detective missions.
• ClueQuest (King’s Cross) – A mix of tech-based and puzzle-heavy rooms, perfect for first-timers.
• Mission Breakout (Camden) – A WW2-themed escape room set in an actual underground bunker.

An escape room is the perfect way to bond with friends, test your problem-solving skills, and have a laugh along the way.

5. Explore London’s Hidden Bars and Speakeasies

Skip the touristy pubs and head to one of London’s hidden bars for a unique night out.

• The Washhouse (Shoreditch) – A secret cocktail bar hidden behind a laundromat.
• Cahoots (Soho) – A 1940s-style underground speakeasy set in an old train carriage.
• The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town (Liverpool Street) – Enter through a Smeg fridge for a hidden cocktail experience.

These speakeasies give you a taste of London’s secret nightlife—perfect for impressing a date or having a memorable night with friends.

6. Try the Best Street Food at London’s Markets

If you’re a foodie, London’s street markets are a must-visit. Some of the best spots include:

• Borough Market (London Bridge) – Artisan food, international flavors, and plenty of samples!
• Boxpark (Shoreditch, Wembley, Croydon) – A shipping container food court with indie brands and unique dishes.
• Maltby Street Market (Bermondsey) – A hidden gem filled with gourmet food stalls and craft drinks.

Whether you’re craving bao buns, Korean BBQ, or mac & cheese, London’s markets offer endless food adventures.

7. Watch a Movie at an Open-Air Cinema

Forget boring multiplexes—spring and summer in London bring rooftop and pop-up cinemas to life.

• Rooftop Film Club (Peckham & Stratford) – Watch cult classics and new releases with skyline views.
• Backyard Cinema (Wandsworth) – An immersive film experience with themed settings (think enchanted forests and beach resorts).
• Luna Cinema (Various Locations) – Screenings in iconic London locations like Hyde Park and Hampton Court Palace.

It’s the perfect mix of a relaxed evening and a social experience.

8. Enjoy London’s Best Outdoor Activities

If you love fresh air and adventure, try:

• Paddleboarding on the Thames – Rent a board and cruise past iconic landmarks like the London Eye.
• Zip Now London – Europe’s fastest city zip line, located in Southbank.
• GoBoat (Canary Wharf & Paddington) – Rent an electric picnic boat and be your own captain!

These outdoor activities offer an adrenaline rush with unbeatable city views.

9. Go on a Themed Bottomless Brunch

Brunch is serious business in London, but bottomless brunches take it to the next level. Some of the best ones include:

• Ballie Ballerson (Shoreditch) – Unlimited pizza and prosecco… with a giant ball pit.
• Lucky Voice (Soho & Islington) – Karaoke, cocktails, and bottomless bubbles.
• Flight Club (Bloomsbury & Shoreditch) – Interactive darts, games, and endless drinks.

Bottomless brunches in London aren’t just about food—they’re an event.

10. Visit London’s Quirkiest Museums

For a dose of culture without the usual tourist crowds, check out these unique museums:

• The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities (Hackney) – A bizarre collection of taxidermy, shrunken heads, and oddities.
• The Postal Museum (Farringdon) – Includes a ride through London’s hidden underground mail tunnels.
• The Museum of London Docklands – Discover London’s pirate history and secret tunnels.

London’s quirky museums are the perfect mix of weird, wonderful, and educational.

Final Thoughts

London is packed with fun things to do for young adults, whether you’re into high-energy gaming, exploring hidden speakeasies, indulging in street food, or taking in the city from a rooftop bar. Whether you’re looking for a day of adventure or a night of partying, there’s always something new and exciting to try.

Which one will you tick off your list first?