101 romantic things to do in London - updated for 2024

1. Watch Pretty Woman: The Musical: See the stage version of one of Hollywood's most romantic films.
2. Experience dark romance with Phantom of the Opera London tickets: Be enchanted by one of the most spectacular musicals of all time. 
3. Book tickets to see smash-hit Mamma Mia!: Get up and dance to the songs of ABBA.
4. Have the time of your life at Dirty Dancing: Fall in love with this classic rom-com all over again as it is reinvented for London's the West End..

Find more London theatre and top musicals.

1. Enjoy an exhilarating ride with a 60 Minute Segway Experience*: Race each other as you speed around the Segway Rally Course.
2. Share a giggle at a stand-up comedy shows: Laugh out loud to some of the funniest shows, plays and musicals in the capital.
3. Spend the evening at outlaws at a Moonshine Saloon Immersive Theatre and Cocktail Experience*: Head to the Wild West for the night, enjoying bespoke cocktails in a secret speakeasy.
4. Get freaky and Become at Zombie for the Day*: For couples who love all things spooky, transform intro terrifying zombies and scare tourists witless at The London Tombs.
5. Or attend a Murder Mystery Lunch Aboard Belmond British Pullman*: After you've enjoyed your five-course meal its time to play detective following a murder on this vintage train.

Romantic experiences for couples in London

1. Take your love to new heights: Splash out on a shared or private London Helicopter Tour.
2.  Learn about Japanese cuisine with a Sushi and Sake Masterclass* at Buddha-Bar in Knightsbridge: Find out the secret to making delicious sushi - a perfect date for foodies!
3. Head to a swinging soiree at Circus London*: Sip on your bottle of bubbles whilst enjoying performances from acrobats, fire breathers, and many more. 
4. Seek out St Paul’s Cathedral Whispering Gallery: Whisper sweet nothings to one another in this iconic place.

Find more things to do for couples in London, such as fun date ideas.

1. Explore the history-filled galleries of Westminster Abbey: Follow in the regal footsteps of Prince William and Kate Middleton, who got married here.
2. Take a Notting Hill Rom Com Walking Tour* through London: Discover filming locations from iconic movies such as Lovely Actually and Sliding Doors.
3. Listen to music by a great Baroque composer at Vivaldi Four Seasons by Candlelight: Enjoy the timeless concertos by candlelight, in the romantic setting of St James's Church Piccadilly.
4. Go old school, with a romantic date at the cinema: Catch a cult classic at the vintage cinema at TT Liquor*, or pair brunch and a film at The Courthouse Hotel* in Shoreditch.
5. Follow a romantic art trail: See amorous painting The Knight Errant by John Everett Millais at Tate Britain, John Gibson's reliefs of Cupid and Psyche at the Royal Academy of Arts, or Paris Bordone's A Pair of Lovers at the National Gallery.
6. Or head to Greenwich and discover The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College: See the masterpiece followed by a delicious lunch in the town.
7. Take your loved one on a weekend break outside of London: Visit the historic city of Oxford, have a countryside escape in the Cotswolds, or visit wellness destination, Bath. 
8. Admire the stunning art collection at the Queen's House: A gift from King James I to his wife Anne of Denmark. 

1. Spoil your loved one and spend the day at Bicester Village: A big-brand, boutique haven for those who love to shop til' they drop. 
2. Surprise your special someone to a luxury experience in London: From pampering spa days to luxury train journeys, give them a gift to remember.
3. Or buy a luxury hamper* full of tasty treats from Fortnum and Mason: Perfect for a special picnic in one of the Royal Parks.
4. Pick up sweet treats at one of London's fabulous chocolate shops: Check out Charbonnel et Walker's heart-shaped boxes full of truffles or melt their heart with a London Chocolate Tour*.
5. While away a Sunday at one of London’s top markets: Visit sprawling markets such as Old Spitalfields or Camden Market, and check out the best food markets including famous Borough Market.
6. Shop for beauty products and fragrances: Don't miss the specialist boutiques in Covent Garden, St James's, Mayfair and London's West End.
7. Browse the city's best jewellery shops: Hop between specialist shops at Hatton Garden or pick special items from the likes of The Alkemistry and royal warrant holder Bentley & Skinner.
8. Hunt down men's fashion accessories along Jermyn Street: The famous street is world-renowned as the centre for gentlemen's fashion, especially bespoke shirts.
9. Discover picture-pretty shops in the opulent Burlington Arcade and Princes Arcade: Explore two of London's hidden treasures packed with luxury accessories.
10. Browse London’s best florists and flower markets: Shop for a bunch of red roses or spoil your loved one with flowers from Columbia Road Flower Market.

Find more gifts in top shopping areas.

1. Indulge at a delightful afternoon tea: Treat your loved one to a traditional afternoon tea, a quirky themed afternoon tea or an afternoon tea tour.
2. See the sights with dinner and a tour: On water with City Cruises or by bus with Bustronome.
3. Try the Tasting Menu with Canapes, Wine Pairing and a Kitchen Tour at Hotel Cafe Royal*: An indulgent experience for the ultimate foodie. 
4. Enjoy a candlelit dinner at Clos Maggiore: It's often hailed as London’s most romantic restaurant.
5. Book a table at plush restaurant Bob Bob Ricard: Make sure you press the "call for champagne" buzzer.
6. Fancy an aphrodisiac? Feast on oysters: Knock back oysters at celeb haunt J Sheekey, make use of oyster happy hour at Wright Bros. Soho or try creative takes using the crustaceans at The Oystermen.
7. Splash out at one of London’s Michelin-starred restaurants: You can find some great deals on Michelin-star meals to impress for less.
8. Dine in the dark at Dans le Noir ?: Enjoy organic dishes in complete darkness.
9. Be serenaded by opera singers in the opulent surrounds of Sarastro: The food is flamboyant and you'll love the quirky artwork.

Book into more romantic restaurants in London.

1. Spend the night in one of London's most romantic hotels: From cosy boutique hotels to luxury accommodation, there are plenty of fantastic places to choose from.
2. Indulge yourselves with a stay in a boutique hotel room: London's boutique hotels offer a stylish and sophisticated holiday with a personal touch.
3. Choose a room with bags of character when you stay at one of London's unique hotels: Spend the night in the capital's oldest hotel or in a former prison cell!
4. Or keep the costs low by staying at one of London's coolest hostels: Featuring stunning design and historic charm, London's best hostels include a Victorian mansion and a converted warehouse.

Check out more places to stay in London.

1. Become a dream team at The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience London*: Test your skills as you take on adrenaline-fueled challenges to win crystals and crack The Crystal Maze. 
2. Competitive couples can play ping pong at Bounce: Treat yourself to pizzas, cocktails and ping pong at this fun-packed table tennis bar.
3. Vie for a hole in one at Puttshack: Enjoy a game of mini golf, good food, drinks and great music.
4. Strike it lucky at a retro-style bowling alley: Discover bowling alleys full of vintage American style, neon lights and music.
5. Thrash your other half at table football at Bar Kick: Combine watching live sport with table football at this fun bar in Shoreditch.

Romantic days out in London

1. Take an uplifting expedition across the roof of The O2: Climb over one of the world's most popular entertainment venues and enjoy spectacular views.
2. Go on a speedboat ride along the Thames: Get your hearts racing on an edge-of-your-seat tour.
3. Take the plunge with a Lovers Leap Bungee Jump* in Greenwich: Take a leap of faith with that special someone before celebrating the occasion with champagne.
4. Reach new heights on a Treetop Adventure at Go Ape*: Soar through the canopy on zipwires and take on wobbly walkways and tricky tunnels.
5. The thrill-seekers should try The Castle Climbing Centre: Trust your partner with your life by belaying them at this indoor rock climbing centre.

1. Find your way out of Hampton Court Palace's famous maze: Then immerse yourself in Henry VIII's majestic palace, including his magnificent state apartments.
2. Stroll on a soaring walkway amid the tree canopies at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: London's largest UNESCO World Heritage Site is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
3. Take a stroll around the beautiful St Katharine Docks: This former commercial dock has been transformed into an elegant marina with shops, restaurants and a lovely pub.
4. Amble through the idyllic Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park: Explore the rest of the Royal Park and try and spot some of the resident deer.
5. Wander around the gardens of Eltham Palace: Explore every room of this luxurious art deco residence.
6. Walk hand-in-hand through Chelsea Physic Garden: Discover London's oldest botanic garden.

Romantic things to do in London for free

1. Go for a wander in Greenwich Park: Be amazed by beautiful blossoms, autumn colours and gorgeous city views.
2. Walk along the South Bank at night: Go for a romantic walk from London Bridge to Waterloo.
3. Take a tour of Highgate Cemetery: Revolutionary Karl Marx and English novelist George Eliot are buried here.
4. Take a look at the Watts Victorian memorial in Postman's Park: This quirky yet romantic spot features in the movie Closer.
5. Chill out with afternoon tea in the Barbican Conservatory: Relax among tropical plants, trees and fish.

1. Take a tour of Wilton's Music Hall: Discover the world's oldest and largest surviving grand music hall.
2. Wander around Dennis Severs' House: Soak up the sights and smells of this 18th-century family home.
3. Enjoy a candlelit tour of Sir John Soane's Museum: The atmospheric venue is ideal for a romantic outing with a difference.
4. Visit the beautiful Keats House: Explore the former home of romantic poet John Keats.

1. Cosy up to your other half at London's top cocktail bars: these spots are perfect places to celebrate special occasions..
2. Sip a martini at the legendary Dukes Hotel Bar: James Bond author Ian Fleming famously used to drink here.
3. Snuggle up in front of a crackling fire at one of London’s cosy pubs: Grab a drink, order the pie and mash, and settle in.
4. Enjoy a cocktail and sweeping views of the Thames from a riverside bar: Check out the likes of Savage Garden, Lyaness, Skylon and OXO Tower Bar.
5. Drink candlelit cocktails at the opulent Icon Balcony Bar: For the best views, grab seats on the balcony overlooking Leicester Square.
6. Share a bottle of wine at Gordon's Wine Bar: Pick one of the candlelit tables at this romantic, cave-like drinking spot.
7. Seek out more fine vintages at one of London's top places for wine lovers: Check out popular spots such as Cork & Bottle or Noble Rot.
8. Celebrate your love with a bottle of bubbly: Choose from one of London's best champagne bars.

Find fun things to do for couples in London by uncovering more London pubs and bars.

1. Learn something new together in the intimate atmosphere of a museum late: Find talks, performances, workshops, films, DJ sets, drinks and more.
2. Croon some love songs at one of London's karaoke bars: Sing your heart out to the latest hits or old-school classics.
3. Dance to the beat at London's top live music bars: From rock and pop to jazz and reggae, enjoy a spectacular array of live music gigs.
4. Break the ice in one of London’s quirky bars: Go off the beaten track and find a quirky basement bar, secret drinking hole or themed boozer.
5. Watch a performance at the Royal Opera House or the London Coliseum: See the world's top opera and ballet stars on a romantic evening out.

Discover more of London's nightlife scene.

1. Head over to one of London's riverside pubs: Soak up the views while sipping a pint by the water.
2. Marvel at the Kyoto Japanese Garden in Holland Park: The park also has an orangery, tennis courts and a cricket pitch.
3. Enjoy theatre under the stars at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre: Choose from a season of Shakespeare, comedy, family fun and musicals.
4. Make the most of the sunshine and dine alfresco: Perfect for laid-back romantic dates in London.
5. Gaze lovingly at blooms in Regent’s Park and Hyde Park: Seek out the parks' dedicated rose gardens.
6. Hire a rowing boat on the Serpentine lake in Hyde Park: You can also navigate around on a pedalo or hop aboard the solar-powered Solarshuttle.
7. Enjoy a rooftop view of the South Bank at Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden: The roof garden is one of the best kept secrets in London.
8. Share an ice cream at one of London’s best ice-cream shops: From innovative approaches to generations-old Italian techniques to vegan ice cream, find your next frozen treat.
9. Dance together in the sunshine at a top music festival in London: The capital hosts exciting and eclectic music festivals all year round.
10. Take a canal boat ride: Glide along the waters from Little Venice to Camden.
11. Hire a Santander bike: Cycle to one of London's parks for a picnic.
12. Go horse riding together through Hyde Park: Explore one of London's most iconic and romantic parks from Ross Nye Stables.

For more loved-up romantic ideas in London, check out romantic things to do in London on Valentine's Day, our top ideas for dates and ideal romantic spots in London to pop the question.