When you think of Sundays, it’s easy to think of quiet streets and closed shops… But London is a city that doesn’t sleep! So, you can expect the crowds to be out in their masses with full shops, restaurants and pubs full of locals and tourists. Don’t worry if you’re only here for the weekend, you’ll find that London has plenty to offer on a Sunday.
Our simple Sunday route
For a relaxed day, start at Columbia Road Flower Market, continue towards Brick Lane and Spitalfields for lunch, then pick one attraction or museum for the afternoon. Leave time for a walk along the South Bank or a Sunday roast. If Westminster Abbey or St Paul’s is a must-see for sightseeing, plan that for another day and check the cathedral’s calendar.
Sunday Markets in London
If you are planning a trip to London, it’s worth planning your trip knowing that some of the best street markets in London are only open on Sundays, so don’t forget to include one of these in your itinerary.
Spitalfields, Petticoat Lane and Brick Lane
One of the most famous markets in the East End of London is Brick Lane Market – which is only open on Sundays. Right next to it, is Petticoat Lane and Spitalfields Market – so why not visit all 3 in a day? Whether you’re looking for independent food stalls, vintage goods and crafts, London has it all. Find out more about these markets here.
Columbia Road Flower Market
The flower market runs on Sundays in East London from 8am to 2pm. Check the market’s website before visiting, particularly around Christmas and other holiday dates.
Farmer’s Markets in London
One of the best things to do at the weekend is to visit a Farmers Market, where you can enjoy the tastes and smells from the bakers, cheese makers, fruit farmers and butchers. Take a wander through the stalls and taste some samples. You can enjoy a great selection of meats, cakes, pies, cakes and of course, the delicious artisan breads. Some popular farmer’s markets include:
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- Queen’s Park Farmers Market
- Marylebone Farmers Market
- Alexandra Palace Farmers Market
Other markets to explore on a Sunday
Brixton Market, Camden Market and Maltby Street Market are also great markets to explore on a Sunday, even though they are also open on other days of the week.
Tourist Attractions on a Sunday in London
Two important exceptions for standard sightseeing are Westminster Abbey, which opens for worship rather than ordinary tourist visits on Sundays, and St Paul’s Cathedral, where standard sightseeing is generally Monday to Saturday. St Paul’s has offered limited Sunday Dome Gallery visits on specified 2026 dates, so check its official calendar if that is your reason for going.
Many major attractions offer Sunday visits, but hours, tours and last-entry times differ, especially around holidays. Check your chosen attraction’s official calendar before booking. Popular options include the London Eye, The View from the Shard, Madame Tussauds, the Sea Life London Aquarium, the Tower of London and Shakespeare’s Globe to name a few are all open on Sundays.
Sightseeing bus tours and sightseeing river cruises also operate on Sundays and can be a useful way to see London when the streets are crowded.
The Best Tourist Attractions in London
Museums, Shops and Restaurants open on a Sunday in London
Many major museums usually open on Sundays, including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A, British Museum and Tate Modern. Check each museum’s calendar for special closures, exhibitions and timed entry.
If you want to shop, many stores around Oxford Street and Regent Street open on Sundays, often for shorter hours than on weekdays. Check the individual store before making a special trip.
Famous big department stores such as Harrods, Fortnum and Mason and Liberty are open on Sundays. Westfield shopping centres (White City and Stratford) also open on Sundays.
You will find plenty of Sunday dining around Soho, Leicester Square, Covent Garden and the West End, though individual restaurants may close or change hours. A reservation is sensible for a popular Sunday roast.
Treat yourself to a traditional Sunday Roast
What better way to end the week than with lashings of gravy over beef or lamb or nut roast with all the trimmings of stuffing, parsnips, Yorkshire puddings and pigs in blankets. To experience a truly traditional roast dinner, one of the best places to go to is a pub. Some of the best spots are The Harwood Arms in Fulham, Blacklock Soho in Soho and Bike shed Motorcycle Club in Shoreditch. And of course, if you’re visiting Spitalfields Market, you’ll find plenty of pubs serving up roast dinners every Sunday.
Guided Tours available on Sundays
Many walking tours run on Sundays, although each operator sets its own schedule. Options include Jack the Ripper walking tour or a Changing of the Guard walking tour when the ceremony schedule allows, or a Harry Potter locations walking tour.
Explore a different London neighbourhood
Great places to explore on a Sunday include:
- A trip to Greenwich is perfect for exploring the stunning views, visiting the Royal Observatory and the Cutty Sark. You can also take to the air on one of the cable carts. Greenwich Market is open seven days a week, so Sunday is one option rather than the only day to visit. Check its current hours before setting out.
- Explore the area of Richmond, where you will also find a craft market on a Sunday.
- Explore the beautiful Hampstead neighbourhood where you can enjoy laid-back bars and explore the gorgeous Hampstead Heath – here you can see the London skyline from one of London’s highest points.
Enjoy an Afternoon Tea
One thing that Londoners certainly love to do, is a traditional afternoon tea! And there is a lot of variety, from fancy high-end hotel teas, to novelty science themes, chocolate themes and even afternoon teas on double decker buses.
Current options include:
- City Cruises Afternoon Tea Cruise, which combines afternoon tea with views from the Thames. Check the departure pier and boarding time when booking.
- Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, a fixed sightseeing route with afternoon tea rather than a hop-on hop-off bus.
- Afternoon tea at The Kensington, whose current menu is inspired by art and fashion. The former Beauty and the Beast-themed tea is no longer the current offering.
Themes, menus, prices and dietary options change, so check the venue’s current page and reserve ahead.
Looking for more ideas?
A great way to spend a Sunday is by taking a stroll along the South Bank, taking in the sights of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye. Places like Covent Garden and Leicester Square make an excellent setting for a night time stroll. Explore the lights of China Town as well as enjoying the many street performances. You won’t be bored on a Sunday in London, there’s simply too much to do.
What to avoid on a Sunday in London
The only places we’d advise you to avoid at the weekend are the office parts of the city such as Moorgate, Farringdon and Bank. This is because during the weekend, they are pretty empty, and some shops and restaurants are even closed.
Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.