We know it: Google, ChatGPT & their A.I. friends can nowadays provide super customised suggestions of things to do in a specific city based on your available hours, time of year when you’re visiting and even traits of your personality.
But just in case you are interested in what our Playgrounds crew managed to squeeze in their very very limited free time in London, here is a list of tips from their part.
🌟 Mr. Bingo’s Shop
Nothing like some swiftly delivered artistic rudeness to cheer up a day, and Mr. Bingo is the absolute best MF to help us indulge (our lovely audience from our 2018 fest can testify to this!) Well, imagine being in a physical store, surrounded by his words of wisdom. With the extra bonus of being able to purchase his delicious profanities and take them back home you to forever enjoy! Absolutely must-do, according to our PLGR crew.
🌟 Tate Modern Exhibitions
While visiting the Tate Museum, though totally worthwhile, might be challenging to fit around In Motion, you can give a try and check out a Tate Modern expo. Both our photographer Willeke Machiels and videographer Jochem de Vet have recommended this. You can see here the options for October 2025.
🌟 180 Studios
The home of London’s best brands, set up in an iconic Brutalist building that has been transformed into a cultural centre, 180 is bound to provide a unique cutting-edge experience to everybody still hungry for innovative art. At least according to our crew!
🌟 Architectural Tour around Barbican Centre
Don’t just walk in and out of the building. Do try to explore Barbican in depth as it’s a space full of surprises. Ok, we’ll admit, we also occasionally got lost in the build-up process, but that thankfully gave us the chance to uncover lots of hidden gems that reinforced the reason why it’s such an iconic location.
🌟 Walk around alongside Thames
If the weather is nice, it’s a real pity not to explore the surroundings. St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Waterloo Bridge, London Eye, Big Ben and Westminster’s Abbey are all relatively within walking distance from Barbican. You also stand a good chance to encounter Borough Market that has a ton of mouth-watering goodies (fudge lovers, we dare you to enter and spend less than half an hour trying to decide what to buy!).
Talking of food, in no particular order, here are some bars, pubs & restaurants we explored and recommend:
🌟 Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
🌟 Smoking Goat
🌟 Drinks at Culpeper