London · Things to do

SIESTA SIDE

Skip the South Bank ticket queue. London's best daylight hides in a dead architect's house and a neon warehouse in E17.

Sir John Soane's Museum

A Holborn house left exactly as its architect died in 1837, sarcophagus in the basement. Free, Wed to Sun, no booking.

Highgate Cemetery

Ivy-swallowed Victorian tombs and Marx's grave on Swain's Lane. Open daily from 10am; book the 75-minute tour ahead.

God's Own Junkyard, Walthamstow

A warehouse crammed with salvaged neon signs, plus a cafe called The Rolling Scones. Friday to Sunday only, so plan it.

Wilton's Music Hall

The oldest surviving grand music hall on earth, hidden down Graces Alley in E1. Peeling walls, good bar, cheap seats.

Borough Market on a Tuesday

Same traders, a tenth of the crowd. Full market Tue to Fri 10-5, Sat from 9. Closed Mondays, which trips up everyone.