Open House Festival

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Festival Original Experiences

Explore London with the locals who know it best. We’ve teamed up with Airbnb to give you the chance to explore the capital alongside people who know it inside and out, sharing the stories, places and perspectives you won’t find in a guidebook. Curated by the Open City team, the tours take you along hidden streets, through doors rarely open to the public and behind the scenes of architectural icons, historic gems and creative spaces shaping the city’s future. These one-of-a-kind Open House experiences are just the beginning - discover more ways to explore London all year round with Airbnb Experiences.

Discover North London like never before in this one-of-a-kind sensory experience led by acclaimed performance artist Alisa Oleva. Together, we’ll step beyond sightseeing and into the city itself – using movement, touch, and deep listening to explore the hidden stories and unique architecture of the area’s most iconic Brutalist design. This is a creative, hands-on journey through some of the city’s most globally recognised built environment. Inspired by parkour and gentle choreography, we’ll move with and through the space around us – climbing, stretching, and slowing down to really feel the place beneath our feet. You don’t need any dance or parkour experience, just a curious body and an open mind. Perfect for visitors, locals, artists and anyone wanting a deeper connection to London’s urban landscape.

Peter Tabori, 1968

Set within the spiralling elegance of the Geometric Staircase this remarkable event takes place in one of the most visually striking and architecturally significant spaces. More than just a meditation session, this is a rare opportunity to experience a sensory dialogue between sound and stone, mind and spirit, granting public access to a part of St Paul’s in an entirely new and unforgettable way.

Sir Christopher Wren, 1710

Join artist Matt Ponting for a creative journey through Poplar where vibrant murals, bustling markets and hidden stories bring this fascinating and fast-evolving neighbourhood in Tower Hamlets to life.

Walking tour

Temple to Bank tour with Jack Chesher

walk/tour

Join bestselling author, guide and Open City Golden Key Academy alumnus, Jack Chesher, for an intimate walking tour exploring Aldwych to Bank

William Waldorf Astor, 1895