It’s no secret that this past summer saw a big demand for travel. Images of Europe’s crowded streets in particular were a great reminder of just how ideal traveling during shoulder season can be. For me, the magic of travel has always been during those in-between months, when weather is more temperate, tourist attractions are less crowded, and hotel prices more agreeable. During the fall months of September through October and spring months of April and May, I’ve found London to be full of exciting opportunities — many of which highlight the city’s diverse residents and vibrant art scene. 

Soon, I’ll be headed across the pond again to finally view the much anticipated Spirited Away staged performance at London Coliseum. The beloved film from Hayao Miyazaki is one of my favorites, and this time of year means better seat availability for me to watch the beloved classic. If you find yourself in town, a number of new hotels have just opened too, including the city’s first Raffles at the OWO; The Peninsula London, right between Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace; and the art deco–inspired aparthotel Ember Locke near Notting Hill. Shoulder season is the ideal time to score lower room rates and upgrades before prices rise and availability declines during the holiday season.

And although the holidays aren’t here yet, it is possible to enjoy a number of festive activities during shoulder season in London. In November, Harry Potter fans won’t want to miss Hogwarts in the Snow, where they can take a self-guided walking tour around Warner Bros. Studio Tour London — which is transformed for the festive holiday season. Immersive displays and thousands of lights take center stage at Kew Gardens during Christmas at Kew. Be sure to book tickets in advance.  Jazz fans can enjoy live performances in venues around London during the EFG Festival, which hosts 10 days of performances from world-renowned jazz artists. 

Next spring, when temperatures start to climb a bit, enjoy outdoor celebrations like the Eid Festival in April at Trafalgar Square, and Shakespeare’s birthday with special walking tours around the city, including a full program at Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. 

This is the time of the year when I often find myself in Brixton, a neighborhood where I’ve never run out of things to do — or eat. At Brixton Village Market, London’s diasporic communities are on full display. Some of my favorite shops include Supercute, a Dominican-owned bar, and Addis in Brixton, where you can enjoy some of the best organic Ethiopian coffee beans. At Fish, Tings & Wings, grab a seat on the reggae music—filled patio and order the stewed oxtail with pineapple, mango, and ginger chutney, or a curried chicken roti served with pumpkin tamarind kuchela. Here, you can also support small businesses that sell everything from vintage Victorian furniture to healing crystals. 

And because no trip to London is complete without a bit of tea, shoulder season also means prime reservations at some of the city’s best locations. My favorite spot to curl up with a cuppa? The jewel box setting in Rosewood London’s Mirror Room, where currently British artist David Hockney’s paintings come to life with technicolored desserts like a vanilla cheesecake ornamented with chocolate vines and edible yuzu leaves.