The Pentawards 20th Anniversary Gala is the perfect excuse to spend a little more time in one of the world's great design capitals. Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, London is full of creative inspiration waiting to be discovered.

Here are five ways to make the most of your weekend.

See

London's museums and galleries are home to some of the world's most prominent design collections. From contemporary exhibitions at the Design Museum to the vast archives of the V&A, there's no shortage of inspiration before or after the Gala.

Don't forget to check what's on during your visit, including exhibitions such as the Museum of Brands ‘Branding Britain’ – featuring an exclusive Pentawards Display! Or Frieze London, One of the world’s most influential art fairs, taking place 14-18 October.

Explore

Some of London's best design inspiration isn't found in museums—it's on the streets.

With the vast number of London neighbourhoods comes a vast amount of inspiration. Wander round the creative hub of Shoreditch or the buzzing streets of Covent Garden, take a stroll along South Bank right up to Bermondsey Street and Maltby Market, or get your fix of urban nature with a visit to The Barbican or one of the many beautiful parks like Victoria Park or Hyde Park.  London is a place where nature, atmosphere, architecture and design come together.

Or if you’re more stretched for time, situated within the beautiful Greenwich Peninsula, our Gala venue itself, Magazine London is in the heart of a dynamic design neighbourhood, featuring ‘The Tide Walkway’ and Firepit Gallery.

Discover

For packaging designers, London is a living showcase of brand experience. 

Packed with designer retailers, independent boutiques and premium food halls, f rom Fortnum and Masons and Harrods to independent delis and wine bars along De Beauvoir Town and Exmouth Market,  it’s a place where packaging comes alive .

If you’re looking for shopping, don’t just head to Oxford Street, there’s plenty of incredible markets, like Brick Lane, Portobello, Columbia Road or Broadway where artisans head to sell. Or unique stores like fashionwear in Dover Street Market, Homeware in Good Hood and Earl of East or Books in Maison Assouline.

Enjoy

While you’re in London, you deserve some great food – this is your weekend to celebrate!

There’s plenty of rooftop bars, restaurants, hotel afternoon teas and Michelin star hotspots if you want something really special. Otherwise, October is the start of roast season, so head to a pub for a proper British roast. With such a mix of cultures, there’s also an incredible mix of cuisines, from Greek and Lebanese to Indian and Malaysian and a style fit for any occasion.

If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed while exploring, London is home to some incredible food markets (pretty much whichever neighbourhood you’re in).

Timeout   or TopJaw  are great places to start your research, and if you want some specific recommendations – we’re a team of foodies so do get in touch!

Connect

The Gala is only one part of the experience.

Pentawards is a community and the Gala unites designers from every corner of the globe. The weekend is a great opportunity to catch up with industry friends, visit business contacts, meet new people over coffee or dinner, and continue the conversations that begin on the awards night.

Whether you're travelling from across the world or just across the UK, we hope you'll make the most of your time in London. A weekend of design, inspiration and connection is the perfect way to celebrate 20 years of Pentawards.

Gala Ceremony tickets are available online now.