13 things to do in London at night
From comedy, theater and music to a night out in the city's best clubs and bars, there are plenty of fun things to do in London at night. Want to check them out?
London is undoubtedly one of the biggest and busiest cities in the world. Energetic is the best way to describe London at night. The activities are numerous, so don't worry. As limited as your options may seem, in reality there are always plenty of things to see and do when the sun goes down.
Immerse yourself in the best of London's nightlife at its world-famous theaters, with its views from Hampstead Observatory or its cool nights in Shoreditch - read on and find out more!
1. Be dazzled by a West End musical
If you are a lover of musicals, London is a city that will captivate you with its full program. So, if you travel to the British capital, keep in mind that you can book, among others, tickets for: The Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Wicked, The Tina Turner Musical, Les Miserables, Back To The Future: The Musical, The Play That Goes Wrong, Matilda The Musical or ESIX The Musical.
Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy your favorite musical in London and experience a magical night to remember.
2. Join the euphoria of soccer at a Premier League match
Whether you are a soccer lover or not, booking Premier League tickets is another stellar plan for your trip to London. Keep in mind that in the UK soccer is experienced with the greatest euphoria in the world, so choose your team and become a fan for a day.
In the British capital you have the opportunity to attend nothing less than the matches of Chelsea FC, Tottenham Hotspur FC, Arsenal FC, West Ham United FC, Brentford FC, Crystal Palace FC or Fulham FC.
3. Enjoy a glass of wine and dinner on the Thames
Fancy cruising the River Thames with a glass of champagne in hand? Enjoy an evening cruise on the Thames, with a four-course meal, jazz and spectacular views.
See the world's most striking buildings, such as St. Paul's Cathedral, the Shard, Big Ben, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, all with an extra sparkle! Just be aware that this is a very popular activity, so I recommend that you book your Thames dinner cruise in advance.
4. Take a scenic night bus tour
London' s breathtaking landmarks become even more magical when lit up at night - there's no better way to enjoy their grandeur than by booking your ticket on the open-top double-decker London night bus! The bus will take you around various London landmarks without fear of getting lost. Try listening to the live guide as he entertains you with fascinating facts and fun stories.
The bus crosses Tower Bridge, passes the Tower of London, the Palace of Westminster and the London Eye. Be dazzled as you approach the vibrant Trafalgar Square and the west end of the city, Piccadilly Circus. And when you see that Big Ben, you'll know you're really in London!
London night tours on the London sightseeing bus are one of the best plans you can opt for; especially if walking a lot is not something that appeals to you.
5. Hop on the London Eye
Taking a ride (never better said) on the London Eye at night is an iconic London experience.
The London Eye is nothing more than a giant Ferris wheel located on the south bank of the River Thames, but it is 135 meters above the ground. I recommend you to know the prices of the London Eye and the London Eye schedules to go up to this tourist attraction, because it is worth going up, at least once.
Of course, it is an activity with high demand so I recommend that you book tickets for the London Eye in advance. Once at the top, you will enjoy spectacular views of the most emblematic places of the city.
6. Spend a scary night with a ghost tour.
If you book a ghost bus tour of London, you'll be immersed in a spooky adventure. Lasting approximately one hour, this tour will take you through the most spooky places of the British capital in a classic double-decker bus.
An experience in which you will be accompanied by a professional guide, who will tell you several terrifying stories as you pass by some of London's most emblematic places such as the Houses of Parliament, London Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Cross Bones Cemetery or Southwark Cathedral. Are you in?
7. Visit a museum at night
Many of London' s best museums and most famous galleries are open late on selected days. This is the case of:
- The British Museum.
- The Science Museum.
- The Tate Modern.
- The National Gallery.
- The Transport Museum.
Often busy during the day, these spaces are quieter at night, allowing you to take your time and explore every detail at your leisure. Not only will you be able to browse its exhibits, but also participate in workshops or listen to talks organized by the museum.
8. Attend the Keys Ceremony
After enjoying your tickets to the Tower of London, you can't miss the Ceremony of the Keys, an ancient tradition that is over 700 years old and one of the things to see at the Tower of London. It takes place every night from 9:53pm to 10:05pm and involves the handing over of keys by the head of the Tower Guard to the Tower Governor.
In the past, securing the tower was significant because it protected the monarch in residence. Although this is no longer the case, the Crown Jewels and other valuables are still there, which makes the ceremony still have some meaning.
The event is free; however, due to its limited space and popularity, it pays to go early.
9. Stroll through Harrods
Harrods is one of the most famous stores in the world and sells mainly luxury goods. I recommend starting a private tour of London with a walk through Harrods, which will be fully illuminated.
The twinkling lights that surround the building at dusk give it an undeniably magical atmosphere. Shopping in Harrods can be expensive if you splurge your money on luxury items; however, walking around each floor is enough to admire the incredible nighttime setting.
Two important things to know for your visit: entrance to Harrods is free but you will have to go before 9pm which is closing time every day except Sundays when it closes at 6pm.
10. See the night sky from Hampstead Observatory
Hampstead Observatory is one of the few observatories in London that allow stargazing and night sky viewing. In fact, it is one of the most visible places to view space, including the moon, planets and other celestial objects. However, be aware that opening hours are very limited.
Note that it is only open from mid-September to mid-April, on Fridays and Saturdays from dusk to 10pm. So if it doesn't coincide with your dates don't hesitate to book tickets for The Shard because the views from this skyscraper are also breathtaking. Being lucky enough to see almost every point of the city and the sky is an unforgettable experience.
11. Night of party and music
If you're looking for a more party plan, London is full of funky nightclubs that are open until the wee hours of the morning, providing a variety of music genres and experiences.
Head to Shoreditch if bars and nightclubs are your thing, or stop by Camden for live music venues like the Spiritual Bar or Electric Ballroom. Another fun option is to book a bike tour with a pub c rawl. If you're a music lover, wait for the London moon to kick off your evening.
12. Catch a show at The Comedy Store
British humor is a genre of comedy based especially on satire and focusing a lot on people's lives and habits. Sarcasm and self-deprecation are two main themes used by British comedians. So when you are in London, try to open your mind to this kind of classic humor if you have a good level of English.
Located near Piccadilly Circus, The Comedy Store is the most famous of all British comedy clubs and has played a key role in the growth of British comedy. It has approximately 400 seats, enough to attract a crowd of tourists.
Programs at The Comedy Store cost between 8 GBP (9.52 €) and 24 GBP (28.56 €, depending on the program. There are also many other venues around London that offer comedy shows (many are even free), so you have no excuse not to go.
13. Spend a night at the movies
It's normal, I hear you, after a busy day of sightseeing, sometimes you're looking to sit back, relax your muscles and enjoy a good movie.
Scattered throughout London are Curzon cinemas, which have comfortable seating and licensed bars, ideal for a relaxing night out with the family or a romantic evening with your partner. With their quirky yet luxurious interiors, these cinemas are perfect for extra comfort on your trip.
Does London have a good nightlife?
As you can see, there is plenty to see and do in London. And when it comes to nightlife, it's no slouch. If you have a free night after a long tour of London, you can't miss a night on the town.
I would recommend you to take a night bus tour to identify the most striking nightlife sites, so you can make more informed decisions and, above all, more in line with your tastes. London has everything and for everything!
Nightlife shopping in London
- Westfield London: Here you will discover luxury stores and an indefinite number of stores for all tastes and styles.
- Westfield Stratford City: Here you will find one of the largest urban shopping centers in Europe.
- Oxford Street in London: In this street you will find designer and high quality brand stores.
- Duke of York Square: Here you will see famous brands and an unlimited variety of clothing items.
Is London safe at night?
In general, London is safe at all times, including at night. However, as with all big cities, there are areas or parts of the city that are safer than others.
In London, people like to walk around, even at night. This will mean that you will always see people wandering the streets and avenues regardless of the time.
Best neighborhood/district for a night out in London?
I think Shoreditch is the hippest and most hipster neighborhood in London. It has some of the best street art (like graffiti) to accompany an evening in this neighborhood. Despite the noticeable big luxuries, much of the area still retains its original jovial and urban vibe.
The bars in Shoreditch have a unique atmosphere. I would definitely recommend bar-hopping around the area to get the full experience of some of London's nightlife. Of course, Shoreditch is the preferred stomping ground for most young people.
And if you want to know more about the neighborhoods of the British capital I recommend this article on London neighborhood by neighborhood so you don't miss anything during your trip.