10 things to do in London at night
From comedy, theatre and music to a night on the town in the best clubs and bars, there are plenty of fun things to do in London at night.
London Eye | ©David Geib
London is undoubtedly one of the biggest and busiest cities in the world. Energetic is the way to describe London at night. Activities are plentiful, so don't worry. However limited your options may seem, in reality there are always plenty of things to see and do in London.
Immerse yourself in the best of London's nightlife with world-class London theatres, views from Hampstead Observatory, cool nights in Shoreditch and much more. Go on!
1. Wine and Dine on the Thames
Thames River Dinner Cruise with Live Music
Discover another perspective of London aboard an evening cruise on the Thames.
You'll enjoy a gourmet dinner with wine and live music as you gaze at the magic of the illuminated City of London.
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, including St Paul's Cathedral, the Shard, Big Ben, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge - and all with extra sparkle!
2. Take a scenic night bus tour
London Big Bus Night Tour
Travel the streets of London in the legendary English double-decker bus.
If a bus tour of London is already one of the top plans, doing it at night will give you the added interest of being able to contemplate the spectacular illumination of its monuments.
London' s breathtaking landmarks become even more magical when lit up at night.
There's no better way to enjoy their grandeur than to climb aboard an open-top double-decker bus! The bus will take you around London's various sights without fear of getting lost. Try to listen 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 a lot of walking isn't your thing.
3. Ride the London Eye
London Eye Tickets
See London from above on the iconic Ferris wheel.
With these digital tickets you can take a ride on the London Eye. Choose the latest time slot to enjoy night-time views of the city.
Taking a ride (never a better word) 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 and is 135 metres above the ground. I recommend you to know the London Eye prices and London Eye opening hours to go up to this tourist attraction, as it is worth going up at least once.
Once up, the London Eye will allow you to enjoy the most emblematic places of the city.
4. Going to a museum at night
Many of London' s best museums and most famous galleries are open late on selected days, including the British Museum, the Science Museum, Tate Modern, the National Gallery and the London Transport Museum. Often busy during the day, these spaces are quieter in the evening, allowing you to take your time and explore every detail at your leisure.
Not only can you browse the exhibitions, but you can also take part in workshops or listen to talks organised by the museum.
5. Attend the Ceremony of the Keys
The Ceremony of the Keys is a 700 year old ceremony that is 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 Governor of the Tower.
In the past, securing the Tower was significant because it protected the monarch who resided there. Although this is no longer the case, the Crown Jewels and other valuables are still there, which makes the ceremony still meaningful.
The event is free; however, due to its limited space and popularity, it is advisable to book early.
6. Stroll through Harrods
Harrods is one of the most famous shops in the world and sells mainly luxury goods. I recommend starting a night tour of London with a walk through Harrods, it 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 on luxury items; however, walking around each floor is enough to admire the incredible night-time setting.
Two important things to know for your visit: entrance to Harrods is free but you will need to go before 9:00 pm which is closing time every day except Sundays when it closes at 6:00 pm.
7. See the night sky from Hampstead Observatory
If the views from The Shard aren't exciting enough for you, you should try the next level, the Hampstead Observatory. This is one of the few observatories in London that allow stargazing and night sky viewing.
Hampstead Observatory is one of the most visible places to view space, including the moon, planets and other celestial objects. However, please note that opening hours are very limited.
Hampstead Observatory is only open from mid-September to mid-April, on Fridays and Saturdays from dusk until 10:00 pm. Being lucky enough to see almost every point in the city and the sky is an unforgettable experience.
8. Catch a show at The Comedy Store
British humour 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 in London, try to open your mind to this kind of classic humour if you have a good level of English to understand the show.
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.
Shows at The Comedy Store cost between GBP 8 (EUR 9.52) and GBP 24 (EUR 28.56), depending on the show. There are also many other venues around London that offer comedy shows (many are even free), so you have no excuse not to go.
9. Movie night
It's normal, I hear you, after a busy day of sightseeing, sometimes you just want to sit back, relax your muscles and enjoy a good movie.
Scattered throughout London are the Curzon cinemas. These have comfortable seating and licensed bars, ideal for a relaxing evening with the family or a romantic evening with your partner. With their extravagant yet luxurious interiors, these cinemas are perfect for extra comfort on your trip.
10. Party night and music
If you're looking for a more party plan, London is full of funky nightclubs that are open until the early hours of the morning, providing a variety of music genres and experiences.
Head to Shoreditch if bars and nightclubs are your thing, or head to Camden for live music venues such as the Spiritual Bar or Electric Ballroom. If you're a music lover, wait for the London Moon to kick off your evening.
Does London have a good nightlife scene?
London is one of the nightlife capitals of the world. If you have a night off 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 spots, so you can make more informed decisions and, above all, more in line with your tastes. London has everything and everything for everything!
Nightlife shopping in London
- Westfield London: Here you will discover luxury shops and an indefinite number of venues for all tastes and styles.
- Westfield Stratford City: Here you will find one of the largest urban shopping centres in Europe.
- London's Oxford Street: Here you will find designer labels and high quality brands.
- Duke of York Square: Here you will find famous brands and an unlimited variety of clothing items.
Is London safe at night?
London is generally safe at all times, including at night. However, as with all big cities, there are some areas or parts of the city that are safer than others.
In London, people like to walk, even at night. This means that you will always see people wandering the streets and avenues regardless of the time of day.
Best neighbourhood/district for a night out in London?
I think Shoreditch is the hippest and most hipster neighbourhood in London. It has some of the best street art (such as graffiti) to accompany a night out in this neighbourhood. Despite the perceived 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. And if you want to know more about London's neighbourhoods I recommend this article on London neighbourhood by neighbourhood so you don't miss out on anything during your trip.