More about: 13 Things to Do in London at Night
London is undoubtedly one of the largest and busiest cities in the world. Energetic is the best way to describe London at night. There are plenty of things to do, so don't worry. No matter how limited your options may seem, there are always lots of things to see and do when the sun goes down.
Immerse yourself in the best of London's nightlife in its world-famous theaters, with views from the Hampstead Observatory or cool nights in Shoreditch. Read on to find out more!
1. Be dazzled by a West End musical
If you love musicals, London is a city that will captivate you with its extensive program. So, if you're traveling to the British capital, keep in mind that you can book tickets at a wide range of prices for West End musicals such as:
- The Phantom of the Opera
- The Lion King
- Mamma Mia!
- Wicked
- The Tina Turner Musical
- Les Misérables
- :::link|text=Back to the Future: The Musical|element=ev-370362:::
- The Play That Goes Wrong
- Matilda The Musical
- ESIX The Musical
Don't miss the chance to enjoy your favorite musical in London and experience a magical, unforgettable night.
2. Join in the football euphoria at a Premier League match
Whether you're a soccer fan or not, booking tickets for the Premier League is another stellar plan for your trip to London. Keep in mind that the UK is the most soccer-mad country in the world, so choose your team and become a fan for a day.
In the British capital, you have the opportunity to attend matches featuring none other than the following teams:
- Chelsea FC
- Tottenham Hotspur FC
- Arsenal FC
- West Ham United FC
- Brentford FC
- Crystal Palace FC
- Fulham FC
3. Enjoy a glass of wine and dinner on the Thames
Fancy sailing down the River Thames with a glass of champagne in your hand? Enjoy an evening cruise on the Thames, with a four-course meal, jazz music, and spectacular views.
See some of the world's most iconic buildings, including St. Paul's Cathedral, the Shard, Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge , all lit up in the evening! Keep in mind that this is a very popular activity, so I recommend booking your Thames dinner cruise in advance.
4. Take a panoramic night bus tour
London's impressive monuments become even more magical when they are lit up at night. There's no better way to enjoy their grandeur than by booking your ticket for the London open-top double-decker night bus! The bus will take you to various London landmarks without you having to worry about getting lost. Listen to the live guide as they entertain you with fascinating facts and amusing 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 western end of the city, Piccadilly Circus. And when you see Big Ben, you'll know you're really in London!
London night tours on the London sightseeing bus are one of the best options you can choose, especially if walking a lot is not your thing.
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 checking the London Eye prices and London Eye opening hours before visiting this tourist attraction, as it's worth going up at least once.
However, it's a very popular activity, so I recommend booking your London Eye tickets in advance. Once at the top, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the city's most iconic landmarks.
6. Spend a scary night on a ghost tour
Book a ghost tour by bus in London and immerse yourself in a spine-tingling adventure. Lasting approximately one hour, this tour will take you to the most haunted places in the British capital in a classic double-decker bus.
You'll be accompanied by a professional guide who will recount several terrifying stories as you pass some of London's most iconic landmarks, such as the Houses of Parliament, London Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Cross Bones Cemetery, and 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 for:
- 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 can you browse the exhibitions, but you can also take part in workshops or listen to talks organized by the museum.
8. Attend the Ceremony of the Keys
After enjoying your tickets to the Tower of London, don't miss the Ceremony of the Keys, an ancient tradition dating back over 700 years and one of the must-see attractions at the Tower of London. It takes place every night from 9:53 p.m. to 10:05 p.m. and consists of the handing over of keys by the Chief Warden of the Tower 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 means that the ceremony still has a certain significance.
The event is free, but due to limited space and popularity, it is advisable to arrive early.
9. Stroll through Harrods
Harrods is one of the most famous stores in the world, selling mainly luxury goods. I recommend starting a private tour of London with a stroll through Harrods, which will be fully illuminated.
The twinkling lights surrounding the building at dusk give it an undeniably magical atmosphere. Shopping at Harrods can be expensive if you splurge on luxury items, but simply walking through each floor is enough to admire the incredible nighttime setting.
Two important things to know for your visit: admission to Harrods is free, but you'll need to go before 9:00 p.m., which is closing time every day except Sundays, when it closes at 6:00 p.m.
10. Gaze at the night sky from Hampstead Observatory
Hampstead Observatory is one of the few observatories in London that allows visitors to view the stars and the night sky. In fact, it is one of the best places to see space, including the moon, planets, and other celestial objects. However, please note that opening hours are very limited.
Please note that it is only open from mid-September to mid-April, on Fridays and Saturdays from sunset until 10 p.m. So if this 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 part of the city and the sky is an unforgettable experience.
11. Night of partying and music
If you're looking for a more party-oriented plan, London is full of funky nightclubs that are open until the early hours of the morning, offering a variety of musical genres and experiences.
Head to Shoreditch if bars and nightclubs are your thing, or swing by Camden to check out live music venues like the Spiritual Bar or Electric Ballroom. Another fun option is to book a bike tour with a pub crawl. If you're a music lover, wait for the London moon to kick off your evening.
12. See a show at The Comedy Store
British humor is a genre of comedy based mainly on satire and focuses heavily on people's lives and customs. Sarcasm and self-deprecation are two main themes used by British comedians. So, when you're 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.
The Comedy Store's shows cost between £8 (€9.52) and £24 (€28.56), depending on the program. There are also many other venues around London that offer comedy shows (many of which are even free), so you have no excuse not to go.
13. Spend a night at the movies
It's normal, I understand, after a busy day of sightseeing, sometimes you just want to sit down, relax your muscles, and enjoy a good movie.
Scattered throughout London are the Curzon cinemas, which feature 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 adding extra comfort to 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 either. If you have a free night after a long day touring London, don't miss out on a night on the town.
I would recommend taking a night tour on a tourist bus to identify the most striking nightlife spots, so you can make more informed decisions and, above all, ones that are more in line with your tastes . London has something for everyone!
Nighttime shopping spots in London
- Westfield London: Here you will find luxury stores and countless shops 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: On this street, you will find designer brands 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?
In general, London is safe at all times, including at night. However, as with all large cities, some areas or parts 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.
Best neighborhood/district for a night out in London?
I think Shoreditch is the most modern and hipster neighborhood in London. It has some of the best street art (such as graffiti) to accompany an evening out in this neighborhood. Despite the obvious luxuries, much of the area still retains its original youthful and urban atmosphere.
The bars in Shoreditch have a unique atmosphere. I would definitely recommend going from bar to bar in the area to get the full London nightlife experience. Of course, Shoreditch is the favorite haunt of 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 a thing during your trip.