If you wish to experience the best of London nightlife, then you'll be amazed to see the umpteen options that this city provides for unlimited fun, fiesta, and entertainment. From shaking a leg on to the eclectic tunes at Phonox to having the most refreshing mocktails at XOYO, you'll feel the zenith of excitement and merriment during the wee hours over here.
You can also hop on the night bus tour to witness the innumerable landmarks of London all lit up during the night. If you wish to indulge in a nighttime shopping experience, then Regent Street should be your ideal stopover as it remains open late at night and offers the most branded items.
To experience the best of the nightlife in London, you can ride on the London Eye that gives you a 360 degrees phenomenal view of this city. You can even watch the old classical drama at West End Show with your kids and family members.
There are also some of the best areas to stay in London such as Brixton and Soho that are known for their night culture and endless entertainment venues. So get ready to create new memories by witnessing the best of the nightlife of London.
Here are the most popular activities that you can try in London at night.
1. Hop on to a night bus tour: London is crammed with innumerable landmarks, and once the sun sets, all of these are lit up, and the city ends up looking dazzling! This is the perfect time to explore the best-known attractions in the city and what better way than an open-top double-decker bus inarguably.
These night bus tours always have a well-informed guide who will tell you the A to Z of a place when you are passing it- be it Tower of London or Westminster Abbey or the famous London Eye!
Location: Goes all around the city
Price:1970 INR
2. Go for a walk in the Shoreditch locality: This area is the most hipster locality of the city- with its quirky graffiti, urban vibe, and street artists painting all night long, giving you the best of the London nightlife scenes! And what makes this place the best one for Millenials to visit is the bar.
The clubs have a range of cocktails, and they are decorated to appeal to the young generation! You could also visit the best night market in London in Shoreditch- the Dinerama!
Location: Shoreditch, London
Price: You can have dinner and a drink under 30 GBP or 2000 INR.
3. Visit the Shard by the Thames: This 95-floor building is a whopping 1060 feet high and offers panoramic views of the ethereal city of London! As you go up the floors, you will be taken through several exhibits, each telling a small part of the story of how London got to where it is today!
If you want to experience the best of the nightlife in London, then you must visit this place that gives you a chance to watch the city all lit up from high up in the sky.
Location: 32, London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG, United Kingdom
Price: 2300 INR
4. Ride on the London Eye: The London Eye is the most popular attraction in London that offers a splendid view of the city. It was considered to be the best viewpoint for the city of London until the Shard came up and took its place!
It has thirty-two high-tech capsules that take approximately thirty minutes for gradual rotation, and a guide is there in each capsule to allow you to explore this iconic landmark in diverse languages.
Location: The Queen's Walk, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom:
Price:2300 INR
5. Take a walk around Harrods: This luxury store in South Kensington is famous worldwide for its high-end stores! Harrods spans over 7 floors and it houses around 330 departments. Even the stores inside hang fairy lights all around. Strolling by the stores is the best way to get the feel of London nightlife without spending a single dime!
Location: Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London
6. Attend the ceremony of the keys: Witnessing the honored tradition of locking up the majestic Tower of London should be the most preferred activity in your list. The visitors can see how the exhibits, including the crown jewels and the erstwhile weapons, are locked at night within this iconic monument safely. Though the activity is free, it has to be pre-booked at least a year in advance as it allows only a few people to watch.
Location: St Katherine's and Wapping, London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom.
7. Karaoke Night at Soho: Soho is the top destination to enjoy London nightlife with the bustling crowd, lively ambiance, and hip-shaking musical performances! It is considered to be the top karaoke bar in Soho, where you can showcase your inner singing talent on the mic!
Location: 52, Poland Street, Soho, Central London.
Price: 1400 INR
8. Watch a West End show: If you are a theatre or literature lover, then the West End show should be the topmost choice to enjoy London nightlife to the fullest. It is the prime location for watching English theatre- be it new releases or old classics!
Classics like Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera are performed regularly by veteran theatre actors, and many directors also come up with fresh originals every now and then!
Location: Central London, United Kingdom
Price: 2000 INR and above
9. Take a London Showboat dinner cruise: This dazzling little showboat sails slowly along the Thames, all decked in fairy lights and offers you the best of the nightlife in London. The luxury boat sails by the most important buildings in the city, like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. And while you are enjoying the splendid views, you will be served with a four-course dinner, and live music will be played for you!
Location: One Euston Square, Kings Cross, London NW1 2FD, United Kingdom
Price: 7500 INR
The clubbing scenes in London are one of the coolest in the world. Let's have a look at all the possible options for you to go clubbing in the city.
1. XOYO: XOYO is one of the best night clubs in the city where you can witness dazzling performances, fiery music, and the bustling crowd. The two-floored club attracts many celebrities, high-class people, and even pop stars who wish to enjoy the nightlife of London. It boasts of hosting cabaret performances on the weekend.
Location: 32-37 Cowper St, Old Street, London EC2A 4AP, United Kingdom
Timings: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday (10 pm – 3 am), Friday, Saturday (9:30- 4 am), Wednesdays, and Sundays- Closed.
Price: Tickets range from 5 pounds to 25 pounds
2. Phonox: With a banging sound system, lively dance floor, and maddening musical performances, Phonox is considered to be one of the best nightclubs in London. The club has a mesmerizing environment, and the in house DJ's play the most happening beats the whole night. It is also renowned for offering the best drinks in the town.
Location: 418 Brixton Rd, Ferndale, London SW9 7AY, United Kingdom
Timings: Fridays and Saturdays: 9 30 – 4 pm, Sundays: 4-10 pm.
Price: ranges from 6 pounds to 15 pounds
3. The Clapham Grand: This night club was earlier a Victorian theatre and music hall, but now it has become the lifeline for clubbing in London. It organizes theme and club nights every weekend, ranging from offbeat electronica to techno beats.
Location: 21-25, The Clapham Grand, St John's Hill, London SW11 1TT, United Kingdom
Timings: Fridays and Saturdays: 6 pm to 3 am.
Price: Starts at 5 pounds.
London is home to a variety of enthralling eating joints. Below listed are some of the famous restaurants and cafes in London.
1. Voodoo's Ray's: This restaurant remains open at midnight, serving you the best pizzas with your favorite toppings and some exclusive beverages. There are options for both vegetarians and the non-vegetarian crowd. This pizza place guarantees you a delicious and filling meal in the midnight hours.
Location: 95 Kingsland High St, Dalston, London E8 2PB, United Kingdom
Timings: Mondays and Tuesdays- 4-11 pm, Wednesdays- 4 pm to 12 am, Thursdays and Saturdays- 12 pm to 3 am, Fridays- 12 pm to 2 am, Sundays- 12-11 pm.
Price: Starts at 3.50 pounds
2. Bob Bob Ricard: The sophisticated interiors and comfortable seating arrangements, along with the finest champagnes and Russian cuisine, make this restaurant a haven for nighttime munching. It offers the best seafood and bakery items in the entire city.
Location: 1 Upper James St, Soho, London W1F 9DF, United Kingdom
Timings: Monday-Thursday, Sunday- 12-3 pm, 530 pm-12 am, Friday-Saturday- 12-3pm, 530pm-1am
Price: 100 pounds for two people (excluding alcohol)
3. Beigel Bake: This bakery remains open 24 hours and is known for serving you the most scrumptious baked items like cheesecakes, and multi-grain bread. The traditional Jewish style ambiance and variety of bakery items that it offers make it a paradise for the foodies.
Location:159 Brick Ln, Shoreditch, London E1 6SB, United Kingdom
Timings: Open 24 hours
Price: Average of 10 pounds for two
Your visit to London is not complete until you stock up souvenirs for your friends and family members from these famous night markets.
1. Oxford Street: Give your shopping enthusiast soul a treat by shopping at the high-end stores in the midnight hours at Oxford Street, London. It is known to be Europe's busiest shopping street and has close to 300 shops containing all high-end brands. You can find here everything ranging from fashionable clothes to perfumes, jewelry, shoes, and electronics.
Location: Oxford Street, London WIB 3 AG, United Kingdom
Timings: 9 am to 9 pm on weekdays
2. Carnaby: Carnaby is the favorite nighttime shopping halt for all the shopaholics. It houses both high-end as well as local stores where you can buy home items, lingerie, handbags, and showpieces. There is also a palatial food court spread over three floors having a variety of restaurants and bars.
Location: Carnaby Street, London, W1F 9PS, United Kingdom
Timings: Monday-Saturday, 10-7 pm, Sundays-12-6pm
3. Regent Street: If you want to give your wardrobe a makeover with the latest fashion trends, visit Regent Street. This upmarket shopping street seems to be bustling with the crowd at night and offers merchandise items at affordable rates. It also houses some of the finest eateries where you can have heavenly dishes.
Location: Regent Street, London W1B 5TD
Timings: Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm, Sundays- 12-6 pm.
If you wish to enjoy London nightlife with your kids, then here are a few things that you should definitely try.
1. Watch a show in the West End Theatres: Entertain yourself and your little bundle of joy at night by watching a show at the West End Theatres. West End Theatres is a professional theatre where you can witness dramatic performances on a variety of subjects, stories, and genres. The theatres have some of the longest-running commercial shows, and cartoon-inspired comedy shows that you can enjoy with your kids.
Location: West End, Central London
Price: Average Price is 35 pounds
2. Visit one of the Night Museums: Give your kid know-how of the rich history of London by visiting some of the notable museums such as British Museums, Tate Gallery, and Science Museum that remain open at night. These museums also enhance the educational quotient of your child by showcasing the greatest scientific inventions and discoveries.
Location: British Museum, Great Russell Street London WC1B 3DG
Timings: 9-6 on all days, Fridays- 9-8 30pm
3. Enjoy a night cruise at River Thames: Give your kid a lifetime experience by enjoying a night cruise on River Thames. The magnificent cruise allows you and your kid to view the London skyline, and you can also enjoy a sumptuous dinner on the cruise. Some of the best jazz performances are also held on the cruise to keep you and your kid fully entertained.
Location: River Thames
Price: Starts at 10.75 pounds, 7 pounds for children
Timings: Boats depart every 40 minutes, passes available for 24 hours to 72 hours
Here is the list of the areas where you can experience a stunning nightlife in London.
1. Shoreditch
This is one of the most popular destinations for party lovers at night. The vibrant nightlife in the Shoreditch district includes not just nightclubs but a lot of cultural events too. World-famous pubs like Trapeze, The Queen of Hoxton are situated in Shoreditch district.
2. Soho
Soho is one of the best areas in London that seems to be bustling with party-goers at night. You can have a variety of entertainment options in Soho, ranging from stellar bars and pubs to some of the phenomenal theatres.
3. Brixton
Brixton houses numerous bars, pubs, and concert halls to keep you entertained day and night. The Jamaican culture and the vibe can be easily experienced in this district. Brixton also houses some of the lively restaurants where you can have authentic delicacies.
4. Camden
With uncountable options to hang out at night, Camden is considered to be one of the best nightlife districts of London. From pubs to live music shows, this lively place will not let you get bored even for a minute.
Nightlife in London is extremely vibrant and lively, and you can engage in fun, fiesta, and entertainment over here. From pubs and clubs to theatres and museums, London has a very elaborate and diversified nightlife. The city is also home to many 24 hours eateries where you can have lip-smacking delicacies at any time of the day.
The pubs in London remain open from late in the evening at around 10 pm till 3 am post-midnight. The scene gets better as the night progresses, hence it is advisable to stay till late at night to enjoy the nightlife of London.
London is a very safe place at night as the authorities are always very vigilant in maintaining law and order of the city. However, as a general precaution, you should always stick to crowded places and central locations where transport is easily accessible. Don't go off track to an unknown place alone as you may be lost or confused as London is a very big city.
The best time to visit London is from June till August when the temperature remains extremely pleasant with mild sunshine and occasional rainfall.
Do's:
- The weather in London is a bit unpredictable. You should therefore carry warm clothings and an umbrella whenever you're over here.
- Always be in the queue as the public in London is very disciplined and systematic.
- If you have taken an escalator, then always stand on to the right side to safeguard yourself from being tutted at.
Don't's:
- Londoners are generally reserved; therefore, don't randomly start talking to strangers as they may give you weird looks.
- Don't take a tube to travel everywhere in London. Check a map before you commute to the tube as there might be other feasible transport options if the distance is less.
Yes, many buses in London run 24 hours a day. But the frequency of buses may be lesser during the late hours of the night.
Below we have listed some of the best areas in London where you can stay to enjoy the nightlife of London.
1. Shoreditch
Shoreditch should be the best choice for accommodation if you wish to enjoy the London nightlife as it has a variety of theatres, bars, and clubs. There is an ample number of hotels, motels, and guest houses for you to choose from in Shoreditch.
2. West End
Another prominent place you can choose to enjoy London nightlife in the best way is the West End. There are many budget-friendly accommodation options in the West End, along with lively bars and nightclubs. It also has many renowned theaters and night markets to keep you enthralled at wee hours.
3. Central London
Central London offers the best stay option in London. There are also plenty of bars and clubs open till the wee hours of the night over here. However, there can be a rush in some months due to more tourists. Hence, it is recommended to book accommodation well in advance.