10 Awesome Things To Do In London At Night

London is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, and thousands of tourists visit it each day. However, a lot of the activities you read about online are tailored to people who are venturing through the city during the day, and there isn’t too much information about what you can do as the night falls. 

Luckily, we have conducted extensive amounts of research to ensure you can find out all of the greatest things to do in London at night. Below are the top 10 activities we found and some extra information to help you out. 

Ride on the London Eye

The London Eye is a breathtaking experience as the city winds down, and you're treated to a quiet ride high above the whole metropolis. Moreover, the queues are typically shorter in the evening, so you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a more intimate ride. And if you're after an even more exclusive experience, you can book a private capsule just for you and your loved ones.

The London Eye keeps going until pretty late, usually with the last ride departing around 10 pm. And, when you start to feel peckish or thirsty - there are loads of great restaurants and bars in the area, making it a perfect location for a night out in London.
 

Admire the view from the Shard

The Shard is a must-see landmark in London, and it is definitely one of the best things to do in London at night! When the sun sets, the 95 floors of this magnificent building light up, creating a breathtaking sight that illuminates the entire city skyline. From the observation deck, you'll enjoy panoramic views of London, including the River Thames and Tower Bridge - it's truly spectacular.

Moreover, exploring the Shard at night can be a peaceful, serene experience with smaller crowds and a relaxed atmosphere. Take your time and soak up the views without any hustle or bustle. And if you're feeling thirsty, the Shard's bars, such as the Sky Bar and Aqua Shard, are perfect spots to unwind with a refreshing cocktail while enjoying the stunning vistas.
 

Go out for a meal

If you want to spend an evening in London, you can’t go without checking out the intense gastronomy scene. A vast number of fantastic restaurants offer a wide range of dishes ranging from traditional British food to international cuisines like Indian and Greek. With so many restaurants to choose from, from cafes to Michelin-starred eateries, you will never be short of choice. 

There is something for every taste in London, no matter the type of evening you have planned out. You can head out for a romantic dinner with your loved one, grab a few light bites with your friends, or come together for a family meal. You can opt for something extravagant or something with a more relaxed atmosphere with some delicious pub grub.
 

Take a night cruise down The Thames

The River Thames is one of the biggest sights in London, so there is no surprise you can find an immersive experience that makes it one of the greatest things to do in London at night. 

Night cruises are a breathtaking option, where you can float down the water and take in the beauty of London’s skyline as it lights up after dark. It is the perfect option in the summer as you can enjoy the gentle breeze while discussing the illuminated landmarks surrounding you. 

Most of the night cruises offered in London have extra features to make your night even more memorable. You will be able to enjoy some live entertainment, which includes music and dancing. There is also an option to book a three-course meal and some drinks while you enjoy the views. 

Go and see a movie

You can’t go wrong with dinner and a movie when you’re out on the town in the evening. After you’ve eaten, you can head to one of the many movie theatres scattered across London and choose a viewing of your choice. Whether you’re a fan of comedy, romance, action, or horror, there will no doubt be a classic or new release for you to check out. 

Going to see a movie isn’t just about watching the screen. There is often a wide range of snacks and drinks you can choose from to make the experience even more enjoyable. Depending on the movie theatre you choose to attend, there may also be the option to hire a private screening room where you will have larger seats, remotes to control the volume and lighting, and a private mini-bar. 

Attend the keys ceremony

If you’re new to London, or even Britain in general, you may want to check out something unique to the country. The perfect thing to attend is the Ceremony of the Kets, which is a part of the process of locking up the Tower of London for the night. It is a tradition that has been around for hundreds of years, and crowds of people flock together each night to watch the ceremony come to life. 

There is a wide range of features that make up the keys ceremony. It takes place between 9:53 pm to 10:05 pm, and you can watch the guards exchange secret passwords, pass the large rings of keys, the Beefeaters' own dedicated part, and some traditional British military music. You won’t see anything quite like it anywhere else in the world. 
 

Watch a comedy show

If you fancy a laugh or two in London, then you won’t be disappointed with one of its comedy shows. It is a city known for its thriving comedy scene, with some venues even hosting well-known names from across the world. There’s something for all comedy lovers, from stand-up to improv, each guaranteed to help you relax, laugh, and have the time of your life. 

Finding a good comedy show in London isn’t difficult, and many choices are waiting for you. You can always ask the locals what their favourite comedy venue is, or you can visit one of the more prominent locations, such as the Comedy Store, the Soho Theatre, the Top Secret Comedy Club, and the 99 Club.
 

Visit a rooftop cocktail bar

Sometimes you just want to sit back and relax while sipping on a cocktail while taking in the breathtaking views of the London skyline at night. If this is something you’re in the mood for, you can visit one of the numerous rooftop bars with extensive menus of delicious cocktails to try. Each comes with its own unique atmosphere, and you can paint the town red with people from all walks of life.

With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to find the perfect rooftop bar for you. They are located all over the city, with some of the most prominent ones in central areas such as the West End and the City of London. Some names you might want to remember are the Sky Garden, Queen of Hoxton, Roof Deck at Selfridges, and the Aviary. 
 

Catch a gig

Catching a gig is something that both locals and tourists love doing in London at night. The city is home to some of the most iconic music venues in the world, including the O2 Arena, SSE Wembley Stadium, and other smaller venues such as O2 Academy Islington and the Roundhouse in Camden. 

Most of the time, you may have to book tickets in advance, especially if you’re watching a big-name headliner. However, if you want to listen to some live tunes in the spur of the moment, you can find local bars with open mic nights or locals trying to make it big by performing in cafes and other smaller venues. Either way, it will be an exciting and memorable way to spend your evening in London. 

Take a night bus tour 

We’ve already mentioned a Thames boat ride and a sky bar as ways to see the city’s iconic skyline and landmarks, but another way you can do it is by taking a night bus tour. There is so much to see, and you can’t do it all on foot, so these double-decker red buses will be able to show you the stunning architecture and renowned attractions while learning unique facts about them all. 

You will be able to see as much of the city as possible in a short time, and you’ll be surrounded by other people interested in learning about London. There is a wide range of tours to choose from, some more tailored to specific wants and needs. You get to experience the magic of the city of night and learn all about its history simultaneously. 
 

Best neighbourhoods for nightlife in London

If you want a starting point for checking out the nightlife in London, you might want to check out one of these neighbourhoods:

• Soho
• Camden
• Shoreditch
• Brixton
• Notting Hill

How good is London’s nightlife?

London's nightlife is considered one of the best in the world. The city offers a diverse range of entertainment options, from world-renowned nightclubs to trendy bars, live music venues, and theatre shows. Something is always happening in London at night, with new venues and events constantly popping up.