London At Night – The Best Things To Do When The Sun Goes Down

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London at night is exciting – there’s a seemingly endless number of activities and attractions to enjoy.

After the sun goes down, there’s something for everyone, from live music and good food to pub crawls and all-night dancing.

A typical night out in London often begins in the pub with a group of friends, where you can sample the local brews on tap and engage in casual conversation.

Many pubs won’t stay open past 1 am so if you want the night to continue, try a club.

Techno, trance, hip-hop, Latin, ethnic, and rave music are all common in a city with such a diverse population.

The myriad of late-night or quick food eateries that light up London’s night streets will satisfy the stomach after the cocktails and dancing.

You can also check out some of the city’s best views from the London Eye or other vantage points.

So if you’re looking for an evening out in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, be sure to read on for some great ideas.

Restaurants and Nightclubs

The nightlife in London is known for being among the most diverse and exciting in the world.

If you’re considering dining out, London has a cuisine and price range to suit every preference and budget.

Our favourites include:

Many nightclubs stay open into the wee hours, and there are a few spots where you can actually party until the sun comes up.

You are guaranteed to have a good time at Ministry of Sound (closes at 4 am) or Fabric (closes around 530 am).

Live Music Venues

There are many fantastic live music venues in London, including Ronnie Scott’s, The 100 Club, and KOKO.

If you’re a fan of live music, there’s no better place to be than London.

Several open-air concerts and festivals are also held in the city throughout the summer months.

Wireless is the most popular – the 2022 lineup included A$AP Rocky, The Kid Laroi, Rico Nasty, Playboi Carti, Tyler, The Creator, Little Simz, Ghetts, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Lil Baby,  and Unknown T.

The festivals don’t finish super late but the numerous after-parties will have you dancing until the early hours.

If you’re interested in something a little more low-key, there are plenty of bars and pubs that feature live music every night of the week.

No matter what your taste in music is, you’re sure to find a venue that suits you in London.

Dinner Cruise

A dinner cruise on the Thames is a great way to see London from a different perspective.

You’ll get to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in some of the city’s most iconic views, like the Illuminated River Project, where you can experience all nine bridges on the River Thames from London to Lambeth Bridge lit up.

There are several different companies that offer dinner cruises, so be sure to shop around for the best deal.

Prices will vary depending on the time of year and the day of the week.

Late Night Shopping

There are many great places to shop in London, but things are much quieter after the sun goes down.

Many stores stay open until 8 pm and a shopping centre (or mall) is best if you want anything later than that.

Try:

  • Westfield London – open until 10 pm on Mondays to Saturdays.
  • Westfield Stratford City – open until 9 pm from Monday to Saturday.
  • One New Change – open until 8 pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Some shops also open until the same time from Monday to Wednesday.
  • ICON Outlet at The O2 – open until 8 pm Mondays to Thursdays, with late openings until 10 pm on Friday and Saturday.
  • London Designer Outlet – open until 8 pm, Mondays to Saturdays.
  • Brent Cross Shopping Centre – open until 8 pm, Mondays to Saturdays.

If you want something a little more unusual, try one of London’s markets.

  • Greenwich Market – open until 5.30 pm (10 pm on event days)
  • Southbank Centre Book Market – open until 7 pm daily
  • Old Spitalfields Market – runs until 8 pm on weekdays and most shops stay open until 7 pm.
  • Tooting Market – late openings until 10.30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Bus Tour

One of the best ways to see London at night is to take a bus tour.

These tours typically last about two hours, providing a great way to see the city’s sights without having to walk long distances

Most bus tours will include stops at some of London’s most popular attractions like Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London.

Pub Crawl

A pub crawl is a great way to experience London’s nightlife.

You’ll get to visit many different pubs, each with its own unique atmosphere.

This is a great way to meet new people and sample some of the best beer in London.

There are many different pub crawls to choose from, so be sure to do some research before you decide which one to visit.

Some pub crawls of note in London include Camden Pub Crawl, The Historical Crawl, London Literary Pub Crawl, and The Shoreditch Pub Crawl.

The London Eye

The London Eye is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and it’s a great place to see the city at night.

You’ll get unparalleled views of London from the top of the Ferris wheel.

Seeing the city glitter at night from the London Eye is exceptionally breathtaking.

You’ll want to start the ride shortly after sunset if you can. In the evening hours, the queues are not very lengthy. The entire ride will take around 30 minutes. 

The last ride is 6 pm which isn’t that late but in the Fall/Winter months it’ll be nice and dark by then.

If you’re looking for a unique way to see London at night, be sure to check out the London Eye.

Sky Garden

The Sky Garden is another excellent place to see London at night.

You’ll get stunning city views from the top of this skyscraper, and you can enjoy a drink or meal while you take in the view.

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, This is a great way to get away from it all and enjoy some of the best views in London.

Since Sky Garden is open until midnight, it’s the perfect place to end your night after sightseeing all day in London.

Soho

Soho is the heart of London’s nightlife both in terms of spirit and location.

Placed in central London, this famous party place is known for some of the wildest dance nights in town.

The nightlife in Soho is very diverse, and you can find everything from dive bars to high-end nightclubs.

This is the place to be if you’re looking to party all night long.

Night Bus by London Kayak Company

Paddling from Battersea to Greenwich on the Thames at sunset is London Kayak Company’s unique offering to see London from a different angle.

The two hour tour goes through the centre of the city, past landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and other bridges and landmarks brightly bathed in light.

Ceremony of the Keys, Tower of London

If you want something a little different, try The Ceremony of the Keys which happens every night at precisely 9:53 pm.

The Ceremony is a historical ritual that has occurred every night at the Tower of London for over 700 years, marking the official locking of the Tower gates.

At exactly seven minutes to 10 pm, the Chief Yeoman Warder, dressed in the iconic Beefeater uniform, is escorted by a member of the Tower Guard to secure the ancient fortress.

The Chief Yeoman Warder approaches with the ceremonial keys, calling, “Halt, who comes there?” to which the guard responds, “The keys!”

This exchange is followed by a salute and the Warder and guard watch as the doors are locked.

Have fun with our guide on the best things to do in London at night!