London Nightlife – 10 Things To Do

There’s no shortage of things to do when in London. 

Known for its traditional pubs and delish late-night eateries, the city offers everything you need for a fun night out. 

From taste-testing boozy drinks at Sky Garden to wining and dining by the River Thames, this list will help you discover London’s best things to do at night. 

Here’s your essential guide to the best things to do when the sun goes down in London.

Thirsty for a cocktail and some jaw-dropping views? Head down to Sky Garden. This skyscraper garden not only gives you sweeping vistas of the capital’s skyline, but it also features two restaurants and two bars for all of you foodies and mimosa lovers out there. 

Housed at the top of the Fenchurch Building, this remarkable scenic spot is the city’s highest public garden. You simply cannot miss Sky Garden’s amazing panoramic views of London’s heart – especially at night.

In Sky Garden’s vibrant social scene, the Sky Pod Bar and City Garden Bar give thirsty guests something boozy to go with the jaw-dropping views. Treat yourself to cocktails as you take in the gorgeous scenery, accompanied by great music from DJs and Live Bands.

Since it is open until late at night, visiting Sky Garden is an absolute must thing to do in London this weekend. Beware – this is a touristy spot, so it can get quite crowded.

In all honesty, no cocktail or champagne glass can equal some good, old-school comedy show. You’ll laugh until you cry by witnessing the humor-filled free-wheeling chats at The Comedy Store.

If you’re looking for fun things to do during the night, you should catch the club’s midnight shows from London’s upcoming talents. Comedy enthusiasts have praised the MC’s energetic vibe and fantastic improvisation from veteran comedians like Josie Lawrence.

To catch the next show, make sure to visit The Comedy Store, nestled two minutes away from Piccadilly Circus Station (pre-book your seat, too). Anyone looking for a good laugh will be there.

For the ultimate – and intimate – karaoke experience, head down to Lucky Voice Soho, a private karaoke bar located six minutes away from the Oxford Circus Underground Station.

Also known as UK’s No. 1 Karaoke Brand, Lucky Voice Soho features private rooms (perfect for introverted singers) and a fantastic list of songs you can choose from.

If you’re feeling a little parched from all the singing, head to the bar and quench your thirst with a fresh cocktail. It is usually open until the wee hours of the night, so don’t forget to add karaoke to your list of things to do in London.

Call yourself the ultimate heavy drinker? Test your drinking skills – and alcohol tolerance – by giving the Circle Line Pub Crawl a shot (no pun intended). 

Pub crawls are uber-popular in London, but the Circle Line Pub Crawl is the ultimate challenge. The rules are simple – a boozy drink in the nearest pub to each of the *gulp* 35 stops of the Circle Underground Line. 

Select the first pub of your choice from the Circle Line Pub Crawl Map and be sure to start early – visiting 35 pubs might take awhile. Many have attempted this challenge, but we don’t know if anyone fulfilled the drinking mission.

If you’re looking for something slow-paced during your night out, take a stroll around the idyllic park. Think about Alexandra Park as your little escape away from London’s bustling metropolis because, frankly, that’s what it is. 

Since its inauguration in 1863, the Alexandra Park has been attracting millions of visitors hunting for the laid-back London vibe. 

Once in a while, the park hosts a wide variety of entertainment shows that bring the picturesque scenery to life. From water fireworks to jazz music sessions, Alexandra Park offers beautiful views and relaxing experiences.

If you want to act like a local, taking a stroll around Alexandra Park is the way to go.

If you’re looking for the ultimate touristy thing to do in London, now’s your chance to hop on the open bus tour. See London by Night took this traditional concept but added a twist to it by scheduling all bus tours after the sun goes down. 

True to its name, the bus tour takes you to London’s iconic landmarks – from Tower of London and Big Ben to St. Paul’s Cathedral. 

Since the tour takes place at night, you get to see the city in its illuminated glory. Led by knowledgeable and funny tour guides, the trip feels less like a boring study session and more of a fun learning experience.

Tour departure from See London By Night’s stop at Green Park, located next to the Ritz Hotel. As you have probably guessed by now, the bus is going to be packed with tourists.

Fancy yourself a game of poker? Head down to the Hippodrome Casino, located a stone’s throw away from Leicester Square station.

The 24/7 casino is home to London’s largest poker deck, as well as a wide range of table games and slot machines. Besides the wide array of gambling options, Hippodrome Casino offers some of the best nightlife experiences with its exquisite bars.

Home to London’s Magic Mike Live show, there’s so much you can do at this entertainment spot. No membership is required, so put on your best smart-casual clothes and visit the casino.

But expect businessmen and entrepreneurs who gamble as a part-time hobby to fill in the space.

You may or may not be into performing arts – but attending a Soho Theatre show is an unmissable experience. 

Based in London’s lively Soho, Soho Theatre hosts an array of new-age theatre plays, comedy acts, and cabaret shows.

Offering affordable shows, the theatre has been the epicentre of independent entertainment, with all profits supporting their work.

If you’re into the performing arts industry and like to check out London’s emerging talents, Soho Theatre is the place to be.

Although shows typically start from 7 PM, come as early as possible if you want to catch a good seat – it can get very busy! Both Londoners and tourists love a good theatre show.

A late-night snack never hurt anybody, especially when you get it from Mercato Metropolitano.

Recognized as the city’s first sustainable community market, Mercato Metropolitano takes food adulation to a whole new level. Southwark’s street food stall only uses ethically-sourced ingredients, bringing the freshest and most delish bites and keeping our planet safe. 

Mercato Metropolitano is trying to be everything for everyone – step inside and you’ll find a range of food stalls belonging to a wide array of countries. 

With the DJs filling the good vibes and high-quality bites, the market is one of the best nightlife activities you can think of. It is usually visited by Londoners looking for a savory bite and a good pint.

Is feeling fancy a staple on your fun things to do in London checklist? Look no further than the Thames Dinner Cruise.

Ditch the dry land and book your spot for an evening of fine dining while sailing along the River Thames. You will catch glimpses of historical landmarks like the London Bridge by the time the dessert arrives. 

From basic dinner cruises to murder mystery dinner cruises, Thames Dinner Cruise brings together delicious dining and fantastic views – this is what we call a memorable treat. 

This is both a touristy attraction and a lavish experience for locals – so expect both of them to book tables.