London is a city of night-owls. With a 24-hour tube service operating at weekends on most major lines and night buses all week, you can flit around the city at your leisure. Explore the many fun things to do in London at night – mooch around the museums, enjoy spectacular views from iconic buildings or dance the night away. There’s no better place to start planning your evening than with this handy guide from the team at the London Pass
1. Museum Lates
You’ll be pleased to know that many of London’s most famous museums and galleries are open late on selected days, including the British Museum, Science Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery and London Transport Museum. Often busy in the day, these spaces are quieter in the evening, allowing you to take your time and explore them thoroughly. Look out for regular adult-only evening events too.
Standing 95 storeys and 310 metres to the tip, The Shard is the tallest building in the whole of Europe. Experience some of the best views of London from the open air sky deck. There are restaurants and shops spread throughout the floors and don’t forget to use the loo! The restrooms are 244 metres above London and, with floor to ceiling aerial views, are the most spectacular toilets in London.
3. Theatreland
Head over to London’s West End, also known as Theatreland, for an evening performance. With a huge variety of plays, musicals, cabarets and more, there is something for everyone. Soho Theatre is known for its late performances running up to 12 am – a perfect after-dinner treat. Plus, with your London Pass you could save even more on discount theatre tickets to this season’s biggest performances!
4. Time to Eat
As the sun sets and your stomach starts to grumble, check out some of London’s quirkiest restaurants. Renowned for its huge diversity of food, the city never fails to deliver for dinner ideas. Splash the cash on a James Bond-esque evening at Park Chinois, a 1930s-style Shanghai lounge in Mayfair. Or head over to Bistro Union to experience British food at its best, serving up traditional dishes of Lancashire Hot Pot, Toad in the Hole and of course, Fish Pie. With thousands of eateries to choose from, there is the perfect place for every taste and budget. Don’t forget to use your London Pass Dining Guide and enjoy even more savings at some of the city’s best restaurants.
5. Movie Night
After a busy day of sightseeing, don’t feel guilty if all you want to do is sit down and watch a film. Dotted throughout London are the Curzon Cinemas, with spacious seating and licensed bars, ideal for a relaxing night with the family or a romantic evening with your partner. Playing the latest shows, these cinemas are perfect for taking the weight off your feet.
6. The Ceremony of the Keys
If you want a historical evening activity that’s fun for all the family, hop on over to the Tower of London to witness the famous Ceremony of the Keys. Part of the process of locking the Tower for the night, this centuries-old tradition involves secret passwords, large rings of keys, Beefeaters and military music. Advance booking required.
7. The Late Debate
Why not head over to the Houses of Parliament and listen in to a debate? The politicians often end up working late, so take a seat in the public gallery and get ready for some serious wrangling. Entry is free.
8. Ride the London Eye
From its central vantage point, the London Eye allows you to take in all of London’s most iconic sights. Too busy during the day? Check out the London Eye website, as the closing time varies depending on the date. A ride at sunset can be magical.
9. Jack the Ripper
Want to try your luck solving the century-old mystery of the murderous Jack the Ripper? Take a unique night-time tour through the eerie backstreets and secret alleyways of the East End of London tracing the Ripper’s very steps. The mystery of who he really was still puzzles historians to this day.
10. Wine and Dine on the Thames
Fancy cruising down the River Thames with a glass of champagne in hand? Enjoy a night cruise on London’s famous river, with a four-course meal, jazz and an iconic skyline. Glide past some of the world’s most striking buildings including St Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, Big Ben, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
11. Late Night SHOPPING
If you didn’t manage to get your shopping fix during busy days of sightseeing and museum-ing, don’t worry: lots of shops open late Monday to Saturday. Shopping ‘cities’ such as Westfield Stratford and Westfield White City are open until 10pm. On Thursday nights, London’s famous Oxford Street also stays open until 10pm, so get those credit cards ready!
12. Proper British Boozers
Need a drink after a long day of walking and eating? London is overflowing with a variety of different bars and pubs. From cosy cocktail bars to bustling traditional pubs, the choice is yours. If you’re a solo traveller looking to meet some new people, sign up to a pub crawl to experience a few more of London’s finest pubs.
13. Nightlife
If you want to have a boogie, London is full of funky night clubs that are open until the early hours, providing a range of music genres and experiences. Head over to Shoreditch for late night bars and clubs, or check out Camden for live music venues such as the intimate Spiritual Bar or Electric Ballroom. If you’re a music lover, London is the place to be, with acts on every night and cheap club nights every day of the week.
14. Giggle at a Comedy Club
If you’re looking for a laugh, there are loads of great comedy clubs throughout London that offer free comedy nights all week. Head over to The Top Secret Comedy Club on Drury Lane to see some of the latest comedians strutting their stuff on stage.
15. See the Lights at Piccadilly Circus
If you’re enjoying an evening stroll, head in the direction of Piccadilly Circus to see the beautiful light display in the evening. Over 100 years ago, Piccadilly Circus hosted the first display of electric lighting and it now attracts over 100 million visitors a year.
London has endless fun things to do at night, from walking tours to cosy pubs and much, much more. Where will you go?
August 20, 2018 by Megan Hills
1 Comment
tourisstic places, we have london pass for 3 days. thanks