From walking, river or open-top bus tours to seeing a show at The Globe or in Theatreland, there are lots of things to do in London at night.
This guide aims to help you decide which places in London at night interest you most. Will it be an ancient ceremony at the Tower of London, a shopping trip, taking in the views, fine dining, or late-night photography? Read to find out!
- Top things to do in London at night
- Watch a West End show
- Take a night walking tour of London
- Take a night bus tour
- Take a night boat trip
- Enjoy a night-time view over London
- Late-night openings at London museums
- Late-night openings at London galleries
- The Tower of London Ceremony of the Keys
- Polish your night-time photography skills
- Savour dining out at a smart London restaurant
- See a show at Shakespeare’s Globe
- Take a late-night shopping trip
- Visit a proper London pub
- Seasonal things to do in London at night
- Top tips for exploring London at night
- Which things will you do in London at night?
- London Travel Guide & Itinerary Planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks)
Top things to do in London at night
Watch a West End show
‘Theatreland’ in the West End of London comprises an area bordered by The Strand, Kingsway and Oxford and Regent Streets. Taking in a show is an essential for any visitor who loves theatre, and there are around 40 venues to choose from.
2024 West End shows
Some of the most popular shows for 2024 include Frozen, Wicked, Moulin Rouge, The Life of Pi, Back To The Future, Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing, and Mamma Mia—must-sees for movie fans.
Pride and Prejudice (sort of) and The Great Gatsby focus more on literature. Music lovers, meanwhile, may enjoy musicals based around Tina Turner or Bob Marley, while Agatha Christie devotees will love The Mousetrap or Witness for the Prosecution.
Click here for London theatre tickets
Take a night walking tour of London
This two hour tour takes you back in time to Victorian London, when Jack the Ripper roamed the streets of the East End. Led by an expert Ripperologist, this guided walk will lead you around the Whitechapel area, seeing Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane along the way. You can even have a go at solving the murders that remain a mystery as you go.
If you like getting spooked, this two hour night walking tour of London includes spine-chilling stories about spectres and ghouls as well as strolls down the city’s back alleys. The route takes you from the Tower of London to St Paul’s Cathedral via one of London’s oldest churches.
Learn all about London’s so-called ‘living dead’ when you take this three-hour tour from Green Park, where you can see the Death Tree. Listen out for nightingales in Berkeley Square before wandering along New Bond Street, calling at Fortnum and Mason and St James’s Park before the tour ends.
See the Cutty Sark on the banks of the Thames as you’re told the story of those who lost their lives while sailing the seas.
This one-and-a-half-hour tour also takes in the streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stroll around the grand Greenwich Park.
Dip into the Trafalgar Tavern, a 19th-century haunt of Charles Dickens, perhaps sipping a pint before the tour ends in central Greenwich.
Read – Best sightseeing and themed walking tours of London
Take a night bus tour
Witness the dazzling spectacle of the city lights at night with this 90 minute tour of London’s key sights. Landmarks you’ll spot along the way include the Tower of London, Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, Harrods and Trafalgar Square.
Lasting around an hour-and-a-quarter, this amusing yet spooky bus trip around the city will tell you all about some of London’s most gruesome moments. Complete with a creepy conductor, technical tricks and actors on board, this is a fun way to delve into the city’s murky past.
You don’t have to pick between Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes with this three hour bus tour. You’ll travel by open top bus to Smithfield Market to follow in the famous murderer’s footsteps, before visits to Westminster Abbey, the Old Bailey and the Sherlock Holmes Pub.
Read – Guide to London bus tours
Take a night boat trip
This three hour dinner cruise on the Thames includes a four course meal and cabaret entertainment. After a welcome glass of fizz, you’ll dine in style before seeing a singer perform West End hits. En route you’ll pass the O2, Canary Wharf and the Thames Barrier.
Setting off after sunset, you’ll be serenaded by live jazz and pop tunes while sipping sparkling wine and nibbling on delicious canapes. Highlights include the Houses of Parliament, Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge and the London Eye.
During this three hour cruise aboard the Millennium Diamond, you’ll dine on a three course meal and witness a performance by the ChiJazz quintet. While floating along you can see the London Eye, Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, Westminster and the Tower of London.
Read – Best London boat trips and cruises
Enjoy a night-time view over London
View from The Shard
This direct evening entry ticket to The Shard allows you to marvel at the sweeping views from the 72nd floor. Outside, the highest viewing platform in Europe awaits the brave at heart. With no time restrictions, you can spend as long as you like at this iconic modern building.
Standard or fast-track London Eye flight
The London Eye is the UK’s most popular paid attraction and the 30-minute trip is a must for many visitors. See the twinkling city laid out before you as you move slowly through the night sky.
Look out for London landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and even Windsor Castle when the evening sky is clear.
London Sky Garden
The most elevated garden in London offers visitors superb views over the British capital. Also known as the ‘Walkie-Talkie’, this venue on Fenchurch Street is free to enter on weekdays between 10 am and 6 pm or at weekends from 11 am to 9 pm.
There’s a bar and restaurant on site. It’s advisable to book before you go, which you can do here.
Late-night openings at London museums
The city’s museums are some of the best places to visit in London at night. Here are a few suggestions.
The British Museum
The British Museum offers late night opening on Fridays between 5 pm and 8.30 pm. Find out more or book tickets here.
Natural History Museum
At the Natural History Museum, you can also visit after hours to see the exhibitions. Book your tickets or discover what’s on here including evening exhibitions at the Natural History Museum
V&A Museum
Friday Late is a monthly event at the V&A, held on the last night of all months but December, January, February and May. The museum also has an evening events programme.
Late-night openings at London galleries
Various art galleries across the city are open to visitors later in the day, making this one of the more cultural London evening activities on offer. Here are some of the most popular.
The Barbican
The Barbican is open later on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Check current opening times here.
Tate Britain
Late at the Tate allows you to explore modern art during the evening. Discover what’s on here.
The National Portrait Gallery
This gallery is open until 9 pm some Thursday and Friday evenings. Check the latest schedules here.
The Tower of London Ceremony of the Keys
This ceremony has been taking place at the Tower of London for 7 centuries. It enacts the locking up of the fortress each evening when the Yeoman Warder brings Queen Elizabeth’s keys to the sentry.
Booking is essential, and spaces fill up very quickly. Between 9.30 and 10.05 pm, only ticket holders will be escorted in and out of the building, and no facilities—even toilets—are available.
We recommend booking the Walks VIP Ceremony of the Keys tour.
Polish your night-time photography skills
Night-time Southbank photography tour
If you want to go beyond the usual vacation snaps, why not practice your night photography skills with this evening Southbank photography tour? A professional tutor will supervise as you capture stunning shots of The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral and three other locations.
Savour dining out at a smart London restaurant
When you want to dine out somewhere special, many options are available in London. Our favourites include the following.
Duck and Waffle
Situated in Heron’s Tower on Bishopsgate, Duck and Waffle on the 40th floor is open 24 hours, serving European and British cuisine.
Dishoom
There are Dishoom restaurants in Covent Garden, Shoreditch and King’s Cross, and it’s the place to go for Indian-style dining.
Kerridge’s Bar and Grill
Located at the Corinthia hotel, Kerridge’s offers finely executed yet laid-back British fare from one of the country’s best chefs.
Sketch
Sketch can be found in a historic Mayfair townhouse, and is as much about music and art as food. It’s a highly recommended venue for afternoon tea or evening cocktails as well as fine dining.
See a show at Shakespeare’s Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe is a reproduction of the original Elizabethan theatre the Bard’s plays were performed in. Located on the Southbank, it’s even better to book tickets for a show than just to see it from the outside.
Take a late-night shopping trip
You can take late-night shopping trips all over London, and for many this is one of those fun evening activities in London not to miss.
The best places include the area around Oxford and Regent Streets in the West End, well-heeled Knightsbridge (home of Harrods) and Covent Garden.
Visit a proper London pub
Visiting a London pub is a quintessential part of any trip and one of the most popular things to do in London in the evening. Seek out your own cosy inn for a fish and chips supper and a pint, or take an organised walking tour.
From Southwark to the West End to the north of the Thames, this historic tour of London’s watering holes allows you to follow in the footsteps of Charles Dickens. This gentle two-mile stroll includes The Strand at the very centre of London and charming Covent Garden.
Seasonal things to do in London at night
The best places to go in London at night can vary according to season, as follows.
Summer nights
During the longer days of spring and summer – when it’s sometimes light until 10 pm – you can enjoy the likes of open-air concerts and cinema screenings, or perhaps take a sunset safari at London Zoo.
Winter nights
During the festive season in particular, London really can come alive by night – despite it getting dark early. In December, some of the best things to do in the evening in London include seeing the Christmas lights and winter wonderland, ice skating and pantomimes. Read more about what to do in London in winter and London in December!
London really sparkles during December, and this tour by open-top bus lets you see the festive lighting in all its seasonal finery. Highlights include the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace and Westminster.
Read – 22 Best Christmas Tours to take in London
Top tips for exploring London at night
Fun things to do in London at night are made even easier when you’re in the know. Here are some pointers.
London Transport
London’s transport network is a great way to get around. The tubes, trains and buses are generally on time and you can also travel by tram or boat in some areas.
Read – Guide to getting around London on public transport
Safety
Britain is a pretty safe country, but of course thefts and more serious incidents do take place. Keep your valuables safe at all times, especially in crowded areas where there could be pickpockets. Invest in a secure way of carrying them or lock them up in the hotel safe.
Pace yourself
When you’ve had a packed day, it’s best not to plan a full evening of activities as well. Your trip should be about enjoyment above all, rather than rushing around to tick boxes.
Looking for itinerary ideas? Our 3 day London itinerary includes all the must-see landmarks and attractions.
Which things will you do in London at night?
As you can see, there are lots of night activities available in London. Whichever you try, stay safe, take it all in and above all – have fun!
We have lots of great resources to help you plan your visit to London:
- London Travel Guide – links to everything you need to know to plan your trip
- Looking for accommodation? Read our guide to where to stay in London
- First time visitors? Read our top tips for visiting London for the first time
- How to get around London? Read our guide to using public transport in London and our guide to London’s manin trains stations.
- What to see and do – Complete London bucket list with guide to all the top sights and attractions & Guide to the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
- How to purchase tickets for London attractions – Guide to purchasing tickets for the lost popular London attractions & Best London bus tours reviewed
- Boat trips and cruises – Comparison guide to the best boat trips and cruises on the Thames
- Visiting on a budget? Read out budget guide to London with tips to save money when visiting
- Free things to do in London – Discover 32 free things to see and do in London
- Best day trips? Read our guide to the best day trips by train and our guide to the best tours from London
- Seasonal guides – London in Spring, London in winter
London Travel Guide & Itinerary Planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks)
