London at Night: The Best Things to Do After Dark

London is a completely different city after dark. The daytime crowds thin out, the lights come on, and a whole other set of things to do opens up. Whether you want a big night or a slow one, here is how to make the most of London at night.

See the city from above

Start high. The view from the top of the Shard, the Sky Garden or one of the city’s rooftop bars is worth the trip on its own, especially once the skyline lights up. It is the quickest way to fall for London all over again.

Eat, drink and be entertained

Dinner is where a London night really begins. Book somewhere memorable, then move on to cocktails at one of the best bars in London. From there the options fan out: late-night theatre, live jazz, comedy, or a proper night out at a club. For something with more spectacle, the city’s cabaret and burlesque scene delivers, from the glamorous London Cabaret Club to the notorious Box in Soho. Our guide to burlesque in London has more.

Or take the slower route

Not every good night is a late one. A riverside walk along the South Bank, a quiet cocktail in a candlelit bar, or an evening stroll through a lamplit square can be just as memorable. London rewards wandering after dark, as long as you keep your wits about you, which our guide to the dodgiest areas in London helps with.

Plan it well

The trick to a great London night is a bit of planning: book the key spots, know how you are getting home, and stay somewhere central. Our guides to where to stay for the nightlife and a gentleman’s guide to a memorable night pull it all together. For the full after-dark picture, see London after dark.