Arguably, London is a city that never sleeps so it naturally offers a myriad of activities after dark for those feeling adventurous. From enjoying the city lights from iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament to the bustling nightlife of Soho and Shoreditch.
Whether it’s a West End show, late-night museum exhibition, ghost tour or star-gazing experience – London offers a plenty of night time activities where there is something for everybody.
Here are the best things to do in London at night:
1. The View from The Shard
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of London’s skyline from its tallest building. The observation deck is open until 10 PM (last entry at 9 PM) most nights, allowing you to see the city lights sparkle below. On a clear night, you can see up to 40 miles in every direction. The Shard also offers a champagne experience for those looking to make their visit ✨fun✨.
📍Address: 32 London Bridge St, SE1 9SG
🚇 Nearest Tube: London Bridge
2. London Eye Night Flight
Take a 30-minute rotation on Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel after dark. The London Eye offers a stunning unique perspective of the city’s illuminated landmarks, including sites like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. For a special experience, you can book a boozy private capsule with champagne.
📍Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, SE1 7PB
🚇 Nearest Tube: Waterloo
3. Tower of London Ceremony of the Keys
Witness a 700-year-old tradition at the Tower of London. The Ceremony of the Keys is the formal locking up of the Tower and has taken place every night since the 14th century. This exclusive event is limited to 40-50 people per night and must be booked well in advance.
📍Address: EC3N 4AB
🚇 Nearest Tube: Tower Hill
4. Late Night at Tate Modern
Explore one of the world’s most famous modern art galleries after hours. Tate Modern stays open until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, offering a unique opportunity to view its extensive collection and special exhibitions without the daytime crowds. The gallery’s Turbine Hall often hosts large-scale installations that are particularly impressive at night. Some Tate lates having DJs playing and drinks, all in all, very good vibes.
📍Address: Bankside, SE1 9TG
🚇 Nearest Tube: Southwark or Blackfriars
5. Candlelight concert
Candlelight concerts in London make for an utterly enchanting evening plan. They’re classical tributes to some of musics brightest stars, from Queen and Taylor Swift to Vivaldi and Bach. Illuminated by thousands of twinkling candles, these shows are lighting up some of London’s most remarkable settings this season, including Southwark Cathedral, Central Hall Westminster and St Mary’s Church.
6. Midnight Matinee at Prince Charles Cinema
Experience the quirky charm of late-night cinema at this beloved independent theatre. The Prince Charles Cinema is known for its eclectic programming, including sing-along screenings, cult classics, and all-night movie marathons. Their midnight matinees are particularly popular among night owls and film buffs.
📍Address: 7 Leicester Pl, WC2H 7BY
🚇 Nearest Tube: Leicester Square
7. Nighttime Ghost Tour
Delve into London’s dark history with a spooky after-dark walking tour. Many companies offer ghost tours that explore the city’s most haunted locations and recount tales of infamous figures like Jack the Ripper.
📍Address: Various starting points, often near Tower Hill or Aldgate East stations
🚇 Nearest Tube: Depends on the specific tour
8. A meet up with like-minded strangers
Whether you’re new to London or fancy expanding your social circle, The First Round is a great way to spend a night meeting new people and having some fun. Before arriving at the venue, you’ll fill out a questionnaire so an algorithm can get an idea of your personality and interests and then match you to like-minded people. There are games and icebreaker activities and you’re welcome to order food and drinks at the venue.
9. Late-Night Museum at Sir John Soane’s Museum
Step back in time at this unique museum, which opens late on the first Tuesday of each month. Sir John Soane’s former home is a treasure trove of antiquities, paintings, and architectural models, all dramatically lit by candlelight during these special evening openings.
📍Address: 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP
🚇 Nearest Tube: Holborn
10. A night out at one of London’s quirky bars
Discover London’s quirkiest new bars for a unique night out. Whether it’s Eve Bar in Covent Garden which offers a no-waste cocktail menu and Michelin-starred snacks in a Garden of Eden setting or Opium that combines dim sum with cocktails in a Shanghai-themed speakeasy. There’s plenty of unique boozers to keep you intrigued for the night!
You can read our guide to London’s quirkiest bars here.
11. Lates at the Royal Observatory Greenwich
‘Evening with the Stars’ is a cute little evening in Greenwich where you get to watch a live planetarium show at the Royal Observatory followed by a sneak-peak to the stars and moon with both modern-day telescopes and their 130-year-old instrument: the Great Equatorial Telescope. A perfect date night spot.
📍Address: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF
🚇 Nearest Tube: Greenwich
12. An evening of smooth jazz
A bit of live music at The Jazz Room never goes amiss. It’s a series of concerts that journeys through the best of genres like jazz and soul. Inside some of London’s top venues like Phoenix Arts Club, the band on stage take audiences through the golden eras of each genre with performances of hits by the likes of Louis Armstrong, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder as well as some jazzy improvisations.
13. Late-night dining at 24-hour restaurants
London’s late-night food scene is bustling with options for those midnight cravings, offering everything from 24/7 dining to early morning snacks. Highlights include the iconic Duck & Waffle on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower, serving duck on waffle around the clock, and Polo Bar in Bishopsgate, a 24/7 spot since 1953 offering a variety of meals and drinks including a full English at any ungodly hour.
You can read our guide to the best 24-hour restaurants in London to explore.