Ultimate Guide To London At Night: 125+ Best All-Ages Activities

Wondering what to do in London at night? This is a common dilemma, especially if you’re travelling with kids. 

Most people will recommend the theatre, but seeing a show isn’t for everyone (or within their budgets). 

The good news is that there are so many cool things to do in London in the evening for all ages. And though you can certainly see a show if you want, don’t limit yourself! 

Here’s my favourite things to do in London at night for every visitor of every age. 

The iconic London skyline at night, featuring the majestic Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben clock tower illuminated against the twilight sky, with Westminster Bridge spanning the River Thames, epitomizing the best of London at night.

London is completely safe to walk around at night and otherwise, with kids and without. See my complete guide to London safety here.

✨ Sightseeing in London at Night ✨

A stunning night view of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in London, with their reflections shimmering on the River Thames, under the title 'Starlight Sightseeing,' inviting visitors to explore the city's historical landmarks after dark.

Just because the major tourist sights are closed for the night doesn’t mean you can see lots of iconic London sights!

1. Westminster 

Wandering Westminster without the crowds, seeing the Abbey lit up, and strolling the Thames at twilight? It’s a magical London experience. 

2. Tower of London

The imposing Tower of London is only more so when lit up from every angle. This makes for a great photo spot. It’s not open for tours in the evening, but if you can score a ticket to the coveted Ceremony of the Keys, you’ll get to see inside after dark.

3. Millenium Bridge 

Taylor Swift strolled across this iconic modern footbridge in her End Game music video, and you can too! 

4. Southbank

The Southbank of the Thames has it all – restaurants, markets, museums, and epic views. 

5. Canary Wharf 

It might be all business during the day, but at night Canary Wharf comes alive with restaurants, bars, and epic views across the water. 

6. Covent Garden 

This is definitely where the action is in London at night.

It gets a bit less packed after 7:30pm when the theatres fill up, and you can wander the food markets, shop, and see the sights under the illuminated sky. 

7. Piccadilly Circus 

The dramatic lights of Piccadilly are an iconic evening London sight. Make a night of it and stroll nearby Covent Garden and Soho, too.

8. The Mall 

There are no King’s Guards marching in the evening hours, and seeing the iconic Mall lit up at night is a peaceful stroll through Royal land. 

✨ Views of London at Night ✨

The Millennium Bridge leading towards the illuminated dome of St Paul's Cathedral in the enchanting twilight, offering a serene view that's one of the many splendid things to do in London at night.

Some London views are best in the evening. Here are a few of my favourites.

9. The London Eye  

The London Eye is open Fridays and Saturdays til 8:30pm, and it’s a peaceful little bubble of bliss when this tourist attraction isn’t as crowded! 

10. View from the Shard 

The View from the Shard is open on  Friday & Saturdays til 10pm, and though you can’t see as far, it’s amazing to see the city all lit up from high above. You can also get the same views if you dine at any of the Shard’s restaurants. 

11. Sky Garden (free)

The city’s highest public garden is open Saturdays & Fridays til midnight, and all other nights until 11pm. It’s a great time to visit and see this iconic spot without the crowds. 

12. The Lookout (free)

Another free London viewpoint is open Fridays til 9pm, and after dark it’s a lot less crowded and easy to enter! 

13. Alexandra Palace (free)

Hike up to the tippy top of Alexandra Park and get epic views of the city from this spot outside the iconic Ally Pally (Alexandra Palace). Check to see what’s on inside, too! 

14. Primrose Hill (free)

This hilltop park is open daily until 10pm, where you can see over the entirety of the city. Pack a picnic, or stroll the nearby pastel neighbourhood and pick up some treats. 

15. Cloud Cable Car 

The IFS Cloud Cable car spans the Thames, and it’s open daily until 9 and Fridays and Saturdays until 11. 

16. Tower Bridge (free)

This iconic bridge is only more beautiful at night. You can stroll across, or take some pretty photos in front of it. 

17. Take a Night Cruise 

Take a City Cruise with drinks and snacks, or take the Uber Boat to any number of destinations in the twilight and evening hours! 

✨ London Evening Activities: Late Night Museums & Galleries ✨

The majestic National Gallery in London during the late evening hours, with a captivating fountain in the foreground and a stunning sunset sky, highlighting the cultural evening activities available in the city.

Some of London’s fabulous museums (many of which are free!) are regularly open in the evenings, and not just for one-off late nights.

18. Twist Museum  

The Twist museum – more of an immersive sensory experience than a museum – is open Fridays & Saturdays til 9pm, 6:30pm all other days. Afterwards you can stroll the shopping district of Oxford Street and grab a bite! 

The Barbican Gallery in the City of London is open Thursday through Saturdays til 8pm. Also check out the brutalist architecture of the Barbican, or stroll through the historic City of London and check out Charterhouse Square. 

The newly renovated National Portrait Gallery is open Fridays & Saturdays til 9pm. Afterwards, stroll Trafalgar Square, wander the sights of Westminster, or find a bite in bustling Covent Garden.  

The iconic National Gallery in Trafalgar Square is open Fridays & Saturdays til 9pm. It’s definitely less busy at these times and makes for a great evening out!  

22. British Museum (free)

The one and only British Museum normally isn’t open late, but on Fridays it stays open until 8:30. Do you dare check out the haunted mummy in the dark?  

23. The V&A  (free)

Fridays until 10pm you can check out the massive V&A in South Kensington. 

24. Cinema Museum (Select Events & Screenings)

Housed in the former Lambeth Workhouse, this is one museum with some horrible history. It’s open for select events and screenings, and is well worth a visit. 

25. Balloon Museum  

Browse a bountiful world of balloons in this immersive museum experience. Open til 7&8 pm – check the schedule before booking. 

26. Dennis Severs House  

What’s more fascinating than an original 1724 house in Spitalfields? An original 1724 house in Spitalfields lit up by candlelight. Open fridays til 8:15pm. 

✨ Immersive Experiences in London at Night ✨

An ancient temple ruin-like setting with crumbling stone walls and a beam of light entering from above, creating a sense of adventure for an immersive experience, a unique evening activity available in London

27. Immersive Gamebox  

Immersive gaming experience with various locations and games across London. 

28. Frameless Art Experience 

Step inside the most popular works of art in the world in this 3D experience! Open Fridays and Saturdays until 10pm. 

29. Monopoly Lifesized 

Do not pass go and do not collect $200 until you book this incredible life-sized experience! 

30. Phantom Peak 

Immersive experience Phantom Peak takes “immersive” to a whole new level. Enter a world of steampunk strangeness with intricate storylines all around. 

31. Tomb Raider Live Experience

Lara Croft has nothing on you. Try your hand at these interactive games and puzzles to make your way out alive! 

32. Crystal Maze 

Classic adventure game show the Crystal Maze has its own immersive experience, and it’s very good fun. 

33. The Murder Express

Step back into 1920 in this immersive murder mystery and dining experience set in an old train station. Children 5-15 are only allowed until 8pm.  Children under 5 are not allowed. 

34. Abba Voyage 

Step into the world of Waterloo in this 3D Abba experience. Good fun for all ages! 

✨ Things to do in London at Night: Sports & Games ✨

Just because you’re in London doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some comfortable and fun favourites.

35-39: Bowling 

An intense, glossy red bowling ball in motion on a wooden lane, approaching a set of pins ready to be struck down, captures the fun of bowling in London at night, an activity enjoyed by all ages.

Central London has a variety of tenpin bowling lanes that are fun for the whole family. 

40-43: Climbing 

An indoor climbing wall with a variety of colorful holds and routes, representing an active and engaging nighttime activity for those looking to climb and challenge themselves in London after dark.

Here’s the best rock climbing centres in London. Some have minimum ages – check before you book. 

44-47: Arcades 

Close-up of vibrant arcade game tokens and colorful targets in a London gaming arcade, representing the fun and lively activities that can be enjoyed in the city at night.

Want some classic gaming for the whole family? Here’s the best arcades and game centres in London. 

Ps…”arcade” also means a shopping centre here, so check your mapping app before you head out!

  • Funland Games Arcade, Holborn: Video games and classic arcade machines for all ages open til 10-10:30pm. 
  • London Games Room, Various Locations across London open late.  
  • Plonk: Crazy golf and arcade games in various locations across London, open late. 
  • OtherWorld: Immersive VR experiences in London open late. 

48-53: Mini Golf & Crazy Golf 

An array of colorful golf balls and putters on a lush green artificial turf, highlighting Mini Golf and Crazy Golf as popular evening activities in London, perfect for a fun and relaxed experience.

“Mini Golf” is also sometimes called “Crazy Golf” in the UK.

Some crazy golf centres in London are 18+, but there are plenty that cater to all ages! 

  • Plonk, Various Locations: Crazy golf, arcade games, food and drink open late in several locations in London. 
  • Swingers (18+ only, various locations): Mini golf and cocktails in a crazy cool venue. 
  • Birdies (various locations, all ages): Crazy golf, food and games in Angel and Battersea. 
  • Puttshack, Various Locations: Under 18’s only before 7pm. Crazy cool games and good food with the wildest mini golf course you’ll ever see! 
  • Jungle Rumble, Putney: all ages mini golf, games and food open til 10 or midnight. 

54-57: Escape Rooms 

An assortment of vintage-looking photographs and documents scattered on a table, hinting at a mysterious narrative for an escape room challenge, a popular London evening activity for those who enjoy puzzles and historical intrigue.

Some escape rooms in London are simple with mediocre effects, and some are outstanding immersive games. These are the latter. 

  • Clue Quest: Intricate puzzles and fab production value. No age restrictions but kids must come with at least one person over 16. 
  • Mission: Breakout: Set up in an old, abandoned tube station in Kentish Town, this London escape room gives you a bit of behind-the-scenes history with the venue. There are excellent puzzles in all 3 rooms with atmospheric sets. Adults must accompany children. 
  • Escapeland: Head down to Oxford Street and participate in this award-winning set of puzzles with two different rooms. All ages. 
  • EnigmaQuest, Shoreditch: 3 family-friendly escape rooms in the East End, with everything from wizarding to submarines. 

✨ London Evening Activities: Wander Streets & Neighbourhoods ✨

A vibrant night scene showcasing London's charm with iconic red telephone boxes in the foreground and the illuminated sign of 'The Mitre' pub in the background, inviting exploration of the city's coolest streets and neighborhoods as one of the best things to do in London at night.

My absolute favourite thing to do in London is to just wander. You never know what you’ll find, and the ambiance of the city at night is simply magic.

See my complete London neighbourhood guide here to find a great place to wander.

58. Soho

The charming & historic Soho area is great to wander at night, home to pubs, shopping, bars, and great restaurants. 

59. Camden 

The Camden Market area is charming at night as you wander the stalls and soak up the canalside ambiance. 

60. Covent Garden 

Where the magic happens in London at night. Home to all the theatres, but also great shopping and sightseeing. 

61. Angel 

Lesser-known area that should be more well known! Wander Camden Passage and hit up the boutiques, restaurants and pretty pubs. 

62. Southbank 

Wander the Thames and take in the sights, along with great shopping and restaurants. 

63. Bond Street 

Oxford Street’s posh cousin is a great area to wander after dark. Don’t forget to hit up Liberty and Fortnum & Mason. 

64. Shoreditch 

The coolest neighbourhood in London has lots on offer each night, from the iconic Spitalfields Market to street art tours to boutique restaurants and classic pubs. 

65. Canary Wharf 

Not only for the 9-5 crowd, Canary Wharf is beautiful at night and has lots of restaurants on offer. 

66. Greenwich 

This gorgeous Thames-side enclave is a village all its own. 

✨ Evening Activities in London: Shows & Theatre ✨

A bustling evening scene outside a historic London theatre, illuminated by the neon lights of a 'Singin' in the Rain' sign, capturing the vibrant nightlife and cultural entertainment available in the city.

The classic London evening activity? Theatre. It’s the home of Shakespeare, after all.

67. West End Shows 

Did you really go to London if you didn’t hit the theatre? Grab last-minute tickets, even on a budget. 

68. Comedy 

Not for the under 18’s, but London is home to some great comedy clubs great for a laugh. 

69. Live Music 

London has live music every day of the week. Check out a classic jazz club, hit up a punk show, or sit for a classic opera. Royal Albert Hall always has something cool going on, too! 

✨ Unique Theatre Experiences in London at Night ✨

The grand interior of a historic London theatre, featuring opulent golden decorations and plush red seats, inviting for a unique theatrical experience, a classic evening activity in the city.

London hosts some incredible theatre experiences that aren’t your standard West End musical.

70. The Old Vic

This classic old London theatre stages everything from musicals to Shakespeare. It’s not your typical West End theatre – this one has that special something! 

71. Witness for the Prosecution  

Want to be judge, jury and executioner? You can buy a ticket for ‘jury duty’ and experience this immersive theatre production at the beautiful London County Hall. 

72. National Theatre 

Prestige theatre at its finest. Don’t let the brutalist architecture fool you – this spot is a London classic, and many huge stars grace the stage here nightly. 

73. Shakespeare’s Globe

Seeing a Shakepearian play at the (replica) Globe Theatre is a London experience not to be missed. 

74. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre  

In the summer you can grab a bottle of bubbly and settle down in the park for unique productions in this open-air theatre. 

75. Mamma Mia The Party 

Good fun for all ages, this is really a party inside of a stage production. The music, the romance, the Greek food! 

76. Southbank Centre 

Cutting-edge productions, performances, comedy and lectures all happen at this multi-purpose venue on the banks of the Thames. 

77. Royal Albert Hall 

This classic and iconic location always has something on, from concerts to performances. 

✨ London Evening Tours ✨

It’s not just Jack the Ripper tours that happen in London in the evening. There are many, many nightly tours to choose from!

An engaging scene of an evening walking tour in London, featuring actors in Victorian costumes creating a mysterious and theatrical experience under the glow of an old-fashioned street lamp, representing one of the many fun nighttime activities in the city.

78. Jack The Ripper 

The iconic classic for a reason! There are hundreds of Jack the Ripper tours everyday, but you’re best off to go with the original. 

79. Crime 

There are likewise a ton of true crime tours, but the best come from the experts at Remarkable Tours. Explore the true crime, medical, and macabre history of this ancient city. 

80. Herstorical Tours 

Tour London’s feminist history with a spooky true crime twist. Maria is an expert who really knows her London history and is entertaining as any West End actor! 

81. Ghost Bus Tour

If you’re not up for any more walking (I don’t blame you), step aboard the ghost bus and see London at night with this spooky experience. 

82. Pub Tours 

Fancy a liquid history tour? Stroll through and experience some of the most historic pubs in London, and taste as you go. 

James Bond: Shadow Of Spectre 

A unique self-guided experience where you must help Bond catch the bad guy, using your phone and your feet! 

✨ Food Halls & Markets ✨

A bustling evening scene at a London food market, where locals and tourists gather under vibrant umbrellas to explore a variety of artisanal breads and baked goods, embodying London's reputation as a foodie destination at night.

Sure, you can visit any one of London’s fabulous restaurants at night. But what if you want to go with the flow?

Try any one of these great food halls, markets, or streets and see what you can find. Half the adventure is just exploring! 

Boxpark, Shoreditch 

Turn up to this shipping container pop up mall and browse the incredible food stalls (there’s also one in Wembley and Croydon). Open til 11 or 11:45 pm daily! 

Mercato, Various Locations 

Mercato is a collection of food halls in district and historic locations throughout the city. The most iconic is in Mayfair, at an old church crypt. Open til 11pm at least, daily.  

Seven Dials Market, Covent Garden 

Open til 10 or 11 each night, Seven Dials Market has something for everyone. Conveyer belt cheese, the best chai in the city, New York-style pizza, margaritas – it really has it all! 

Kingly Court 

Near Oxford Street you’ll find this 3-story food and shopping complex on Carnaby Street with everything from cocktails to cupcakes and 3-course meals. 

Flat Iron Square

Near Borough Market is another foodie destination. Flat Iron Square isn’t as historic as Borough Market, but it’ll be less crowded and have just as much variety. 

Chinatown 

Near Covent Garden and Piccadilly you’ll find London’s iconic Chinatown district. There’s everything here from bakeries to restaurants to shopping. It’s great for a quick bite or a more substantial meal. 

Vinegar Yard

Near London Bridge you’ll find this mostly outdoor food hall, which is buzzing in the summer and cosy in the winter. 

Pop Brixton

This community-oriented pop up market is full of an incredible array of global foods.  

Urban Food Fest Shoreditch 

Saturdays from midday to midnight experience the best pop up food stalls in London in the historic East End. 

Dinerama Shoreditch

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, dine at any one of the numerous stalls at Dinerama, and cosy up to the fire. Or in the summer, cosy up to a margarita! 

Spitalfields Market, Shoreditch

This ancient market was recently revamped, offering tons of restaurants, food trucks, shops and more. 

✨ London Evening Shopping ✨

A lively London street at evening time, illuminated by the elegant lights of shops and a magnificent display of Christmas decorations overhead, inviting a night of shopping in the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Camden Market 

Shop and dine til late at Camden Market in North London. 

Coal Drops Yard 

Next to King’s Cross Station you’ll find the newly renovated Coal Drops Yard shopping and dining centre, open til 10pm daily. 

Battersea Power Station 

Newly renovated upmarket shopping and dining centre, entirely indoors and open until 9pm daily. 

Fortnum & Mason  

You can shop and dine at the iconic London landmark F&M until 8pm daily. 

Oxford Street 

An entire neighbourhood of London devoted to shopping! Stores are mostly open until 9pm with some exceptions. 

Harrods

This iconic London landmark is open until 9pm daily for posh shopping and dining.   

St James’s

This Westminster neighbourhood has a long list of shops, many of which are open until late. 

Carnaby Street

Carnaby street is home to some kitschy and posh boutiques (think Harry Styles ‘Plenty’ pop-ups and more). There’s also some great dining options, bars, and more. 

The Yards

Covent Gardens ‘The Yards’ at St Martin’s Courtyard is full of posh shopping with so many choices from high street shops to boutique spas to cocktail bars.

It’s always beautifully decorated in every season and it’s one of those classic London shopping experiences not to miss. 

Bond Street 

If your budget is a bit more flexible, head to Bond Street – the home of luxury shopping in London (think “Louis V on Bond Street” from Taylor Swift’s London Boy). 

Knightsbridge 

There’s more to Knightsbridge than just Harrods! Though of course that iconic green bag is the major draw here, make sure to browse nearby Brompton Road for some more affordable options. 

King’s Road 

You can’t live here unless you own a Lamborghini, but you can browse posh Chelsea’s King’s Road no matter your budget. There’s everything from excellent charity shops to £300 candles. 

Marylebone 

Marylebone High Street winds from Regent’s Park down to Mayfair, and it’s a lovely area to browse the designer boutiques. 

✨ Parks Open Late ✨

A tranquil London park at dusk, with silhouetted trees against a twilight sky and the soft glow of an illuminated monument, symbolizing the serene and free experiences available in the city's parks that remain open late into the evening.

Many of London’s parks lock up after dark, but not all of them! If you need a bit of peace and quiet in your city evening, look no further. 

Yes, London parks are safe at night! Just use common sense.

Battersea Park

Next to Batterea Power Station is the massive Battersea Park, which is great for late night summer picnics. Open daily until 10:30pm.  

St James’s Park

The iconic and regal St James’s Park is open until midnight daily, with beautiful views of Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. 

Green Park

Also near Buckingham Palace is The Green Park, with lovely views and ambiance and open until midnight daily. 

Hyde Park

There’s much to explore around Hyde Park, but within, it’s a magical twilight wonderland. Wander the Serpentine under the iconic street lamps in this massive green space, open daily until midnight. 

Primrose Hill

Open until 10:30pm daily, you can get fantastic city views of the night skyline at this hilltop park. 

Hampstead Heath

Open 24 hours, the Heath is massive and a bit spooky to enter at night, but it sure is peaceful! 

✨ Age 18+ Things to do in London at Night ✨

Energetic atmosphere of a live concert in London by night, with the crowd raising their hands in excitement, enjoying the dynamic beams of light from the stage, a common 18+ nighttime activity in the city.

For those of age, here are some fun things to do in London at night that you may need ID for.

Remember to imbibe safely and grab a black cab if you need one! 

Pub Quizzes

London is chock-a-block with pub quizzes. Though they’re usually on Thursday evenings, some venues also do them on the weekend and other days of the week. Find a massive map for a venue near you here! 

Karaoke 

If you’ve got the gaul, try singing your heart out. You’d need to buy me 4x cocktails before I’d ever consider it, but I have a terrible voice. 

Tiki Bars 

We live in London, so sometimes we need a tropical tipple to melt away the winter blues. Here’s the best Tiki Bars in London for a holiday in your heart. 

Drag Shows

There’s so much talent on display in London, our incredible drag shows are no exception. 

Live Music

Whatever you’re into, any night of the week, London has a live music venue for you. 

Night Tales 

Part club, part tropical terrace, part pizza venue – what’s not to love? 

Nightclubs 

Head to the iconic Fabric for a classic crazy London night out, or try any of London’s nightclubs, for whatever kind of scene you’re into. 

✨ The London Pass Activities at Night ✨

A hand holding a smartphone displaying 'The London Pass' app with a QR code, against the backdrop of the illuminated Houses of Parliament and Big Ben at night, representing the convenience of accessing London's attractions with the pass during the evening.

Here’s all the attractions included on the London Pass that are open at night. 

✨ Things To Do In London At Night: Christmastime ✨

The most magical season of the year just starts to heat up after dark. Here’s things to do at night in London during the holiday season.

Christmas Markets 

A cozy Christmas market in London at night, bustling with holiday goers exploring festive stalls adorned with twinkling lights and seasonal decorations, embodying the merry things to do in the city during the Yuletide season.

Winter Wonderland 

Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland in London at night, alive with the bright lights of a Ferris wheel and festive stalls, bustling with visitors enjoying the Christmas season amidst the colorful and joyous fairground attractions.

Hyde Park is home to this massive Christmas festival every year with lights, food, rides, games, shopping, and more. 

Ice Skating 

A magical Christmas atmosphere in London at night with a beautifully lit ice-skating rink in the foreground, a sparkling Christmas tree, and historical buildings adorned with festive lights, inviting visitors to enjoy the holiday season.
  • Canary Wharf: glide around the skyscrapers and indulge in great drinks and treats. 
  • Somerset House: Skate up to the rinkside bar at this atmospheric rink in a historic location. 
  • Queen’s House: the prettiest ice skating in London. Very much worth the trek to Greenwich! 
  • Battersea Power Station: Shop, eat and skate til you drop in this cool revamped power station. 

Christmas Lights & Light Festivals 

London's festive spirit shines through with dazzling Christmas lights adorning the streets at night, as a classic red double-decker bus passes by, contributing to the city's holiday enchantment.
  • Oxford & Regent Street Lights: the most famous displays in the city, and get your Christmas shopping done while you’re at it! 
  • Mayfair: lit up in atmospheric blue lights. 
  • Marylebone High Street: a lit-up village in the heart of London. 
  • Carnaby Street: cool shopping and twinkling lights, with great eats nearby. 
  • Covent Garden: Stroll the pretty streets, get your shopping done, and grab a bite in beautiful Neal’s Yard. 
  • Christmas at Kew: the entirety of these regal gardens are lit with enchanting displays. 
  • Kenwood House: Explore Hampstead Heath lit with millions of twinkling lights. 
  • Eltham Palace: This historic palace is lit up in a truly royal display. 

Enjoy Your London Night!

If you’re struggling to choose from this massive list, pick a neighborhood and go walk around. You can’t go wrong just wandering this beautiful city under the night sky.

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