There is such a thing as too much choice. And London is a fine example of that. When you’re planning a big trip into the big smoke, it can be overwhelming. Let us help guide you. Below are 15 of the best things to do in London at night so you can concentrate on your travel plans and not worry about your entertainment plans.
See a musical
The West End has the best musicals. We’re talking worldwide. So don’t waste this trip to London. Book a show. You can see everything from Why Am I So Single? to Les Misérables. Want to take a trip back in time? Why not see the multi-award-winning Hamilton? There are so many amazing shows to see. And coming to London and not seeing a musical is like going to Italy and not eating pasta.
Enjoy an immersive dining experience
One of the ultimate things to do in London at night is dinner and a show. Why not combine them?
Step into the outrageous and interactive Faulty Towers the Dining Experience to get a taste of the iconic British TV show. Join the accident-prone hotelier and his band of misfits as they make you cackle with glee and serve you a three-course meal.
You don’t have to fly to Greece to get a taste of the Med. Just venture to Zone 2. Join the festivities at the ABBA spectacular MAMMA MIA! The Party. You can dance, you can dine, you can have the time of your life at this immersive dining experience based on the classic movie. Enjoy a four-course meal while actors and dancers entertain you, then become the dancing queen at a post-dinner disco.
Practise those oohs and aahs because you can see one of the best circus acts on the planet right here in London. Cirque du Soleil will be returning to the Royal Albert Hall in January 2025. So not only are you seeing a world-class show, you’ll get to visit an iconic landmark.
See some stand-up
There are plenty of comedy clubs in London. From The Comedy Store to The Top Secret Comedy Club, you can see up-and-comers alongside some of the biggest names in Giggle Town. But if you want to guarantee seeing your fav, why not book their special?
If stand-up isn’t your thing, but you still want a laugh, why not book tickets to a comedy show? From improv musicals such as Showstopper! The Improvised Musical to farcical nonsense like The Play That Goes Wrong, a comedy show is one of the best things to do in London at night.
Get a bit cheeky with some adult entertainment
For the hen parties. For the girls’ nights out. For the boys’ nights out. For the sheer hell of it, head to Magic Mike Live at the Hippodrome Casino. The stage adaptation of the hit film will raise the temperature on those cold city nights.
Go to a concert
If music be the food of love, play on! You can see the superstars at the O2 or Wembley, or - for a more affordable option - you can experience a state-of-the-art performance featuring the superstars of yesteryear. At ABBA Voyage, you can see the fab four perform as incredible holograms. It’s a unique experience.
Be moved by a play
London isn’t just home to the best musicals. It’s home to the best plays, too. From the longest-running show in the world, The Mousetrap, to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, there’s something for every taste on the West End.
Have a slap-up meal
Technically, this could be just one of the things to do on a night out in London. You can happily pair a lovely meal with a jaunt around town.
Many restaurants have special offers and discounts available for theatregoers. Familiar restaurants like The Ivy Brasseries, Bill’s, and Cote Brasseries all have pre-theatre or set menus available. Even destination restaurants - such as Gaucho, Joe Allen, and The Savoy - cater for the pre-theatre crowd.
See some of London’s best performers at a drag show! There are plenty in local pubs and smaller venues. But if you want to see drag artists with established star power, why not book tickets to La Voix Live in London at the Lyric? The Drag Race UK powerhouse has her show for one night only in January 2025. So don’t miss out!
Okay. So you might want to see Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. And that’s completely fine and a brilliant thing to do in London at night. But, what about some more traditional cabaret? La Clique at the Spiegeltent at Leicester Square is a blend of circus, burlesque, comedy and music meaning everyone in your group will be entertained.
Most people head to Soho and the West End when looking for things to do in London at night. The centre of the city has more bars, restaurants, theatres, clubs, and events happening than any other part of town.
How can I spend a night in London?
There is so much to do and see in London. But if you want to know exactly how to spend a night in London, here’s the plan.
After a day of visiting the free museums and galleries, grab a pre-theatre meal.
Once you’ve had your fill at one of London’s incredible restaurants, see a show. London has some of the world’s best musicals, plays, comedies, operas, and dance shows.
Then, hit a bar or two and spend the rest of the evening discussing the show you’ve seen. It’s the perfect way to spend a night in London.