A local’s guide to the best things to do in London at night, from kayaking on the Thames to free views of London, illuminated Canary Wharf and food spots!
London at night has a very different vibe; livelier, bolder, with a plethora of activities to do whether you’re alone, on a date with your other half, with friends, or with kids.
I have to be honest: when it’s that time of the year I’m not living in London, as I’ve been doing the past five years now, what I miss isn’t so much my beloved work cafes and shops.
It’s mostly the evenings spent wandering the city, tired and all, spent eating amazing street food, and coming across unique dessert spots.
It’s the moments spent admiring Tower Bridge, illuminated and serene, after work, back when I used to work at Oblix at The Shard.
It’s also all the nights when I wandered the City of London streets, all the way down to the Millennium Bridge, to reach Southbank and walk all the way down to the London Eye.
London at Night: 15+ Cool Things to Do from the Evening
Troyes, my hometown in France, is a small town – everything shuts pretty early in the evening.
Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Istanbul, all cities I’ve lived in aside from London, all have great nighttime activities; something that I, as a night owl, enjoy very much.
Tower Bridge, Southbank, and Waterloo, along with Oxford Circus, Soho and Covent Garden are all obvious areas to visit during the evening.
But there’s so much more to see, even when the sun has set.
Whether you’re a first time visitor to London or are just looking for new things to do in the city, these are all my favorite things to do in London at night: take note!
Free Things to Do in London at Night: Sky Garden, City of London
While there are wider opening hours at Sky Garden if you eat at one of the restaurants (some of them offer halal food when pre-booked, if I remember well), you can also enjoy free views of London until 9 pm at weekends.
Indeed, from Friday to Sunday, the Sky Garden is open from 9 am to 9 pm (ticketed hours), a completely free viewpoint that opens on the likes of The Shard.
Don’t forget to book online so you don’t queue extra, and you’ll be able to not only enjoy wonderful views of London at night, but also a calming vibe near the elevated indoor garden.
Best Things to Do in London at Night: Mercato Metropolitano, Elephant and Castle
I still remember my first time visiting Elephant and Castle’s Mercato Metropolitano; this place is filled with great street food spots!
Some of them offer halal Asian food, or more veggie/vegan dishes, and the setting is simply amazing, especially if you’re visiting London in the summer.
The main food court opens on secret gardens at the back, hidden rooms and simply great food – if you’re visiting with teens, you’re sure to find something that pleases everyone at Mercato Metropolitano.
The Elephant and Castle branch starts serving lunch at 12 pm until 11 pm most days, with extended hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
If you’re looking for good breakfast spots, it’s open from 8 am, though!
PS. Those visiting/living in London on a budget might want to know Mercato Metropolitano Elephant and Castle and Wood Wharf offer an ongoing 5 pound meal deal from 12-5 pm Monday to Friday.
Best Things to Do in London at Night: All Star Lanes, Brick Lane
For something a little bit different than just classic food outings, All Star Lanes on Brick Lane offers a retro-chic bowling experience that’s perfect for a late-night outing.
Open until midnight with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s a lively spot where you can enjoy a game or two in a vibrant atmosphere with neon lights and upbeat music.
All Star Lanes is nestled in the Spitalfields Arts Market, and makes for a really cool place to unwind after dark, before (or after!) walking the Shoreditch streets!
Unique Things to Do in London at Night: Kayak Through London
Secret Adventures offers a really unique way to see London at night for adults; kayaking through the heart of the city, from Battersea to Greenwich!
Along the way, as the sun sets, you can see famous landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and the Old Naval College beautifully lit up.
The trip lasts about three hours, including safety briefings and gear fitting, and is timed with the tide to suit all skill levels.
Even if you’ve never done it before, you’ll be in a double kayak with a pro guide, and all equipment is provided.
Best Things to Do in London at Night: Wander down Southbank
Southbank is one of my favorite areas of London, as is London Bridge and, in a broader scope, Southwark.
Whether you come during spring, summer or at Christmas time, Southbank always has something new going on, from performances to pop up shops, a used book market and a really cool Christmas market.
A few years ago, Southbank saw part of the walk along the Thames decorated with neon lights at night; really cool for pictures and beautiful when the sun sets on the river.
Best Things to Do in London at Night: Spend Time at Tower Bridge
When I used to work at Oblix at The Shard as a receptionist back during the pandemic, I often worked past 2 or 3 am but felt like I had to spend some time outside before going home.
To breathe a little bit and feel like I didn’t just spend my whole day at work.
Tower Bridge is a short walk from The Shard via London Bridge station and the picturesque More London (which offers two gorgeous hidden gems; two wooden sculptures up high!).
I would often lazily walk down More London and sit down in the little park right in front of Tower Bridge, and keep great memories of it – a really romantic date idea too, and a great photo spot.
Best Things to Do in London at Night: Discover Street Art at the Leake Street Arches
The Leake Street Arches are a must-visit spot in London for whoever enjoys street art; plus, it’s located right off Lower Marsh in Waterloo, a really cute, village-like street you’d do well to pop by.
Whether during the day or at night, the Leake Street Arches are illuminated, colorful enough that you can take pictures, and a cool attraction for art lovers.
Plus, in the evenings, there are a couple of restaurants/bars/performance spots inside the Leake Street Arches that make for a great background for a date night!
Best Things to Do in London at Night: Experience Soho’s Nightlife
Soho is not only one of the best places to see hidden gems in Central London.
It’s a foodie’s dream, a street art lover’s haven, and amazing for anyone who loves being entertained.
My favorite spot to visit in Soho when I’m there in the evening is but Pizza Pilgrims – it’s one of my go-to’s for halal Neapolitan pizza, and their truffle dip is to die for.
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club makes for an upscale nighttime activity, and you can get delicious pastel de nata from Cafe de Nata until pretty late in the evening.
Not bad, if you’re coming out of a show and feel like an evening snack!
Chinatown is close by, as is Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden – Trafalgar Square, a short walk away from Soho, is also a must-visit for beautiful lights and perfect night shots.
Best Things to Do in London at Night: Enjoy the Piccadilly Circus Lights
Ah, checking out the lights at Piccadilly Circus isn’t only a daytime activity!
During the spring and summer, you’ll find many people sitting around the Eros statue.
Breathtaking during the night, Piccadilly Circus is a meeting point, and a great place to enjoy after dinner at nearby Whitcomb’s on Leicester Square or Stax Diner at Kingly Court.
Plus, since Piccadilly Circus is located only steps away from Leicester Square, you can also walk to the square and enjoy:
- A visit at the M&Ms and Lego stores
- A treat from the many candy stores, including delicious British toffee
- A walk around the Leicester Square art trail
- A hot beverage, a crepe or a waffle, and beautiful lights and decorations at Christmas time
Best Things to Do in London at Night: Soak In the Canary Wharf Views
Canary Wharf is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in London, one of the fanciest, most sophisticated, and absolutely breathtaking at night.
First of all, Canary Wharf is one of the it places to see the sun set in London.
The sky is often pink when the sun sets over Canary Wharf and the Thames River, is there’s definitely no better photo spot for incredible pictures of the city.
Try to arrive at Canary Wharf in the middle afternoon so you can discover all the international and British shops at the Canary Wharf shopping center.
Then, maybe go for a bite and a drink at Cafe Brera, an Italian cafe with gourmet and home-reminiscent recipes with a view of Canary Wharf and Canada Place.
Before the sun sets, it’s time to discover the secret rooftop garden at Crossrail Place, just above the shopping center and then go for dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Perfect for a luxurious meal with a view!
Best Things to Do in London at Night: Explore Camden Town
Camden Town at night is a really cool place to be – vibrant, lively and colorful!
If I do prefer enjoying the area’s markets, budget shops, charity shops and colorful streets in the bright daylight, Camden Town’s alternative scene is nothing if not interesting.
The Camden Comedy Club, for once, is a must-visit for something a little different, as is dinner at the Blues Kitchen, famous for its live performances.
Or, you could also spend your afternoon charity shopping in Kentish Town and end the night with dinner at Pho Ta for authentic Vietnamese food!
Then, enjoy the crisp air of the spring and nature blooming with a short walk on Regent’s Canal before heading back home!
Best Things to Do in London at Night: Go Shopping on Oxford Street
Now, there are more cafes open late in London than actual shops, but those on Oxford Street surely, and not only are some of the best shops in Central London, but also open later than in other areas.
For instance, TK Maxx is a must-visit shop for discounted makeup, scented candles, designer clothes, stationery, jewelry, and lots of other bits and bobs including homeware and home decor.
Selfridges is another one-stop shop for anything from macarons to chocolate, high-end makeup and perfume.
When you’re done shopping, walk down towards Tottenham Court Road and enjoy the immersive experience, the Outernet at the Now Building.
Or, walk towards Marylebone or Fitzrovia, both really close to Oxford Street, for a late night drink!
Best Things to Do in London at Night: Discover Delicious Street Food at Boxpark
If there are several Boxpark across London, my favorite to get some halal street food – whether during the day or the night! – is the one in Bethnal Green.
Mind you, if you ever run out of ideas of things to do in London, I’d definitely recommend Boxpark Wembley, after West Hampstead, just so you can taste the incredible doughnuts at Bread Ahead Bakery.
Anyhoo, if you find yourself around Shoreditch, Brick Lane or Liverpool Street, make sure you spend some time around Bethnal Green too.
Boxpark there offers lots of independent, unique shops at the bottom, like Absence of Colour, and there are lots of crazy-good street food options upstairs, from burgers to pasta.
Best Things to Do in London at Night: Take a Nighttime Coffee or a Mid-Night Snack
There are two late-night cafes I particularly love in London: Polo Bar in Liverpool Street, and Bar Italia in Soho.
Both are great for an evening or nighttime coffee, and they’re both amazing study spots too, although Bar Italia is better-suited for some scribbling rather than full-on-laptop studying.
After a stroll in Soho, Chinatown or Regent Street, go down to Bar Italia, and if you’re in East London, Polo Bar is also open 24/7 and has the best pancakes!
Best Things to Do in London at Night: Go Roller Skating
If you can only really go roller skating in London all nights in parks, namely at Bethnal Green Gardens and Finsbury Park (my favorite locations!), you can also do so indoors.
Flipper’s World is the newest indoors roller skating location in London, but my favorite place to skate is Roller Nation in Bruce Grove, North London.
Depending on the day of the week, Roller Nation offers different vibes and types of music, all with a very family vibe that helps you see London with fresh new eyes.
Best Things to Do in London at Night: Go For a Mini-Golf in Shoreditch
There are several spots to go mini-golfing in London, and a top spot to do so is Junkyard Golf Club, which has branches in Camden and Shoreditch.
Maybe you could have an early dinner at Boxpark or Eataly in Liverpool Street, or maybe even fish and chips at Poppie’s in Spitalfields.
Then, make your way to Junkyard Golf Club for a cool evening with friends or family – do book beforehand to ensure you have a spot reserved!
Best Things to Do in London at Night: Enjoy a Museum Late
Most museum lates in London aren’t really happening until that late, let’s maybe start there.
But if you’re in London until 9/10 pm, you’ll be happy to know that museums like the Tate Modern or the Victoria & Albert Museum open until 10 pm on select days, usually one day a week.
Others, like the British Museum, open their doors until 8.30 pm, which can be great after an early dinner, and before a walk around London at night!
Best Things to Do in London at Night: See Illuminated Chinatown
If you really don’t know what to do in Central London at night, I’m telling you one thing: you shouldn’t miss Chinatown.
It’s close to literally everything, from Shaftesbury Avenue to Soho and Covent Garden, and from Leicester Square to Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus.
Chinatown Bakery, with its amazing cloud-like peanut cakes, stays open pretty late in the evening if you’d like to nibble on a snack while walking around.
If you’d like to find a great restaurant in Chinatown, though, I cannot recommend Beijing Dumpling enough.
The dumplings are made at the front of the restaurant, and the crisp duck pancakes are another gem you shouldn’t miss.
London at Night: 15+ Cool Things to Do from the Evening
This guide will hopefully have shown you some new things you can do in London at night, that you may not have thought of!
I’ve spent many evenings and nights out in London, and my three go-to spots are always Soho, Leicester Square and Southbank.
When it’s spring in London, it’s really cool to be able to enjoy some nature, and the smells of fresh flowers blooming.
However, when Christmas comes around, I feel like the nights really do get brighter as you can spend time window shopping, enjoying the Christmas markets and whatnot.
It really does bring those extra few hours of fun to a day out in London.
Anyhoo – if you ever visit and are wondering what to do when it rains in London and you’re short on money, check out my activity ideas, too!