London is a city that never sleeps and when the sun goes down, the capital transforms into a playground of eclectic nightlife and quirky activities. For visitors who are looking to explore beyond the typical tourist hotspots or a local seeking a slightly different evening out, there’s no shortage of things to do after dark.
From immersive bars to late-night gaming, we reveal a complete guide to making the most of the city at night.
Bat & Ball Stratford
For lovers of friendly competition and live sports, Bat & Ball Stratford is a must-visit. The venue can be found inside Westfield Stratford and offers ping pong and interactive darts games so guests can truly unleash their competitive spirit. Alongside this, there are multiple TV screens throughout that regularly show live sporting events.
The kitchen serves up an enticing array of comfort food, from freshly baked loaded pizzas and towering burgers to seasonal salads and signature chicken wings. At the bar, an impressive drinks selection awaits and features craft beers, house cocktails and a full range of favourites on tap.
Tate Modern’s Late View
As dusk falls, Tate Modern’s Late View offers a chance to experience the galleries after hours, when the building takes on an entirely different character. Visitors are provided with the rare chance to explore the exhibitions at a slower pace and observe masterpieces without the hectic daytime crowds.
With bars, music and events that enliven well into the evening, the tour allows everyone to enjoy the unique atmosphere of one of London’s most iconic landmarks and see its collections in an entirely new light.
Candlelight Concert
Under the warm glow of candlelight, some of the world’s most enchanting music comes to life under the flicker of thousands of candles. Candlelight Concerts transform spaces such as St Martin-in-the-Fields, Southwark Cathedral and Central Hall Westminster into captivating venues and truly immerse audiences in the beauty of live performance.
From classical masterpieces and film soundtracks to reimagined modern pieces, each concert offers a fresh take on tunes you thought you knew. Lasting around an hour, it’s the ideal opportunity to experience music at its most evocative.
Fairgame Canary Wharf
Fairgame brings the funfair back to life with a slightly contemporary twist, with reimagined fairground games powered by live leaderboards, alongside stalls from some of London’s best street food vendors.
From Roll-A-Ball and Skeeball to frozen margaritas, Prosecco candy floss and dishes from Burger & Beyond, Fairgame is great for a date or a night out with friends, complete with instant prizes, personalised leaderboards and convenient locations in Canary Wharf and the City.
Hijingo Shoreditch
This autumn, Hijingo transports you back to the defining decade of the 90s with an immersive bingo experience unlike any other. From the era of slap bracelets, bucket hats and dial-up dreams, expect a soundtrack spanning grunge, garage, hip-hop and pop.
Running from 2 September to 12 October, The 90s Download invites you to relive the energy, style, accompanied by the soundtrack of the decade. Paired with 90s-inspired visuals, retro cocktails and prizes such as the Instax Mini, every detail is designed to reawaken the spirit of a generation.
FRIENDS experience At The One
Step into the heart of favourite TV show ‘Friends’, at The FRIENDS™ Experience UK flagship in London, now open with exclusive new activations like “London, baby!” and the FRIENDS™ Station, inspired by the show's New York City location.
Guests can immerse in iconic recreated sets, dance in front of the fountain, peek through the purple door at Rachel and Monica’s apartment, play foosball at Joey and Chandler’s or take a selfie on the Central Perk couch. Visitors can also hang out at the FRIENDS™ Station for snacks, coffee and photo opportunities before browsing the on-site shop.
The Big Bakes
Available across Tooting and Haggerston, guests can compete for culinary glory at The Big Bakes. Born from a simple idea, that baking should be joyous rather than intimidating. The Big Bakes has grown from a single marquee in London into one of the city's best-rated immersive experiences.
Guests can step up to their own station, don an apron and create their showstopper under the twinkle of bunting and the encouragement of expert hosts, all in pursuit of the evening’s star baker crown.
Silent Disco London At The Shard
Found on Floor 72 of The Shard. London’s Original Silent Disco returns to The View and transforms the city’s most spectacular vantage point into an electrifying dance floor in the sky.
Guests wear glowing LED headphones and choose their soundtrack as live DJs play head-to-head high above the skyline. With panoramic city views amultiple DJs let guests control the rhythm and turn the night into an unforgettable party that is suspended above London.
Thames Jazz Dinner Cruise
For a more refined night, guests can embark on a Thames jazz dinner cruise. As the river carries you past Big Ben, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf, a jazz quintet sets the tempo with a repertoire of swing and Latin classics, while a three-course menu is served against the backdrop of the city at dusk.
From the first sip of your welcome drink to the final notes drifting over the Thames, the experience is an amazing way to appreciate the city’s skyline at night.
Jack The Ripper Ghost Walk
As night settles over the City of London, The Original Ghost Walk leads you through shadowed alleyways and forgotten courtyards. Guided by Richard Jones, who is a renowned authority on the paranormal and author of twenty books, visitors can tread the very ground where paranormal encounters have been reported for centuries.
From the whispering voices and ghostly apparitions to tales of bodysnatching, each turn reveals another layer of the city’s haunted past. The tour is woven with folklore, eyewitness accounts and atmospheric storytelling, offering not only a glimpse into London’s darker history but the unsettling sense that its ghosts still walk beside you.
When night falls, London takes on a different character, full of unexpected streets, quiet corners and lively pockets of activity. There’s always something happening and exploring after dark offers a fresh perspective on the city and reveals a side to the capital that's unmistakably its own.
