Things To Do In London In The Evening

When London's nightlife is just so brilliant, it would be a shame to miss out on it. There are all sorts of cool and quirky bars all over the city, whether you're in the mood for craft beer and live music or cool cocktails in a sleek setting.

Looking to sip bespoke drinks at an immersive Wild West-themed drinking den? Or maybe you'd prefer rooftop views while you share a bottle of wine with friends? Whatever you're after, we've got it in our guide.

What could be a better way to spend your night than by enjoying the very best live music on offer? There's so much talent to be discovered in this city, whether you're grooving to well-known songs or supporting small artists.

We've got the scoop on all the best spots for live music in the city, from lively pubs with a stage to sultry jazz bars and lounges. What's more, many of these events are totally free to enter.

Looking for a good old-fashioned night out? Then check out the very best clubs all over the city. Whether you fancy a wild night in Shoreditch, a lively party in the heart of Clapham or a warehouse rave in Tottenham, there's something for everyone here.

No matter your music taste, from cheesy pop hits to house tunes and RnB beats, you can find affordable and fun clubs to suit you.

Looking for free things to do in London in the evening? Then check out this lineup of side-splitting comedy shows, which have either no fee or a very small charge to enter. 

We've got all the best spots for comedy all across London, from stand-up shows on a boat to Soho spots that are showcasing the very best up-and-coming comics in London.

Visiting the West End is one of the best ways to spend your evening in London, and there's never a shortage of great shows to watch. All that choice can be overwhelming though, so we've rounded up our very top picks to check out.

From classics like Les Miserables and The Lion King to quirky new shows such as Stranger Things: The First Shadow, London's theatres truly have got something for everyone.

One of London's best assets is undoubtedly the West End, and there are always a plethora of fantastic shows to watch at any time of the year. Some of the most iconic musicals in the world are performed here, from Mamma Mia to Hamilton and The Lion King.

We've rounded up all the best musicals in the city that you have to secure tickets to, some of which start from as little as £25 per ticket - so you don't have to break the bank either.

Looking to spend your evenings improving your skills? Then check out these brilliant classes all over the city, many of which take place after work, with something to suit all budgets in our guide. 

We've rounded up the very best sessions teaching you how to paint, make cocktails, dance or even a butchery and barbecue masterclass - perfect if you're after unusual things to do in London at night.

We all love a trip to the cinema after work, but when you want to spice things up a little? Check out one of these luxury cinemas across the capital, where you can watch a film with a difference.

We've rounded up the top spots for a high-end movie experience, from Battersea's The Cinema in the Power Station to One Aldwych - promising so much more than popcorn while you watch.

Looking for river views and a buzzing atmosphere for your evening plans? Then head to one of these brilliant bars and pubs along the Thames, making for a great place to watch the sunset while sipping craft beer, cocktails or fine wines.

There are dozens of spots to try out, from Putney to Greenwich and beyond, as well as some more central picks. Think venues like Gun, Forza Wine, The Cutty Sark and so much more.

Bermondsey is one of the liveliest areas in the city, and its beer mile is well worth checking out. There's no better way to spend the evening than by working your way around some of the best bars and pubs on this stretch, and we've rounded up the top spots to try.

Some of the biggest names on our list include Fabal Beerhall, Fourpure Taproom and Mash Paddle Brewery - all serving up some of the freshest beers around.

After a spooky way to spend your evening? Then why not set off on a ghost tour? There's a lot of eerie spots all over the capital just waiting to be discovered, and with the help of a knowledgeable guide, you can experience the scares first hand.

Whether you're venturing on a guided walk or setting off on a bus tour that takes you all over Central London, there's plenty of creepy fun awaiting you.

Open every Tuesday to Saturday evening, Ballie Ballerson is the perfect weekday activity to let off some steam. Stop for a couple of after work cocktails, or book yourself onto one of their bottomless balls sessions, complete with unlimited pizza and bubbles. 

Looking for a bargain? Then head here on a Wednesday night, where there's a buy one get one free deal on prosecco and cocktails.

The sun goes down, you've got a beer in had and a ... is that a dart? Yes it is. Yes. It. Is. That's because you've found yourself in Flight Club: the social gaming revolution changing things to do in London as we know it.

With a digital scoring system, state of the art oches and plenty of boozing to be done, this is the new dawn of darts and boy does it look good. There's a mouthwatering menu to enjoy as well, featuring everything from sharing pizza paddles to small plates.

Finding a restaurant for a night out is no easy feat, but it all comes as charming when Inamo Covent Garden are involved. Not only boasting some of the best Asian cuisine in the business, this quirky restaurant provides itself on its technology thanks to unique, interactive tables.

And if that wasn't enough for you? You'll also find cocktail making classes on Wednesdays, as well as comedy nights every single Thursday.

Cruising down the river doesn't have to be reserved for the daytime, and Thames Lates know it. Running from 6 until 8pm, these 50-minute tours give you a chance to see more of the city, while grooving to a playlist of classic tunes.

The first half of your journey will be a high-speed adventure, zipping up to Tower Bridge. The way back will be slower, with an award-winning hilarious guide to talk you through the landmarks you're seeing. Plus, you'll get a drink included in your ticket price.

With nightly entertainment on the cards, Albert's Schloss Soho is the perfect pick of things to do at night in London. Whether you grab a table for alpine food or drinks of German beer and twists on classic cocktails at this pleasure palace, you'll be treated to a view of the stage.

Expect to be wowed by everyone from pianists taking your requests for their own version of your favourite songs to the haus band playing riffs on popular hits alongside DJs and promenading dancers. There's even a night of wild cabaret too.

A fun party bar that originated in New York City in 1993, Coyote Ugly's London outposts are bringing you American-style events in both Camden and Piccadilly. Their lively team of staff will teach you how to line dance, with evening classes available on a regular basis.

They'll be playing all the very best dancefloor-fillers for the rest of the group too, so you can have a boogie while sipping cocktails and devouring tasty pizza slices.

Wholesome evenings are the name of the game at Draughts Waterloo and Dalston; two boardgame cafes that mark two of the city's original spaces for competitive socialising. As well as the games library for hours of entertainment, expect craft beer, cocktails and food spanning everything from burgers to Cajun popcorn shrimp and tacos.

Better yet, the Dalston venue is also home to shuffleboard, while both host game nights and social events.

A sustainable, community space with over 40 street food traders, Mercato Metropolitano Elephant and Castle is always a buzzing space - but especially at night-time. Check out their late-night opening hours from Thursday to Saturday, enjoying global food and live music.

Discover venues in Ilford, Mayfair and Wood Wharf too, if the OG isn't your closest location.

Whether you're a massive fan of the sport or you're just there for the cocktails and gorgeous interiors, it's well worth a visit to the F1® Arcade. This high-octane experience in St. Paul's gives you the chance to feel the thrills of Formula 1 racing, thanks to their state-of-the-art racing simulators. 

There are countless screens that you can battle against your friends on, before heading to the sleek bar area to take advantage of their extensive menu. Sip cool, creative cocktails, while munching on everything from mac 'n' cheese croquettes to miso mushroom tacos and crispy halloumi burgers.

Head to Holborn to discover The London Cabaret Club, a glamourous entertainment venue that promises a weekly lineup of entertainment. Their mesmerising cabaret shows are themed around everything from The Great Gatsby to Chicago and Copacabana.

Their talented performers promise a mix of music, dance and burlesque, and you can enjoy delicious cocktails while you watch. There are multiple ticket options available, with the chance to nab a three-course meal featuring steak tartare, wild turbot and salted caramel chocolate tart.

We all know that BrewDog has got one of the most impressive collections of craft beer around, but did you know that their Waterloo venue also features six bowling lanes? Their duckpin bowling is a smaller version of the classic game, with prices starting from just £8 per person for an hour.

Of course, you can also try out their refreshing pints while you're here. Pair these with tasty bites such as Buffalo loaded fries, juicy burgers or sumptuous sourdough pizzas.

With locations in Canary Wharf, King's Cross and London Bridge, Electric Shuffle is a fun gaming bar that takes shuffleboard to a whole new level. Their interactive tables add up all your scores, with so many fun minigames to choose from in groups of up to 16 people.

Battle it out with your friends, before heading to the bar to toast to the winners. Enjoy all kinds of cocktails, alongside tasty pizzas and sharing plates galore.

A great way to spend your early evening being wowed by sweeping vistas across London's skyline, The View From The Shard is a perfect pick. Book entry up until 6pm, whether you want to watch the sun set or see the lights of the city twinkle after dark in the winter.

This experience starts from £32 per person and you can even add on Champagne for the occasion, as well as digital photo package.

Located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Dalston, The Karaoke Hole is a queer-friendly party bar that's always got something fun going on. Run by the teams behind Dalston Superstore and London pizza connoisseurs Voodoo Ray's, you know you're in good hands here.

They host drag karaoke parties on Fridays and Saturdays for just £5 per person, promising plenty of raucous entertainment. There are no private booths, so you can sing your heart out in front of a crowd and live out your popstar dreams.

With venues in Battersea and Angel, Birdies is an indoor crazy golf venue that promises an evening full of fun. The colourful space is filled with quirky decor, and all kinds of unique obstacles on their nine-hole courses.

After you've made your way around the course, head to the bar for classic and signature cocktails, as well as tasty chicken wings, corn ribs, mac 'n' cheese bites and more.

Want to unleash your inner pop star? Then head to one of Lucky Voice's London outposts in Soho, Islington, Waterloo, Liverpool Street or Holborn for a group night out that you won't forget. You can hire out their stylish private rooms to sing along to over 10,000 songs, both classic and modern, with cutting-edge sound systems to boot.

They're open until 3am most of the week, so you can stay as late as you like. The bar is slinging out all sorts of delicious cocktails, as well as pizzas topped with everything from pepperoni and jalapenos to mushrooms.

Feeling pretty familiar with your competitive side and looking to try out one of the best bars with entertainment in the city? Head on down to the cool, UV innards of Bounce where not only can you indulge on pizza and cocktails, unleash your ping pong demon on their selection of tables come sundown. 

They've got venues in Shoreditch, Farringdon and Battersea, so you can find them wherever you are, and they even offer their affordable £30 bottomless brunches until 7pm.

Whether you're in Holborn or Brick Lane, All Star Lanes is a great shout for some competitive fun this evening. The intimate, retro bowling alleys are perfect for a quirky date or night out with your friends, and they've even got private karaoke rooms as well.

After your game, grab some cocktails at the bar, which you can pair with tasty eats like hot dogs, burgers, loaded tater tots and more.

One of the most fun things to do in London in the evening for couples and groups of friends alike, Fairgame can be found in Canary Wharf. The adults-only venue lets you re-live the magic of the fairground, through colourful decor and nostalgic games.

You can play everything from Shoot the Clown to Whac-A-Mole or Roll-A-Ball Derby, using their  innovative RFID wristband technology to track your scores on the leader board. And afterwards? Indulge in old-school treats like pizzas, burgers and tacos - washed down with cocktails of course.

If you're after unusual things to do in London in the evening for adults, then be sure to check out quirky Shoreditch venue Alcotraz. This is the much-loved immersive bar experience that sees you donning orange jumpsuits, before spending a night behind bars.

The prison-themed venue is run by talented actors who'll get you involved in the story, as you smuggle in your own bottle of spirits that the inmates will turn into our personalised cocktails for you - but watch out for the warden.

Found on the 40th floor of Heron Tower, Duck and Waffle is the famous restaurant with 24/7 opening hours and dazzling views of London through floor to ceiling windows. Expect a 360-degree, walk-around 'chef's bar' for cocktails alongside a late-night menu spanning everything from duck barbacoa tacos to brunch dishes and burgers.

Whether you're just starting the night or ending it, this swish destination is a night-time dream.

With fifty years of history under their belt, Beigel Bake is a Brick Lane institution that's served many a post-night out food or easy dinner seeker. Open 24/7, it's making sure you can get your fix of their legendary salt beef beigel.

Think an authentic kosher beigel sandwiched around a generous portion of tender beef, alongside a hit of tangy mustard and a pickle to top in all off - evening, made.

Sofar Sounds comes to secret locations across London with the event location revealed only 36 hours before the event. Popping up inside unique spaces ranging from historical courtyards to rooftops, tap rooms, libraries, churches and more, these are one-of-a-kind ways to spend your evening.

They even cater to a variety of genres, including acoustic, RnB, soul and more. Some events are even BYOB and others are comedy instead of music too.

Winner of DesignMyNight's Art of Going Out Awards in 2024 for the 'Late Night Guilty Pleasure' category, Ronnie Scott's is a renowned West End jazz club and one of the oldest of its kind in the world. Since opening in 1959, it's become a legendary destination that stays lively throughout live performances.

From Afro-Cuban to Swing, Brazilian, Blues and more, it's just the place for both modern, classic and fusion jazz.