5 Top Things To Do in London at Night Sure to Maximize Any UK Trip

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If you’re looking for fun things to do in London at night, we’ve rounded up the top 5 evening activities you won’t want to miss.

After all, London is the capital of UK and among the most beautiful cities in the world — even at night.

Add some evening attractions and nightlife to round out your trip to London, and you’ll maximize your time on holiday.

And, you’ll see London from a whole new perspective.

Start by checking out these 5 best things to do in London at night.

things to do in London at night
London, UK

CONTENTS โ€“ In this article, you will discover the best things to do in London to make your trip memorable, including

  • Best Things to Do in London at Night
  • 1. See the Skyline from the London Eye
  • 2. Take a โ€œJack the Ripperโ€ tour
  • 3. London River Cruise
  • 4 Go Clubbing at Fabric
  • 5. Take a London Night Bus Tour
  • Final Thoughts on Things to Do in London at Night
  • Next Steps

Best Things to Do in London at Night

There are countless activities to do in London you can enjoy when you visit the UK, from history and culture to art and delicious food to good times.

It’s an excellent destination for taking a city break.

But the nights in London are especially beautiful.

That’s the time anyone can fall in love with London Town.

Being one of the most visited cities in the world, London has successfully evolved to cater to the needs of the modern traveler.

Definitely set aside some time during the day for London tourism, particularly if you enjoy the old-world charm.

You can almost always walk among amazing London’s metropolitan monuments, such as:

  • Big Ben
  • Westminster Abbey
  • Tower of London

Each is well renowned for their fascinating backstories.

With buildings like the Shard, the Tate Modern expansion, and the Sky Garden, London is also renowned for being the most avant-garde in terms of architectural design.

Expect to find a neighborhood bar on every corner, packed to the gills with Londoners who know how to have a good time!

The area is dotted with high rises in the West End, ancient remnants of yesteryear buildings, and river banks.

Make sure to dress comfortably because walking is the greatest way to see the city.

At night-time brings a whole new way to look at things in London.

Here are 5 great things to do in London at night.

1. See the Skyline from the London Eye

The London Eye is a 443 foot-tall (135 meters) famous component of the London skyline.

You’ll find this gigantic ferris wheel situated on Southbank.

It’s a must-do experience with views 25 miles in all directions.

As you can imagine, the views of and from the London Eye in the evening are spectacular!

As you enter the cool glass pod, you’ll see the enormous city of London spread out in front of you.

On the ride, you’ll learn great information about well-known sites, like Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral using interactive tablets.

The info is available in six different languages, and provided when they appear on the skyline.

With your London Eye Tickets, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking views of the city.

And, you’ll get a constantly shifting perspective as each rotation lasts a leisurely 30 minutes!

2. Take a โ€œJack the Ripperโ€ Tour

Okay, so this is a little creepy – which makes it all the more enticing.

How about experiencing a spine-tingling walking tour of London’s famed Whitechapel neighborhood?

You’ll retrace Jack the Ripper‘s frightening murderous rampage from the fall of 1888.

This chilling tour explains how a string of horrific murders engulfed London’s East End. And, you’ll examine the Whitechapel murders’ historical context.

As you visit the locations where Jack the Ripper posed a threat, consider how the public’s view of these horrifying but compelling crimes has been molded — and contrast it with the reality of 1888.

You’ll get the chance to play detective as you receive profiles of some of the most plausible suspects, play detective.

So, get your magnifying glass out and try to solve the mystery!

3. London River Cruise

What could be more enchanting on an evening in London than cruising along the river?

When you take a London River Cruise at night, you’ll enjoy the full beauty of dining on the sparkling waters of the Thames.

From the moment you step off the historic embankment onto exquisitely crafted boats, you’ll experience one of the best things to do in London at night!

While floating along the Thames, you’ll take in the city’s magnificent skyline. All the while, you’ll pass by well-known attractions like the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.

But it’s more than just the ambiance. This culinary experience and cruise on the Thames that is unlike any other also includes:

  • Unrivaled night views of both old and new London
  • Riveting live music
  • First-rate service
  • Stunning furnishings
  • Delectable food and drink

A river cruise is a great way to combine your sightseeing with fine dining, engrossing entertainment, and time spent with loved ones.

In London, there truly is so much to see and do that it may seem impossible to fit it all in.

But a carefully chosen selection of London River Cruises can help with that.

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London Bridge

4. Go Clubbing at Fabric

Fabric has become a clubbing institution in London.

Over the course of its 16-year history, its constantly excellent programming highlights all aspects of the UK’s electronic music underground.

The club, housed in a former meat packing facility, features three rooms that come alive every weekend.

Here, you’ll discover the best local low-frequencies and deepest grooves, as attested to by the cool crowds that fill the dance floor.

Fridays at Fabric Live are all about the bass.

You’ll find DJ Hype, a heavyweight in the drum and bass scene, and other influential figures in the garage and dubstep scenes.

This includes up-and-coming bass producers from the UK, delivering regular sets.

On Saturdays, longtime Fabric DJs and programmers, Terry Francis and Craig Richards, usually take charge.

They bring in a star-studded roster to play:

  • Techno
  • Disco
  • House
  • Minimal
  • Italo
  • Other hypnotic, deep sounds

Events like Daniel Avery’s Divided Love might feature the Chilean-German techno combatant Ricardo Villalobos, a Chicago house classic, the best emerging DJs from all over the world, or possibly one of their famed extended sets

Whether you’re a music-lover or not, a few hours at Fabric is one of the best things to do in London at night. This makes it among the best cities for international students, too!

5. Take a London Night Bus Tour

Most of the traffic clears as night falls over the city, and all of London’s brilliant lights turn on.

With the help of this 90-minute open-top bus tour, you can learn all about London from a fascinating new perspective.

You’ll drive by Big Ben, the illuminated clock tower of the Houses of Parliament.

As night falls, you’ll observe activity along the River Thames.

You’ll pass the energetic Central London center Piccadilly Circus, with its well-known wall of advertisements illuminating the area.

An impressive sight at night is the Tower of London, whose lights emphasize the beauty of its hundreds of years old construction.

You will also learn about London’s past and many of the essential details about its well-known locations. This is orated by your professional English-speaking tour guide.

Since this is a “London by Night” trip, you will also learn some of the city’s more sinister mysteries – like the story of the infamous Sweeny Todd.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in London at Night

It may come as no surprise that London is considered one of the most beautiful cities of United Kingdom.

But did you know the city attracts millions of tourists every year just because of its evening activities and attractions?

That’s testament enough to enjoy this amazing city as it comes to life at night.

Related: Why London Short Term Apartments Are a Better Vacation Option


Jackie Gately at the beach


About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF

I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years.

With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality.

Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! 

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Next Steps

Now that you know about the top things to do in London at night, look to these articles to further help plan your trip to the UK and beyond: