Things to Do in London at Night: 10 Experiences Worth Booking

What are the best things to do at night in London?

Mr Sunny and I are fairly low-key travellers. We don’t usually plan much for our evenings when we’re away. But if there’s an iconic, once-in-a-lifetime experience at our destination, we don’t want to miss it either. Holidays are too expensive not to make the most of the time.

After living in London since 2013, I’ve experienced plenty of evenings worth recommending. These are the top activities that I tell friends and trip consultation clients to book if they want to make every moment of their London trip unforgettable.

Most Iconic

1. witness the ceremony of the keys

If you’re going to splurge on one evening activity in London, this is where I’d start. Without a doubt.

The Ceremony of the Keys is a tradition dating back around 700 years, in which the Tower of London is formally locked for the night. Watching the Yeoman Warder carry out this historic ritual is an extraordinary way to experience British history rather than simply read about it. And you can’t film it, so it’s the only way to see it.

You could also consider a Private Beefeater Meet & Greet Tour during the day if you don’t have time in the evening. But if I had to choose one experience to prioritise, the Ceremony of the Keys and tour would be it.

2. see a british show in the west end

Obviously London theatre performances are phenomenal. But my advice as an American living in London is to choose a show that makes your evening feel distinctly British. To me, that’s what makes an evening out worth it when I’m on holiday. Again, I think, ‘What can’t I do where I live?’ and that’s how I decide.

Consider Matilda, Oliver! or Paddington, or the long-running murder mystery The Mousetrap. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is another option, now performed as a single show rather than the two-part production audiences previously needed to book.

We always use the website in the button below to book our theatre tickets.

3. take a jack the ripper walking tour

If you enjoy history, mysteries or true crime, a Jack the Ripper tour offers a different perspective on London.

Walking through the streets of Whitechapel while learning about the infamous murders brings Victorian London to life in a way that a museum display can’t replicate.

These tours are particularly popular during autumn. One any given evening there could be 20,000 people taking them.

4. Discover london through a food tour

One question I hear from consultation clients planning a London trip is whether the food is actually good here. My answer is, ‘Yes, if you know where to find the best places to eat in London’. But really, you can see a lot of it on my social media pages because I’m regularly eating at London restaurants.

I’ve taken many London food tours and still discover new places every time. The Eating Europe Food Tours- Twilight Soho VIP Food & Drinks Tour is a particularly good way to combine tastings at interesting places to eat with stories about the neighbourhood. However, I don’t recommend it with families that are travelling with small children.

It’s also a useful introduction to London’s food scene early in your trip. You might discover somewhere you want to revisit for a full meal later or just be thrilled at being able to discover food at some of the best places to eat in a neighbourhood while learning about it.

You can also take a London Pub and Food Tour in the late afternoon.

Special Events

5. attend a candlelight concert

Candlelight concerts are my go-to evening activity in London. I’ve attended tributes to Taylor Swift, Coldplay, The Beatles and Michael Jackson. Mr Sunny and I have also enjoyed performances featuring Christmas film soundtracks, EDM and the music of Hans Zimmer.

They’re exceptionally well organised, atmospheric and relatively short, usually lasting around an hour to an hour and 15 minutes. That makes them ideal after an early dinner when you want to do something memorable without committing to a full evening of entertainment. I’ve written a full Candelight Concert Review for you too.

Yes, you might have them nearby in your hometown. But, really, is there anything like sitting in a cathedral that’s centuries old and listening to tribute music like this? For me the answer is an absolute no. That’s why I continue to go again and again.

6. experience abba voyage

If you love ABBA, this spectacular concert experience deserves consideration. Digital versions of the band perform alongside a live band to create a concert unlike a traditional live performance. I haven’t attended personally but it’s a popular choice for visitors looking for fun things to do at night in London.

7. dance at mamma mia! the party

Even if you only mildly like ABBA, I’d consider Mamma Mia! The Party. It was one of the most fun evenings I’ve ever had in London.

I understand why people sometimes experience sticker shock when they see the ticket price. But remember that you’re paying for both a meal and a performance, with immersive entertainment taking place around you.

This isn’t something I’d squeeze between two other central London attractions. It’s an experience to plan your day around, particularly because it’s also located at The O2 in east London.

8. see london’s landmarks on a river cruise

I’ve taken plenty of river cruises on the Thames. Nothing quite beats passing Big Ben, the London Eye and the Tower of London when you come from somewhere without sights like these on your doorstep.

To be honest, a dinner cruise can make a lovely evening, but if the weather is sunny, I’d be tempted to take a daytime cruise instead.

However, back to our idea of ‘what can’t you do at home’, there is one night cruise that’s truly an iconic thing to do at night in London. It’s a New Year’s Eve cruise on the Thames and it’s still on my personal bucket list. Could there be anything more memorable than watching London’s fireworks from the river as the year changes over?

9. Dance at a silent disco

Another bucket-list experience for me is a silent disco inside an iconic London attraction.

For example, an 80s silent disco is scheduled at the British Museum in January 2027. The idea of dancing to music through headphones in such a remarkable setting is wonderfully different from a typical night out.

I haven’t attended this event, so check the organiser’s details and dates before booking. Special events like this aren’t available every evening.

10. experience the magic of luminiscence

When LUMINISCENCE opened at Westminster Cathedral, I went and my word to describe it was literally- magical.

Light projections transform the cathedral’s architecture, accompanied by music and live choral performances. It’s also relatively short, making it a good option if you prefer an immersive experience without spending several hours at an attraction. Note, it is NOT at Westminster Abbey.

The London run has been extended until January 2027. A special Christmas edition begins on 25 November and I already have tickets for a festive performance.

Places to Eat

Sometimes the evening itself should revolve around a restaurant. If you’re looking for a memorable meal, consider historic Rules in Covent Garden, The Devonshire in Soho or Lore of the Land, which is Guy Ritchie’s pub in Fitzrovia.

Any other Mobland and The Gentleman fans out there?

For help finding restaurants that suit your plans, my London Restaurant Guide makes it easier to choose where to eat around your sightseeing.

Hotels

If you haven’t booked your hotel yet for your London trip, here’s an interactive map to get you started! It’s based on the most central location in town.

Help Planning a London Trip

You don’t need to fill every evening with an activity. But if you’re visiting London for a limited time, you’ll want to know your options for those things to do in London at night that aren’t available anywhere else.

My 5-day and 8-day custom London itineraries help you organise your sightseeing, restaurants and experiences around your interests. Both include my London Travel Guide and Restaurant Guide to download, so aside from the personalised London trip plan, you’ll have the resources to make the most of your time here too.