London By Night: Top 10 Things To Do In London At Night

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London is one of the most exciting and diverse cities on earth, offering a wide variety of things to see and do during your stay. Some of the most incredible destinations really come to life after dark – here’s our pick of the very best!

See the view from the Shard

The Shard has become one of London’s most famous buildings, and will be familiar with many visitors due to its sheer scale and distinctive design features. It also features one of the best views in the entire city, thanks to the ‘View from the Shard’ viewing platform.

In addition to being one of the best known buildings in the city, the Shard is also the tallest, with an impressive 95 floors and standing at 1061 ft tall. Here you can learn lots about London’s history as well as experiencing interactive exhibits before finally reaching the panoramic views which surround you.

This is a particularly splendid place to visit at sunset, and will also make for a romantic way to end your day while in the city looking for wedding hotels in London.

Have a browse at Harrods

One of London’s most beautiful shopping destinations, Harrods also offers extended opening hours (closing at 9pm each day apart from Sunday). This means you’ll be able to shop free from some of the large crowds which gather here during more conventional retail hours, and can explore the store at night.

Each floor brings something new to discover, with luxury clothing, accessories and the famed food hall where you can grab some unique mementos of your stay at the Montcalm Hotel London City.

Try a London pub crawl

Even teetotal guests will be fascinated by the sheer variety of pubs and bars throughout London, and a pub crawl is the ideal way to see some of the very best. Historic venues which have stood for centuries are to be found alongside more contemporary venues, each providing a great way to get to know London’s nightlife culture up close.

Experience a West End show

The West End is the major hub of all things theatrical in London, and as with so many other industries in the city, the entertainment here is world-famous. From lavish historic theatres to newly released smash hits and long-running musicals – it really is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere and see a show.

Adventurous visitors will be happy to simply browse the theatres and find something they want to see on the night itself – but if you prefer to plan ahead, you’ll be able to book tickets in advance via the box office of your chosen venue while enjoying the latest London hotel offers.

Enjoy a comedy show

London’s comedy circuit has helped launch the careers of some of its funniest residents, and so there are always plenty of places where you can enjoy a few laughs. We recommend heading for The Comedy Store, which played a particularly pivotal role in the last few generations of comedy talent.

You never know, you might just see a big name performing here!

Take a spin on the London Eye

The London Eye is an iconic, large-scale Ferris wheel which has fast become a major hit with visitors and locals alike. Originally intended to be temporary, it is still here twenty years after first being installed – and looks set to stay.

Trips on the London Eye can be customised to suit your needs and tastes. While you can simply buy tickets in a shared pod, you can also book a private one if you’d prefer to enjoy the views with a little more privacy, or celebrate a special occasion. The London Eye is often regarded as one of the ‘must see’ attractions in the city, so understandably it can get pretty busy. Book your tickets ahead of time to help jump the queues.

Attend an evening church service

London is home to some of the world’s most beautiful churches and cathedrals, many of which hold regular evening services or musical events. These are most commonly held by the likes of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and St. Martin In The Fields. We recommend looking closely at each venue website to check whether there is a service during your stay at London 5 star hotels.

For fans of music, history buffs and the congregation alike, these events are hugely atmospheric and give you a chance to experience stunning locations in a new and unusual way.

Join a London walking tours

London walking tours have been popular with decades, but over the last few years the ones which take place during the evenings have proven increasingly intriguing. Some focus on the darker side of the city’s past, while others are simply designed to showcase London’s nightlife. Have a hunt around and you’ll surely find the perfect tour for you.

See a London museum by night

In addition to its shopping and its famous churches London is also known for its large number of world class museums. While these are incredible spaces to explore during the day, at night they offer an equally incredible experience.

These late-night events have become particularly popular during the last few years, with venues such as the Natural History Museum, the V&A and the Science Museum leading the way. Some events simply give you the opportunity to explore exhibits with fewer crowds, but others range from parties through to special events for children or adults. The events appear regularly throughout the month, so check with your preferred museum to help create the best experience.

Take a night time bus tour

Bus tours are big business in London, and will be a common sight as you explore the city. However, some of the lesser known tours take place after dark – letting you get to know a side of London which might otherwise have passed you by on your stay.

Many of these tours operate using wonderful open-top double-deckers, which will help you see all the sights you want to and even take some atmospheric photos of the city.