5 completely different nights out you can have in London
No matter how you want to spend your evenings in London, you'll find somewhere that suits you. The capital is bursting with bars, restaurants, clubs, theatres and a whole lot more besides. Read our guide for a few suggestions of what to do on a night out.
Just remember to think about where you'll be going after dark when you're booking your accommodation in London, as you won't want to be too far from your hotel, especially if you're planning to stay out until the small hours of the morning.
Visit the theatre
Seeing a performance at one of the capital's many theatres is an essential experience for anyone visiting the city. The best thing about the West End is the sheer variety of shows on offer, with blockbusting musicals like Mamma Mia! and The Lion King offered alongside plays such as The Woman in Black and Agatha Christie's Mousetrap, which is the longest-running theatre production in the world.
Make an evening of it by booking a pre-performance dinner at one of the many restaurants in the West End. If you want to take in Mousetrap, for instance, you can treat yourself at the Michelin-starred L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, which is within easy reach of St Martin's Theatre.
Catch some live music
If live bands are more your scene than high drama or musical productions, head to one of London's top live music venues. There are always big names visiting the city to perform at one of its large arenas, but if you can't get tickets to see your favourite musician, try visiting one of the many live music bars.
Camden is a particularly good district to explore if you're keen to spot the next up-and-coming band. Head to the Bull & Gate on Kentish Town Road to listen to rock and indie performers any night of the week - Blur, PJ Harvey and Ash are among the famous names to have graced its stage. Another option in the area is The Dublin Castle, where up to three bands will perform each night.
Alternatively, pop into Ronnie Scott's in Soho - one of London's most prestigious jazz clubs. Miles Davies, Buddy Rich and Ella Fitzgerald are just a few of the musicians who have held shows at the bar.
Have a laugh
London isn't short of comedy clubs, so if you're after an evening of hilarity and side-splitting fun, you'll find somewhere that ticks these boxes. For example, every Friday and Saturday Bar Rumba on Shaftesbury Avenue hosts its Big Night Out Comedy Club. Four comedians will try to tickle your funny bone in the early evening, after which the venue turns into a club where you can dance the night away.
Dance 'til the sun rises
Everyone knows London is home to some of the world's top clubs, so if you're something of a party animal don't miss out on the chance to hit the dance floor at Fabric, Ministry of Sound or Pacha. If the weather is nice, head to Egg, which boasts an outdoor courtyard, or try Plan B if you're more into hip-hop and R'n'B than house and techno music.
Discover London's dark side
For something totally different, book a place on one of London's evening ghost walks, where you will be led down the city's dark alleys, through some of its graveyards and around its most notorious districts. You can choose a tour based on the ghosts of the West End or follow in the footsteps of serial killer Jack the Ripper. Most guided walks depart between 19:00 and 19:30.
