London is undeniably one of the most iconic capital cities on the planet. Its incredibly rich history blends with a modern metropolitan atmosphere, creating a place like no other. From the impressive traditional tourist hotspots like Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Place to the trendy streets of Shoreditch or Hackney, it’s almost impossible to get bored as a tourist in the city. Nevertheless, with so much choice, it can be difficult to make the right choices as a newcomer. 

Nowhere is this more relevant than with London nightlife. It has some of the best nightclubs, bars, casinos, and theatres in the world, but without adequate knowledge of where to go, you could easily end up in the wrong places. Fortunately, we’ve done our due research on the best London nightlife spots to check out. Stay with us for the lowdown and enhance your tourist travel experience of this spectacular city.

Nightclubs 

London has long been a hub for nightclubs. Underground dance music genres like jungle or UK garage originated here in the 1990s, while venues like the Marquee Club were an essential stomping ground for The Who, Jimi Hendrix, and The Rolling Stones in the 1960s. Over 200 nightclubs operate in London currently, varying in size and function. Popular commercial venues include the Ministry of Sound and Cafe de Paris. 

The best clubs in London deal with slightly more underground dance music. Venues like Fabric are the global top 100 dance venues, providing fertile ground for various musical movements over the years. Situated in a former meat cellar in Farringdon, it’s by far the most iconic club in central London for dance music enthusiasts.  

Bars & Pubs 

For all the fantastic nightclubs in London, there are thousands more bars and pubs not to miss out on. Upmarket and more sophisticated spots include Manetta’s Bar in Mayfair and Swift Soho. These establishments blend suave interiors with world-leading cocktail menus. Just be prepared to spend a significant amount on an evening of drinking.   

Elsewhere, popular pubs like The Shacklewell Arms or Katzenjammers offer a more casual drinking experience. Going to these places is arguably the best way to experience this iconic part of British culture. Nowhere else in the world has as many pubs, so you would be a fool not to dive into this unique part of London nightlife. 

Casinos 

London is arguably one of the best places in the world for gamblers, with iconic casinos like The Palm Beach Casino or Grosvenor Casino attracting a consistent stream of casino enthusiasts. The Hippodrome Casino just off Leicester Square is another iconic establishment, offering its patrons five floors of 24/7 gaming. 

Don’t worry if visiting real-life casinos isn’t your thing, as London tourists also have access to an extensive array of online casinos. These platforms offer a glittering array of games and bonus promotions, with new players enjoying welcome offers like 100 free spins and a £100 cash boost. Many players prefer online casinos to classic London establishments due to the abundance of exciting slot games like Mega Moolah and Buffalo Grand. Moreover, for the best online slots for real money experience, you can check out progressive jackpot titles that can offer huge payouts. The only drawback is not being able to enjoy the impressive selection of bars and restaurants at physical spots like The Hippodrome.   

Theatres 

London has a vibrant history regarding theatres, with its celebrated West End area hosting several world-famous establishments. While you shouldn’t expect a particularly late theatre-going experience, watching shows like The Book of Mormon or Back To The Future is the perfect way to kick off a night on the town. 

Places like The Barbican and Shakespeare’s Globe host a constant stream of top-quality productions. These venues are also iconic for their appearance, providing a unique theatre-going experience you simply cannot get elsewhere.  

Restaurants 

Going to London and not visiting one of the many truly world-class restaurants should really be a crime. This is the perfect way to start a night out, especially in top-tier eateries like the River Cafe or Tendril in Mayfair. 

Eating out in the capital is the best way to experience its unique metropolitan atmosphere. London is a cultural melting pot, and foodies can enjoy pretty much any global cuisine they want to an impeccably high standard. Don’t miss out on this vibrant and supremely tasty part of London’s nightlife!