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What to do in London at night

My best friend and I will be in London on a Tues and Wed evening in October. We figured we'll do the southbank walk one evening but need suggestions for what to do the other evening. Unfortunately none of the museums are open late those days other than the British Library and we're not interested in that. We also don't want to go to a show since we'd rather see the sights and we live in the LA area anyway so we have access to those shows. Love to hear from you guys.

Posted by
1547 posts

Hit a local pub and enjoy a few pints or some other beverages

Posted by
8700 posts

If you like classical music or jazz, you can't go wrong with a concert at St Martin-in-the-Fields. Go here for the October schedule.

Posted by
211 posts

What about a London Walk's evening pub tour?
A great way to see part of the city, and after the tour is over you can head back to the favourite pub that you visited for another pint or two.
http://www.walks.com/

Posted by
3428 posts

We love to just "wander around". We often will walk from Covent Garden, through Leciester Square, down to St. Martin's in the Field, past Trafalger and on to Big Ben and Parliment. Sometimes we even walk down Pall Mall to Buckingham Palace and St. James Park. People watching is fun and Leciester Square, Covent Garden and Trafalger are great places to do just that. The pub idea works well with a walk. Stop whenever you notice a "good" place and indulge in your favorite beverage (soda, ale, or something else)or get a dessert, then wander some more. There are also lots of clubs, if you are into that. Although you have access to lots of shows at home, there are a few that seem unique to London, such as the Reduced Shakespere productions, etc.

Posted by
345 posts

You have access to British actors performing in Shakespeare's plays in a recreation of the Globe? Don`t entirely discount seeing a show... you really don't have access to what is in London. I've seen so many amazing shows there that you DON'T get anywhere else - they don't tour, or the production is specific to London with that particular cast.

If you really, really don't want to see a show... some people have enjoyed taking an evening bus tour, or an evening trip in the Eye.

But I really would recommend a show! Even when I'm not there, I keep track of what's currently on, and am bitter about what I can't see (Lenny Henry as Othello!).

Posted by
356 posts

I agree with the others re: not discounting the theatre. You could maybe head for the fringe theatres and see something that is edgy, unique and perhaps more authentically British (in that it's not aimed at international tourists). And also cheap BTW!

Or how about comedy clubs? Seeing stand-up comedy in another country can be a great way of getting another insight into the culture.

Otherwise you can try concerts/gigs or see if any of the museums/galleries are having an evening event.

Posted by
1113 posts

Thanks everyone. Here's another question...Has anyone done the bus tour at night? I'll rethink the shows but I only have 2 evenings there and I'd really like to see more sights.

Posted by
286 posts

Another vote for the theatre. LA has nothing on London's West End.

Southbank walk at night is great.

Oxford Street and surrounding shopping district evening window shopping is nice too.