London comes to life when the sun goes down. If you're planning a trip there, here are five great ways to enjoy the London nightlife.
Big Ben, London Bridge, Buckingham Palace"¦ There are so many things to see when you are in London. The list of things to do doesn't get shorter when the sun goes down. London is a city that comes alive after hours with culture, camaraderie, music, and dance. If you're a visitor to the city, there are many ways to enjoy the London nightlife.
Catch A Show In Theatreland
One of the best ways to kick off a night in London is to visit the West End. In an area called Theatreland, you can see all of the latest and greatest musicals, comedies, and dramas. With more than 40 major theaters in the area presenting shows, it's not uncommon for visitors to catch a different production nightly. Many theaters have bars or restaurants either in or near the facilities, so it's easy to make an entire evening out of seeing a show.
Ticket prices can be expensive for the larger shows, but you can often get discounted tickets by going to the box office on the day of the show. Some organizations also sell half price tickets, but make sure you compare prices and check restrictions before purchasing from these groups.
Get Some Culture
In addition to theatre, London is also home to a variety of serious musical groups. On any given night, you can hear one of the city's world-famous orchestras performing in Royal Albert Hall or the Barbican Centre. Smaller venues, like Wigmore Hall, host performances by groups like the English Chamber Orchestra or the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. No matter which venue you go to, you're likely to hear some of the finest musicians play the best classical music.
If you like a little singing with your music, you can catch a performance by the English National Opera at the London Coliseum. Featuring works by Puccini to operettas by Gilbert and Sullivan, this company performs a repertoire of different productions five to six nights a week throughout the year. If you aren't able to get tickets to the Coliseum, you can also catch the latest performances of the Royal Opera or Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden.
Pub or Bar Crawl
You can't go to London without stepping into a pub and ordering a drink. Pubs were once considered the center of London social life and some were built within inns, post offices, and even churches. Today, traditional pubs are a place to meet with friends, watch a match, and naturally, enjoy a pint. Since many have been in business for years, it's not hard to find one that has some historical significance to it. To find a pub, all you need to do is walk down the street in London. Or you can also browse through one of the many pub guides online to find a place.
If you're looking for someplace more modern, London is dotted with trendy little bars. You can relax in one of the city's many jazz or blues bars or sip chardonnay in an intimate wine bar. If you plan on going bar hopping, check to see if the bar you're going to has a dress code. Many London bars won't let you in if you are wearing jeans and/or sneakers.
Dance the Night Away
London's club scene is one of the finest in Europe. Guest DJs, great music, and crowded dance floors are the nightly norm. Although clubs are scattered throughout London, your best bet for finding a great one is to head for Leicester Square or Soho. Many of the more renowned clubs are located in these areas and all you need to do to find one is to look for a line. Unfortunately, many of London's trendiest clubs come and go quickly, so be sure to check with one of the city's entertainment guides before heading out.
See Lady Luck
If you like to gamble, London is also home to several fashionable casinos. Many of these clubs welcome experienced gamblers as well as newcomers. Often, casino dealers are more than happy to help new players through a game of blackjack or baccarat. Whatever place you choose, be sure to bring your passport or other form of ID since casinos are required by law to see them.
If you're planning a trip to London, your visit isn't complete until you experience the city's nightlife. It's easy to find event guides online or around town to help you plan your evening. Visit London, the official visitor organization located downtown, can also recommend things to do as well. You may see many things in London, but it's the nightlife that you'll always remember.
