London is rich in culture and history, which is why the city attracts approximately 30 million visitors per year. If you’re looking for historic landmarks, exciting attractions, and superb restaurants, you can be sure that the English capital will cater to your every need.
If, however, you want to ensure your evenings are just as entertaining as your days in the Big Smoke, you should check out the following activities to enjoy once the sun goes down in London.
Attend a West End Show
London offers one of the most respected theatre districts in the world and is on par with New York’s Broadway. To fill your evenings when in the city, book tickets to a West End show, and you can choose between temporary and long-running productions.
For example, you could secure tickets to Disney’s The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre, Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre and Harry Potter, and the Cursed Child at Palace Theatre, to name only a few. It is, therefore, a wise move to review the theatre calendar before you visit the town.
Take a Ride on the London Eye
The London Eye is open both day and night, and it can be a romantic experience to enjoy with your other half when in the city. If you’re traveling to the capital during the summer months, you’d be wise to catch the late sunset, which will provide a spectacular view of the city’s skyline. It’s a sight that is sure to take your breath away, as it is one of the most beautiful vantage points in all of London.
Visit a Casino
Both locals and tourists will not regret stepping inside one of the twenty four casinos in London, which provide an array of card games, such as blackjack and various poker games.
If you’re not familiar with any of the rules, and the thought of entering a Texas Holdem tournament fills you with dread, you should familiarize yourself with a game before a visit.
For example, you could enjoy greater success at the felt by playing free poker tournaments online first, so you will feel more confident when you step inside one of the capital’s exquisite venues.
A fun game of poker can be the perfect activity for those near the West End of London. However, you would be wise to review the dress code for each casino to ensure you aren’t turned away at the door.
Join a Jack Ripper Tour
When you’re not busy playing Omaha hi-lo or tackling the slot machines, you could always learn more about the city by joining a tour. If you have a penchant for horror and love to immerse yourself in a spooky story or two, you should join a Jack Ripper tour at night. A knowledgeable guide will walk you down London’s creepy alleys and backstreets, which is where Jack the Ripper is believed to have committed his horrendous murders.
Enjoy the Night Sky at Hampstead Observatory
If you’re a type of person that would rather play online poker than step inside a casino or go to the cinema instead of joining a spooky tour, you could always go for something easy like a visit to the Hampstead Observatory. It will enable you to breathe in the beauty of Central London’s skyline like nothing else. It is the highest point in the area, and there are free telescopes for the public to use from 8 pm until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays from September through to mid-April. So, it’s an ideal spot for those who enjoy stargazing.
Enjoy Dinner and Champagne on the Thames
If you would like to sweep your other half of their feet during a trip to London, consider taking a cruise along the River Thames. You’ll be able to sip on champagne, listen to a live jazz band, and enjoy a scrumptious 4-course meal while absorbing the beauty of London’s skyline at night. You’ll also pass by various famous landmarks in the city, such as:
- The Tower of London
- Tower Bridge
- Big Ben
- The Shard
- Paul’s Cathedral
It’s the perfect way to toast an unforgettable stay in the capital, and it’s bound to become a highlight of your trip. However, be sure to take a jacket or another warm layer with you on the mini cruise, as England is well-known for its cold weather.
Go on a Pub Crawl
It should be a crime to visit London and not step inside one of its great British pubs, which are popular with both locals and tourists. After a busy day of sightseeing, you can relax and unwind with a much-deserved pint of beer or glass of wine at one or more of the most atmospheric pubs in London, such as The Dublin Castle in Camden, Prince of Greenwich in Greenwich, or The Wenlock Arms in Hoxton, to name only a few. You also could visit various establishments in London to enjoy a superb pub crawl.
View the Lights of Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is a transport hub in London, as the traffic junction connects the heart of London to Regent Street, Haymarket, Shaftesbury Avenue, and Piccadilly. While this might not seem like a must-visit, it’s worth viewing once the sun goes down, as it features stunning lights that attract visitors from across the world. That’s because they were the first electric lights installed in the capital more than 100 years ago. Piccadilly Circus is also a stone’s throw away from other popular areas in London, such as Trafalgar Square, Soho, Leicester Square, and Chinatown.
A Double Decker Bus Tour
Double decker bus tours aren’t just for the day, as there are evening services in place that will allow you to enjoy illuminated London. Once you have found a seat, you will be able to view various major landmarks across the city, including Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Covent Garden, Big Ben, and more.
So, if you don’t want to spend every night of your visit to London in your hotel room, you could fill your time with the above activities, such as playing Texas Holdem at an exquisite casino or taking a ride on the London Eye once day turns into night.
