London Nightlife Guide: TOP 30 Bars & Clubs + Pub Crawls
This is my ultimate London nightlife guide for 2025 featuring the city's most exciting bars, rooftop patios, hidden speakeasies, romantic date venues, craft cocktail lounges, and epic nightclubs. Experience an unforgettable night at top-rated spots like Tamesis Dock, NQ64, Zebrano, Coyote Ugly, Ballie Ballerson, XOYO, Fabric, Ministry of Sound, the legendary Soho Party Pub Crawl, and the Historic Pub Tour.
- Why: Europe's most popular nightlife scene!
- When: All-year-round
- Last Call: Bars close at 1am, clubs close around 4am
- Best London Cocktails: The Little Scarlet Door
- Best London Bar: Soho Pub Crawl (Friday night)
- Best London Nightclub: Ministry of Sound (Saturday night)
- Best London Late Eats: Wok to Walk
- Best London Exprience: James Bond Tour ($22 USD)
- Best London Attraction: The London Eye ($36 USD)
- Accommodation: You'll find the cheapest hotels on Booking.com
- Book Now: Soho Pub Crawl just $31 USD (10% OFF)
Buy Tickets for London
London is famous for its double-decker buses, fish & chips, and James Bond, but its nightlife is just as legendary. With a history dating back over 2,000 years and a population of 9 million, the city offers some of the best bars, pubs, and nightclubs in the world. Whether you're looking for trendy rooftop bars, underground speakeasies, or legendary nightclubs, London has it all. Start your night at Tamesis Dock, a unique floating bar on a converted 1930s Dutch barge moored on the River Thames. With multi-level decks and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a pint (£6 GBP, roughly $8 USD) while taking in the stunning riverside views.
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Attractions • Restaurants • Rooftops
Bars • Nightclubs • Walking Routes
and Bonus Tips.
Best Places for Nightlife in London
1. Tamesis Dock
Unique floating bar on a converted 1930's Dutch barge and a romantic date spot. Pints 6 GBP roughly $8 USD, and half pints $5 USD.
2. Cahoots
One of London's trendiest cocktail bars. A 1940s-themed bar with railway station decor and a train carrage in the basement.
3. NQ64 Soho
The most fun bar in London where you can play retro arcade games, home consoles and order video game inspired cocktails including a fireshow. Cocktails are roughty 11 GBP, rougly $15 USD
4. Soho Pub Crawl
Legendary Soho pub crawl is one of London's best and busiest crawls and always a good time to meet new people. Just $31 USD including many free shots. 4 Bars + 1 Nightclub in 6 hours of epic fun!
5. Be At One - Greek Street
Large basement bar with a large dancefloor, excellent cocktails, great light system, and solid beats. A great bar to start your night!
6. Luxe (Tiger Tiger)
Recently renamed to Luxe and known for high ceilings and mutiple rooms with different sounds. It is a well-known bar and a great place to mingle on weekends. However, usually busy after 1am!
Next, head to Cahoots in Soho, one of London's most stylish cocktail bars. This 1940s-themed venue is designed like an old railway station, complete with vintage train signs, wooden benches, and antique telephones. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails while enjoying the immersive, retro atmosphere. For a fun, nostalgic experience, visit NQ64 Soho, a neon-lit arcade bar packed with retro games and video game-inspired cocktails. Try the fiery Mad Max cocktail (£11 GBP, ~$15 USD), which comes with an epic fire show!
7. Soho Zebrano
Considered the most popular bar in Soho and often has long queues outside trying to get in. However, if you are part of the Soho Pub Crawl you have VIP line-bypass. Do order their PR*NSTAR cocktail!
8. Simmons
A popular bar chain in London, with my favorite location being at Leicester Square. Another excellent venue and part of the Soho Pub Crawl!
9. The Little Scarlet Door
One of my favorite cocktail bars in London! This venue feels like you are stepping inside someone's living room with a fun basement including a shower, bedroom, board games, a washer and fireplace. Do order their iconic Kingston Negroni cocktails!
10. The Three Greyhounds
A typical British pub with a welcoming atmosphere and where people often mingle on the street side with a cold casual pint. A great spot to kick off your night!
11. The Vault
Hidden speakeasy-style bar located behind a bookshelf in Milroy’s of Soho, London’s oldest whisky shop! Cozy, dimly lit bar specializes in expertly crafted cocktails.
12. Mrs Riot
Inspired by Kitty Clive, one of London's first rebels and role models. A colorful cocktail bar with often a live band on weekends.
British party girls at Be At One bar in London, UK
If you're looking to meet new people, join the Soho Pub Crawl. For just $34 USD, this legendary pub crawl takes you to 4 bars and a nightclub, including free shots and drink specials. It’s one of the busiest pub crawls in Europe and a guaranteed night of fun! The crawl often kicks off at Be At One, a lively basement bar with an electrifying dance floor and incredible cocktails. From there, you might head to Soho Zebrano, where you can skip the long lines with VIP entry. Don’t miss their oversized PR*NSTAR cocktail—a fan favorite! Another Soho staple is Simmons, a popular bar chain with a buzzing Leicester Square location. If you prefer something more intimate, check out The Little Scarlet Door, a quirky cocktail bar styled like a cozy apartment, complete with board games and hidden rooms.
13. Camden Pub Crawl
Perhaps the most low-key and yet most fun pub crawl in London. Especially since it is located in Camden, you can expect a more intimate vibe and more laid back atmosphere to mingle. Tickets just $32 USD, click the link below to book with a 10% discount!
14. The Good Mixer
The Camden Pub Crawl often starts at the Good Mixer, a laid-back bar in central Camden with great prices and a billiards table.
15. Coyote Ugly
One of my favorite bars in all of London is Coyote Ugly. Named after the American Movie with the same name. Expect gorgeous girls singing karaoke while dancing on their giant bar interacting with the crowd. This place does get rowdy!
16. The Camden Eye
A lively pub in Camden, London, known for its triangular shape, craft beers, and live music. It features a rooftop terrace with great views and a buzzing atmosphere.
17. Electric Ballroom
The largest event venue in Camden with a massive dancefloor, and often the final destination of the Camden Pub Crawl. Dance the night away to live music or popular DJ acts. Also, the drinks are reasonably priced!
18. Queen of Hoxton
A multi story venue with an excellent rooftop terrace. This spot often changes themes and has a very laid back vibe mostly visited by young working professionals. Beers 5 GBP, $7 USD and cocktails 11 GBP, $14 USD.
For a true British pub experience, grab a pint at The Three Greyhounds, a classic Soho pub where locals spill onto the street with their drinks. If you love vibrant, live-music venues, check out Mrs Riot, an eccentric bar inspired by London’s rebellious history. Expect colorful decor, strong cocktails, and live performances on weekends.
19. Ballie Ballerson
A playful, vibrant bar, famous for its massive ball pits filled with thousands of multi-colored balls. The creative atmosphere is incredible with flame throwers being used to craft up your cocktail and up-beat music.
20. Shoreditch Pub Crawl
Most popular pub crawl on the east-end of London, where you can mingle with locals, expats and other travelers. Just $31 USD including many free shots. 3 Bars + 1 Nightclub in 5 hours of epic fun!
21. Shoreditch Balls
Ball's focuses on mini-golf! Shoreditch definitely has something with balls, no pun intended. Ball's has 2 floors loaded with mini-golf courses.
22. Simmons Shoreditch
Considered one of the most popular bars in Shoreditch and mostly visited by a young student crowd.
23. Nikkis Bar Shoreditch
A cool vibrant bar with an entire bedroom in the back where you can take some naughty selfies while sipping on cocktails.
24. The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
A fun hidden speakeasy-style bar in London, accessed through a secret entrance inside The Breakfast Club in Spitalfields, consider checking their fridge upon entry.
Cold pints and mingling with locals at The Three Greyhounds pub in London
Next, head to Camden, known for its alternative nightlife scene. The famous Camden Pub Crawl is a must, offering an intimate, laid-back vibe for just $34 USD. The crawl often starts at The Good Mixer, a legendary local pub with affordable drinks and a billiards table. For something wilder, Coyote Ugly is one of the rowdiest bars in London, featuring bartenders dancing on the bar, singing karaoke, and interacting with the crowd. Dance the night away at Electric Ballroom, Camden’s largest music venue with live bands and top DJs.
25. XOYO
XOYO is a renowned nightclub in London, known for its cutting-edge electronic music and top-tier DJs. Featureing a high-energy dance floor, state-of-the-art sound system.
26. Ministry of Sound
London's most legendary nightclub which sets the benchmark of epic parties in the UK and has been a local institution since 1991 on the global dance scene. Do not leave London without having visited at least once!
27. Fabric
One of London's most iconic nightclubs, renowned for its cutting-edge electronic music and immersive sound system. Featuring three rooms, including a vibrating "bodysonic" dance floor, attracting top DJs.
28. E1
E1 is a top-tier nightclub in East London, known for its industrial-style venue, cutting-edge electronic music, and powerful Funktion-One sound system. Great for drum & bass events, check their website for upcoming events.
29. Historic Pub Tour
A popular tour taking you to centuries-old establishments like Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666, The Blackfriar, and the Cockpit, all iconic British pubs. Tickets for this fantastic tour are just $37 USD!
30. The Old Bank Of England
Housed in a former bank building that once held gold bullion for the Bank of England. Check the London red double decker bus in their backyard in which you can enjoy food and drinks. Definitely a highlight!
In Shoreditch, kick off your night at Queen of Hoxton, a multi-story venue with a stunning rooftop terrace. For a unique experience, dive into the ball pits at Ballie Ballerson, a vibrant cocktail bar with retro decor and creative cocktails. For electronic music lovers, XOYO is one of London’s best underground clubs, offering house, techno, and drum & bass beats until 4 a.m.
E1 nightclub in London, UK - one of the best clubbing experiences!
On the South Bank, take a scenic stroll before hitting up Ministry of Sound, London’s most legendary nightclub for house and EDM. If you’re into industrial techno, head to Fabric, known for its world-class sound system and all-night parties. For history lovers, the Historic Pub Tour takes you through centuries-old establishments, including The Old Bank Of England, a grand Victorian pub housed in a former bank.
London also hosts incredible music festivals like We Are FSTVL (EDM), BST Hyde Park (rock & pop), and GALA Festival (indie & house). Plan your trip around these for an unforgettable experience. For an easy way to navigate London’s nightlife, download my London Master Map for just $2.99 USD. It includes all the top bars, clubs, and hidden gems, helping you make the most of your time in the city.
James Bond Tour in London at the MI6 headquarters
Finally, after a long night out, refuel with some delicious late-night eats. Grab a bite at Wok to Walk, one of the best post-club food spots in town. With its incredible variety and fast service, it’s a must-try for night owls. Whether you're into trendy cocktails, underground raves, or historic pubs, London has something for everyone. London has one of the most efficient and reliable transportation systems in the world, making it easy to get around after a long night out. Night buses run frequently across the city, ensuring you’re never stranded, unlike in many Asian cities where public transport shuts down early. The Tube (London’s metro system) also does a solid job, with select lines running 24/7 on weekends.
In conclusion, London’s nightlife is an absolute rollercoaster of fun, surprises, and pure energy. Whether you’re sipping a classy cocktail in a secret speakeasy, diving into a giant ball pit at Ballie Ballerson, or tearing up the dancefloor at Ministry of Sound, this city knows how to party. From quirky pubs where you can mingle with locals to world-famous clubs that keep the bass pumping until sunrise, there’s no shortage of epic nights waiting to happen. No matter your vibe—chilled rooftop drinks, wild DJ sets, or bouncing between bars with a pub crawl—London has got you covered. So, grab your friends (or make new ones along the way), and get ready for an unforgettable night out in one of the greatest party cities on the planet. That wraps up the ultimate London Nightlife Guide 2025!
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