6 Of London’s Best Nights Out (That Don’t Involve Clubbing)
Whether you’re visiting London or living in the city, chances are, you’ll be up for the odd night out. But what options are there if you’re not into the partying scene?
If you’re a solo traveller, the idea of going out clubbing or bar-hopping on your lonesome probably appeals even less.
If I’m visiting a new city, I’m always on the lookout for things to do that don’t involve being elbowed by drunks as I sip on an overpriced glass of red, my brain being invaded by the pounding dance music that’s about as much my idea of having fun as kidney surgery.
Thankfully, big cities are a great place to discover great evening alternatives. And when it comes to nights out in London, you’ve got a world-class roster to choose from: from phenomenal shows to comedy and live music.
Plus, you can be happily tucked up in bed before midnight. Which is totally my kinda night out.
*this post is sponsored by Encore Tickets*
See a West End show
One that would probably top a lot of lists, tbh. London’s West End is a big time destination for even the most casual of theatregoers, with a huge range of theatre shows for all tastes.
My personal faves? Book of Mormon and Wicked. The former if you like crude humour (its from the creators of South Park), and the latter if you fancy a super spectacle, with great songs, compelling story and an amazingly talented cast.
Budget Travel Tip: Theatre doesn’t have to break the bank – some of the West End’s best musicals have tickets starting at around twenty quid.
Watch a play
If singing and dancing make you wanna throw up in your mouth a bit, don’t worry! There are plenty of plays to choose from too. For scary thrills, check out The Woman In Black; for laughs, try The Comedy About A Bank Robbery.
Get some laughs with a comedy show
If you’re more into laughs than 2-for-1 vodka and coke deals, London has a diverse and entertaining comedy scene. All the big names tour their shows here, but there’s also plenty of opportunity to discover the next big thing, with nights like The Covent Garden Comedy Club.
Budget Travel Tip: Not got the money for a big night out? London has LOADS of free comedy shows, near enough every night of the week.
Check out some live music
You’ll find live music is alive and well across London, with loads of concerts to choose from on any night of the week. Rock, pop, indie, punk, alternative…every genre is represented, from big-name stadium acts to pub shows.
Budget Travel Tip: There are tons of places to catch up-and-coming and unsigned artists with no entry fee – use The List to look for ideas.
Explore dance and opera
For a night out in London that’ll totally make you feel hella classy and cultured, get yourself to a dance, opera or ballet show.
The Royal Opera House, Royal Albert Hall and Royal Festival Hall (sensing a theme?) have some of the bigger, best-known shows – but you could also check out Sadler’s Wells, The Peacock Theatre and the Barbican Centre for some more contemporary dance shows.
Cruise along the Thames
London’s pretty alright during the daytime – but at night, she’s an absolute stunner. The best place to see the city lights? From the iconic River Thames, obviously.
A Thames Cruise rates highly on my ‘things to do in London’ list, and there are tons of night time cruises to enjoy – whether it’s simply sightseeing, or you want to include dinner and entertainment too.
