6 ways to explore London at night

April 14, 2022Melaina Schimpf0

Want to Explore London at Night but don’t know where to start? Here are six fun and different ways to see the city in a way you may not have before!

Go on a See London by Night Bus Tour
Tower of London © Shutterstock

Hop on the unmistakable yellow ‘See London by Night’ bus at Green Park and settle in for the 90-minute sightseeing tour. Passing the Natural History Museum, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus and so much more. Experience the biggest icons of the city glowing against the backdrop of the night sky.

 

Take a self-guided Illuminated River walk
Illuminated River © Paul Crawley

Illuminated River is an after-dark installation that lights up 9 of London’s iconic bridges, transforming the river into a glowing art piece. Following this guide provided by Atelier Ten (the environmental design consultants behind this project), you will be able to guide yourself along the River Thames. At 3.2 miles, it is the longest public art commission in the world, on display every evening from dusk until 2am. Free walking tours are running until 29 April, but you must pre-book a ticket. There is also an official boat tour being offered by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.

 

Brave a Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
Jack the Ripper in action © Shuttershock

A strong contrast to other things on this list, but still an intriguing way to experience the city. Learn about the crimes of Jack the Ripper on this 2-hour walking tour of the Whitechapel district in East London. Tours are led by published authors who have all written about the mysterious murders that have confused the world for more than 130 years. The tour begins nightly at 7pm and bookings are required. A live virtual tour is also available on select nights so you can explore the Whitechapel mystery from anywhere you would like.

 

Drink with the legends on a London Literary Pub Crawl
Fitzroy Square – the blue plaque depicts where Virginia Woolf once lived © cktravels.com/Shutterstock

This tour is perfect for any literature fans who want an excuse to explore more pubs. Begin the night with a pub quiz and then commence on a walk through the city stopping at a variety of pubs frequented but literary icons, such as Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf and George Orwell. Not only does the tour mention classic literary names, but also places connected to contemporary artists such as Paul McCartney, Damien Hirst and others.

 

Look down from the clouds at The View from The Shard
Watch the sunset and the city come alive © The View from The Shard

Fly up to Level 68 of western Europe’s tallest building, The Shard. Visiting The View from The Shard, you’ll be treated with breathtaking 360 London° panoramic views at London’s highest viewing gallery. Head up to the open-air Skydeck to feel the wind in your hair, or go to the Champagne Bar for a glass of Moët and Chandon. There are few better places to see the skyline.

 

Relax in the Sky Garden on the 43rd floor of the ‘Walkie Talkie’
© Sky Garden

With free entry, the capital’s highest public garden is the perfect place to admire plants and also observe London’s skyline. Book your tickets up to three weeks in advance! The sunset time is listed on the top of their website for a simple suggestion of when to visit. Watch the sun disappear behind the city’s buildings as you sip a drink or dine at one of their bars or restaurants. The Sky Garden is a perfect place to start a night in London.

 

Please like, share and comment below and see if we have anything else to inspire your next visit to London.

 

Melaina Schimpf

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