After dark · London, United Kingdom
15 Best Bars & Nightlife Spots in London
Sky Garden leads the night. The rest of London's best pours follow, by real review volume.
Ranked by traveler review volume across the bars and nightlife spots we track in London. Updated monthly.
Sky Garden
BarFree entryPerched on the 35th floor of the Walkie Talkie building (20 Fenchurch Street), the Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden.
Read our full guide →Old Shades
BarFree entryTucked away on Whitehall just a short walk from Trafalgar Square, 'Old Shades' is a traditional London pub that has been serving locals and visitors for centuries.
Read our full guide →Simmons Bar
BarSimmons Bar on Wardour Street is a quintessential Soho drinking spot, offering a fun and unpretentious atmosphere.
Read our full guide →Cahoots Underground
BarFree entryCahoots Underground is a quirky, immersive bar tucked away beneath Kingly Court in the heart of Carnaby, London.
Read our full guide →The Alchemist St Martin's Lane
BarThe Alchemist St Martin's Lane is a cocktail bar that combines mixology with a dash of theater, located in the heart of London's entertainment district.
Read our full guide →The Little Scarlet Door
BarThe Little Scarlet Door is a charmingly eccentric cocktail bar tucked away on Greek Street in London's Soho district.
Read our full guide →Lyaness
BarLyaness is a chic cocktail bar located on the ground floor of the Sea Containers hotel on London's South Bank, with panoramic views of the River Thames and the city skyline.
Read our full guide →Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club
EntertainmentRonnie Scott's Jazz Club is an iconic music venue located on Frith Street in the heart of London's Soho district.
Read our full guide →Be At One - Russell Street
BarFree entryBe At One on Russell Street is a popular cocktail bar in the heart of London's Covent Garden, drawing a crowd of locals and visitors alike with its vibrant vibe and extensive list of creative…
Read our full guide →Thirst Bar Soho
BarFree entryThirst Bar Soho is a hidden gem tucked away on Greek Street in the heart of London's vibrant Soho district.
Read our full guide →The Little Violet Door
BarFree entryThe Little Violet Door is a hidden cocktail bar tucked away on Kingly Street in London's vibrant Carnaby district.
Read our full guide →Wagtail
BarFree entryWagtail is a stylish cocktail bar located on King William Street in the heart of London's financial district.
Read our full guide →Swift Soho
BarSwift Soho is a stylish cocktail bar located on the bustling Old Compton Street in the heart of London's Soho district.
Read our full guide →Scarfes Bar
BarScarfes Bar, nestled within the Rosewood London hotel on High Holborn, offers a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere that blends old-world charm with contemporary style.
Read our full guide →SOMA Soho
BarSOMA Soho is a sophisticated cocktail bar located on Denman Street in the heart of London's West End.
Read our full guide →
How we pick these
Bars, pubs and nightlife in London ranked by how highly people rate them, drawn from the 442 places we track. Updated monthly.
Good to know
Most bars in London fill up later in the evening rather than right after work.
A few rooftop and cocktail spots have a smart-casual door policy.
Check the last metro or line up a ride before a late night out.
Common questions
Where is the nightlife in London?+
This list ranks the best-rated bars and nightlife spots in London so you can find the right area for the night you want.
What time do bars close in London?+
Closing times vary by venue and neighborhood; late-night spots are noted where we have hours.
Is London good for a night out?+
Yes — from relaxed pubs to late bars, the highest-rated options are all here.
Rather have a human do the planning? A Local Friend can build this day for you, at local prices.