Whether it's your first, second, third or fourth time visiting London, there's no shortage of things to do for tourists, that's for sure. From eclectic walking tours and trips on the London Eye to rowdy bar crawls and historic talking points, we're here to help you weave your way through the very best that London has to offer. Check out our recommendations for the best of London nightlife for tourists and get familiar with this oh-so-cosmopolitan city.
Last edited by Marcus Sanigar
Last updated on 6th February 2026
From Jack The Ripper walking tours to ghouls, ghosts, cheese and even Harry Potter, there's plenty of cool themes to help you uncover the sights of London over at See Your City. Nab an affordable ticket now to find out what all the fuss is about.
No trip to London would be complete without one of the best cocktail bars in the city. Voted number one bar in the world on numerous occasions, join Nightjar not only for some of the best in live music, they're churning out creative cocktails in a unique, basement enviroment.
If you want to visit all of London's biggest landmarks in a whole new way, then check out Unique Tours. These are created by knowledgeable experts and guides, who will add plenty of flair as you explore the city on foot - stopping off at palaces and royal sites.
They offer two different tours that focus on the royals, one of which features the Changing of the Guards, while the other takes you around multiple different palaces. These are suitable for adults and children alike, and the luxurious Great Scotland Yard Hotel provides either a Sunday roast or a picnic to end the experience.
What better way to see the capital in all its glory than from above? Head over to Sky Garden for panoramic views of the city, as well as a whole host of epic events. Whether you fancy a gin tasting, live music session or cute breakfast at sunrise, this is the place of London tourist dreams.
@ The Egerton House Hotel on Fri, 2nd Jan 2026 - Mon, 30th Nov 2026
A traditional British afternoon tea is a must for any visitor to London, and this is one of the greatest around. The Egerton House Hotel can be found in Knightsbridge, serving The Best of British Afternoon Tea on a daily basis.
This is full of classic flavours, featuring finger sandwiches filled with cheddar cheese, smoked salmon and more, followed by scones and sweet treats like English trifle and lemon drizzle cake. They also offer vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free versions of the feast, with an optional addition of Champagne too.
If there's one fun thing to do in London before you leave on further travels, it's silent disco. And not just any silent disco, this is a silent disco on a boat. Join this late night party for a fun filled romp across the Thames alongside a killer playlist.
A no brainer for a good night out in London, Clays is a top spot for those who fancy a taste of what the city has to offer. Head over to play interactive clay pigeon shooting games, eat all kinds of tasty food and sip on cocktails.
Sightseeing just got a lot more suave. With City Cruises, you can take in the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Tower of London while tasting your way through canapes or tucking into afternoon tea.
Whether it's your first time in the city or you're looking to blow the socks off some out-of-towners, take to the Thames and make it a day to remember.
If you're after a little British culture, head to The Churchill Arms in Notting Hill. This traditional boozer has a boatload of inspired memorabilia and vintage features, alongside a tasty Thai-themed menu to dig into. Think noodles, fiery curries and spring rolls. Yum.
A fan of Sherlock Holmes? Well, this pub is elementary. You'll find The Volunteer on Baker Street, just a few doors down from the famous home address of the popular sleuth. Better yet, budding ghost hunters will want to keep an eye out at this haunted establishment.
If you're looking for tourist things to do, then London Bridge's rooftop is a brilliant shout. Enjoy chowing down gourmet burgers while tipping back drinks and taking in stunning views of the city.
Looking for a truly unique way to dine and see the city at the same time? This unique bus ride around London pairs fine dining with iconic landmarks as you feast on expertly-created dishes with a fine wine pairing, under a glass-topped roof giving you panoramic views.
After you've checked out many of London's greatest sights? Then it's time to head over to Sticky Mango Tower Bridge for views of another landmark while you dine. Think Pan-Asian food ranging from crab dumplings to ox cheek Panang curry.
Is there a better way of exploring a new town or destination than a treasure hunt? Grab your friends, or go solo and enjoy a wild adventure led by exciting technology on your phone, in Piccadilly, Kingston or beyond. You're sure to find out some fascinating historical facts too.
Head up to VU at The Tower to see the London sights all from one spot. High above the city, you'll get epic views of Tower Bridge, the Thames and plenty more of the capital's legendary skyline.
Treat yourself while you're up here with a sky-high afternoon tea. You'll get freshly baked scones, delicious pastries, fancy finger sandwiches and a choice of speciality teas and coffees for just £35 per person.
Whether you're still navigating the city or a seasoned Londoner, this scavenger hunt will take you on a tour of London like you've never seen before. From miscellaneous tasks to whacky challenged and quirky activities, this is one for any group.
It's not just the views of Tower of London, the Thames and The Shard that should have you flocking to cloudM, but the cocktail list is a quintessential taste of our capital's best bits. Think drinks themed around Wimbledon, Chelsea Flower Show and more.
With over 50 years of experience under their belts, these are the OG boat party crew. Hope aboard and set sail on the Thames as you dance the night away, with flowing drinks and non-stop party hits throughout the four-hour adventure.
If you're a tourist in London, there's no excuse for missing a dose of cabaret while you're here. Brought to you my the London Cabaret Club, join these fun time folk for a luxury evening of dining alongside some of the best performers in the industry.
Are you a tourist in London looking to get to know the city's best beer? Join Ale Hunters as they explore pubs, craft breweries and taprooms while teaching you all you need to know about the creation process, with plenty of tasting opportunities (of course).
@ The Bull & Egret on Various dates from Friday 6th February 2026
If you're a tourist in this marvellous city, be sure to upgrade your plans with an evening of laughter at The Covent Garden Comedy Club. This event will be running every Friday or Saturday, and promises an evening of stand-up jokes.
Don't waste your time spent in the city on average bars and boring views, try one of the best rooftop bars in London instead: Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant. From the sweeping skyline down to the gastro dining and luxurious cocktails, this is not to be missed by tourists on a visit to the city.
Ready to explore London in style? Grab a ticket starting at £17 and enjoy London Tours like never before. With themed rides ranging from spooky ghost tours to festive light displays, there's a tour to suit every vibe.
Plus, you'll be cruising around on a vintage 1960s Routemaster bus, the perfect retro ride for a day of discovery in the capital.
What do you get when you combine an escape room with a scavenger hunt and a mystery? StreetHunt Games of course. You'll be exploring the streets of London and cracking clues on this self-guided outdoor activity.
Looking for a night out during your visit to London that promises fun, food and drinks combined? Blending pizza and cocktails with state of the art dart boards, not only does it look great on Instagram, Flight Club are one of the best nights out in the city.
To get the full London experience, you'll want to enjoy The Rubens at The Palace Hotel's Royal Afternoon Tea.
After visiting Buckingham Palace or strolling through Victoria, guests can settle into the Palace Lounge or English Grill for a Royal Afternoon Tea for some classic British flavours (think mini sandwiches and fluffy scones) and five-star service. From bottomless Champagne upgrades to vegan and halal menus, it's a flexible, indulgent experience.
If it's history you're looking for, make your way to Westminster Abbey. One of London's most legendary landmarks, its fan‑vaulted Henry VII Lady Chapel, medieval Cosmati pavement and centuries of monuments put the past right before your eyes.
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret's Church”, it's just as famous for its architecture as for its role at the heart of the country's church and state. Since 1066, almost every English and British monarch has been crowned right here beneath the Coronation Chair.
Planning to pack a lot into your day out in the city? Get on over to the British Museum to walk through over two million years of human history, all under one roof. In just a few hours, you can explore the art and culture of Africa, the iconic sculptures of Ancient Greece and the artefacts that unlock the mysteries of tutankhamun and co.
The best part is, a trip here has no impact whatsoever on your sightseeing budget. Entry to the British Museum is completely free seven days a week.
Discover the magic beneath the waves at SEA LIFE London Aquarium, a must-visit attraction on the South Bank near the London Eye. Journey through 14 themed zones across three floors, featuring over 6,000 marine creatures - from playful penguins to impressive sharks and rays.
Wander through the Ocean Tunnel to see giant turtles and sharks swimming overhead or marvel at the UK's largest living coral reef display. With interactive exhibits and seasonal events, it's a fascinating experience for anyone curious about the ocean's wonders.
With a history dating back over 1,000 years, Borough Market has long been a top spot for visiting tourists. Its stalls pack in everything, from seasonal fruit and veg to cured meats, fresh bread and artisanal cheese.
The street food is off the charts too. You can tuck into everything here, from Asian, Middle Eastern and Mexican to Italian, Greek and Venezuelan.
If you're a fan of the legendary detective, The Sherlock Holmes Pub in Westminster is an absolute must. Just steps from Charing Cross, this Victorian-style pub is packed with character and charm.
Upstairs, you'll find a full-scale recreation of Holmes and Watson's study, complete with memorabilia from the 1951 Festival of Britain, including Holmes' violin, pipe, and even the stuffed head of the Hound of the Baskervilles. Downstairs, enjoy hearty British classics and themed ales, all in an atmosphere that perfectly blends history, mystery, and fun.
For a tour of top tier art, take a trip to the Tate Britain. Right on the riverside, it packs in works from many of the greats - Turner, Hockney, Hepworth and Bacon to name just a few.
Make your way through the pre‑Raphaelite rooms for in-depth looks at Blake and Constable, as well as the stunning Clore Gallery. Entry to the main collection is free, with some other exhibitions requiring a ticket.
