London is one of the entertainment capitals of the world. However, there’s no single district to go that will cover all of your needs. That’s why people going to London can get quite overwhelmed when trying to figure out where best to go.

You could be listening to jazz in Soho before going for food at midnight in Chinatown, and playing at one of the iconic casinos after all in the same night. There’s a popular sequence of a great London night out that can be a good guide for anyone who’s in the city.

Starting With Theatre

The West End is still the go-to place for theatres, with about 40 different options to visit in the streets between Soho, the Strand, and Covent Garden. Performances in the evening usually begin at around 7:30pm, with the majority of shows taking between two and three hours including an interval.

Some long runners have stood the test of time. The Mousetrap has been playing at St Martin’s Theatre for decades and is an enjoyable 90 minutes of Agatha Christie-created mischief.

Other shows with a special place in the hearts of theatregoers include The Lion King, Wicked, Les Misérables, Matilda, and Mamma Mia! They might all individually be showing at a particular time, but they do rotate throughout the year.

Some of the newer arrivals have attracted new audiences, including Elton John’s The Devil Wears Prada and the stage version of The Hunger Games.

West End tickets will usually be cheaper midweek and you can save significant money by booking early, as several theatres have seats cheaper than £25 for anyone who’s quick off the mark. If you’re looking to go to the show the same day, then the TKTS ticket booth in Leicester Square sells discounts day seats in person, with some great deals available.

The Music Doesn't Stop

London’s live music scene is one of the best in Europe, and you’ll find something for every taste.

The Royal Albert Hall, the O2, and the vivid where the London Symphony Orchestra plays are the top-tier venues.

Another standout is the ABBA Voyage, which is a purpose-built arena in east London where digital avatars of the band perform a full concert. While this is strange for traditionalists, its popularity means it’s a must-see for ABBA fans especially.

Then in the middle tier are venues like Village Underground in Shoreditch, the Roundhouse in Camden, KOKO, Electric Ballroom, and the Jazz Café. Then there are countless small rooms like Ronnie Scott’s on Frith Street that’s been around since 1959 and has two sets every night. The Windmill in Brixton has an ugly carpet, but it has been the venue for many instantly recognisable bands who’ve gone on to great things.

Anyone looking for more of a laugh can try the Comedy Store, which is in close proximity to Piccadilly Circus and late shows take place on Fridays and Saturdays.

In Between Acts

Grabbing a drink during the interval of a London show can be a rip-off. The prices are hiked up, so you're often better off waiting until after the show to enjoy a tipple.

If you are going to get a drink at the interval, it’s advisable to order a drink before the show and it will then be waiting for you on a shelf with your name. That at least means you miss the rush of lining up during the break.

Finding a nice place to eat is usually not a hard problem in London. The difficulty is narrowing down all of the great options. Chinatown, which is situated between Leicester Square and Shaftesbury Avenue, is one of the best places for late-night food. You’ll find roasted duck and dim sum at hours when most of the rest of the city is asleep.

Soho does the same, but with small plates on Dean Street and natural wine on Frith Street. Keep in mind that most London pubs will stop serving at 11pm, except for the late licenses in areas like Soho, Shoreditch, and Dalston.

Late Night Tables

While the casino online is still the main way that Londoners enjoy their favourite slots and table games, a night out will involve going to one of the city’s iconic land-based venues. Most of these establishments are open 24/7 and don’t require you to sign up as a member. You'll have access to slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker at most of the standout venues.

Then there are the more intimate members’ clubs found in Mayfair, such as on Park Lane and Curzon Street. These venues have discreet doors with little to no signage. They run on annual subscriptions and often on introductions. These are a throwback to the old school days of underground casinos, while still being fully above board.

It can feel like walking into a Guy Ritchie movie, with some of the characters that you’ll come across in these establishments.

Getting Home

One of the most important things to think about when going on a night out in London is how you will get home. This is something to consider ahead of time, as you can quickly find yourself on the opposite side of the city from your accommodation.

The Tube stops running most nights at around half past midnight, which will often catch out visitors. There’s a 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays with the Night Tube. This service applies to the Victoria, Jubilee, Central, Northern, and Piccadilly lines, which covers areas like most of the West End, Camden, Brixton, Old Street.

Night buses also run every night on most major routes. Black cabs can be quite expensive if you rock up. Most people will prefer using app-based services like Uber instead.

London rewards people who book one thing and let the rest of the evening form spontaneously. After having a theatre ticket ready to go, the rest of the night is yours to fill between live music, drinks, comedy, and a few spins of the roulette wheel. No two nights out in London will feel the same, due to the sheer number of places to visit and the characters that you meet along the way.