The best places to go out in London

By South Western Railway September 1, 2023 5 min read

In this article, you'll learn the following:

Camden
Southbank
The West End

London’s buzzing nightlife scene has something for everyone, whether you’re celebrating with friends or want to enjoy after-work drinks with colleagues. Packed with bars, pubs and popular nightclubs, you’re well and truly spoilt for choice.

If you’re wondering where to go out in London, look no further than our guide. Plan your next memorable night out with our choice of the capital’s best nightlife, from Camden to the West End. All you need to do is pick your favourite location and get ready to dance the night away.

Camden

Camden Lock sign with people surrounding the streets in front of it

Located in London’s northern inner borough, Camden Town offers a lively night out. This area has a diverse, eclectic nightlife scene, with colourful cocktail bars, casual pub hangouts and grungy heavy metal clubs. The live music scene in Camden is unmatched, with DJ bars and indie music venues around every corner.

How to get there: Camden Town is a 12-minute tube journey from London Waterloo via the northbound Northern line.

The best bars and clubs in Camden

There’s plenty of choice when it comes to bars and clubs in Camden. Here are our top picks:

• Blues Kitchen
• Belushi’s
• Duo
• Zodiac
• The Electric Ballroom
• Powerplant
• Spread Eagle
• The Lock Tavern
• The World's End

Southbank

London Southbank: a view of St Pauls

Southbank’s Central London location makes it a popular destination for a night out. On the banks of the River Thames, you’ll find many waterside pubs, bars and restaurants, and even a couple of rooftop venues where you can enjoy drinks with a view. With trendy bars just a few steps from London Waterloo, you won’t have to travel far to be a part of the action.

How to get there: Southbank is a 5-10 minute walk from London Waterloo.

The best bars and clubs in Southbank

Southbank’s club and bar scene is the talk of the town. Here are some venues you won’t want to miss:

• Doggett's Coat and Badge
• Between the Bridges
• Draughts Waterloo
• BrewDog Waterloo
• The Understudy
• Sama Bankside

The West End

London's West End at night time

If you’re looking for places to go dancing in London, visit the West End. Vibrant and quirky, it has all the ingredients for an unforgettable night out. A theatre hotspot by day, the area comes alive at night with its buzzing hub of clubs and bars. The West End is split into multiple zones, including Soho, Mayfair, and Oxford Street. Here are some of the best places for a night on the tiles:

Soho

If you’re wondering where to party in London, look no further than Soho. Soho’s diverse nightlife attracts younger crowds with its funky cocktail bars, legendary music venues and LGBTQ+ scene. It’s known for being one of the wilder areas in London, so if you’re planning on clubbing until the sun comes up, Soho is the place to be. Soho’s nightclubs are among the best in the capital, but if it’s bars you prefer, there are plenty of those, too.

How to get there: Soho is a short walk and tube journey from London Waterloo. Catch the northbound Bakerloo line to Piccadilly Circus, then walk for 7 minutes to Soho.

The best bars and clubs in Soho

Soho’s extensive selection of bars and clubs includes:

• Opium
• Nightjar Carnaby
• Freedom
• Sophisticats
• Simmons Fitzrovia
• Dirty Bones Soho
• Thirst Soho
• The Piano Works West End

Covent Garden

Covent Garden offers an exciting nightlife, with a selection of the best bars in Central London. If you prefer pubs to clubs, Covent Garden is a must-visit spot. Many of the area’s pubs also have spacious beer gardens.

Don’t forget to visit one of the comedy clubs for guaranteed laughs. Heading on a date night? You’ll find a mix of charming and upmarket bars serving delicious cocktails, perfect for enjoying with your other half.

How to get there: Covent Garden is an 18-minute walk from London Waterloo. Alternatively, take the northbound Northern tube to Leicester Square, then walk for 4 minutes. You can typically catch entertaining street performances in Leicester Square on the way.

The best bars and clubs in Covent Garden

Ideal for dates and nights out with friends, here are the best bars and clubs in Covent Garden:

• Barrio Covent Garden
• Tequila Mockingbird Covent Garden
• Top Secret Comedy Club
• Stereo
• Zoo Bar
• Sway Holborn

Mayfair

If you’re wondering what to do in London on a Saturday night, Mayfair is your answer. One of London’s most affluent areas, Mayfair has everything you need for a fun-filled night out. Its chic bars and clubs are known for being exclusive, so make sure you dress to impress! With all its opulence and grandeur, Mayfair is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday or treat your other half to a fancy date night.

How to get there: From London Waterloo, catch the tube via the eastbound Jubilee line to Green Park, then walk for 10 minutes to reach Mayfair.

The best bars and clubs in Mayfair

Our top picks of the swanky bars and clubs in Mayfair include:

• German Kraft Mayfair
• The Loop Bar
• Cirque Le Soir
• Purl
• The Sanctuary House
• May Fair Bar
• Burlock

Oxford Street

Oxford Street is best known for being one of London’s most popular shopping spots, with over 100 shops and boutiques. But did you know it’s also a nightlife hotspot? The area is home to many pubs and bars; you just need to know where to look. So, what better way to end your shopping spree than with delicious cocktails and good music?

How to get there: Catch the northbound Bakerloo line to Oxford Circus from London Waterloo.

The best bars and clubs on Oxford Street

Some of the top bars and clubs on and near Oxford Street include:

• The Roxy
• Dirty Martini Hanover Square
• 28°-50° Oxford Circus
• All Bar One New Oxford Street

No matter where you’re headed, South Western Railway can help you reach your destination. Discover cheap train tickets to your party spot by going off-peak. Passengers with a Railcard could save even more, and those travelling in a group could benefit from GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard.