Top London Neighborhoods to Experience Thriving Nightlife
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With nearly 6,000 bars, clubs, and pubs spread out across London’s 32 boroughs, finding the perfect spot to party during your trip to the English capital can be a daunting task. But whether you’re exploring the hipster hangouts in Shoreditch, enjoying live music in Camden, or sipping cocktails in Soho, London has something for everyone when it comes to nightlife.
Each area of London has its own unique flair, adding to the city’s vibrant party scene. However, some boroughs stand out as prime spots to truly experience London’s nightlife:
Gone are the days when Shoreditch was considered off-limits for a night out. Now, this area of London’s East End teems with ravers, bohemians, indie kids, and rockers who flock from all over the city. With circus-themed bars, beachy Brazilian and New Orleans-inspired bars, and even a bar displaying original Banksy artwork, Shoreditch offers an eclectic mix of nightlife options.
Top bars in Shoreditch: Queen of Hoxton (1 Curtain Road), Village Underground (54 Holywell Lane), XOYO (32-37 Cowper Street), Nightjar (129 City Road).
If live music is your scene, Camden is the place to be. Known as the hub of London’s live music since the 1970s, Camden features a wide array of music venues. But there’s more to Camden’s nightlife than live music. You’ll find canal-side pubs, lively High Street bars, and even a pub crawl that guides you to the best party spots in the area.
Top spots in Camden: KOKO (1A Camden High Street), Belushi’s (48-50 Camden High Street), Brewdog Camden (113 Bayham Street), Jazz Cafe (5 Parkway).
Soho’s nightlife is nothing short of dazzling, with celebrities often spotted partying throughout the week. The district is also home to numerous quirky cocktail bars offering unique drinks like pea-infused gin at Mark’s Bar Soho and cocktails inspired by Chinese medicine at Bun House.
Best bars in Soho: Bar Soho (23-25 Old Compton Street), Experimental Cocktail Club (13a Gerrard Street), Blind Pig (58 Poland Street), Ain’t Nothin’ But Blues Bar (20 Kingly Street).
Angel and Islington offer a wide variety of nightlife options inspired by different corners of the world. From South American-inspired bars and Peruvian cocktails to Americana spots with classic rock ‘n’ roll playing from a 1950s jukebox, there’s something for every taste. These boroughs also feature cozy English pubs serving large pints and wine from aged oak barrels, as well as nightclubs where you can dance until dawn.
Top nightlife spots in Angel & Islington: The London Cocktail Club (108 Essex Road), 69 Colebrooke Row (69 Colebrooke Row), Barrio Angel (45 Essex Road), Ladybird Bar (70 Upper Street).