Forget the same old pub crawl. If you’re planning a girls night out in London, you want something that feels special - not just another round of cocktails in a noisy club. You want laughter that echoes off brick walls, views that take your breath away, and a night where every moment sticks in your memory. London’s got more than enough options to make that happen, if you know where to look.
Start with a Rooftop Drink - But Skip the Crowds
Most people head to the famous Sky Garden or the Oxo Tower. They’re beautiful, sure. But on a Friday night? You’ll be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists and corporate groups. Instead, try The Ned’s Sky Room on the 7th floor. It’s part of a historic banking hall turned luxury hotel, and the vibe is sleek but relaxed. No velvet ropes, no cover charge just to get in. Order a gin and tonic with a twist of pink grapefruit, sit by the window, and watch the city lights flicker on. The music? Low-key jazz. The crowd? Real people having real fun.Find a Bar That Feels Like Your Friend’s Living Room
London’s hidden gem scene is alive and well. Head to Bar Termini in Soho. It’s tiny, it’s loud, and it’s packed with locals who’ve been coming here for years. The bartenders know your name by the second round. They serve classic Italian aperitifs - think Aperol Spritzes with a splash of Prosecco - and the snacks? Crispy arancini, salty olives, and fresh bread with truffle butter. No menus. Just what’s good that night. It’s the kind of place where you’ll end up talking to strangers who become friends by midnight.Turn Dinner Into an Experience - Not Just a Meal
Dinner shouldn’t be an afterthought. Try St. John in Smithfield. It’s not fancy in the traditional sense - no chandeliers, no white tablecloths - but the food? Unforgettable. Think roasted bone marrow with parsley salad, or slow-cooked lamb with rosemary and garlic. The portions are generous, the wine list is thoughtful, and the staff treats you like family. It’s the kind of place where you’ll leave full, happy, and already planning your next visit.End the Night With a Late-Night Dance - No Cover, No Pressure
If you’re still buzzing after dinner, skip the big clubs. Go to The Jazz Café in Camden. On Thursday nights, they host “Soulful Sundays” - yes, it’s on a Thursday - where DJs spin rare funk, disco, and soul from the 70s and 80s. No DJs in suits. No bottle service. Just good music, a small dance floor, and zero judgment. You don’t need to know how to dance. You just need to move. And by 1 a.m., you’ll be singing along with strangers who feel like sisters.
Try Something Unexpected - Like a Silent Disco in a Bookstore
For the group that wants to do something totally different, book a slot at Book & Bed London in Shoreditch. Every Friday, they turn their cozy reading nooks into a silent disco. You put on headphones, pick your playlist - pop, indie, or 90s throwbacks - and dance among shelves of books. No one’s watching. No one’s judging. Just you, your friends, and a room full of quiet joy. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. And you won’t find it anywhere else.Don’t Forget the Little Things That Make It Perfect
The best nights aren’t about the most expensive venue. They’re about the details. Bring a small gift - a bottle of sparkling water with edible flowers, or a pack of custom stickers with inside jokes. Wear something that makes you feel confident, not just trendy. Leave your phone in your bag for at least an hour. Say yes to the spontaneous detour. Laugh louder than you think you should.What to Avoid When Planning Your Night
Don’t book a table at a place that requires a 2-hour wait. Don’t let one person pick everything. Don’t assume everyone wants to go clubbing. And please, don’t fall for the “girls night out” packages that cost £150 and include a free shot and a photo op with a cardboard cutout. Instead, plan ahead but stay flexible. Text your group a few options the day before. Vote on the top two. Let someone else pick the first spot. That’s how you avoid drama and keep the energy light.
Where to Go Based on Your Vibe
- Chill & Cozy? Try Bar Zaza in Notting Hill - candlelit, velvet booths, and cocktails named after poets.
- Want to Dance? Head to Canvas in Peckham - indie music, no dress code, and a crowd that’s all about the beat.
- Love Art? Book a late viewing at Tate Modern on Friday nights. Free entry, live music, and drinks on the terrace.
- Feel Like Glamour? Try The Goring for afternoon tea with champagne - yes, at night. It’s the only place in London where you can sip from bone china while dressed in heels and a little black dress.
Final Tip: Make It a Tradition
The best nights out aren’t one-offs. They’re rituals. Pick a monthly date - say, the last Friday of every month - and make it yours. Rotate who picks the spot. Keep a little notebook where you write down what you loved, what you hated, and what you want to try next time. Over time, you’ll build a collection of memories that no app or Instagram post can ever capture.What’s the best time to start a girls night out in London?
Start between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. That gives you time for dinner, drinks, and still leaves room for late-night dancing. Most places get crowded after 9 p.m., so arriving early means better seats, shorter lines, and more relaxed vibes.
Is it safe to go out in London at night?
Yes, especially in areas like Soho, Shoreditch, Camden, and South Bank. Stick to well-lit streets, use licensed taxis or Uber, and travel in groups. Avoid walking alone through empty parks or side alleys after midnight. Most venues have security, and locals are generally helpful if you look lost.
How much should we budget for a girls night out in London?
A solid night out - dinner, two drinks, and a late-night spot - costs around £60 to £90 per person. Skip the fancy cocktails and stick to house wine or gin and tonics to save money. Many places offer happy hours until 8 p.m., so plan your drinks around those times.
Do I need to book ahead for a girls night out?
For dinner spots like St. John or The Ned, yes - book at least 3 days ahead. For bars like Bar Termini or The Jazz Café, walk-ins are fine, but arrive before 8 p.m. to avoid waiting. Silent discos and special events always require tickets, so check their websites in advance.
What if someone in the group doesn’t drink?
No problem. London has amazing non-alcoholic options. Try Zero Proof in Soho for craft mocktails, or ask for a gin-less G&T with seedlip and tonic. Many bars now have dedicated NA menus. And if you’re at a place without one, just ask the bartender - they’ll make you something delicious.
