When you’re planning a girls night out in London, it’s not just about drinking cocktails or taking selfies. It’s about reclaiming the night - no schedules, no responsibilities, just good company and great energy. And with over 200 bars, 50 live music venues, and a dozen rooftop terraces that open after dark, London doesn’t just offer options. It offers experiences.

Start with the Right Vibe

Not every girls night needs to be loud. Some nights call for candlelit cocktails at a hidden speakeasy. Others demand dancing until 3 a.m. in a basement club with a killer DJ. The key is matching the vibe to your crew.

For a relaxed, classy night, head to The Connaught Bar in Mayfair. It’s quiet, elegant, and the mixologists know how to craft a drink that feels like a gift. Try the White Lady - gin, Cointreau, and a whisper of lemon. It’s the kind of cocktail that makes you slow down and savor the moment.

For energy and laughter, go to The Box Soho. It’s not a typical bar. It’s cabaret meets burlesque meets party. Think feather boas, live performers, and a crowd that’s there to have fun - not to be seen. No dress code, just good vibes. Bring your loudest friend. She’ll thank you later.

And if you want something in between? The Ivy Asia in Covent Garden. Bright lights, big flavors, and dim sum that’ll make you forget you’re still on a Saturday night. Their lychee martini? Pure magic.

Where to Eat Before You Drink

A girls night isn’t complete without food that’s as memorable as the drinks. Skip the overpriced pub grub. London has better options.

Padella in Borough Market is a must. Long lines? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Their tagliatelle al ragù is rich, slow-cooked, and served with a side of Italian charm. Bring your whole group - it’s a table-for-eight kind of place. Book ahead, or you’ll be waiting with a glass of Prosecco and zero patience.

For something lighter, try The Palomar in Soho. It’s a modern Israeli spot with small plates that keep coming - crispy cauliflower, hummus so smooth it feels illegal, and flatbreads you’ll want to lick off the plate. The wine list is short but perfect. Ask for the Château Musar - it’s bold, unusual, and pairs with everything.

And if you’re craving something sweet? Hummingbird Bakery in Notting Hill. Their red velvet cupcake is legendary. Order one for each person. Eat them slowly. Savor the sugar rush. This isn’t dessert. It’s a ritual.

Hidden Gems Only Locals Know

London’s best nights aren’t always on Instagram. Some of the most unforgettable girls nights happen in places you won’t find in a tourist guide.

El Vino in Soho is a tiny, no-frills wine bar that’s been around since 1962. No menu. Just a chalkboard with 12 wines by the glass. The staff will ask what you like - fruity? earthy? bold? - and pick three for you. You’ll leave with new favorites and a new group of friends.

Bar Termini in Covent Garden is a tiny Italian bar that turns into a late-night hangout after 10 p.m. They serve espresso martinis with a side of gossip. The bar is so small, you’ll be shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers who become allies by the third round. It’s loud. It’s chaotic. It’s exactly what you need.

And then there’s Secret Garden - a hidden rooftop bar tucked behind a bookshop in Bloomsbury. You need to text a number to get the address. Once you’re up there, you’re surrounded by fairy lights, velvet sofas, and the glow of the city below. It’s quiet. It’s romantic. It’s the kind of place where you’ll remember this night for years.

How to Make It Memorable (Without Breaking the Bank)

You don’t need to spend £100 a person to have a killer night. Here’s how to stretch your budget without sacrificing fun:

• Start with pre-drinks at home. Bring your own bottle of Prosecco or a bottle of gin and mix your own cocktails. Save £15 per person.
• Go for happy hour. Most bars in London offer 2-for-1 deals between 5-7 p.m. Pick a spot with good food and drink deals - The Blind Pig in Shoreditch does this right.
• Use apps like Time Out or Secret Drinks. They list last-minute deals on cocktails, tickets to live shows, and even free entry to clubs.
• Walk. London is walkable. Skip Ubers. Walk from Soho to Covent Garden. You’ll burn calories, see street performers, and stumble on hidden alleys with murals you didn’t know existed.

What to Wear (And What Not To)

London’s dress code is flexible. But there’s a difference between looking put-together and trying too hard.

Wear something that makes you feel confident. A little black dress? Perfect. High-waisted jeans and a silk top? Even better. A pair of comfy heels you can dance in? Essential.

Avoid the following:

• High heels that aren’t broken in. You’ll be walking 5 miles. Trust me.
• Over-accessorizing. One statement piece - a bold necklace or earrings - is enough.
• Matching outfits. Unless you’re doing a themed night, it looks forced. Let each person shine.

And here’s a pro tip: Bring a small clutch with just the essentials - lipstick, breath mints, a credit card, and your phone. Leave the wallet at home. Less weight, more freedom.

Plan the Perfect Playlist

Music sets the tone. Before the night, create a shared Spotify playlist. Add songs that make you feel powerful, silly, or nostalgic.

Try these tracks:

• Run the World (Girls) - Beyoncé
• Wannabe - Spice Girls
• Levitating - Dua Lipa
• Girls Like You - Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B
• Don’t Start Now - Dua Lipa

Throw in a few throwbacks - Britney, Destiny’s Child, TLC. The moment someone hits the chorus of Survivor, the whole bar will be singing along. That’s the magic.

What to Do After the Bars Close

London doesn’t shut down at midnight. If you’re still buzzing, here’s what to do next:

• Head to 24-hour Diner in Camden. It’s open 24/7. Pancakes, bacon, and coffee at 3 a.m. with your best friends? Perfect.
• Take a late-night walk along the Thames. The lights on Tower Bridge are beautiful after dark. Bring a coat. It’s colder than you think.
• Watch the sunrise from Primrose Hill. Bring a thermos of tea. Sit quietly. Talk about everything - and nothing.

What Not to Do

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Don’t split the bill 50/50. If someone ordered three cocktails and you had water, pay what you spent. Use Splitwise or Venmo - it’s fairer.
• Don’t show up late. If you said 8 p.m., be there at 8. Londoners respect punctuality.
• Don’t leave someone behind. If someone’s had too much to drink, make sure they get home safely. Always.

Final Tip: Make It a Tradition

The best girls nights aren’t one-offs. They’re rituals. Pick a monthly date - the last Friday of every month. Rotate locations. Let someone else plan. Keep a notebook. Write down what you loved, what you hated, and what you want to try next time.

One night, you’ll look back and realize: these are the moments that kept you sane. The laughter. The inside jokes. The spontaneous dance in the middle of a crowded bar. That’s what lasts.