The Most Instagrammable Nightlife Spots in London
London doesn’t sleep-and neither do its most photogenic nightlife spots. If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and wondered where people are sipping cocktails under glittering ceilings or dancing in neon-lit alleyways, you’re not alone. The city is packed with venues designed not just to serve drinks, but to be seen. These aren’t just places to hang out-they’re backdrops for your next viral post.
The Araki
Hidden behind an unmarked door in Mayfair, The Araki isn’t just a bar-it’s a sensory experience. This Michelin-starred sushi bar doubles as one of the most exclusive and visually striking spots in London. The lighting is soft, the wood finishes are warm, and every plate of fish is arranged like a minimalist art piece. Bring your camera. The contrast of raw salmon against black ceramic, lit by a single pendant lamp, makes for a shot that looks like a magazine spread. Don’t expect loud music or crowds. This is quiet luxury, perfect for a late-night indulgence that looks as good as it tastes.
Sky Garden
At 160 meters above ground, Sky Garden isn’t just a rooftop-it’s a 360-degree postcard of London. Open until midnight on weekdays and 1am on weekends, it’s free to enter (just book ahead), and the views stretch from the Tower Bridge to the Shard. The indoor botanical garden, complete with hanging vines and ambient lighting, turns into a dreamy lounge after dark. Order a gin and tonic, find a corner seat, and snap the city lights flickering below. Pro tip: Go on a clear night after sunset. The glass dome reflects the skyline, making your photo look like you’re floating above London.
The Ned
Once a bank, now a sprawling hotel with seven bars and lounges, The Ned in the City is a visual feast. Each space has its own vibe: the Moroccan-inspired lounge with mosaic tiles, the jazz club with velvet booths, the grand banking hall with gold-leaf ceilings. The real standout? The basement speakeasy, The Library. It’s dim, book-lined, and lit by vintage lamps. Order a classic Old Fashioned and let the shadows play across the leather-bound spines. The lighting here is low, intentional, and perfect for moody, cinematic shots. No flash needed-just natural warmth and a little patience.
Boisdale of Canary Wharf
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a 1920s jazz lounge with a modern twist, Boisdale delivers. Think polished mahogany, brass fixtures, and a live jazz band that plays every night. The cigar terrace is open until 1am, and the smoke swirls under soft Edison bulbs, creating a haze that turns every photo into a film still. The bartenders know how to pour a perfect whiskey, and the vintage microphones and vinyl records add texture to your shots. This isn’t a club-it’s a scene. And the lighting? Golden hour, all night long.
The Ivy Asia
Located in Covent Garden, The Ivy Asia is a glittering explosion of color and movement. The ceiling is covered in hundreds of hand-painted lanterns that glow in shades of red, gold, and jade. The walls are lined with silk panels, and the tables are set with ceramic dragons and chopsticks made of jade. It’s loud, it’s bold, and it’s exactly what Instagram wants. The signature dishes-like truffle dumplings and lobster bao-are plated like art. The real magic happens after 10pm, when the room fills with energy and the lanterns catch the light just right. Bring a friend to hold your phone, and get ready for likes.
El Pastor
Don’t let the name fool you-El Pastor isn’t just a taco spot. It’s a neon-lit fiesta that runs until 2am. Located in Soho, the space is painted in bright pink and turquoise, with papel picado banners hanging from the ceiling and a giant mural of a luchador on the wall. The bar glows under UV lights, and the margaritas come in colorful glassware that catches every flash. The food is delicious, but the vibe? Pure visual dopamine. Post your shot with a taco in one hand and a margarita in the other, and you’ve got a post that screams “London night out.”
The Box Soho
For something darker, weirder, and more theatrical, The Box Soho is unmatched. This cabaret club blends burlesque, circus, and immersive theater into one unforgettable experience. The decor is Victorian Gothic meets psychedelic dreamscape: velvet drapes, chandeliers made of antlers, and walls covered in mirrors that multiply the lights. Performers move through the crowd, sometimes inches from your lens. The lighting shifts constantly-deep reds, electric blues, strobing golds. It’s not just a place to drink. It’s a stage. And you’re part of the show. Bring a wide-angle lens. You’ll need it.
Darkroom
Not all Instagrammable spots are bright. Darkroom, tucked under a railway arch in Shoreditch, is a black-box cocktail bar where the only light comes from glowing ice cubes and LED-lit bottles. The menu is written in chalk on a black wall, and each drink is served in custom glassware that looks like it came from a sci-fi movie. The bartenders mix drinks with dry ice, creating fog that curls around your glass. One of their signature cocktails, the “Smoke & Mirrors,” arrives with a smoldering rosemary sprig and a cloud of vapor. It’s moody. It’s mysterious. And it’s the kind of shot that stops the scroll.
Wagamama’s Rooftop (Shoreditch)
Yes, you read that right-Wagamama. But not the one you know. Their Shoreditch location has a hidden rooftop bar called The Rooftop, open only in the evenings. It’s decked out with string lights, oversized cushions, and views of the East London skyline. The cocktails are cheap, the vibe is relaxed, and the crowd is young, artsy, and full of photographers. It’s the perfect place to end a night with a cold sake sour and a selfie against the twinkling lights of the city. No reservations needed. Just show up after 7pm.
How to Maximize Your Shots
Location matters, but lighting and timing matter more. Here’s how to get the best photos:
- Go after 9pm-most venues turn on their mood lighting then.
- Use natural light when you can. Avoid flash-it kills the atmosphere.
- Shoot in portrait mode. Most bars are narrow; vertical shots capture more detail.
- Wait for a lull in the crowd. A clean background makes your photo pop.
- Carry a portable phone light. A tiny LED can help balance shadows without ruining the vibe.
What to Wear
You don’t need to dress up-but you should dress with intention. Think: clean lines, bold colors, and textures that catch the light. A velvet jacket, a metallic skirt, or even a simple white top with gold jewelry can turn an ordinary night into a fashion moment. Avoid loud logos or patterns that clash with the venue’s aesthetic. The goal? Look like you belong, not like you’re trying too hard.
When to Go
Weeknights are quieter, with better lighting and fewer people blocking your shot. Fridays and Saturdays are livelier but crowded. For the best balance, aim for Thursday or Sunday. You’ll get the same energy, fewer distractions, and a better chance of getting that perfect frame.
What to Skip
Not every bar with neon lights is worth it. Avoid places that charge a cover just to take photos, or those that feel like they’re trying too hard to be “Instagrammable.” If the staff seems annoyed by people snapping pictures, move on. The best spots don’t need to beg for attention-they just shine.
Are these spots actually open late?
Yes. Most of these venues stay open until at least 1am, with some-like The Box Soho and El Pastor-running until 2am. Always check their website or Instagram page before heading out, as hours can change for holidays or private events.
Do I need to book ahead?
For Sky Garden, The Araki, and The Ned’s private lounges, yes-book at least a few days in advance. For places like El Pastor or Wagamama’s Rooftop, walk-ins are usually fine, but lines can form on weekends. If you want a good seat for photos, reserve a table.
Can I take photos inside all these places?
Most encourage it-some even have dedicated photo spots. But always be polite. Don’t block walkways, avoid using flash in intimate spaces like The Araki or Darkroom, and ask if you’re unsure. Some venues, especially private clubs, may restrict professional gear.
Is it expensive to drink at these places?
Prices vary. Sky Garden and Wagamama’s Rooftop are affordable, with cocktails under £12. The Araki and The Ned’s private bars can run £18-£25 per drink. But remember-you’re paying for the experience, not just the alcohol. A well-lit, beautiful setting is worth the splurge if you’re after great photos.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
Spring and autumn offer the clearest skies and most comfortable weather for rooftop spots. Winter nights in London are crisp and magical-especially when the city lights reflect off wet pavement. Summer is busy, but the long evenings give you more time to explore. Avoid major holidays like New Year’s Eve unless you’re prepared for crowds and long waits.