London by Night: Viewing the Capital From its Highest Vantage Point, and a Visit to the Most Stylish Club

London is the city you should visit at least twice in one's life: once by day, and once by night. Especially at this time of year, when the capital of the UK is preparing for Christmas. I invite you to follow our journey through London by night and discover the stunning view from the tallest building in Europe - The Shard. And party at the most stylish club in town - The Roof Gardens - still offering drinks and a barbecue on the terrace.

Night Oxford street in London

We began our night journey from one of the most popular shopping streets in London - Oxford Street.

Busy streets of London

The street starts to wear its Christmas decorations and lights at the beginning of November. Every year shops try to surprise customers with their fantastic window displays and their outdoor illuminations: inventing new designs and symbols every year.

Christmas time in London

The Official light 'switch on' ceremony on the main 'Christmas Street' – Regent Street – took place on November 16 hosted by celebrity guests with thousands of people.

Night London - Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is one the brightest spots at night in London and is famous for its huge advertising screens.

Trafalgar square at night
Photo by Mark Orchard

Our next stop is Trafalgar square, especially loved by tourists for its famous lion' statues and fountains. It's a mysterious and splendid place.... especially at night when the illumination is on.

London eye timelapse

Just few minutes by taxi - and we are in the heart of the capital: by the Thames and The Houses of Parliament. We had enough time and decided to take a boat trip by the giant Ferris wheel - The London Eye was changing its illumination from pink to blue. When erected in 1999 – it was the tallest ferris wheel in the world (now the highest is in Las Vegas). But it’s still the highest in Europe at 135 m high.

For a very special occasion you can rent a private capsule, or take a special tour – a one hour champagne-tasting from the prestigious House of Pommery, where one of the best views of the city is included in the price.

London landmarks - The Shard

Our next stop is one of London's newest London landmarks - The Shard. The tallest building in Europe was open to the public just one year ago. There are a three different options to gain entry to the building and enjoy the amazing views. 

have a drink in the Aqua Shard

The first and the most expensive option is to book a room in the luxury Shangri-La Hotel. The second - to buy a ticket to the highest viewing point located on the 78th, 69th and 72nd floors. 

Visiting Aqua bar in Shard

We decided to go for the third option - simply to have a drink in the Aqua Shard bar on 31st floor. Here's a small tip: you'll need to book a table in the restaurant or for an afternoon tea. As for the bar - its free entrance - the earlier you come the better table you can get.

The Roof Gardens owned by Sir Richard Branson

And the last stop on our amazing night out in London was probably the best and one of the most stylish clubs in the city - The Roof Gardens in Kensington High Street. This has been owned by the British billionaire, Sir Richard Branson, since 1981.

This remarkable, and award-winning, place is located on the sixth floor rooftop of the former Derry and Tom's department store. Can you imagine that this garden was opened 76 years ago?! At that time it used to be a public place and the largest roof garden in the whole of Europe.

Visit Rood Garden in London

The Gardens have a rich history. They were planted between 1936 and 1938. Visitors were charged 1 shilling to enter. All the money raised was donated to the local hospitals; and £120,000 was raised over the next 30 years. Lately, the gardens were used as a set for the BBC music video of Roy Orbison singing his number one single, Pretty Woman, in 1964.

Roof Garden in London

Today the place is really popular amongst the locals; and loved by celebrities. Live music and famous DJs attract clubbers from London and farther afield. The facilities also include the Babylon Restaurant.

Eating at the terace in a Roof Garden bar

If you are hungry you can have a fresh sandwich just here on the terrace.

crystal chandeliers in a Roof Garden

There are three themed gardens: the Spanish Yard, the Tudor Courtyard and the English Woodland Garden. Beautiful exotic gardens, little fountains, several bars, crystal chandeliers and... ducks with flamingos! 

best nightlife experience in London

The place offers great atmosphere and is so different from anything you have seen before. The Roof Gardens is one of London's very best nightlife experiences and a unique place really worth a visit.

Another small tip: make sure you are on the club’s guest list by registering at the website in advance.

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Written by

I still remember my first trip. It was to London. I fell in love with this city the moment I saw it. Just - "click", and my heartbeat quickened. I was chosen by it. Red and funny double-decker buses, serious black cabs, the gorgeous Buckingham palace... That's it! I am your admirer forever! From that moment I have visited many places and have been to many countries. Traveling became my passion. My long lasting love, which I hope will never end.

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