Where to stay for London nightlife?

Question

For those looking to travel to London and enjoy the nightlife, where would be the best area to stay? Requirements are nearby bars, alcohol and 20-something crowd all preferably within walking distance.

Answer 1

Budget: yha.org.uk - I've stayed at (several times):

• St Paul's YHA in both dorms and single rooms. The nicest I think owing to the location (fairly good for East London (e.g. for Hoxton, Bricklane, Bow, Dalston), a (night) bus trip away). Cooked breakfast (was inclusive at the time)

• Thameside in dorms. OKish for getting to East London (Rotherhithe station nearby). From there a lovely walk along the Southbank in the morning taking in all the arts establishments, Tate, South Bank Centre.

The worst that can happen in dorms is someone snoring continuously. Which occured to me about 1 out of every 5 times I stayed. Not bad run really!

couchsurfers.com can connect you with Londoners who have (possibly free) accomodation

Further up the price scale but more private, hotels: laterooms.com - still good value in some cases. Again, I've used this service several times in West London, South Bank, Camden, Greenwich.

Finally, another good way to find out about the nightlife is to listen to London radio stations. For example on iPhone/iPod/iPad and Android phones there is the TuneIn radio app which lists stations by region, including London. Kiss, Choice FM and Rinse FM will suggest urban, electronica and dance venues and club venues. Other stations will suggest rock venues for example. These would be available via PC/Mac as well by visiting their respective websites. Jazz FM heavily promotes venues in London and across the UK.

As a guess it also might be worthwhile visiting during the week - perhaps for a more authentic London crowd who can make such venues where as visitors perhaps less likely to. But then locals like to go out at the weekend too I would think.

Consider the time of year visiting. For example in the summer, festivals such as Lovebox have after parties, as will Notting Hill Carnival - some advertised as flyers others verbally.

Answer 2

We all know that London is a city full of life and color so it is needless to say that the city has an amazing night life as well. The night life in London attracts people from all age groups starting from the young teenagers to the old all are fascinated by the night life of London.There are plenty of bars and nightclubs in London such as Corsica Studios , EGG , The Den and Centro, Fabric ,THE ISLAND, 333 and many more.I suggest you central London would be your best choice to stay and enjoy nightlife and hotel charge comparatively cheaper in central London.

Answer 3

Well it's LONDON, so nearby bars and alcohol is almost redundant - they're everwhere ;)

Until around 12 at least. Then the pubs close, and the nightlife and bars and clubs continue in certain areas.

The obvious is Central London. Plenty of hostels and hotels. Lots of bars and clubs open late especially around the touristy Leceister Square area, and Old Street area.

Expats often prefer Clapham Common, and to a lesser extent, Wimbledon - as the crowd is younger and it's far less touristy (and therefore cheaper). A lot of Kiwis, Aussies etc, but then London is basically pockets of expats anyway :)