London has a massive amount of charm and romance. Whether you’re looking for a way to celebrate a special occasion, like an anniversary or even Valentines Day, there are many ways to spend a romantic evening in London.
No matter what have in mind, the city has a lot of things going on at all times. You could indulge in a Michelin-star dinner, tuck yourself into a lovely wine bar, go to the theater, or just go for a stroll along the Thames at night.
In this article, we will lay out 6 of our favorite romantic things to do in London that will create lasting memories and make the occasion as special as possible.
Planning your trip to London?
- Book a transfer from the airport to the city center with Welcome Pickups.
- Rent a car from London airport through Discover Cars.
Where to Stay in London See all hotel options
- Marriott County Hall ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor.
- Clermont London Charing Cross ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor.
Best Tours and Experiences in London
- Best of London, Including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard + Cream Tea or London Eye – Best of London’s landmarks on a comprehensive city tour.
- Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London – Experience a guided day trip from London to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath, where you can explore historic landmarks.
» If you’re looking for more help planning your trip, here’s our guide to traveling in England, our Essential Travel Guide to London, and How to Spend One Day in London.
#1 Indulge in a Michelin-Star Dinner
There are 71 Michelin-star restaurants in London, all with their own level of luxury and style of cuisine. Sitting down to a luxury meal in a restaurant that prides themselves on details is a great way to spend a romantic evening. You will be treated like VIPs from the start.
Our favorite Michelin experiences in London are Kitchen Table, Restaurant Gordon Ramsey, and Dinner by Heston Bluementhal.
Of course, these restaurants come with a high price tag. If you want to lower the budget, you’ll find a romatic atmosphere at Trullo, for exceptional pasta, 14 Hills with a fantastic view of the City of London, or Brasserie Zedel, a 1930s-inspired Parisian-style brasserie.
#2 Find a Lovely Wine Bar
Everyone has their definition of a romantic date, and for some, it doesn’t always have to be a candle-lit dinner in a fancy restaurant. What matters is the atmosphere and being close. A wine bar is perfect for that. You can snuggle up in a cozy bar or even an underground cellar.
London is brimming with wine and cocktail bars to choose from.
The west end of London is an affluent area where you’ll find some of our favorites. The bars in Mayfair are particularly fun, like The Connaught, which was vote Best Bar in the World for 2 years in a row.
My absolute favorite is Gordon’s Wine Bar, which combines a historic and romantic vibe – it’s truly one of the coolest bars in London. Passione Vino in Shoreditch has a very cozy feel. And Noble Rot, with many locations around the city, is a very romantic wine bar and restaurant.
For cocktails bars, pop into Swift in Soho, or Mr. Fogg’s Gin Parlour in Covent Garden. In Shoreditch, we love Cocktail Trading Company and The Gibson for creative and modern cocktails in a romantic setting.
#3 Go to the Theater
It’s no secret that London has some of the best theater productions in the world. You wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity to see a show on the West End. Going the theater has always been at the top of my favorite romantic things to do.
Grab an early dinner and head out to see Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, or something funny like The Book of Mormon or lighthearted like Mama Mia. There are so many choices.
You’ll get to see the show, but you’ll also get to check out the historic theaters of West End, many that have elaborate design and incredible historic detail. The Shakespeare Globe Theater is about as historic as you can get. Other historic theaters in the West End are Theatre Royal Drury Lane, The London Palladium, the Adelphi Theatre, and Her Majesty’s Theatre.
#4 Book An Experience On The London Eye
If you’ve been a tourist around London, you probably think of the London Eye just as a really packed tourist attraction. It certainly is that, but it has more than that to offer for those looking for a fun and romantic experience.
Did you know you can reserve a private pod on the Eye, for 2 to 25 guests? Yes, it’s an expensive date, but if you’re proposing or just want to share a really special, unique moment, I can’t imagine a better way.
You can also book the Champagne Experience, with includes fast track entry and a glass of Champagne to enjoy during your ride.
During the ride, you’ll get a panoramic view of the House of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Museum, Westminster Abbey, and the stunning stretches of Thames River.
#5 Go On A Romantic Stroll
London is effortless when it comes to pretty walks and picturesque landmarks. The South Bank, for instance, is where you’ll find landmarks such as the South Bank Centre, the London Eye, and the National Theatre. When lit up at night, it’s incredibly romantic.
Another great place for a romantic stroll is London’s Little Venice, in Maida Vale, along the canal. There’s plenty of Victorian architecture, floating markets, cute little cafes, and lots of sparkling water to admire.
Another tourist activity that doubles as a lovely walk is a visit to Kew Gardens, which is home to the “largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world”. Within the gardens, you can go on the Kew Gardens Walk, a 5.1 kilometer loop trail.
#6 Gourmet Double Decker Bus Tour
One of the romantic and fun dinners we’ve had in London was aboard the Bustronome, which is a double decker tour bus that serves a full gourmet lunch or dinner aboard as you tour around the main sights in London.
It’s a very unique experience that you can only have currently in London or Paris. The evening can include drinks with your meal, and you’ll be able to combine a great dinner with an interesting view of the city as it passes by your window.
Conclusion: A Night To Remember In London
There’s truly no shortage of romantic things to do when you’re in London. The city has so much to offer, from quaint restaurants to lively pubs, historical landmarks, and picture-perfect walks, you won’t have any idle time as you roam around. No matter what your idea of romance may be, London has it.
Be Prepared For Travel
Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:
🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home
- Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
- Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner)
- Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
- Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest?
FOLLOW US on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook for more great travel inspiration and tips.
Angela Morris loves traveling around the world and exploring fun new things to do and foods to eat. She lives in Oregon with her two kids.