Five buzzing places to hang out in LondonBy Angelica Malin

If you’re planning a trip to London in the coming weeks or months, you must put together a list of things to see and do before arriving in the capital. While you will almost certainly want to see the main sites, you also need to allocate some time for chilling out while enjoying the natural pace of the city.

So, with that in mind, here are five buzzing venues you can’t afford to miss out on when you visit London this year.

Corsica Nightclub

Located in Elephant & Castle, Corsica is one of London’s hottest nightclubs. Featuring a stripped-back interior, the Corsica hosts an ever-changing line-up of talented musicians who rock this venue late into the night. The live music venue is nestled between two railway arches, and it is one of the most iconic music venues in the city.

In 2019, the Corsica was given the ‘Best of British 2019’ award by DJ Mag, in recognition of the venue’s platform for the most exciting up-and-coming acts. While once regarded as an underground gem, the Corsica has become a mainstream musical venue and one that is loved by Londoners and visitors alike.

Empire Casino

At the heart of Leicester Square, Empire Casino is one of London’s hottest venues. The casino is a cool place for drinks and food, plus you play the usual games, including cards if you are acquainted with the poker rules. The casino is open 24/7, allowing you ample time to play classic table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, as well as a whole host of exciting slot games.

So, whether you spend some time in the Empire after a trip to the theatre or round off a night out with some late-night gambling, it’s the perfect place to hang out and hopefully make a tidy profit with your friends.

Shard Rooftop

There’s something truly magical about enjoying a glass of bubbly at the top of London, and the bar at the Shard is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic night out. You can watch life unfold on the city’s streets from its highest vantage point, choosing from a menu of carefully crafted cocktails and delicious wines and beers from around the world.

You can also make dinner reservations and even check into the Shard’s five-star hotel if you wish, elongating your experience at the top of London. But if you’re hoping to have a memorable drink with some of your friends, be sure to book a table to avoid missing out at this ever-popular London venue.

Hyde Park

Situated in the city of Westminster, Hyde Park is London’s lungs and an awesome place to enjoy the stunning gardens of the city’s royal parks. The park was established by Henry VIII in 1536 and has since become synonymous with the British royal family. A popular point within the park is Speakers’ Corner, where the Reform League and Suffragettes have both held rallies throughout history.

Hyde Park also hosts high-profile musical events every year, and the likes of Queen, The Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd have all packed out audiences in the park over the years. So, whether you head for a picnic in the park or attend an event, Hyde Park is undoubtedly one of London’s hottest hangouts for locals and tourists alike.

Shoreditch

Shoreditch is an area in the London Borough of Hackney that has developed an excellent reputation in recent times for being the hub of independent food and eateries in London. It’s also an arty area where creative young Londoners hang out and update their Instagram feeds.

You will find everything in Shoreditch, from artisan coffee roasters to oriental noodle bars, and it’s the perfect place to pass the time as you kill some time in London. Be sure to read up on Shoreditch’s best eateries before visiting, so you can choose the perfect place to enjoy some of the capital’s most delicious and affordably priced street food.

The bottom line

London is a city filled with unique venues that offer something for everyone. The five hotspots introduced above are the perfect places to be seen in England’s buzzing capital and provide you with the perfect chance to get some dreamy snaps for Instagram.

So, check these destinations off your bucket list this year as you hang out in some of London’s most iconic venues.