Pubs

• For a taste of London life, literally and figuratively, check out one of London's many public houses, commonly known as pubs. Many of London's best known pubs have been around for hundreds of years and are a basic ingredient in London's social scene. You can sample lagers, ales, bitters or stouts--just remember they are usually served by the pint (20 ounces) and typically not as cold as beer served in the United States. Be sure to sample the pub grub.
  
  

Culture Vultures

• Imagine the grandeur of the Royal Opera House. Now imagine you are enjoying a performance of La Traviata or Swan Lake. Imagine no longer because both the Royal Opera Company and the Royal Ballet Company perform at the Royal Opera house in Covent Garden. There are performances year round and tickets can be purchased either at the box office or from ticket brokers like Keith Prowse Ticketing (link in Resources section below) or Ticketmaster.
  
  

Music

• Being a world capital, there is no shortage of live music in London. Check your local papers for listings of concerts. For more intimate evenings, why not head to church? Some of London's most famous chapels hold concerts in the evenings for just a few dollars.
  
  St. Martin-in-the-Fields, near Trafalgar Square, holds evening concerts by candlelight on Thursdays through Saturdays.
  
  Alternatively, you could head over to St Paul's Cathedral or Westminster Cathedral for an evening organ recital or evensong, evening prayer services that are sung.
  
  

Cabarets

• Think of cabarets as a 21st century version of the old variety show. Bring together magicians, musicians, dancers, jugglers, throw in a little burlesque and add a touch of decadence for a night full of fun. Some of the more popular clubs include Volupte, The Pigalle, La Clique and the WamBam Club. Just remember, this is not for the kids.
  
  

Theater

• Do you like Shakespeare? How about musical theater? Comedies? Thrillers? Experimental theater? Look no further than London. It's not surprising that the country which brought the world William Shakespeare also has one of the most thriving theater communities in the world. You can select one of the musicals playing in the West End such as Les Miserables, Billy Elliott, Mamma Mia or Mary Poppins.
  
  During the summer months, you can catch a reenactment of one of Shakespeare's works at the historic open-air Globe Theater, located on the banks of the Thames.
  
  For more experimental works, or fringe theater, check out the weekly publications for reviews and ticket information.
  
  

Nightclubs

• If you are looking to hit the clubs for some music and dancing, London is a big club town. Just plan your day accordingly because most clubs don't usually get busy until 11:00 p.m. or later. Fickle club goers will determine what clubs are hot but some of the more popular are located in Kensington or the West End. Want to hang with the A-listers? Try Souk, Mahiki or Bungalow 8--just make sure you act like you are too cool to care.