London has one of the deepest and most diverse live music scenes in the world. From 50-capacity basement bars to 20,000-seat arenas, there is a venue for every genre, budget, and mood. This guide covers some of the best venues across the city, with practical information to help you plan your night out.
Intimate and independent venues (under 500 capacity)
The heart of London's music scene beats in its smaller rooms. These are the venues where you stand close enough to see the sweat on the performer's forehead, where the sound hits you in the chest, and where you discover artists before anyone else has heard of them.
- The Windmill, Brixton -- A legendary 150-cap room that has launched dozens of careers. Loud, sweaty, and brilliant. Genre-spanning bookings from punk to experimental.
- The Lexington, Angel -- An upstairs room above a pub with a surprisingly good sound system. Around 200 capacity. Strong indie and Americana bookings.
- Servant Jazz Quarters, Dalston -- A cosy basement venue with eclectic programming spanning jazz, electronic, folk, and everything in between. About 80 capacity.
- The George Tavern, Shadwell -- A historic East London pub with a back room that hosts live music, poetry, and cabaret. Fiercely independent and full of character.
- Moth Club, Hackney -- A converted social club with retro decor and a 250-cap room. Excellent bookings and a great atmosphere.
- The Half Moon, Putney -- A South London institution that has hosted everyone from The Rolling Stones to U2 in their early days. About 350 capacity with a warm, pub-gig feel.
Mid-size venues (500-3,000 capacity)
Mid-size venues are where breaking artists play their biggest London shows and where established acts do intimate, special performances. The sound and production quality steps up significantly from pub back rooms.
- Electric Brixton -- A gorgeous converted cinema with around 1,500 capacity. Known for excellent sound across genres from electronic to hip hop to indie.
- Village Underground, Shoreditch -- A converted warehouse with a 700-cap standing room. Strong electronic and alternative bookings. The arched brick interior has a unique atmosphere.
- KOKO, Camden -- Reopened after a major renovation. A stunning 1,400-cap theatre with multiple balcony levels. One of London's most visually impressive venues.
- Roundhouse, Camden -- A former railway engine shed converted into a 3,000-cap performance space. Hosts everything from rock gigs to circus performances. The circular layout gives it an arena feel at a fraction of the size.
- Shepherd's Bush Empire -- A 2,000-cap theatre with tiered balconies and standing stalls. A rite of passage for touring bands on the way up. Consistently good sound.
Large venues and arenas
For headline tours and major events, London's large venues offer world-class production and atmosphere.
- Alexandra Palace -- A grand Victorian venue in North London with flexible capacity up to 10,000. The Great Hall is a stunning space for gigs, though the sightlines can be challenging if you are short.
- Hammersmith Apollo (Eventim Apollo) -- A beautiful Art Deco theatre with around 5,000 capacity. The seated upper tiers and standing stalls create a brilliant atmosphere. A favourite of many touring artists.
- The O2 Arena, Greenwich -- London's largest indoor venue at 20,000 capacity. Where the biggest tours in the world play. Good transport links via the Jubilee line and river bus.
- Wembley Arena (OVO Arena) -- A 12,500-cap arena adjacent to Wembley Stadium. A step down from The O2 in size but still a major venue for arena-level tours.
Practical tips for London gigs
A few things worth knowing before you head out:
- Transport -- Check when the last Tube or train runs from the nearest station. Many gigs finish after 11pm, and not all lines run late. Night buses and the Night Tube (Friday and Saturday on some lines) are your backup.
- Arrive early for small venues -- Smaller rooms fill up fast. If you want to be near the front, arrive at door time.
- Check the venue's bag policy -- Many venues have strict bag size limits and do not offer cloakroom facilities. Travel light.
- Earplugs -- Carry a pair. Every venue on this list gets loud, and your future self will thank you.
For upcoming gigs and events across London, check venues in London on Tickts for listings with no booking fees added to the ticket price.
