Late-night shopping. Drinking, dancing and dining. Theatre, live music and comedy - Southampton comes alive in the evening. 

Southampton is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city by day and at night lights up with places to go, people to meet and SO much more to discover. 

If you work in the city, don't rush home when leave the office. Stay a while and enjoy all that Southampton has to offer in the evening. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet drink, grab a new outfit, watch a West End musical or dance until 5 in the morning, it's all possible in Southampton.

Dancing

Band playing on stage in front of a crowd

Southampton's nightlife caters for all tastes and preferences. 

With live local music at the likes of The Cricketers Arms and O'neill's to resident DJs at Grumpy Monkey and Café Parfait there is always somewhere to let off some steam and get your dancing shoes on.

Clubs such as Orange Rooms, Switch, Wiggle, Popworld, Trilogy, Buddha Lounge are open late so you can dance away until the early hours of the morning. 

Head to the dancefloor at

Go to a concert

Guitarist and pianist on stage at 1865

Southampton is packed with music venues for you to uncover new artists, witness the next big thing or see your all-time favourite bands.

Bigger venues such as the O2 Guildhall, Switch, The 1865, St.Mary's Stadium and The Engine Rooms has seen the likes of The Rolling Stones, Young Blud, Take That and Annie Mac. Smaller, more intimate venues like The Joiners, The Loft and Heartbreakers show up and coming musicians and local bands.

Make sure you head to our What's On listing to see all the upcoming gigs and events in Southampton and plan you night out in the city - make sure you grab a drink or a bite to eat beforehand.

Sip on a drink or two

1932 bartender

If it's an after-work tipple or an evening catch up with friends you can find the perfect place to go in the city.

Sip cocktails at 1932, XOXO or Slug and Lettuce or grab a pint at one of the city's many pubs including Scholars ArmsShenanigans, Preez, Oasis Bar or Dancing Man Brewery.

Dining

The real greek

From tiny independent bistros to buffet dining on a mammoth scale, and everything in between from Westquay to Marlands and along the High Street, we have so much on offer to eat in the city. 

The only problem you'll have with dining in Southampton is choosing where to go! Visit our Eat & Drink page to search for the perfect place for any occasion.

A Little More Dining Inspiration...

Get a bite to eat at

Late night shopping

Inside Westquay shopping centre

No need to save your shopping up for a Thursday night. At Westquay Shopping Centre and West Quay Retail Park, shops are open late every day.  Some shops on the high street (Above Bar) also stay open late.

Westquay opening times:

  • Mon-Fri:  9am-8pm
  • Sat: 9am-7pm
  • Sun: 11am-5pm
Primark store front

Shops open late on Above Bar Street:

For more details of the shops in Southampton and their individual opening times see our Shopping page.

Evening experiences and activities

The mayflower theatre hero

It's not just going for dinner and hitting the clubs when it comes to Southampton after dark. Why not watch a show at Mayflower Theatre, MAST Mayflower Studios or The Stage Door with friends or family?

What's on this month

Group of people in white coats with person inside a wooden box

Fancy a challenge? Try out one of the city's escape room venues and see if you can get out in time! Great to for birthdays, work parties or with your Uni classmates. Check out Locked In A Room or Elusion Escapes.

You can also challenge your friends to a game of bowling at Hollywood Bowl or try 1st Base on East Street - an indoor batting cage with ball-tracking technology so it's like playing in a real stadium!

If you are looking to slow things down then kick back and relax by watching the latest blockbuster at Showcase Cinema De Lux, ODEON or Harbour Lights Picturehouse.

Evening activities

Explore Southampton after dark by area

Travel by bus for £1!

Bluestar blog 2

Bluestar is offering travel for just £1 per journey in the evenings! Why don't you take advantage of this exciting offer? A night out with friends, a meal with the family, or an evening cinema trip? There are so many choices on what you can do in Southampton, and all it costs to travel is £1 per person per journey. Light up your social life on the Bluestar buses this month!

Light up your social life in Southampton banner

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