Late night activities are becoming more and more popular, as more people are looking for sober alternatives. In Swansea, we have the perfect mix of clubs, bars, restaurants, and loads of other places that are perfect for a sober or drunk night out!
It’s the perfect place if you’re a night owl, so if you’re looking for inspiration on things to do in Swansea at night, read ahead to find out more! If you’re more of an early bird, we’ve thrown in a few other things to do during the day, just for good measure.
Why visit Swansea?
Studying in Swansea, or maybe you’re just visiting? This coastal city has it all, with plenty to explore whether you’re looking for things to do with your mates or travelling with the whole family. As well as an abundance of attractions in Swansea, we’re here to highlight the best places to go, including Swansea’s golden sandy beaches right by Swansea Bay, where to soak up its history and see some beautiful gardens.
1. Go crazy at crazy golf
Bunkers is a crazy golf bar that has only been in Swansea for a couple of years. They usually shut at 10pm, but on the weekends they stay open until midnight, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a late night activity. There’s two courses for you to choose from, and if you’re not feeling like crazy golf, they also have electro darts and ping pong. It’s perfect for a sober night with your friends, or somewhere to go for a few drinks, as they have a bar with a huge amount of cocktails! If you are planning on going here at the weekend, it’s a good idea to book beforehand to save your spot.
2. Get competitive at a board game cafe
Board game cafes are the perfect late night activity. It’s a chill environment to relax and have fun whilst also getting to see your friends. In Swansea, we have two board game cafes, which are Social Dice and Common Meeple. Both have a huge selection of board games, so you’ll definitely find something to play. Social Dice has a good selection of food and drinks, such as burgers, fries, and desserts, and then cocktails, mocktails, and milkshakes! Common Meeple don’t sell as much alcoholic drinks, so if you’re looking for a more sober night, then this would be the place to go.
3. Treat yourself to cocktails
Everyone loves a cocktail night, and in Swansea we have loads of places you can visit. In Las Iguanas, it’s happy hour all day every day, so perfect if you’re looking for a bargain! Slug and Lettuce also do amazing cocktail trees which is great for a big group (or if you really just like cocktails).
Kon Tiki has a great deal of two cocktails for £6 every Wednesday – the cheapest cocktails in town. Peppermint bar have a big selection of cocktails, from some classic favourites and their own unique ones as well. Basically, if you’re looking for cocktails in Swansea, there will always be somewhere you can go.
4. Get creative with pottery painting
This is one of the most relaxing things you can do in Swansea at night. Craftsea hosts two late night pottery painting sessions a month, and they are popular! These sessions start at 7 and end at 9:30, which is perfect to get those late night views of the ocean as well. There’s a variety of things for you to paint, such as plates, mugs, animals, teapots, jugs, bowls, and so much more! Sessions cost £20 per person, and these sessions have limited spaces, so if you’re interested, it’s best to book as soon as possible!
5. Dance the night away at Swansea clubs
This may be an obvious choice, but it’s impossible not to bring it up when Swansea’s night life is so lively. If you’re looking for clubs, head down to Wind Street, as this is where most of the clubs are. There’s Popworld, which as you’ve probably guessed, plays pop music.
Popworld is full of neon paintings and colours, so go in your brightest clothes! Fiction is one of Swansea’s most popular nightclubs amongst students, as they have 3 different rooms playing pop music, urban music, and electro music.
Sin City is another popular club in Swansea, which plays a variety of music and hosts themed nights as well. There are so many more as well, like Jack Murphys, Coyote Ugly, Bambu, Peppermint, and Dorothy’s! You’re bound to find a club you like here.
6. Fill your stomach and go for a meal
Swansea has a huge choice for restaurants, that no matter what cuisine you’re craving, we’ll have you covered. We have some popular chains in the city centre, such as Nando’s, Ask Italian, TGI Friday’s and Wagamama.
However, if you’re looking for smaller, independent restaurants, we have a ton of those as well. Truffle is a family run restaurant that sells fancier food for a cheaper price, making it perfect for dates and special occasions.
Ryugin is a new Japanese restaurant that has just opened in Uplands, and the food looks so tasty. Muswanna is a tiny restaurant that sells the most amazing Asian food. It’s one of my favourite places to go. There’s also a new restaurant called Bangkok, which sells Thai fusion food! Going for a meal is definitely one of the best things to do in Swansea at night.
7. Watch a movie
Who doesn’t love a movie night? In Swansea, we have an Odeon and Vue cinema in the city centre, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for something to do last minute.
There’s also an independent-run cinema in Swansea called Cinema & Co. They host movie and pizza screenings, talks and events, and you can even hire the venue as well! Find out more about Swansea’s range of cinemas in our guide. They’re ideal places to go if you’re looking for a romantic but cheap date night in Swansea.
8. Play bowling and arcade games
If you’re looking for a fun evening full of classic arcade games and bowling, then Tenpin Swansea is the place to go. It’s right in the city centre so it’s extremely convenient to get to. There’s loads of bowling alleys, but as you can imagine, it does get busy on weekends, so it’s always worth booking. There’s also an arcade with air hockey, a pool table, claw machines, and more.
9. Go to the theatre
In Swansea, we have two well known theatres, which is the Swansea Grand Theatre and Taliesin. The Swansea Grand Theatre hosts a variety of shows and events, while Taliesin also hosts shows and performances and also a bunch of other stuff as well! They also do movie showings, talks, and other little events that you can get involved in.
10. Test your knowledge with a pub quiz
Even if you’re not good at pub quizzes, they’re always fun to have a go at. There are loads of weekly pub quizzes around Swansea, so here are a few that you can attend! In Uplands Tavern, quiz night is every Tuesday night from 7 until 10:45. They offer a £35 bar tab as a winning prize, so it’s definitely worth a go!
The Bryn-Y-Mor hotel is a Greene King pub that hosts a quiz night every Thursday, starting at 8:30 and finishing at 11. The Jam Jar is a new lounge in Swansea, and lucky for us they host a pub quiz every Sunday! The food here is also amazing, which is another bonus.
Now, if you’re heading out in the daytime, looking for things to do in Swansea… Keep reading!
11. Visit Swansea Museum
Swansea Museum, the oldest in Wales, offers a comprehensive glimpse into Swansea’s rich history. Dive into exhibits ranging from the area’s prehistoric times to the medieval era and onwards to its industrial and wartime developments.
Delve into the local maritime and transport tales, featuring the notable Mumbles Railway, which commenced operations in 1807. With a calendar full of events and fresh exhibitions, there’s always something novel to discover.
Looking for more? You’re gonna want to check out the National Waterfront Museum, where you can indulge in an exhibition, cinema screening and plenty more activities.
12. Explore Mumbles
Mumbles is a lively coastal village boasting over 120 shops, eateries, and pubs along the western edge of Swansea Bay. Renowned for its exquisite seafood, the local catch often graces the tables of top-tier establishments in London and Paris. Experience it firsthand in the local eateries offering freshly-caught tasty treats.
For foodies, the Oystermouth Food Festival is a must-visit. Meanwhile, the race to be Mumbles’ best ice cream parlour continues with undiminished zeal. Mumbles Pier is also a must-visit. Mumbles Pier is a total gem, oozing personality at every corner. Stroll down its streets and you’ll spot unique boutiques, cosy eateries, and some quirky bars. Oh, and don’t miss out on the legendary Joe’s Ice Cream Parlour – a sweet spot that’s a hit with both locals and visitors.
13. Visit The Egypt Centre
Situated a stone’s throw from the city centre on Swansea University’s Singleton campus, The Egypt Centre boasts the most extensive collection of Egyptian artefacts in Wales. Get ready for a deep dive into an ancient culture that continues to captivate our imagination thousands of years later.
With numerous events held annually, particularly during half-term and summer breaks, young Egypt enthusiasts will be thrilled by the interactive sessions on tomb design, costume play, and enigmatic puzzles.
14. Explore Swansea Castle
If you’re in Swansea city centre, visiting Swansea Castle is an absolute must. Although dwarfed in size by its surrounding buildings, Swansea Castle remains a survivor at the heart of the city.
15. Swansea’s Indoor Market
Situated in the heart of Swansea city centre, Swansea’s indoor market is fun for all the family, with specialist stalls, local produce and plenty of antiques to fulfil your retail therapy cravings.
The largest indoor market in Wales, from key cutting to engraving, you’ll find pretty much everything you could need here. Add Swansea market to your list things to do, you won’t be disappointed.
16. Head to the Dylan Thomas Centre
Love art? Located in the Maritime Quarter in Swansea, soak up everything the Dylan Thomas Centre has to offer, all with free entry. The Dylan Thomas Centre is home to a year-round programme of events, including plays, exhibitions and book launches.
17. Visit The Gower Peninsula
Drawing folks from all over the globe, the Gower Peninsula is your go-to spot for some raw, untouched beauty in Swansea. Grab the perfect shot for your Insta, or simply soak up this haven of outstanding natural beauty. Spanning about 70 square miles, it’s a haven for beach lovers. Places like Llangennith, Oxwich Bay, and Rhossili are hotspots for both surfers catching waves and families building sandcastles.
So now you know what things you can do in Swansea at night (and day)! If you’re looking for cheaper things to do in the city, then read our article on 10 cheap things to do in Swansea!
Last Updated on October 2, 2024
Published on May 11, 2023
