The 10 best arcades in London to get that retro vibes and modern thrills
Let’s be real—life can get pretty hectic as an adult, and sometimes all you want is a little throwback to simpler times. Well, guess what? You can totally do that by checking out some of London’s best arcades.
Whether you’re craving those classic games you grew up with or want to try some modern ones, these spots have got you covered. So, if you’re ready to feel like a kid again, keep reading!
1. Las Vegas Arcade Soho
Media credits: lasvegasarcadesoho
Address: Basement, 89, 91 Wardour St
Contact details: +44 20 7287 2157
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 1:30 AM
Price: $
Las Vegas Arcade Soho is a vibrant spot tucked away on Wardour Street. It’s easy to find, with Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square tube stations just a short walk away.
The vibe is electric, with loud music, flashing lights, and a mix of people who are just there to have a great time.
It’s got two levels, each with its own vibe. The ground floor is all about slot machines and gambling games, but head downstairs, and you’re in arcade heaven.
The underground floor is packed with games, from classics like Dance Dance Revolution to modern hits like OutRun. The monthly racing tournaments are a big hit, bringing in competitive players from all over.
Pro tip:
If you’re into quirky and fast-paced fun, try Bishi Bashi Special. We also recommend diving into their selection of first-person shooters and racing games.
2. NQ64 Arcade Bar – Soho
Media credits: nq64arcadebars and didsomebodysayretro
Address: 53 Berwick St
Contact details: +44 20 4599 3268
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 3 PM – 3 AM
- Wednesday: 2 PM – 3 AM
- Thursday: 2:30 PM – 3 AM
- Friday: 3 PM – 3 AM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 12 AM
Price: $$
NQ64 Arcade Bar is a neon-lit dream for retro gaming fans and anyone looking for a fun night out. The graffiti-covered walls and glowing lights create a cool vibe as soon as you walk in.
There’s plenty to keep you busy with 31 arcade machines, 2 pinball tables, and 8 retro consoles. You can smash buttons on Street Fighter or race in Mario Kart.
Arcade machines run on tokens, but retro consoles like the SNES and MegaDrive are free to play.
The drinks are just as fun as the games, with cocktails inspired by video game classics. Try an “Aku Aku Fruit Punch” or a “Dr Ro Bev Nik” while you soak up the lively atmosphere.
They also teamed up with Burgerism to serve delicious food, which you can easily order using a QR code at your table.
Pro tip:
Hosting a big event? NQ64 can accommodate up to 350 guests and offers private or semi-private hire options for an unforgettable party.
3. F1® Arcade London
Media credits: f1arcade
Address: 1 New Change
Contact details: +44 20 3834 3540
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 12 PM – 12 AM
- Wednesday: 11 AM – 1 AM
- Thursday: 10 AM – 1 AM
- Friday: 12 PM – 1 AM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 1 AM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 11 PM
Price: $$
F1® Arcade in London is a blast for both racing lovers and casual gamers. It’s got 60 full-motion racing simulators that make you feel like you’re really behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car. Each race only takes about four minutes, so it’s easy to jump in for a quick race with your friends.
You can race solo or go head-to-head with friends for some friendly competition. If you’re in a group, you can even book a private area with several simulators to race together and hang out.
For hardcore racing fans, the arcade takes things up a notch with watch parties for live Formula 1 races on big screens. It’s a great way to enjoy real-world racing action while having fun with virtual races and connecting with other fans.
Pro tip:
When you’re not racing, make sure to check out the tasty menu with gourmet food and crafted cocktails. The bar area is lively and perfect for chilling between races, or you can have food and drinks delivered right to your racing spot for maximum convenience.
4. Funland Games Arcade
Media credits: funlandlondon
Address: Unit 25, 27 Brunswick Square
Contact details: +44 20 3927 8383
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 10 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 10 PM
Price: $
Funland Games Arcade is spread over two floors and has more than 35 games.
Upstairs, you’ll find redemption games and pinball machines. Meanwhile, downstairs is where the action happens with rhythm games like DanceDanceRevolution and Beatmania IIDX.
To play, you use a card system with “Funcoins,” which you can load up with your credit or debit card. If you spend a little more, you get bonus coins—like 125 coins for £15.
One of the coolest things about Funland is its massive collection of pinball machines, including some themed around popular stuff like Avengers. They also keep things interesting by adding new games regularly.
Pro tip:
If you’re into rhythm games, be sure to record your sessions and share your achievements online!
5. Immersive Gamebox – Southbank, London
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Address: Arch 3, 83 Scoresby St
Contact details: +44 20 3038 4768
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 1 PM – 9 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 1 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 8 PM
Price: $$
Immersive Gamebox in Southbank, London, is a fun spot where gaming and socialising come together. It’s perfect for families, friends, or coworkers looking for something interactive. You’ll get a 60-minute adventure that’s great for groups of 2 to 6 people.
There are over 9 games to choose from, including classics like Ghostbusters, Squid Game, and Tetris 1991. It’s not just about playing either—these games are all about teamwork, so it’s a great way to bond with others.
The venue is easy to find, just a 2-minute walk from Southwark Tube Station, and it’s wheelchair accessible. Plus, they’ve got lockers to store your stuff while you play.
Pro tip:
Arrive 15 minutes early to get settled before the fun begins, and take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before your booking.
6. Babylon Park London
Media credits: babylonparkldn
Address: 8 Castlehaven Rd
Contact details: +44 20 8819 0044
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12 PM – 8 PM
- Friday: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM – 10 PM
Price: $
Babylon Park in Camden Town is a cool, space-themed indoor amusement park that opened on July 2, 2022. It’s huge, covering over 3,200 square meters across three floors. This makes it one of the biggest indoor fun spots in the city.
There are loads of arcade games mixing classic ones with newer, more modern games. They have old-school games and virtual reality simulators. You can also play skill games like basketball or take on redemption games where you can win tickets for awesome prizes.
If rides are more your thing, you’ll find a roller coaster, a Drop Tower for a thrill, and bumper cars for a bit of classic fun. There’s also Kiddie Wheel and Alien Ride for little ones and the Tagada, a spinning ride with music for some extra excitement.
Pro tip:
Download the Babylon Park app to keep things easy. You can track your coins, buy game packs online, and even join challenges to win extra prizes there!
7. FreePlayCity
Media credits: freeplaycity
Address: Exfed, 199 Eade Rd, Harringay Warehouse District
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Friday: 5 PM – 11 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 1 PM – 8 PM
- Monday to Wednesday: Closed
Price: $
FreePlayCity is a fun arcade hidden in the Harringay Warehouse District. It’s a go-to spot for rhythm game fans, offering a cool mix of classic games and modern imports.
If you love rhythm and dance games, you’re in for a treat—there’s everything from Pump It Up to Dance Rush. They’ve also got other great rhythm games like Taiko no Tatsujin, Pop’n Music, and Beatmania IIDX.
For those who prefer the classics, you can find games like Elevator Action, Crazy Taxi, and Time Crisis. Plus, there’s a nice variety of pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, and redemption games to check out.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of FreePlayCity’s all-day free play model for just £15. It gives you unlimited access to all the games during your visit, so you can take your time and try out as many games as you want without worrying about individual costs.
8. Four Quarters Elephant Park
Media credits: fourquartersep
Address: 20 Ash Ave
Contact details: +44 7379 629909
Operating hours:
- Monday: 4 PM – 10 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 4 PM – 11 PM
- Friday: 3 PM – 12 AM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Price: $$
Four Quarters Elephant Park is a cool arcade bar that’s a hit with both casual gamers and serious enthusiasts. It’s got over 30 arcade machines and pinball games, making it a nostalgic spot to relive the golden age of arcade gaming.
You’ll find everything from classics like Donkey Kong to Guitar Hero Arcade, all carefully restored to keep that vintage feel. Plus, there are two big projector screens where you can team up or compete in multiplayer games like Mario Kart and Street Fighter II.
The venue also has eight vintage console booths where you can play on old-school systems like the original Xbox, PlayStation 2, and Sega Dreamcast. It’s a great spot to challenge friends while enjoying some food and drinks.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on their diner-style classics while taking a break from your game. They have burgers, hot dogs, and loaded fries. Pair them with one of the 16 craft beers on tap or a gaming-inspired signature cocktail for the ultimate arcade experience.
9. Sandbox VR
Media credits: sandboxvr_uk
Address: The Post Building, High Holborn
Contact details: +44 20 7082 3001
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 11:30 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 11 PM
Price: $$$
Sandbox VR in London is the place to go for some modern arcade and experience epic virtual reality fun. It’s located in The Post Building, just a short walk from Tottenham Court Road station and close to spots like the British Museum.
They’ve got eight virtual worlds to explore, including cool ones like Squid Game Virtuals, where you try to survive challenges inspired by the Netflix show. There’s another one called Deadwood Valley, where you team up to fight zombies.
Each game is made for groups of up to six, so you can enjoy some teamwork while you play. The venue uses awesome motion-tracking tech, so the VR system tracks your every move in real time, making the experience feel super real.
Pro tip:
After your gaming session, head to the bar to relax. Let Toni, the UK’s first robotic bartender, mix up your drinks while you catch your gaming highlights on the screen.
10. The Heart of Gaming
Media credits: thehogofficial
Address: 44-46 N End, Road
Contact details: +44 7707 929453
Operating hours:
- Friday to Sunday: 12 PM – 7 PM
- Monday to Thursday: Closed
Price: $
The Heart of Gaming is a cool arcade in Croydon that’s become a favourite spot for gamers and families. Since opening in 2019, it’s been offering a great mix of classic and modern games, so there’s something for everyone.
There are over 100 machines, with old-school games like Pac-Man and Street Fighter II. There are also newer ones like Maimai and House of the Dead 4.
And the best part? Instead of paying for each game, there’s a flat entry fee—£20 for adults and £15 for anyone under 16. That means you can play all day without worrying about the cost.
The arcade is run by people who really love gaming and take good care of the machines. They also host gaming events to bring people together and make it a fun community spot.
Pro tip:
After your game, take advantage of the nearby shops and restaurants from The Heart of Gaming. It’s a great spot for a full day out!