You walk up to Metropolis London on a Friday night, heart pounding a little, maybe dressed up a little too much, and then you see it-the line. And the bouncer says, "£35 at the door." Your stomach drops. You just spent £80 on shoes and a dress. You didn’t come here to pay £35 just to stand in a crowd with a plastic cup of overpriced vodka. Metropolis London entry fees don’t have to be a surprise. And you don’t have to overpay.
Key Takeaways
- Metropolis London door prices range from £25 to £50, depending on the night and time
- Booking online in advance can save you up to 40% compared to paying at the door
- Group bookings and early arrival (before 11 PM) often get you discounted entry
- VIP tables start at £300+ and include bottle service, but aren’t worth it unless you’re with a group of 6+
- Sign up for their email list-exclusive pre-sale codes drop weekly
How Much Does It Actually Cost to Get Into Metropolis London?
Let’s cut through the noise. Metropolis London isn’t a cheap club. But it’s not the most expensive either. On a regular Friday or Saturday, if you show up at the door after midnight, you’re looking at £35-£50. That’s standard for a top-tier London nightclub with a big-name DJ. But here’s what most people don’t tell you: you can get in for as little as £25 if you know how.
On quieter nights-like a Thursday or Sunday-entry drops to £20-£25. Even on busy weekends, if you arrive before 11 PM, you might slip in for £28. That’s not a rumor. That’s what people are doing. We’ve talked to regulars who’ve been going for years. They never pay full price unless they’re bringing a big group or celebrating something.
Why Metropolis London Is Worth the Price (If You Do It Right)
Metropolis isn’t just another club with flashing lights and a loud bassline. It’s got history. Opened in the 90s, it’s one of London’s longest-running underground clubs. The sound system? Built by the same team that did Ministry of Sound. The DJs? They’ve played at Tomorrowland, Berghain, and Ibiza. You’re not just paying for a drink-you’re paying for a night where the music actually matters.
And the crowd? It’s not the kind of place where you get hassled by people trying to sell you shots. It’s a mix of music lovers, professionals who know how to have a good time, and a few tourists who got lucky. The vibe is more "I came to dance" than "I came to be seen." If you’re into house, techno, or deep bass-driven beats, this is one of the few places in London where the music stays true all night.
When Is Metropolis London Cheapest to Visit?
Timing is everything. If you want the best deal, avoid Friday and Saturday after midnight. That’s when the crowd swells, and the bouncers stop caring who you are-they’re just counting heads.
Instead, aim for:
- Thursdays - Usually £20-£25. Often has a themed night (like "80s Retro" or "Deep House Only") with lower cover and better energy.
- Sundays - "Sunday Sessions" start at 8 PM and run until 2 AM. Entry is £22, and the crowd is chill. Perfect if you want to dance without getting elbowed.
- Before 11 PM on weekends - Even on a Saturday, if you arrive at 10:30 PM, you might pay £28 instead of £45. The club’s still empty enough that they’ll let you in early to build the vibe.
Pro tip: Check their Instagram Stories. They post last-minute "Early Bird Entry" deals every Thursday afternoon. Sometimes it’s £15 for the first 50 people. You have to be quick, but it’s real.
How to Save Money: Online Tickets vs. Door Prices
Here’s the secret: never pay at the door unless you have to.
Metropolis releases tickets for every event on their website and through Resident Advisor. Most events have three price tiers:
- Early Bird - £15-£20 (released 3-4 weeks before the event, limited quantity)
- Standard Online - £25-£30 (available until 24 hours before the event)
- Door Price - £35-£50 (no discount, no mercy)
Buying online isn’t just cheaper-it’s faster. You skip the line. You don’t risk being turned away because the club’s at capacity. And if the event sells out? You’ve already got your ticket. No stress.
One person we spoke to, Sarah, a 32-year-old teacher from Croydon, says: "I used to wait until Friday night, then spend £40 and wait an hour. Now I buy tickets on Wednesday. I save £20, get in straight away, and still have cash left for a second drink. It’s not a sacrifice-it’s just smart."
Group Deals and VIP Tables: Are They Worth It?
If you’re coming with 6 or more people, you can call the club directly and ask for a group booking. They often offer a 10-15% discount on total entry fees if you book ahead. Some nights, they’ll even throw in a free bottle of champagne for groups of 8+.
But VIP tables? That’s a different story. A VIP table starts at £300 for 4 people and goes up to £1,200 for 12. It includes a reserved spot near the DJ, a dedicated server, and bottle service. Sounds fancy, right?
Here’s the catch: you’re expected to spend £200-£400 on drinks alone. And if your group doesn’t finish the bottles? You still pay for them. Most people end up spending £500+ just to sit down. Unless you’re celebrating a birthday or a promotion, it’s usually not worth it. Stick to the main floor. You’ll have more freedom, better music, and more room to dance.
What to Expect When You Walk In
Metropolis isn’t flashy on the outside. It’s a converted warehouse in Shoreditch. No neon signs. No giant LED walls. But inside? It’s a different world.
First, you’ll go through a small velvet curtain. Then you hit the main room-dark, low ceiling, speakers on every wall. The lighting is moody, mostly red and blue. No strobes. No lasers. Just pure sound. The bar is long, with 3 bartenders working fast. Drinks are £12 for a pint of lager, £14 for a gin and tonic, £16 for a cocktail. No one’s pushing you to buy a £30 "premium" drink.
The dance floor? It’s packed but not claustrophobic. People are dancing, not posing. You won’t see someone taking selfies for 10 minutes in front of the DJ booth. The energy is focused. And if you’re into music that moves you, not just makes you nod, you’ll feel it.
Metropolis London vs. Other London Nightclubs: A Quick Comparison
| Club | Typical Entry (Weekend) | Best For | Music Style | Online Discount Available? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolis London | £25-£50 | Music lovers, deep house/techno fans | Techno, House, Deep Bass | Yes, up to 40% off |
| Ministry of Sound | £30-£60 | Big-name DJs, tourist crowds | Commercial House, EDM | Yes, but rarely under £35 |
| Fabric | £15-£25 | Underground scene, serious dancers | Techno, Minimal | Yes, often £15 early bird |
| The Cross | £20-£35 | Alternative, queer-friendly crowd | Punk, Indie, Electronic | Yes, but limited |
Metropolis sits right in the middle. It’s not as underground as Fabric, but it’s not as commercial as Ministry of Sound. It’s the sweet spot: good sound, good crowd, good value-if you book smart.
How to Get the Best Deal: 5 Simple Steps
- Sign up for their email list - Go to metropolislondon.com and enter your email. You’ll get a 10-15% discount code every week.
- Check Resident Advisor - It’s the go-to site for club events in London. Metropolis posts all their lineups here with early bird pricing.
- Arrive before 11 PM - Even on a Saturday, you’ll save £10-£15.
- Go on a Thursday or Sunday - Lower prices, better vibe, less pressure.
- Book online, never at the door - It’s the only way to guarantee you’re not overpaying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Metropolis London worth the price?
Yes-if you go on the right night and book online. You’re paying for world-class sound, real DJs, and a crowd that’s there for the music, not just to be seen. If you just want to drink and take selfies, there are cheaper options. But if you want to hear music that moves you, Metropolis is one of the best in London.
Can I get in for free?
Rarely. Metropolis doesn’t do guest lists like some clubs. But if you’re a regular, you might get invited to a pre-party or a special event with free entry. The best way is to sign up for their email list-they occasionally send out free tickets to subscribers.
What’s the dress code?
No strict dress code, but smart casual works best. No trainers with socks, no flip-flops, no baseball caps. Think dark jeans, a nice top or shirt, and clean shoes. If you look like you’re trying, you’ll get in without hassle.
Is there a coat check?
Yes, it’s free. The club is cold in winter, so bring a jacket. You can leave it at the coat check near the entrance. Just grab your ticket stub-it’s your claim tag.
Can I bring a camera or phone?
You can bring your phone, but no professional cameras or DSLRs. The staff won’t stop you from taking a quick pic, but don’t set up a tripod or start filming the whole night. This isn’t a tourist attraction-it’s a music venue. Keep it low-key.
What’s the last entry time?
Usually 1 AM on weekends, 12:30 AM on Thursdays and Sundays. Once the club fills up, they stop letting people in-even if you’ve got a ticket. If you’re planning to come late, book early and arrive by midnight.
Final Tip: Don’t Just Pay-Plan
Metropolis London isn’t a place you stumble into. It’s a place you plan for. The difference between paying £50 and paying £25 isn’t luck-it’s knowing when to show up, where to book, and how to avoid the traps. You don’t need to be rich to have a great night out. You just need to be smart.
So next time you’re thinking of going? Skip the door. Skip the stress. Book online. Arrive early. And let the music do the talking.
