Nestled along the southern bank of the River Thames, London’s vibrant South Bank area offers an abundance of attractions, landmarks, entertainment, shops, restaurants and more. Brimming with arts and culture, this lively district stretches for over a mile, spanning iconic destinations like the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern and the National Theatre. In this article we talk about: Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring South Bank London – What to See and Do.
Whether you only have a day or want to spend a weekend exploring, South Bank has something for everyone. From panoramic views of the London skyline, top West End musicals and cutting-edge art exhibitions through to street food markets, historic pubs, peaceful riverside walks and fun family activities.
To help you make the most of your time at this popular riverside hotspot, here is your ultimate guide on what to see and do while visiting London’s atmospheric South Bank.
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The London Eye
No trip to South Bank is complete without a ‘spin’ on the world-famous London Eye. One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, this gigantic Ferris wheel stands at 443 feet tall on the Western section of South Bank.
As you ride in one of the 32 glass-enclosed capsules, you’ll be slowly carried up to 450 feet to experience unbeatable bird’s-eye vistas across London. Gaze out at 360-degree views taking in the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and other famous sights. If you time it right at sunset or after dark, you’ll enjoy glittering panoramas over London’s skyline too.
The London Eye is perfect for snapping that quintessential selfie with the city in the background. A full revolution takes around 30 minutes meaning you have plenty of time to walk around the capsule and photograph London from every angle as you rotate.
Shakespeare’s Globe
No visit to the South Bank is complete without seeing the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe. This spectacular recreation of Shakespeare’s 16th century open-air playhouse sits along the banks of the Thames, close to the Tate Modern.
Standing as an impressive wooden O-shaped arena with a roofless courtyard and three tiers of seating in the round, the Globe theatre hosts plays and events inspired by history’s greatest playwright. Visitors can take tours of the Globe Exhibition and learn about Elizabethan theatre before watching one of Shakespeare’s timeless works performed on stage.
For a more immersive experience, book one of the Globe Theatre tours after dark or visit the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. With its atmospheric candlelit setting, this intimate Jacobean-style indoor theatre creates the perfect ambience for Shakespearean drama.
Tate Modern
Recognised as one of the world’s greatest collections of modern and contemporary art, the Tate Modern sits grandly along South Bank inside the former Bankside Power Station. This iconic museum draws in around 5 million visitors per year who flock to view its impressive permanent exhibitions and popular temporary installations.
Wander through this cavernous brick building gazing up at massive turbine halls and unique artworks at every turn. Some of the Tate Modern’s most famous pieces not to miss include Picasso’s ‘Weeping Woman’, Rothko’s glowing colour field paintings and Andy Warhol’s iconic ‘Marilyn Diptych’.
With plenty of interactive zones perfect for kids, a viewing platform boasting panoramic vistas over London’s skyline, plus an excellent restaurant and cafe, you can easily spend hours absorbing the Tate Modern’s creative atmosphere and ever-changing art collections.
Southbank Centre
Stretching along the Thames near Waterloo Bridge, Southbank Centre is Europe’s largest arts centre comprising three iconic concert halls – the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Hayward Gallery. All year round, this vibrant cultural hub delivers an exhilarating line-up of musical extravaganzas, art exhibitions, dance performances, food festivals and other exciting events.
Check out an opera or orchestra inside one of the halls, browse cutting-edge artworks inside Hayward Gallery or relax outside in the expansive riverside Jubilee Gardens. Every weekend, a bustling food market takes over the area offering flavours from around the globe. You’ll also find an array of bustling bars and eateries along Southbank Centre’s terraces – perfect for grabbing refreshments between shows or admiring glittering views over the Thames with drink in hand.
National Theatre
Situated upstream next to Waterloo Bridge, the National Theatre is one of London’s foremost venues showcasing new and classic stage productions. Its eye-catching Brutalist architectural style features three separate performance spaces – the Olivier Theatre, Lyttelton Theatre and Dorfman Theatre.
Take a backstage tour and discover the National Theatre’s inner workings or watch a world-class show on one of its unique stages. With an ever-changing line-up spanning dramas, comedies, musicals and more, the National Theatre brings London’s West End entertainment right to the South Bank shoreline.
Finish your visit at the theatre’s riverside bar and restaurant to soak up post-show atmosphere or simply relax with superb Thames vistas.
The South Bank Book Market
Bibliophiles shouldn’t miss a browse around the South Bank Book Market when visiting this buzzing riverside district. Situated under Waterloo Bridge, this permanent book market has over 200 stalls and thousands of second-hand books for perusing and purchasing.
Spend an afternoon sifting through everything from collectable first editions and signed copies through to old Victorian novels, obscure academic texts, unique art books and quirky guides. Even if you leave empty handed, the sensory experience of being surrounded by so many wonderful reads is worth a literary pit stop.
Gabriel’s Wharf
Nestled near the OXO Tower, Gabriel’s Wharf is a charming enclave packed with independent boutiques, cosy cafes, riverside bars and creative galleries to explore. Browse for handmade crafts and souvenirs at the stalls, catch some live music at lunchtime or simply relax canal-side soaking up old London charm.
Pop into the jazz bar or wine tasting cellar for a drink or treat yourself to something delicious from the gourmet sandwich shop. With a more laidback atmosphere than the bigger South Bank attractions, Gabriel’s Wharf offers a tasty slice of local London life.
The South Bank After Dark
When the sun goes down, South Bank transforms into one of London’s hottest nightlife destinations. Many world-class theatre shows, concert halls, comedy clubs and music venues ramp up after dark meaning entertainment options are endless.
Catch a West End musical along Southbank Centre, laugh out loud at a comedy show at Underbelly Festival or be dazzled by a circus cabaret performance along the Thames shoreline. If you’re still peckish, head to Borough Market’s array of street food stalls or upmarket restaurants for late night global dining along the riverfront.
End your South Bank night out sipping expertly mixed cocktails at one of the area’s lively bars while enjoying glittering views of London under moonlight.
How to Get to and Around South Bank
South Bank is easily accessed using the London Underground network or via bus routes. Key tube stations providing access points include Embankment, Waterloo and London Bridge. South Bank is also within walking distance of Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Westminster across the river.
Once you arrive, all South Bank’s main attractions span next to each other along the Thames riverside walkway so exploring the area on foot is convenient and enjoyable. Allow plenty of time to wander as there is so much to inspire wonder along every step of the shoreline.
For quicker connections between sightseeing spots consider cycling along vibrant riverside trails or hopping on a river bus cruise which stops at piers dotted all along South Bank.
Top Tips for Visiting South Bank London
- Purchase a London Pass for free entry to major attractions like the London Eye and discounted deals on theatre shows, tours and dining
- Visit mid-week to avoid most crowds
- Book London Eye tickets and theatre shows online in advance to skip ticket lines
- Have a meal with a view at one of South Bank’s riverside restaurants
- Check Southbank Centre’s calendar of events before visiting to coordinate with festivals or special events
- Wander south past Gabriel’s Wharf to extend your adventure towards Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe
- Come back at night to experience South Bank’s lively bar and entertainment scene under the stars
Whether you adore arts and culture, epic city skyline views, West End-worthy entertainment or just soaking up London’s vibrant atmosphere, South Bank has it all. Use this ultimate guide to help shape your South Bank London itinerary then prepare for an unforgettable riverside visit. I sincerely hope you find this “Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring South Bank London – What to See and Do” article helpful.
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With over 5 years of experience exploring London’s diverse neighborhoods and a background in urban studies, our author brings a blend of expert knowledge and personal insights to alondonlist.com. Passionate about uncovering the city’s hidden gems and cultural hotspots, they offer readers practical tips and authentic experiences for making the most of London. Follow their adventures on Instagram.
