{"id":35108,"date":"2024-03-13T23:45:25","date_gmt":"2024-03-13T23:45:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/?p=35108"},"modified":"2025-12-18T18:48:37","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T18:48:37","slug":"everything-to-see-and-do-in-londons-south-bank","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/everything-to-see-and-do-in-londons-south-bank\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything To See and Do in London’s South Bank"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you love walking, you\u2019ll love London. There are plenty of beautiful city strolls that double as sightseeing tours all around the capital. However, if you only have time for one, I\u2019d suggest the London South Bank, passing many of the city\u2019s most famous landmarks along the way.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even after over six years living in London, I still come back here again and again, especially on a sunny day. There\u2019s so much to see and do in the area that you can easily spend a whole day here. From the London Eye opposite Westminster and Big Ben to Tower Bridge, here\u2019s everything to see in London\u2019s South Bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"London's<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Get a bird\u2019s-eye view from the famous London Eye<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The London Eye<\/a> is Europe\u2019s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, so be prepared to have London at your feet at 135 meters (443 feet) above ground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the ride \u2014 or flight as they call it \u2014 isn\u2019t the cheapest thing you can do in London, it\u2019s a classic experience with spectacular views that\u2019s absolutely worth the trip. In fact, the London Eye is now the U.K.\u2019s most popular paid tourist attraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fun fact: <\/strong>This is also a popular place for marriage proposals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll spend 30 minutes up in the air, so there\u2019s plenty of time to snap pictures of all the London landmarks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Immerse yourself in art at the Tate Modern<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Tate Modern<\/a> is one of the best art galleries in London. And to make the deal even sweeter, most of their exhibitions are free to visit (even though the museum welcomes donations).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unless you want to see one of their special shows \u2014 Yoko Ono<\/a> is currently on until September 2024 \u2014 you can just pop in without a ticket and start exploring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While contemporary art is undoubtedly the main draw, their gift shops are equally worth a visit, especially if you\u2019re looking for artsy London souvenirs. The museum also runs tons of events such as talks, hands-on art workshops, and even yoga classes (with stunning skyline views).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. See all the highlights on a South Bank tour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"St<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

London can feel quite overwhelming for first-timers, especially if you\u2019re on a tight schedule, so if you want to see all of the South Bank\u2019s highlights in a nutshell, it\u2019s a good option to head out with a guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Check out graffiti artists at the Leake Street Arches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Leake
Credit: Astrid Hofer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you love street art, the Leake Street Arches<\/a>, London\u2019s longest legal graffiti walls, located beneath Waterloo station, are a must-see. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It all started with Banksy hosting a graffiti festival inside the tunnel in 2008, and street artists have been coming here ever since. You can watch sprayers at pretty much all hours of the day and snap cool Instagram shots or test your own skills side by side with the pros (don\u2019t forget to bring your cans!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local tip: <\/strong>If you need a break from the spray paint smell, head to Draughts<\/a>, a mix of cafe and cocktail bar where you can also play boardgames. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This ultra Instagrammable spot in South Bank is also on our guided tour. It\u2019s a must when you\u2019re in the area! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Catch a show at the Southbank Centre<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Southbank
Credit: Astrid Hofer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Southbank Centre<\/a> is the U.K.\u2019s largest art center and one of my all-time favorite places in the area. The charity-run venue puts on events year-round, ranging from concerts and plays to exhibitions, festivals, talks and dance performances. I\u2019ve seen Placebo and Annie Lennox perform at their Royal Festival Hall to name just two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A highlight for music fans is the Meltdown<\/a>, a 10-day music festival that is curated by a different British artist every year. In 2024, it\u2019s Chaka Khan, past curators included The Cure\u2019s Robert Smith, Patti Smith, and David Bowie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local tip: <\/strong>Visiting on a weekend? Stop for a street food lunch at the market right behind the South Bank Centre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Stock up on second-hand books, magazines and prints<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"South
Credit: Astrid Hofer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Just a stone\u2019s throw from the Southbank Centre, right under Waterloo Bridge, you\u2019ll find the South Bank Book Market<\/a>, which has been around for four decades and continues to thrive. There are eight different stalls (more like long tables) full of science fiction, cooking books, children\u2019s literature, books, maps, postcards, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I always stop by here when I\u2019m walking along the Thames and have left with a bag full of new books more than once. If you are a collector, look out for early prints of Harry Potter and other new classics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Catch a movie (or celebrity!) at the British Film Institute<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"British
Credit: Astrid Hofer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a movie geek like me, you\u2019ll love the British Film Institute<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This huge complex houses a cinema showing blockbusters and arthouse films as well as a library and shop with all things movies, a restaurant, a cafe, and a popular bar. Rainy day? Head straight to their Mediatheque, make yourself comfy and choose from the BFI\u2019s massive collection of 95,000 TV and film productions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"British
Credit: Astrid Hofer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Save the date: <\/strong>An annual highlight is the two-week celeb-filled BFI London Film Festival in October where you can watch movie premiers, artist talks, and Hollywood stars on the red carpet. Get all the info on the BFI festival website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Shop souvenirs from local designers at the OXO Tower<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"OXO
Credit: Astrid Hofer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of my favorite go-to places for gifts is the OXO Tower<\/a> on the South Bank. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home to dozens of independent shops, this is where you can get truly unique London souvenirs. Check out Suck UK<\/a> and Band Academy<\/a> on the ground floor, where you\u2019ll find everything from cute lamps and socks sporting cocktails to trendy passport covers and guitar-shaped bottle openers. Then make your way upstairs for fashion, jewelry, and homeware shops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if you get hungry while hunting for new accessories, there are cafes and restaurants too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Watch Shakespeare at the (almost) original theater<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Shakespeare
Credit: Astrid Hofer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

London has a centuries-long theater tradition and there\u2019s no better place to get a taste than Shakespeare\u2019s Globe<\/a> on the South Bank. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the original theater William Shakespeare wrote his plays for burnt down in the early 17th century, we have the next best thing. Another landmark on our South Bank walking tour, the Globe has been reconstructed true-to-history just 230 meters (750 feet) away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can watch a Shakespearean play here still today. Just keep in mind that there\u2019s no roof, so bring a rain jacket for bad weather or plenty of sunscreen on a hot day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Savings alert: <\/strong>If you don\u2019t mind standing, try to get your hands on their \u00a35 rush tickets, which are released every Friday at 11 a.m. for the following week. You’ll be closer to the stage than anyone else for a bargain price. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Watch a play at the National Theatre for a bargain price<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"National
Credit: Astrid Hofer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nearby, the National Theatre<\/a> is another go-to place for fans of the performing arts. It goes without saying that the program keeps changing, so check before you head there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every Friday for a brief half hour (12:30-1 p.m.), they release \u00a310 Friday Rush tickets<\/a> online for the following week. It\u2019s a bit of a gamble but at the same time a great chance to see more plays without stretching your vacation budget too much. The theater also runs tours for those interested in behind-the-scenes peeks.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Have a pint and burger at a former smuggler\u2019s drinking hole<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
Credit: Astrid Hofer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Anchor<\/a> is a South Bank institution that has been around for 800 years, even though it had to be renovated and partly rebuilt several times over the centuries due to fires. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A former favorite of smugglers and pirates, it later became an artist hotspot as it\u2019s just a few minutes walk from the Globe. William Shakespeare himself was a regular along with many of his leading actors and actresses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their menu features all the British classics. I recommend their Beyond Meat Burger as well as the apple pie. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summer or winter, there are usually buskers at The Anchor\u2019s doorstep, so be prepared to sing along to Oasis\u2019 \u201cWonderwall\u201d and Ed Sheeran\u2019s latest hits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Snack your way through Borough Market<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Borough<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of food, if you get hungry while exploring, head to Borough Market<\/a>, one of the most popular food markets in London. It has been around since 1756 and today features more than 100 stalls, bars, and restaurants selling dishes from around the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to really experience the market? Our London Borough Market Food Tour<\/a> is a great way to get the stories and insider insight while sampling some of the best flavors. If you have a sweet tooth, don\u2019t leave without treating yourself to a dessert at Humble Crumble<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local tip: <\/strong>Borough Market is also where local foodies do their grocery shopping. My go-to place is Spice Mountain<\/a>, a stall selling spices from around the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best of the South Bank<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So there you have it \u2014 the best of London\u2019s South Bank! As you can tell, there\u2019s a lot to explore here. Take one of our London tours<\/a> to see it all with a local or just wander and see where your feet take you. Either way, this walkable corner of London is one you can\u2019t miss on your trip to the capital.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you love walking, you\u2019ll love London. There are plenty of beautiful city strolls that double as sightseeing tours all around the capital. However, if you only have time for one, I\u2019d suggest the London South Bank, passing many of the city\u2019s most famous landmarks along the way. Even after over six years living in<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":103,"featured_media":35109,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[798],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35108"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/103"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35108"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35108\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38369,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35108\/revisions\/38369"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35109"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35108"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35108"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35108"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}