London · South Bank

South Bank

Riverside walks, world-class culture, famous London views and some of the city's best-known attractions line this remarkably easy stretch of the Thames.

Explore the map What to see Find London tours
London Eye Southbank Centre Tate Modern Shakespeare's Globe Borough Market
Why South Bank

London unfolds naturally along the Thames

South Bank gives you one of the simplest ways to experience central London without spending much of the day moving between disconnected sights.

Begin around Westminster Bridge and the London Eye, continue past the Southbank Centre and National Theatre, then follow the river towards Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe and Borough Market.

There is plenty to visit, but South Bank also rewards a slower approach. Bridges, river views, street life and unexpected stops are part of the experience rather than gaps between attractions.

Explore and stay

Understand South Bank before choosing where to stay

Follow the Thames from the London Eye towards Bankside and Borough, then search South Bank or another London neighbourhood to compare accommodation around the area that best suits your plans.

Find somewhere to stay

Search accommodation around South Bank

South Bank is already selected, but you can change the destination if Waterloo, Bankside, Westminster or another London neighbourhood works better for your wider trip.

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Main highlights

Let the river shape the day

South Bank works best as a journey rather than a checklist. Choose the places that matter to you and enjoy the river, bridges and London views that connect them.

Landmark

London Eye

A defining South Bank landmark and a natural starting point beside Westminster Bridge.

Culture

Southbank Centre

A major riverside arts complex at the heart of the western South Bank.

Theatre

National Theatre

A cultural landmark and useful stopping point as you continue east along the Thames.

Gallery

Tate Modern

A former power station turned major gallery, with Millennium Bridge directly outside.

Heritage

Shakespeare's Globe

A distinctive riverside theatre that adds another layer to the Bankside walk.

Food

Borough Market

A natural eastern end point where food, historic streets and London Bridge come together.

Suggested days

Choose how far you want to follow the river

2–3 hours

Essential South Bank

  1. Westminster Bridge
  2. London Eye
  3. Southbank Centre
  4. National Theatre
  5. River walk and return
Half day

South Bank to Tate Modern

  1. London Eye
  2. Southbank Centre
  3. National Theatre
  4. Gabriel's Wharf
  5. Tate Modern
Full day

Westminster Bridge to Borough

  1. Choose one main attraction or gallery
  2. Walk the central South Bank
  3. Tate Modern
  4. Shakespeare's Globe
  5. Finish around Borough Market
Plan the visit

Don't timetable every step

South Bank is particularly good when the walk itself is part of the day. Choose the attraction, gallery or experience that matters most, then leave enough space for river views, bridges, food and whatever catches your attention along the way.

Walking The riverside is the simplest way to connect most major sights.
Tickets Book ahead when a particular attraction or performance is important.
Timing Allow longer than the map suggests — stopping is part of the experience.
Weather Galleries, theatres and food stops make useful flexible indoor options.
London tours and experiences

Find a London experience that adds something to the day

Once you know how much of South Bank you want to explore independently, browse current London tours and experiences that could complement your plans rather than replace them.

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Prefer exploring independently? You do not need a tour to enjoy South Bank. The map and suggested routes above are designed to work just as well for a self-guided riverside day.
Keep exploring

South Bank is only one version of London

Westminster, Greenwich, Camden, Richmond, Hampstead and other parts of London offer very different ways to experience the city.

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