This South Bank London guide covers everything you need to know before you visit. The South Bank runs along the south side of the River Thames, directly across from the City of London. It stretches from Westminster Bridge in the west to Tower Bridge in the east. Most visitors spend half a day here. Many spend a full day. If this is your first trip to London, the South Bank deserves a dedicated slot in your itinerary.
What Is the South Bank?
The South Bank is a cultural district that runs along the River Thames. It has world-class museums, theatres, a famous food market, and one of the best riverside walks in Europe. The area feels open and relaxed in a way that central London rarely does. You can walk for miles along the river without fighting through narrow streets.
This part of London was largely industrial until the mid-20th century. The Festival of Britain in 1951 transformed it. The arts venues, walkways, and public spaces you see today came from decades of investment after that event. Since then, the South Bank has grown into the cultural heart of the city.
Getting to the South Bank
The South Bank is easy to reach from anywhere in central London. Here are the main options.
By Tube
Waterloo station is the main hub. It is served by the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines. Southwark station on the Jubilee line drops you right in the middle of the area. For the western end near the London Eye, use Westminster or Embankment stations on the other side of the river and cross on foot.
For full details on navigating London’s transport system, see our complete London transport guide for US visitors.
By Bus
Several bus routes cross Waterloo Bridge or stop along the South Bank. Routes 1, 68, and 168 all pass through Waterloo. Buses are slower than the Tube but give you great views of the Thames as you cross.
Walking from Central London
The South Bank is very walkable from the city centre. Cross Westminster Bridge from the Houses of Parliament and you arrive directly on the South Bank. The walk from Big Ben to Tate Modern takes around 25 minutes along the riverside path. It is one of the most enjoyable walks in London.
Top Things to Do on the South Bank
The South Bank packs more into one stretch than almost anywhere else in London. Here is what to put on your list.
Tate Modern
Tate Modern is one of the world’s great art museums. It opened in 2000 inside a converted power station on Bankside. The permanent collections span modern and contemporary art from across the globe. Entry to the permanent galleries is free. Special exhibitions carry a charge. Allow at least two hours if you enjoy modern art. The building itself is worth seeing — the vast turbine hall alone stops most visitors in their tracks.
Tate Modern is one of many free cultural attractions in the city. For a broader list, see our guide to London’s free museums for US visitors.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
The Globe is a faithful reconstruction of the Elizabethan theatre where Shakespeare’s plays were first performed. American actor Sam Wanamaker spent decades campaigning to rebuild it. It opened in 1997, a short walk from the original site. You can take a guided tour or see a live performance. Summer performances run from April to October. Groundling tickets — standing in the yard just metres from the stage — cost around £5. They are some of the most atmospheric and affordable theatre tickets in London.
Read the full story in our Shakespeare’s Globe guide.
The London Eye
The London Eye stands at the western end of the South Bank. It is a giant observation wheel 135 metres above the Thames. Each rotation takes 30 minutes. On a clear day you can see for more than 40 kilometres in every direction. Book tickets in advance, especially in summer and at weekends. Queues without a pre-booked ticket can run to over an hour.
Borough Market
Borough Market sits just off the South Bank, near London Bridge station. It has operated as a food market since the 12th century and is now one of the finest in Europe. You will find bread, cheese, fresh produce, street food, and specialist ingredients from around the world. Friday and Saturday are the busiest days. Thursday mornings are quieter and just as good.
The market’s history is extraordinary. Dig into it in our full Borough Market guide.
The Shard
The Shard towers above London Bridge station at the eastern end of the South Bank. It is the tallest building in the UK. The Viewing Gallery occupies floors 68 to 72 and gives you a 360-degree view across London. Adult tickets cost around £28–32. Visit at dusk for the best light. The views across the Thames and the city skyline are genuinely impressive.
National Theatre and BFI Southbank
The National Theatre stages some of the best productions in Britain across three separate auditoria. Day tickets go on sale from 9am for same-evening performances. The BFI Southbank screens classic and international films throughout the year. Both are worth checking for programme listings when you plan your visit.
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Walking the South Bank
The Queen’s Walk is the main pedestrian path along the river. It runs from Lambeth Bridge in the west to Tower Bridge in the east — a distance of roughly three miles. You do not need to walk all of it. Most visitors cover the stretch from the London Eye to Tower Bridge, passing Tate Modern, the Globe Theatre, Southwark Cathedral, Borough Market, and Hay’s Galleria along the way.
Allow two to three hours at a relaxed pace if you want to stop at markets and viewpoints. Millennium Bridge connects the South Bank to the City of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. Crossing it gives you one of the most photographed views in London.
Southwark Cathedral
Many visitors walk straight past Southwark Cathedral without realising it is there. It sits right next to Borough Market and predates Shakespeare’s time in London. The cathedral has parts dating back to the 13th century. Entry is free. The quiet interior is a welcome contrast to the busy market outside. Learn more in our Southwark Cathedral guide.
Where to Eat and Drink
Borough Market is the obvious first stop for food. The stalls offer everything from Portuguese custard tarts to West African peanut stew. Many visitors build their entire lunch around a wander through the market.
For sit-down meals, the South Bank has a wide choice. Skylon restaurant inside the Royal Festival Hall has Thames views and solid British cooking. The café terraces along the riverfront are good for coffee between sights. The Anchor Bankside pub on Bankside has been serving drinks since the 18th century. Samuel Johnson and Samuel Pepys both drank here. It is a good spot for a pint after a long walk.
Practical Tips for Visiting
The South Bank is busiest at weekends between 11am and 4pm. Visit on a weekday morning for a calmer experience. The riverside walkway and most outdoor areas are free and open all day, every day.
Wear comfortable shoes. The cobblestones near the Globe Theatre look charming but they are hard on your feet after a few hours. If it rains, the Tate Modern turbine hall is a huge free indoor space and a good place to shelter. The BFI and National Theatre both have cafés that are open without needing a ticket.
Before your trip, read our London travel tips for American visitors for practical advice on everything from tipping to public transport etiquette.
How Long to Spend on the South Bank
Half a day covers the main highlights. A full day lets you take everything at your own pace. If you plan to visit Tate Modern, take a Globe Theatre tour, browse Borough Market, and ride the London Eye, you need at least six hours. That is before any sit-down meals.
The South Bank is worth revisiting in the evening. Many visitors return after dinner for the riverside lights and the view of the illuminated skyline across the Thames. The area stays busy and safe well into the night.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit the South Bank in London?
May to September gives you the best weather for walking the riverside path and sitting at outdoor cafés. The South Bank is enjoyable year-round, though. Autumn and winter bring smaller crowds, and the Christmas market outside the Southbank Centre in December is one of the best in London.
Is the South Bank in London free to visit?
The South Bank riverside walk is entirely free. Tate Modern’s permanent collections are free to enter. The London Eye, The Shard, and Shakespeare’s Globe tours all charge admission. Borough Market is free to browse, though you will spend money on food if you visit the stalls.
How long does it take to walk the South Bank from the London Eye to Tower Bridge?
The walk takes around 45 minutes at a steady pace with no stops. Add two to three hours if you plan to browse Borough Market, visit Tate Modern, and stop for photos. Most visitors allow a full morning or afternoon for this stretch of the river.
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