South Bank: Along the Thames, with breathtaking views and proximity to many attractions
South Bank is one of the most loved places in London, both by tourists and locals. It is the pedestrian walkway that stretches along the south bank of the Thames, from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge, for about 3 kilometers of flat, car-free path, with spectacular views of the city's most iconic landmarks. In this guide, you will discover why South Bank is the perfect area for those seeking breathtaking views and proximity to many attractions, and how to best organize your visit.
Why choose South Bank
South Bank offers a unique perspective on London. Walking along the river, you will see the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben across the water, the London Eye rising in the sky, the dome of St. Paul's providing a backdrop to the Millennium Bridge, and finally, Tower Bridge beautifully concluding the route.
It is a flat route, suitable for everyone (even those who walk little), and rich in attractions, markets, pubs, and rest areas. Additionally, South Bank is well connected by the subway and boats, and is surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and venues for every budget.
Main attractions of South Bank
1. London Eye
The London Eye is the most famous Ferris wheel in London, standing 135 meters tall. It is located at the beginning of South Bank, near Westminster Bridge.
What to do:
Ride the wheel for a 30-minute journey with spectacular views of the city.
Book the skip-the-line ticket to avoid the queues.
Admire the illuminated wheel in the evening (spectacular).
Tip:Book online at least a week in advance. Sunset is the most beautiful time (and the most crowded).
2. South Bank Centre and National Theatre
Shortly after the London Eye, you will encounter the South Bank Centre, a cultural complex that includes the Royal Festival Hall (concert halls), the Hayward Gallery (modern art), and the National Theatre.
What to do:
Go up to the terrace of the National Theatre (free) for a nice view of the Thames and Somerset House.
Attend a show (tickets also available for £15-20).
Visit the free exhibitions at the Hayward Gallery (some are paid).
3. Gabriel's Wharf and Oxo Tower
Continuing east, the promenade becomes livelier. Gabriel's Wharf is a small area with craft shops, cafes, and outdoor restaurants.
Just beyond, the Oxo Tower is an art deco building that now houses design shops, restaurants, and a free viewing terrace.
What to do:
Go up to the Oxo Tower Viewing Gallery (eighth floor, free entry, elevator). The view of the Thames and St. Paul's is spectacular.
Grab a coffee or a drink at the Oxo Tower bar (expensive but with a view).
4. Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is the most visited museum of modern and contemporary art in the world. The building is a former power station, with the iconic chimney (the "Switch House").
What to do:
Visit the permanent collections (free entry). Works by Picasso, Warhol, Dalí, Rothko, Bacon.
Go up to the panoramic terrace on the 5th floor (view of St. Paul's).
Cross the Millennium Bridge (in front) for a photo with St. Paul's in the background.
Tip:The museum is huge. Spend at least 1-2 hours visiting.
5. Millennium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge (nicknamed "Wobbly Bridge" for its initial swaying) connects the South Bank to St. Paul's Cathedral. It is one of the most photographed pedestrian bridges in London.
What to do:
Walk across it (free) for a unique view of St. Paul's.
Take photos from the Tate Modern side (the dome of St. Paul's serves as a backdrop).
6. Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
Just after the Tate Modern, you will find Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, a faithful reconstruction of the Elizabethan theater where Shakespeare staged his plays.
What to do:
Visit the museum and the theater (guided tours, £15-20).
Attend a performance (May-October). Standing tickets cost only £5-10.
Take a photo outside (free).
7. The Anchor Pub
Right next to the Globe is The Anchor, one of the oldest and most characteristic pubs on the South Bank (dating back to the 1600s). It was frequented by Samuel Pepys (the diarist) and sailors.
What to do:Go in for a pint of beer (£6-7) or lunch (fish and chips £12-15). Sit outside on the riverside terrace.
8. Clink Street and Golden Hinde
Slightly deviating from the river (following the signs for "Clink Street"), you find a medieval alley with ancient barrel vaults. Here stood Clink Prison, a medieval prison (now a museum). In front, the Golden Hinde is a reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake's ship (16th century).
What to do:Take photos in the alley (picturesque). The museums charge admission (5-10 £).
9. Borough Market
A short walk from Clink Street is Borough Market, the most famous food market in London (open Wednesday-Saturday).
What to do:Try the street food: paella, doughnuts (Bread Ahead), fish and chips, risotto, cheeses, fruit juices.
Hours:Wednesday-Thursday 10:00-17:00, Friday 10:00-18:00, Saturday 8:00-17:00. Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.
10. London Bridge and Monument
Returning to the river, you arrive at London Bridge (the current bridge is modern). On the north bank stands the Monument to the Great Fire of London (a column from 1677, 62 meters high).
What to do:Climb the Monument (311 steps, 6 £, view of the city).
11. HMS Belfast
Shortly after London Bridge, moored on the river, is HMS Belfast, a Royal Navy cruiser that participated in the Normandy landings (1944) and the Korean War.
What to do:Visit the floating museum (15-20 £). Even just seeing it from the outside is impressive.
12. Tower Bridge (Arrival)
The final stop is Tower Bridge, the most famous drawbridge in the world. Built between 1886 and 1894, it is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering.
What to do:
Cross it on foot (free).
Visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition (ticket £12-15) which includes the glass walkway 42 meters high.
Take the iconic photo from the side of the Tower of London (on the north bank).
The complete walk: from Westminster to Tower Bridge
Total distance:3.2 km (about 2 miles)
Travel time without stops:40-50 minutes
Recommended time with stops:3-4 hours (or a full day if you visit all the attractions)
Main stops:
Westminster Bridge and Big Ben
London Eye
South Bank Centre and National Theatre
Gabriel's Wharf and Oxo Tower
Tate Modern and Millennium Bridge
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
The Anchor Pub
Clink Street and Golden Hinde
Borough Market
London Bridge and Monument
HMS Belfast
Tower Bridge
Where to eat on the South Bank
Street food (budget-friendly):
Borough Market:Paella (£6-8), doughnuts (£3-4), fish and chips (£8-10), cheeses (£5-10).
Gabriel's Wharf:Coffee and sandwiches (£5-10).
Traditional pub:
The Anchor:Fish and chips (£12-15), pie and mash (£10-12).
The George Inn (London Bridge):Historic pub with courtyard. Hamburgers (£10-15).
Restaurants:
Oxo Tower Restaurant:Elegant, spectacular view. Price: £40-60 per person.
Tate Modern Cafe:Cafe with a river view (£10-15 for a light meal).
Picnic:You can buy sandwiches at the supermarket (Tesco, Sainsbury's) and eat on the benches along the river.
Where to stay on the South Bank
The South Bank offers various accommodation options, from budget rooms to luxury hotels with views of the Thames.
Recommended hotels
Luxury (£200-400 per night):
Sea Containers London:Design hotel by the river, rooms with views of the Thames.
The Savoy (The Strand, nearby):Historic luxury hotel (£500-800).
Shangri-La The Shard:The tallest in London (floors 34-52). Spectacular view (£400-700).
Mid-range (£150-250):
Novotel London Blackfriars:Family rooms, pool.
Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo:Reliable chain, breakfast included.
Budget (£80-150):
St. Christopher's Inn (London Bridge):Hostel (private rooms available).
Premier Inn London Southwark:Budget chain, clean rooms.
How to get to the South Bank
Underground:
Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, Waterloo & City):To the start of the South Bank (London Eye).
Westminster (Circle, District, Jubilee):To Westminster Bridge.
London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern):To Borough Market and Tower Bridge.
Southwark (Jubilee):To Tate Modern and Globe.
Boat:Uber Boat from Westminster Pier, Embankment Pier, London Bridge Pier, Tower Pier.
Bus:Many lines stop along the South Bank (RV1, 381, 344).
Tips for visiting the South Bank
Comfortable shoes:You will walk 3-4 km, with many stops. Wear sneakers.
Layered clothing:It can be windy along the river. Even in summer, bring a sweatshirt.
Bring a water bottle:Tap water is drinkable. Save money.
Don't bring large luggage:A medium backpack is fine. No suitcases.
Choose the right time:The sunset is spectacular. Mornings (9:00-11:00) are less crowded.
Lunch break:Borough Market (if open) or one of the pubs along the way.
Public restrooms:National Theatre, Tate Modern, Borough Market, London Bridge station, Tower Bridge.
The South Bank in the evening
The South Bank is beautiful even after sunset. The London Eye lights up, the Thames reflects the city lights, the bridges are illuminated, and the venues are open late.
What to do in the evening:
Catch a show at the National Theatre or the Globe.
Have a drink at the Oxo Tower Bar (spectacular view).
Dinner at Borough Market (some places open late).
Walking on the illuminated Millennium Bridge.
FAQ - South Bank
How long does it take to walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge?
40-50 minutes without stops. With stops (photos, coffee, attractions), 3-4 hours. If you visit all the attractions, a whole day.
Is the South Bank free?
The walk is free. Some attractions (London Eye, Tate Modern temporary exhibitions, Globe tour, Tower Bridge Exhibition) have an entrance fee. Others (Oxo Tower, National Theatre terrace, Tate Modern permanent collection) are free.
What is the best time to visit the South Bank?
At sunset (about 30-40 minutes before sunset). The light on the city is magical. Early in the morning (9:00) is less crowded.
Is the South Bank accessible for disabled people?
Yes, the path is completely flat and barrier-free. The main attractions (Tate Modern, London Eye, National Theatre) are accessible.
Can I bring my dog to the South Bank?
Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on the walkway and in many outdoor spaces. Inside museums, no (except for guide dogs).
Where can I eat along the South Bank?
Borough Market (street food), The Anchor (pub), Oxo Tower (fine dining), Gabriel's Wharf (cafes and outdoor restaurants), Tate Modern (cafe with a view).
What is the best spot to photograph Tower Bridge?
From the north bank (Tower of London side), or from London Bridge (further away). You can also get nice perspectives from the south bank (Queen's Walk).
How far is the South Bank from Westminster to Tower Bridge?
3.2 km (about 2 miles).
Are there public restrooms along the way?
Yes, at the National Theatre, Tate Modern, Borough Market, London Bridge station, and Tower Bridge (ticket office).
Is the walk along the South Bank suitable for children?
Yes, it is flat, safe, and full of attractions for children (London Eye, Tate Modern (free), the playground near the National Theatre, markets, and ice cream).
Summary table of attractions
| Attraction | Entry | Recommended time | Suitable for children |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Eye | 30-40 £ | 30-60 min | Yes (all ages) |
| Tate Modern | Free | 1-2 hours | Yes (10+) |
| Millennium Bridge | Free | 15 min | Yes |
| Shakespeare's Globe | 15-20 £ | 1 hour | Yes (8+) |
| The Anchor | Beer 5-7 £ | 30 min | Yes (until 8:00 PM) |
| Borough Market | Free | 30-60 min | Yes |
| HMS Belfast | 15-20 £ | 1-2 hours | Yes (8+) |
| Tower Bridge Exhibition | 12-15 £ | 1 hour | Yes |
Enjoy every step
The South Bank is the vibrant heart of London along the Thames. A walk along the river from Westminster to Tower Bridge offers breathtaking views of the city's most iconic landmarks, access to free museums, delightful markets, historic pubs, and must-see attractions. Whether you have a day or just an afternoon, the South Bank is the perfect walking route to discover London at a leisurely pace, without a car, enjoying every step. No complicated map is needed: just follow the river.
Read our detailed guide: holidays in London.
Review date:April 2026