Things to Do in South Bank (+ Waterloo) | What to See & Where to Stay, Shop, & Eat

Seeking the best paid and free things to do in South Bank, London? Then you’re in luck. We’ve put together this guide to the South Bank and Waterloo, so you can find all the finest places to visit in this part of the city.

Also covered are the best places to stay in Waterloo and South Bank. You can also discover where to eat, whether you prefer on-the-go street food, or fine dining with river views. 

Whatever you’re into, South Bank attractions in London offer something for everyone. There are family-friendly activities, cultural hotspots, waterside walks, and even a mediaeval palace. And then of course there’s the London Eye, one of the UK’s top paid visitor experiences. 

Whether you want to visit the South Bank during the festive season or dine al fresco in the height of summer, this guide is here to lead the way. Read on so you can get started with planning your day – or stay – south of the river!

Who is the South Bank + Waterloo best for?

• Culture vultures
• Riverside strollers
• Fun-loving families
• Anyone seeking panoramic views

Top 10 Things to Do in South Bank (+ Waterloo)

London Eye

Since its construction to celebrate the millennium, the London Eye has gone from strength to strength. It’s the highest cantilevered observation wheel in the world, and one of the most popular paid attractions in the land. 

Your trip will take half an hour, during which you can savour stunning panoramas over the city. Tickets are timed, and due to demand, pre booking is necessary. Fast-track tickets can save you time, as you won’t need to queue.

Find out more in this complete London Eye guide.

Click here to book fast-track London Eye tickets – the London Eye is also included in the London Pass

South Bank Centre

The South Bank Centre proudly overlooks the Thames, and is the biggest arts centre in the UK. There are events and festivals all year round, and the programme includes art, dance, debate, literature, music, and theatre from world-class creators and performers. 

Discover what’s on at the South Bank Centre during your visit. The centre comprises a number of venues – the Royal Festival Hall, Purcell Room, Hayward Gallery, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Arts Council Collection, and National Poetry Library.

National Theatre

Films, live performances, and family entertainment are all up for grabs at the UK’s National Theatre on London’s South Bank. Find out what’s on so you can plan your visit. 

Other than seeing a show, you can see free exhibitions, dine at the restaurants here, browse the book store, delve into the archive, or take a tour. 

Old Vic and Young Vic

The Old Vic is one of the world’s best known theatres, and some very famous actors have graced the stage here. It has 1,000 seats, and the iconic building is located on The Cut, close to Waterloo. Dating back to 1818, it’s previously been known as the Royal Coburg Theatre, the Royal Victoria Theatre, and the Royal Victoria Palace.

The Young Vic dates back to the 1960s, and focuses on honing younger talent. It’s a hotbed for youthful directors in particular. This venue was constructed on a budget, and ticket prices reflect the all-inclusive ethos of its founding. 

BFI IMAX

The biggest movie theatre screen in the UK can be found in the South Bank. It’s run by the British Film Institute (BFI). As well as standard seats, you can book luxury, premium, or even cosy double seats here.

There’s only one high resolution screen, but it’s a big deal, and almost as tall as five London double decker buses. BFI IMAX also boasts laser projection technology, plus a state-of-the-art sound system. 

Florence Nightingale Museum

Situated in the grounds of St Thomas’s Hospital, the Florence Nightingale Museum tells the tale of the Lady with the Lamp. You can learn all about the world’s most famous nurse here, and her life during Victorian times. Various objects she owned are also on display. 

Lambeth Palace

Lambeth Palace is the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. It’s also one of the city’s few remaining mediaeval buildings. 

Things to see include the Chapel, the Crypt, the Guard Room, and the Library. The gardens are also noteworthy, and are open between May and September. At the time of writing, refurbishments have shut down the usual palace tours, but you can follow @visitlambethpalace on social media to be kept in the loop.

Queen’s Walk

Queen’s Walk stretches along by the Thames between Tower Bridge and Lambeth Bridge. The pathway is made for pedestrians, and offers superb views of riverside attractions like the London Eye. It takes around half an hour to take a leisurely stroll between Lambeth and Blackfriars Bridges. 

Wandering along the Queen’s Walk can be very relaxing, as you’ll amble along by the river. It’s also the ideal way to get to know this part of London. 

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

This South Bank attraction is perfect for families visiting London with kids. There are lots of creatures to see and zones to explore. See crocodiles, jellyfish, penguins, piranhas, seahorses, sharks, starfish, and more. 

Entry to the London Aquarium is timed, and tickets and slots are best reserved ahead of your visit. 

Click here to book your London Aquarium tickets

London Dungeon

London Dungeon offers a walk-through experience lasting around an hour-and-a-half. It’s not for those who are easily frightened, as it’s all about the scarier aspects of the city’s history. Think torture chambers, Jack the Ripper, and Sweeney Todd. 

You should book a ticket and timed entry slot in advance for London Dungeon.

Click here to book your London Dungeon tickets

Leake Street Tunnels

The Leake Street Tunnels are a legal graffiti zone where artists from around the world showcase their talent, transforming the walls with vivid and thought-provoking artworks.

The Leake Street Tunnels celebrate the dynamic culture of street art and are an off-the-beaten-path attraction well worth including in your itinerary.

Where to Stay in South Bank (+ Waterloo)

Hotels

• £££ – London Marriott County Hall | 5* | Restaurants, bar, gym, & pool | By London Aquarium
• ££ – The Hoxton Southwark | 4* | Restaurants & bar, room service | Near Southwark tube
• ££ – Park Plaza County Hall | 4* | Restaurant, bar, gym, & spa | Near Waterloo station
• ££ – Park Plaza London Waterloo | 4* |  Restaurant, bar, gym, & pool | Near Lambeth North tube
• ££ – Park Plaza London Riverbank | 4* | Restaurant, bar, gym, & pool | In Lambeth
• ££ – Park Plaza Westminster Bridge | 4* | Restaurants, bar, gym, & pool | By Westminster Bridge
• £ – NOX Waterloo | 4* | Kitchenettes, 24-hour reception | Near Waterloo station
• £ – Stayo Waterloo | 4* | Kitchenettes  | Near Waterloo station

Where to Eat in South Bank (+ Waterloo)

Gabriel’s Wharf

This colourful riverside spot offers street food and other tasty treats tucked in among the independent shops. Vegan, Caribbean, Italian and Mexican cuisine, and toasties, are among the highlights. 

Leake Street Arches

You can find some interesting places to eat at this subterranean South Bank spot. Options include authentic Polish fare, a board games cafe, and a Philadephian restaurant. This is also a hub for London’s street art scene, and new works are constantly being added. 

South Bank Centre Food Market

Operating between lunchtime on Fridays to early evening on Sundays, South Bank Centre Food Market offers a vast range of food and beverage options to suit all tastes. Whether you want a savoury snack, a wholesome main, a sweet treat, a nourishing juice, or an alcoholic drink, head here. 

Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar, & Brasserie

This Oxo Tower eatery and bar is a London institution. It’s split into three venues – the more formal restaurant, a relaxed brasserie, and a cocktail bar. The menu features flavours from around the world, and there’s an outdoor terrace for even better views of the city skyline.   

Gillray’s Steakhouse and Bar

Tuck into the most satisfying steaks south of the Thames at Gillray’s Steakhouse and Bar, at the Marriott County Hall hotel. A side helping of London Eye views also goes down very nicely indeed. The decor is very classy to boot, complete with crystal chandeliers. 

Seabird

Located at the Hoxton hotel, Seabird specialises – not surprisingly – in all things fishy. The oysters are a must, washed down with a creative cocktail. A rooftop setting only adds to the appeal. 

Skylon

Find Skylon at the South Bank Centre. It has full-length windows that offer sweeping river views and serves a contemporary British and European menu. 

Where to Shop in South Bank (+ Waterloo)

Gabriel’s Wharf

Arty, colourful Gabriel’s Wharf is a part of the South Bank that’s not to be missed, and offers a range of appealing independent retailers. Expect unique artworks, vintage finds, handmade jewellery, and more. 

Oxo Tower Wharf

Oxo Tower Wharf offers smart, upmarket boutiques ideal for picking up unique gift items – or treats for yourself. With around 25 to pick from, you should find plenty of inspiration.

South Bank Book Market

Operating since 1983, this market at the South Bank Centre comprises eight stalls, and is open daily. Bookworms flock here to pick up prints, postcards, and maps as well as many fiction and non-fiction titles. You can find children’s books, modern literature, vintage classics, and much more. 

Christmas in South Bank (+ Waterloo)

The South Bank Centre hosts an annual winter festival, while further along the banks of the river you’ll find one of London’s top Christmas markets. This is a vibrant place to be during the festive season, with lovely light displays and plenty of places to shop for gifts. 

How to Get to South Bank (+ Waterloo)

Underground stations

• Waterloo – Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, Waterloo & City lines
• Lambeth North – Bakerloo line
• Southwark – Jubilee line

Train stations

• Waterloo
• Waterloo East

South Bank (+ Waterloo) FAQs

Where is the South Bank?

The name South Bank refers to the fact that this part of the city lies south of the Thames. This area sits by a curve of the River Thames, between the Millennium Bridge and Lambeth Bridge. 

The south London neighbourhoods of Borough, Elephant and Castle, and Lambeth border the South Bank to the east and south. To the west and north, on the northern bank of the Thames, are Westminster, Charing Cross, and Blackfriars. 

South Bank (+ Waterloo) Tips

The Undercroft Skate Space

Visiting South Bank with teens, or want to see another side to the city? Then don’t miss the undercroft of the South Bank Centre. It’s the longest-serving skate spot on the planet, and also a hub for graffiti, photography, filming, and meeting people. 

What Will You Do on the South Bank (+ Waterloo)?

With so many things to do in London’s South Bank area, the only question is this. What will you do first? From big wheels or theatres and cultural events to family-friendly attractions, river view dining, waterside strolls, and more, there’s always lots going on south of the River Thames.

Read next – London area guides

• Covent Garden (including Holborn)
• Tower Hill and Tower Bridge
• Westminster (including Victoria/Charing Cross and Trafalgar Square)
• Kensington (including South Kensington)
• Things to do in Greenwich
• Things to do in Mayfair
• Things to do in the City of London
• Things to do in Southwark & Bankside
• Things to do in Leicester Square and Soho
• Things to do in Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia
• Things to do in Knightsbridge and Belgravia
• Things to do in Notting Hill