South Bank Travel Guide

London

South Bank which includes a city, a bridge and heritage architecture
South Bank
Southwark Cathedral which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
South Bank showing a city, a bridge and a river or creek
Southwark Cathedral featuring heritage elements, interior views and a church or cathedral

Nestled between Lambeth and SouthwarkOpens in a new window, this London neighbourhood has many options for cultural entertainment and relaxation along the River Thames.

London’s South Bank lies inside a large bend of the River Thames. Stroll or skate next to the Thames, visit special events and art exhibitions and get fantastic views over the city.

Ride high in the London EyeOpens in a new window observation wheel to look over Greater London’s famous sites on the opposite bank: the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the gherkin-shaped 30 St Mary Axe, Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square and even Windsor Castle on a very clear day. On the near side, watch numerous trains coming into Waterloo Station. Bring a camera and plan to stand for the 30-minute, single-revolution “flight.” South of the Eye, bring the family to Shrek’s Adventure, SEA Life London Aquarium and the London Dungeon for kid-focused entertainment.

A bit north, Southbank CentreOpens in a new window is one of the world’s largest arts centers. Listen to one of four resident orchestras, attend a festival, view current arts exhibitions or come for shopping, dining or drinks. Its venues include Royal Festival Hall, the Hayward Gallery, the Poetry Library and several other beautiful and functional spaces.

Slightly northeast, see one of the more than 20 new performances staged each year, ranging from classical to contemporary, at the National Theatre. Continuing east, the OXO Tower stands tall above the Oxo Tower Wharf along the Thames. Tour the exhibits at the gallery@oxo and Bargehouse and visit 30 design boutiques and restaurants.

East of South Bank is Southwark, home of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. South of the neighborhood, take a walk along the river to the Imperial War Museum.

Getting to South Bank has numerous pleasant options. Walk across the Waterloo BridgeOpens in a new window, ride the London Underground Tube to Waterloo Station or take a river bus to the London Eye Pier. Near Waterloo Station board an amphibious vehicle for one of the many themed London Duck Tours.

You’re sure to see the London Eye on a visit to London. Venture a bit farther into the South Bank and Waterloo neighborhoods to enjoy other interesting sites.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in South Bank

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
The price is Rp4.050.874 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
Rp4.050.874
per night
10 Aug - 11 Aug
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in London. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,748 reviews)
"Lovely staff and room as described"

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Sea Containers London
Sea Containers London
5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground, London, England
The price is Rp4.210.148 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
Rp4.210.148
per night
5 Aug - 6 Aug
Stay at this 5-star spa hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,921 reviews)
"Clean and great and great location"

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Sea Containers London
Park Plaza County Hall London
Park Plaza County Hall London
4 out of 5
1 Addington Street, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp3.285.843 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
Rp3.285.843
per night
27 Jul - 28 Jul
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,345 reviews)
"Hotel is very convinient to all popular places.walkable"

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Park Plaza County Hall London
Strand Palace Hotel
Strand Palace Hotel
4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
The price is Rp3.374.873 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
Rp3.374.873
per night
5 Aug - 6 Aug
Stay at this 4-star hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,141 reviews)
"Excellent hotel , so close to many attractions and Charing Cross station. I loved being able to walk to Trafalgar Square to visit the amazing National Gallery in just 5 minutes!"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Strand Palace Hotel
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
The price is Rp1.822.893 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
Rp1.822.893
per night
10 Aug - 11 Aug
Stay at this 3-star hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.4/10 Good! (4,899 reviews)
Cozy Stay in London
"Our stay was comfortable. We had a full itinerary so we didn’t spend a lot of time in the room. The rooms are small and windowless but if you only need it to shower and sleep like us, it’s a great deal. It was conveniently located and what we needed for our trip to London. Tons of restaurants and ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp2.404.723 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
Rp2.404.723
per night
27 Jul - 28 Jul
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (7,566 reviews)
"Great place clean and service"

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around South Bank

London showing a bridge, a city and heritage architecture

Waterloo

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Waterloo. Check out top attractions like London Eye and Southbank Centre, and jump on the metro at Waterloo Underground Station or Lambeth North Underground Station to see more of the city.

Waterloo
London showing heritage elements, markets and signage

Covent Garden

The lively bars and colourful gardens are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Covent Garden Market or Royal Opera House while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Covent Garden Underground Station to get around town.

Covent Garden
Default Image

London City Centre

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in London City Centre. Top attractions like Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus are major draws. Catch the metro at Charing Cross Underground Station or Leicester Square Underground Station to see more of the city.

London City Centre
Soho

Soho

Soho is beloved for its fantastic nightlife. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Oxford Street and Soho Square.

Soho
Victoria showing a city and heritage architecture

Westminster

While you're in Westminster, take in top sights like Big Ben and jump on the metro at St. James's Park Underground Station to see more of the city.

Westminster
Admiralty Arch showing heritage architecture

City of Westminster

4.5/5(2,564 area reviews)

Big Ben and Trafalgar Square are a few top attractions in City of Westminster. Hop around the city on the metro at St. James's Park Underground Station or Victoria Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

City of Westminster

South Bank Travel Guide