Explore Bankside, London's Hottest Neighborhood

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From the dizzying heights of the London Eye to the glittering modern Shard building, Bankside has transformed the South Bank of the River Thames. Once a gritty industrial and commercial zone, it now teems with selfie-snapping crowds, foodies heading to the Borough Market and families streaming into exhibits and museums.

At night, theatergoers head to the National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe and other performance spaces. Whether you’re chasing skyline views or cultural gems, this vibrant riverside walk captures the city’s unstoppable spirit and energy.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Stay in the heart of Bankside at the sleek Bankside Hotel: Autograph Collection.

Fly High on the London Eye

The towering London Eye observation wheel on London's Bankside provides a 30 minute slow rotation ride from the bank of the Thames River to high in the sky. — At the popular London Eye, make sure you book tickets in advance. There’s always a line of eager visitors. Photo Credit: R.C. Staab

Across Westminster Bridge from Big Ben, start your riverside adventure with the London Eye, the iconic South Bank landmark.

The towering cantilevered observation wheel provides a smooth, slow 30-minute rotation, allowing a full 360-degree panoramic view of London without the cabins rocking or swaying.
The 32 air-conditioned glass capsules represent each of London’s boroughs and can each hold up to 28 people.
On a clear day, visibility extends up to 25 miles, reaching as far as Windsor Castle.
The capsules feature interactive digital guides to help identify landmarks and buildings.
Definitely book your tickets online in advance. The lines can be long but move steadily. If you are in a hurry, book the fast-track option.

SheBuysTravel Tip: There are many multi-attraction passes available, so consider options closely before heading to this area. For example, save 45% by purchasing a flexible combo ticket for the London Eye and an additional attraction that can be visited anytime in the next 90 days.

Explore Family Attractions and Aquatic Wonders

Perfect for the family who lives a thrill, the London Dungeon exhibits offer a chance to meet Jack and Ripper and get on a ride that simulates a hanging. — Four immersive exhibits including the London Dungeon await family thrill seekers at County Hall, steps from the London Eye. Photo Credit: R.C. Staab

Directly across from the London Eye is the County Hall visitor complex, which includes four family-oriented attractions:

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SEA LIFE London Aquarium: Explore over 500 species across 14 themed zones, including the UK’s largest living coral reef, the underwater Ocean Tunnel featuring sharks, rays and turtles swimming overhead and a Tropical Rainforest area with exotic species like poison dart frogs and piranhas.
London Dungeon: Journey through London’s darker history in this theatrical and immersive attraction that includes 13 live actor-led shows, dramatic scenes with iconic characters such as Jack the Ripper and the “Drop Dead” ride, which simulates a public hanging.
Shrek’s Adventure! London: Join a playful, family-friendly journey through the world inspired by the beloved films with live shows, a 4D magic bus ride and character meet-and-greets.
Paddington Exhibit: At this newest attraction at County Hall, younger visitors find themselves in the world of London’s favorite bear. The experience includes themed rooms, interactive games, character interactions and live entertainment.

Closer to the Shard, visit the Clink Prison Museum built on the site of one of England’s oldest and most notorious prisons. Step inside recreated cells, view grim historical artifacts, and learn about the harsh conditions and infamous inmates who were once confined here along the South Bank.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Looking for the iconic photo or selfie with Big Ben? With your back to the Eye, walk under the Westminster Bridge at the river’s edge. There’s often a line of tourists waiting for their photo op with Big Ben and the bridge’s arches in the camera’s frame.

Visit the National Covid Memorial Wall

At the National Covid Memorial Wall on the Bankside of London hand-painted red and pink hearts commemorate those who died from COVID-19 in the United Kingdom. — Opposite the London Eye on the west side of the Westminster Bridge is a memorial to those who died from COVID-19 in the UK at the National Covid Memorial Wall. Photo Credit: R.C. Staab

Underneath and on the other side of the Westminster Bridge from the Eye is the National Covid Memorial Wall, a heartfelt tribute featuring over 245,000 hand-painted red and pink hearts – one for each person in the UK who died from COVID-19.

Experience Art on the Southbank

With four story grand hall that was once part of a power plant the Tate Modern showcases grand art pieces that are part of the museums impressive modern art collection. — Those with only a passing interest in modern art will still be impressed with the grand hall of the Tate Modern. Photo Credit: R.C. Staab

Tate Modern: Explore this free, world-renowned modern art museum housed in a repurposed power station. Even casual art fans will want to stop in briefly to see the expansive Turbine Hall featuring large-scale art exhibits. Discover a vast collection spanning over 100 years of art with works by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Henri Matisse alongside contemporary artists. Guided tours are available.
Hayward Gallery: Part of the Southbank Centre complex, the Hayward offers cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions in a stark, concrete building that contrasts with its tranquil riverfront surroundings. The gallery focuses on presenting innovative British and international art across various media, including painting, sculpture, installation and multimedia.
Near the Borough Market, go inside the Southwark Cathedral to discover one of London’s oldest Gothic churches. Admire its beautiful stained glass, intricate stonework and historic memorials to figures such as William Shakespeare.

Thrill at Theatre on the Thames

Just as it was in the 16th century along the south side of the Thames River the reconstructed Globe theatre presents live performances of Shakespeare's plays. — At least once, every theater fan should experience a Shakespeare play at the Globe, a reconstruction of the 16th-century theater along the Thames River where Shakespeare’s plays were presented. Photo Credit: R.C. Staab

National Theatre: This flagship of British theatre offers a wide program of classic and contemporary plays in three distinct performance spaces. It’s known for premiering celebrated productions such as Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus and revivals of musicals such as Guys and Dolls. Recently, it has staged innovative works blending classic texts with modern perspectives.
Shakespeare’s Globe: Experience the magic of Shakespeare’s plays in a faithful reconstruction of the original Elizabethan playhouse along the river. The Globe specializes in authentically staged Shakespearean and early modern works, showcasing classics such as Hamlet, Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream performed by a resident company. Separate from the plays, guided tours are available.
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse: Part of the Globe complex, this intimate, candlelit theatre is designed to resemble the indoor playhouses of Jacobean London. It hosts a variety of performances, from early modern plays to contemporary works, with a focus on producing Shakespeare’s plays in historically informed settings, often utilizing traditional staging methods like candle lighting and minimal scenery to evoke the atmosphere of 17th-century theatre.
Old Vic: Considered part of the West End, though on the other side of the Thames from most theaters, the Old Vic has hosted landmark premieres and numerous Shakespearean revivals.
Young Vic: Known for its innovative and experimental work, this theatre champions new voices and boundary-pushing productions.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Shakespeare’s Globe is an outdoor theater, so be prepared with jackets and rain gear. Although the seating area is covered, visitors can experience all sorts of London weather during its season from April to October.

Walk the Millennium Bridge

Londons best bridge for a brisk walk is the Millennium Bridge with views of St Pauls Cathedral to the north and the Tate Modern and Shakespeares Globe on south side of the Thames River. — Tower Bridge and London Bridge may be more famous, but pedestrians’ favorite walk across the Thames River has to be the Millennium Bridge with views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern. Photo Credit: R.C. Staab

The Millennium Bridge is a sleek, steel suspension pedestrian bridge that gracefully spans across the River Thames, connecting Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern with St. Paul’s Cathedral. Though famously nicknamed the “Wobbly Bridge” due to initial swaying on its 2000 opening, it was re-engineered to be more stable.

Experience The Shard

The Shard contrasts with the old for those walking across the Tower Bridge with its blue white and red design scheme. — Experience London’s old and new as you walk across the 19th-century Tower Bridge and look south toward London’s most famous modern building, The Shard. Photo Credit: R.C. Staab

Dominating London’s skyline as Western Europe’s tallest building, The Shard offers:

The View from three levels, including an indoor viewing gallery and an open-air Skydeck on the 72nd floor.
A diverse range of dining options, including contemporary British cuisine and sophisticated Asian cuisine.
A retail arcade near the main entrance.

Shop and Eat Outdoors and Indoors

Food lovers throng to the Borough Market near the Tower Bridge for dozens of food stands featuring classic London food such as fish and chips plus the trendy modern cuisine. — Grab some food from one of the packed stalls at the Borough Market near Tower Bridge, then sit down and watch the throngs. Photo Credit: R.C. Staab

Borough Market: This historic food market – both enclosed and open air – is renowned globally for its artisan producers and diverse culinary delights. The market features an array of stalls offering everything from fresh produce, specialty cheeses and baked goods to street food from around the world. It’s packed on weekends. For special, take a guided tour with tastings.
Southbank Centre: Within this cultural hub, discover riverside cafés, pop-up eateries and the vibrant South Bank Book Market, popular among book lovers and foodies alike.
Oxo Tower Wharf: An Art Deco riverside building hosts design galleries, studios, shops and restaurants with views along the Thames. The eighth-floor Oxo Tower Restaurant, Brasserie and Bar offers modern British cuisine and handcrafted cocktails with spectacular panoramic vistas of St Paul’s Cathedral and the London skyline.

See the Golden Hind and Cruise the River

The Golden Hinde is recreated 16th century two masted galleon that is docked on the south side of the Thames River near the Tower Bridge. — A faithful reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s 16th-century ship welcomes tourists aboard near the Tower Bridge. Photo Credit: R.C. Staab

Near London Bridge, visit the historic Golden Hinde, an authentic full-scale reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s famous 16th‑century galleon. Explore the decks to learn about its world voyage, maritime life in the Elizabethan era and the ship’s role in England’s age of exploration.

Visit Neighborhoods Across the River

Visitors to the Bankside of London will undoubtedly cross the Thames River to see Buckingham Palace in the City of Westminster the Royal London section of Greater London. — What’s your next London neighborhood to explore? Head to the north side of the Thames River for our guides to other London neighborhoods such as Royal London to see Buckingham Palace. Photo Credit: R.C. Staab

On the other side of the River Thames, you’ll find these popular neighborhoods for visitors:

The City of London, with St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. Read our story here.
The West End and Theatreland area, with Covent Garden and Leicester Square attractions, is where people go for nightlife and famous museums. Read our story here.
The Royal London area, with Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, is a popular area for exploring England’s royal heritage. Read our story here.

Places to Stay: Hotels on Bankside

With its sleek modern design and art-filled interior, the Bankside Hotel fits right in with the revitalized Bankside area of London. Photo Credit: R.C. Staab

Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection: A beautifully designed luxury hotel known for its artistic décor, spacious and comfortable rooms and location across Blackfriars Bridge from the City of London. The in-house restaurant and stylish bar are popular with guests.
Hilton London Bankside: A chic hotel featuring modern amenities, a popular rooftop bar with views and a health club.
Hoxton Hotel, Southwark: A trendy boutique hotel celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, stylish rooms and café-bar.
Premier Inn: England’s largest budget-friendly hotel chain with locations in Bankside, Southwark near the Tate Modern and Borough High Street.