Spend the day wandering around South Bank and Waterloo, the home of many attractions including the iconic London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium and the London Dungeon.
You can catch a performance or film at the National Theatre, the Southbank Centre and BFI IMAX, or head over to the Old Vic and Young Vic theatres.
Feeling peckish? Find many places to eat in South Bank and Waterloo, explore the restaurants and bars along the river, in the street-art-covered Leake Street Arches and around quirky Gabriel's Wharf.
Where are South Bank and Waterloo?
A perfect spot for a stroll on a sunny day, South Bank stretches between Lambeth Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge on the south side of the river Thames. While South Bank is the district right next to the river, Waterloo is the neighbourhood that extends inland and around Waterloo train station.
Things to do in South Bank and Waterloo
Waterloo and South Bank were energised by the iconic modern architecture of the Southbank Centre, and the area has continued to evolve into a top destination for families, culture lovers and foodies.
Don’t miss annual events and pop-ups, from the Southbank Centre's Winter Festival to family-friendly events, that will keep you coming back to South Bank and Waterloo throughout the year.
Attractions and museums in South Bank and Waterloo
Enjoy many memorable moments along the bank of the Thames.
- Prep your camera and step into a pod at the iconic London Eye, as you embark on a 30-minute flight full of London landmarks.
- Stroll the pedestrianised Queen's Walk, a riverside walkway between Lambeth Bridge and Tower Bridge that's perfect for people-watching, lazy afternoons at a pavement cafe, and browsing through bookshops and market stalls.
- In summer, find a secret hideaway at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden. Relax with a book and soak up the sun or grab a cocktail to sip on among the plants.
- Learn about the history of British gardening at The Garden Museum, housed in the converted church of St Mary-at-Lambeth.
- Peek inside one of London's few remaining medieval buildings at Lambeth Palace, where you can take a guided tour of the crypt, guard room, chapel and library.
Family favourites in South Bank and Waterloo
Find some of London's top attractions for kids in South Bank and Waterloo.
- SEA LIFE London Aquarium hosts all kinds of creatures from the deep. Brave the Shark Walk and explore the Coral Kingdom.
- Meet the lovable ogre and his friends at the interactive Shrek’s Adventure! London.
- Prepare for a scare or two at the frighteningly good London Dungeon.
- Become enlightened by the story of “The Lady with the Lamp” at the Florence Nightingale Museum.
- Discover first-hand wartime stories at IWM London, with plenty of free exhibitions and interactive displays to explore.
Best activities for teens in South Bank and Waterloo
Enjoy epic days out with teens in tow along South Bank and Waterloo, from free gigs to thrills on wheels and water.
- The Undercroft of the Southbank Centre, a haven for skateboarders, is the world’s oldest continually used skate park.
- Venture onto the river and get the adrenaline pumping with a fast-paced speedboat tour with Thames Rockets.
- BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX are the places to be for big-screen treats, from the latest film releases to much-loved classics.
- Instagram-worthy Leake Street Tunnel is full of constantly changing street art. Keep an eye out for workshops to have a go yourself.
South Bank and Waterloo's cultural hangouts
Get your culture fix at South Bank and Waterloo's many world-class entertainment venues.
- Multi-arts venue Southbank Centre puts on top exhibitions, live music, family activities, free events and much more throughout the year.
- Fans of Agatha Christie can watch a performance of Witness for the Prosecution, played out in a former debating chamber.
- Grab a ticket for a show at the National Theatre, Old Vic or Young Vic.
- Book a spot for concerts at Royal Festival Hall or classical performances at Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room.
- See the latest exhibitions from some of the world’s leading contemporary artists at the Hayward Gallery and marvel at more works in gallery@oxo.
Where to shop in South Bank and Waterloo
Find one-of-a-kind items at local markets, boutiques and independent shops in South Bank and Waterloo.
- Browse the designer boutiques in Oxo Tower Wharf to find treasures from ceramics to custom jewellery.
- Hunt for goodies at the independent shops lining picturesque Gabriel's Wharf.
- Peruse paperbacks and hunt for hardbacks at Southbank Centre Book Market under Waterloo Bridge.
- Grab fresh produce and hot takeaway meals from the market stalls and shops along Lower Marsh.
Best restaurants in South Bank and Waterloo
Splash out on fine dining, taste a quirky new dish or savour the views from your table at South Bank and Waterloo's eclectic mix of restaurants.
- Plenty of fine dining restaurants in South Bank and Waterloo are ideal for celebrations. Try the terrace at Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie, trendy Seabird on The Hoxton hotel's rooftop, or panoramic Skylon at Royal Festival Hall.
- Savour a side helping of river views with your prime cut at Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar in London Marriott Hotel County Hall or tuck into a quintessential afternoon tea in the hotel’s Library, where you can enjoy spectacular views over the Thames and Westminster.
- Explore the selection of bars, cafes and restaurants at Gabriel’s Wharf.
- Are you seeing a show at the National Theatre? It’s home to two restaurants, two cafes and even indoor street-market stalls for a pre-show meal.
- Take your pick from authentic Polish fare at Mamuśka or American treats at Passyunk Avenue in the Leake Street Arches.
- Looking for delicious food on the go? Southbank Centre Food Market is bursting with all sorts of flavours and takes place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Bars for a fun night out in South Bank and Waterloo
Grab a drink and unwind in one of the many bars in South Bank and Waterloo. These bars serve it all, from cocktails to craft beer.
- If you're craving a cocktail, head to Sea Containers’ destination bar Lyaness, which mixes unusual creations with sweeping river views.
- If beer’s more your bag, head to The Understudy at The National Theatre for keg-loads of options from craft breweries.
- Underneath the arches leading to Waterloo Station, you’ll find Topolski, the former studio of Polish expressionist painter and draughtsman Feliks Topolski that's been turned into a bar and restaurant.
- Are you looking for a night out with fun activities? Challenge your friends to a board game at Draughts, which has more than 800 games to choose from.
Unmissable South Bank and Waterloo events
South Bank and Waterloo play host to events all year round, so take your pick of what's on.
- Let the kids take centre stage at the annual Imagine Children’s Festival.
- Celebrate gender and equality each year at Women of the World festival, with talks, workshops and performances.
- Tune into Southbank Centre’s long-running Classical Season. Keep coming back for the hundreds of concerts from leading artists and orchestras throughout the year.
- Mix twinkling lights with foodie delights during Southbank Centre's Winter Festival, complete with a seasonal market.
- Enjoy plenty of gigs during the annual Meltdown music festival, which is curated by a big-name artist each year.
- The London Literature Festival brings together poetry, talks, readings and more, as it hosts famous authors from across the globe.
Stylish South Bank and Waterloo hotels
Have South Bank and Waterloo within arm's reach by staying in the heart of the action.
- Take your pick from four Park Plaza hotels handily located close to Waterloo station: Park Plaza London Waterloo, Park Plaza London Riverbank, Park Plaza County Hall London and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London.
- Enjoy a spot of luxury and river views at London Marriott Hotel County Hall and Sea Containers London.
- Art lovers will adore the sustainable Bankside Hotel, which is packed full of contemporary works and even features an artist in residence.
- Stay overnight at the hip The Hoxton, Southwark hotel, with retro rooms and a fantastic rooftop bar and restaurant.
How to get to South Bank and Waterloo
South Bank and Waterloo are easy to access with London Waterloo, London Waterloo East and London Blackfriars train stations all close by.
London Waterloo connects to the south and south-west of England, including Bournemouth, Southampton, Exeter and Weymouth.
Waterloo East serves Kent and East Sussex, including Dover, Canterbury and Hastings. Blackfriars is connected via Thameslink services to destinations on the northern and eastern outskirts of London, such as Hertfordshire and Kent.
The nearest Tube stations to South Bank are Waterloo and Southwark. Waterloo Underground station is on the Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo and Waterloo & City Tube lines. The Jubilee Line also serves Southwark, a short walk away.
The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers RB1 line stops at London Eye Pier, with services to North Greenwich, Royal Wharf and Woolwich Arsenal piers. You can also take a river cruise from London Eye Pier with City Cruises.
More about South Bank
Find out more about South Bank at southbank.london.
Visit more London neighbourhoods
Where to next? Check out other top London areas, including nearby London Bridge and Westminster.
What is around Waterloo Station in London?
There are many exciting things to do around Waterloo Station in London, from restaurants, clubs and theatres to fun family-friendly activities within walking distance.
What is South Bank known for?
South Bank is one of London's top locations, boasting a fantastic selection of galleries, museums and frequent cultural events. Nestled on the river Thames, the South Bank offers views of the iconic London Eye, Big Ben and National Theatre.
What is Waterloo station famous for?
Waterloo station is the biggest station in Britain, making it a popular destination to visitors and locals alike. Surrounded by some of London's most famous activities and attractions, the area has become a landmark London destination.
What is there to do for free in South Bank?
Many of the activities and events around South Bank are free to enjoy, whether you're looking to take in the art and culture or experience one of the many free events that take place year-round.
