18 things to do in Battersea London – Tips from locals and our team

One of south London’s most recognisable landmarks and made famous from the Pink Floyd album cover, Battersea Power Station has undergone a remarkable transformation. The Grade II-listed former coal-fired power station lay derelict for decades, but has since been transformed into a glossy shopping, dining and entertainment destination.

Step inside the vast art deco turbine halls to discover more than 150 shops, restaurants, bars and leisure experiences. Be sure to explore the surrounding riverside walkways, public squares and nearby Circus Road West, where waterside cafes and restaurants make the most of the area's revitalised Thames-side setting.

Our top highlights? Film lovers can settle into luxurious reclining seats at The Cinema in the Power Station, where food and drinks can be ordered directly to your seat while watching the latest blockbuster releases. For a more competitive outing, head to Birdies Crazy Golf, where colourful courses, cocktails and playful decor create one of the area's most entertaining group activities.

Those looking for social gaming can challenge friends at Bounce Battersea, combining ping pong, shuffleboard, cocktails and live music in a lively setting. Food and entertainment come together at BAO's Control Room Karaoke, where private karaoke sessions are paired with the restaurant's popular Taiwanese dishes and cocktails.

Best for: Groups, date nights, rainy days and evening entertainment.
Good to know: Direct Tube services to Battersea Power Station (Northern line) are relatively infrequent, so most locals recommend hopping off at Vauxhall (Victoria line) and taking a five-minute bus or 25-minute walk.

Anyone interested in seeing Battersea from a completely different angle should go up The Chimney Lift, the glass elevator inside one of Battersea Power Station’s famous chimneys. The experience begins in the restored art deco Turbine Hall A, then takes visitors through displays on the building’s history, from its original construction to its transformation into a leisure destination.

The main event is the ascent itself, as the glass lift rises 109 metres (358ft) to the top of the north-west chimney. From the viewing platform, you can look out across the Thames, Chelsea, central London and the wider skyline, with landmarks such as Big Ben, The Shard and the London Eye visible on clear days. It feels less like a conventional viewpoint and more like stepping inside one of London’s most famous buildings.

Best for: Skyline views, photography, architecture fans and first-time visitors.
Good to know: As you ascend 109 metres up inside the chimney shaft, you can enjoy a captivating audiovisual display during the journey.

Travel back more than 3,000 years at Ramses and the Pharaohs' Gold, a spectacular exhibition at NEON in Battersea Power Station. Bringing together more than 180 ancient Egyptian artefacts, the collection includes intricately decorated coffins, royal jewellery, colossal statues, gold treasures and remarkably preserved objects from the reign of Ramses II, one of Egypt's most influential rulers.

As you move through the exhibition, detailed displays help bring ancient Egypt to life, exploring everything from royal ceremonies and religious beliefs to everyday life along the Nile. Look out for the finely carved hieroglyphs that cover many of the exhibits and the fascinating collection of mummies and funerary objects.

Best for: Anyone fascinated by ancient cultures and archaeology.
Good to know: The exhibition is suitable for children aged five and above.

Escape the buzz of Battersea Power Station and slow the pace with a wander through Battersea Park, one of our favourite green spaces in south London. Stretching along the Thames, this 80-hectare (200-acre) Victorian park is packed with leafy avenues, riverside walks, ornamental gardens and wide-open lawns perfect for lounging with a picnic lunch.

The park changes beautifully with the seasons. In spring, there is an avenue of magnificent cherry blossom trees which burst into bloom, while the warmer months often bring outdoor concerts and plenty of activity on the boating lake.

It's the kind of park that suits whatever mood you're in. Grab a coffee and stroll along the river, seek out the Peace Pagoda for one of the best views along this stretch of the Thames, or spend longer exploring the quieter paths that wind through the park's gardens and woodland areas. Families can make a day of it with a visit to Battersea Park Children's Zoo, while adventure seekers can tackle the treetop crossings and zip wires at Go Ape Battersea.

Best for: Weekend strolls, dodging the joggers, people watching and little dog spotting.
Good to know: Overlooking the lake, Pear Tree Cafe is a popular weekend brunch and coffee spot for locals.

Now running for 25 years, Cinnamon Kitchen is a stylish restaurant tucked beneath the railway arches at Battersea Power Station. Blending bold Indian flavours with seasonal British produce, the restaurant serves everything from vibrant small plates and rich curries to leisurely weekend brunches and signature cocktails.

On our visit, the puffed rice chaat was a standout starter, packed with texture and tangy, fresh flavours and designed to be passed around the table, followed by the baked sea bream served with a bright mango sauce. We also loved the sharing mains, including butter chicken on the bone alongside a fragrant lamb dish served with saffron rice. Be sure to pair these with the Peshwari naan bread.

Best for: Group meals where everyone wants to share.
Good to know: The restaurant is particularly popular for its weekend brunch menu (Saturday and Sunday 12pm to 4.30pm) with the option to add on bottomless cocktails.

Few restaurants have built quite the cult following that Roti King enjoys among London’s food lovers. After years of queues at its original Euston branch, the much-loved Malaysian and Singaporean restaurant opened beneath the railway arches at Battersea Power Station, bringing its signature flaky roti and comforting street-food dishes south of the river.

The star of the menu that people come back for is the famous roti canai: freshly made to order and served with your choice of dhal, chicken curry or mutton curry. Beyond the roti, you’ll find Malaysian favourites such as nasi lemak, often considered the national dish, which comes layered with coconut rice, sambal (spicy sauce), peanuts and crispy anchovies.

There are plenty of Cantonese and Singaporean-inspired options to choose from, but we always find ourselves drawn back to the Malaysian classics, including the fragrant laksa, with its rich coconut broth and warming spice.

Best for: A budget lunch or dinner in a casual atmosphere.
Good to know: While the Battersea branch still draws a crowd, the queues are usually much shorter than at Roti King's original Euston location. If you don't fancy waiting, you'll also find branches in Spitalfields and Waterloo, which tend to be less busy and can be a good alternative during peak dining times.

If there's one restaurant that makes the most of Battersea's waterfront setting, it's Wright Brothers, which overlooks the Thames at Circus West Village. Founded by seafood specialists Ben and Robin Wright, the restaurant is known for sourcing high-quality fish and shellfish from around the British coast.

Oysters take centre stage on the menu, with a rotating selection available throughout the year, but there's plenty more to tempt seafood lovers. Depending on the season, you might find grilled lobster, Cornish crab, scallops, mussels and whole market fish alongside generous seafood platters designed for sharing. We particularly recommend starting with a few oysters and a glass of wine before moving on to one of the larger seafood dishes.

Best for: Leisurely riverside dining on the spacious terrace at golden hour.
Good to know: Keep an eye out for the popular happy hour, when oysters are available from just £1 each, Monday to Friday 3pm to 6pm and Sunday 6pm to 9pm.

If deciding where to eat feels like the hardest part of your day, Arcade Food Hall is the answer. Set inside the beautifully restored Boiler House at Battersea Power Station, this contemporary food hall brings together 13 exciting kitchens under one roof, making it one of the easiest and most reliable dining options in the neighbourhood.

You can order everything from Thai curries, mezze platters and bao buns, to smash burgers, sushi and artisan gelato. Rather than settling on a single cuisine, everyone can order exactly what they fancy before regrouping at a shared table.

Best for: Picky eaters, families and indecisive groups.
Good to know: Our favourite spot at Arcade is hands down Gracey’s. Don’t miss their signature Smokey Ron pizza with mozzarella, pepperoni and a hot honey dip.

Whether you're a seasoned wine drinker or simply know what you like, Vagabond offers one of the most fun and accessible wine experiences in London. Located just a short walk from Battersea Power Station, this relaxed wine bar is famous for its self-pour wine machines, which allow you to browse and sample more than 100 wines at your own pace.

Using a prepaid card, you can try anything from a small tasting measure to a full glass, making it easy to compare different styles, regions and grape varieties without committing to an entire bottle. Helpful tasting notes accompany each wine, so you can learn a little as you sip. If you're feeling peckish, pair your wine with one of the sharing boards, featuring British cheeses, cured meats and small plates designed to complement the drinks menu.

Best for: Wine tasting and date nights in an informal atmosphere.
Good to know: One of the things we particularly like about Vagabond is that there's always something new to try. The selection changes regularly, giving regular visitors a reason to return, and the knowledgeable team are on hand to offer recommendations if you're not sure where to start.

If you're shopping in Battersea Power Station and fancy a refreshment with a difference, make a beeline for Control Room B, overlooking the two giant Turbine Halls. Housed inside one of the power station's original control rooms, this atmospheric cocktail bar offers the chance to step behind the scenes of one of London's most iconic landmarks while enjoying an inventive drinks menu inspired by the building's industrial heritage.

The space feels remarkably unchanged from its working days. Original control panels, switches and dials still line the walls, while the curved control desks have been cleverly repurposed as the bar itself. Soft lighting, vintage fittings and a soundtrack of 1950s classics add to the nostalgic feel.

Best for: Creative cocktails in a distinctive setting.
Good to know: Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend visiting during the afternoon as the space can get busy. We recommend booking during evenings and weekends.

One of London's most beloved charities, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has been caring for abandoned, lost and unwanted dogs and cats since 1860. While best known for its rescue and rehoming work, it also offers visitors the chance to step behind the scenes on a volunteer-led tour.

You'll hear how the organisation has evolved from its Victorian beginnings into one of the UK's best known animal welfare charities. Guides share stories of some of Battersea's most memorable residents and offer fascinating insight into the journey each animal takes, from rescue and rehabilitation to finding a new home. While visitors can't pet the dogs and cats, as this could disrupt their routines and training, seeing the animals thriving in Battersea's care and learning about the work that goes on behind the scenes is a real highlight.

Best for: Meaningful local experiences.
Good to know: Tours are led by knowledgeable volunteers and typically cost £15 per person, plus an optional 90p donation. Places are limited and often sell out in advance, so it's worth booking ahead if you're visiting London during a busy period.

For a better understanding of the neighbourhood’s creative edge, head to Battersea Arts Centre, a much-loved independent venue housed in a striking Victorian town hall on Lavender Hill. Known for championing bold new voices and boundary-pushing productions, it's one of London's most exciting places to catch innovative theatre, comedy, live performance and experimental work.

The organisation has strong roots in the local community, with a packed programme of youth projects including the award-winning Beatbox Academy and Battersea Youth Opera. Even if you're not seeing a show, it's worth stopping by Tom's Café, the venue's welcoming social hub, for a coffee or pre-show drink. Alongside serving snacks and drinks, the cafe hosts regular comedy nights, poetry readings and live music performances.

Best for: Experimental performance, art and creative evenings.
Good to know: Many performances are available on a pay-what-you-can basis.

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo is a gentle, family-friendly stop tucked inside one of London’s loveliest parks. The zoo is designed with younger visitors in mind and describes itself as a place for “little explorers”, with animals, conservation, play areas and educational experiences all within the park setting.

Visitors can see more than 100 animals, including monkeys, meerkats, otters, lemurs, tropical birds and native farm favourites. There are also adventure playparks, making this a practical option for families who want a contained, manageable attraction rather than a huge day-long zoo experience.

Pair the zoo with a picnic, playground stop or walk to the Peace Pagoda for a relaxed family day. It’s also close enough to Battersea Power Station to combine with lunch or an easy riverside wander afterwards.

Best for: Toddlers, younger children and relaxed family days out.
Good to know: The park offers an array of animal experiences, including the opportunity to go behind the scenes as a zookeeper and feed various animals. Zookeeper cap included!

Make getting there part of the fun with an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers journey to Battersea Power Station Pier. Kids will love spotting some of London's most famous landmarks from the water, from the London Eye and Big Ben to St Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge, while parents can enjoy a more relaxed alternative to the Tube. The pier sits directly in front of Battersea Power Station, giving you fantastic views of the famous chimneys as you arrive.

The service also makes it easy to turn your day out into a hop-on, hop-off adventure. Family-friendly attractions, including the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, South Bank, Greenwich and many more, are all within easy reach of the river bus piers. For younger children, especially, the boat ride often becomes as much of a highlight as the destination itself.

Best for: Thames sightseeing and stress-free travel to other sights in London.
Good to know: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offers family tickets that allow up to three children (aged five to 15) to travel free with a paying adult. Children under five travel free (limit of two children per paying adult).

If you're an early riser – or still awake after a night out – New Covent Garden Market offers a fascinating glimpse into a side of London that most visitors never see. Home to the UK's largest wholesale flower, fruit and vegetable market, it's where many of the capital's florists, chefs and food businesses come to stock up before the city wakes up.

The market is at its liveliest in the small hours, when traders wheel towering displays of fresh flowers through the aisles, and buyers inspect seasonal produce. It can feel surprisingly cinematic, with forklifts zipping between stalls and cafes filling up with market workers grabbing breakfast before dawn. Even if you're not buying anything, there's something memorable about wandering through the colourful flower market as London starts its day.

Best for: An offbeat detour for foodies, photographers and anyone looking to experience a more authentic side of London.
Good to know: Early mornings offer the most vibrant atmosphere and the widest selection of produce.

Hidden away on a quiet street in Vauxhall, Newport Street Gallery is one of south London's most rewarding art spaces. Founded by artist Damien Hirst, the gallery occupies a striking complex of restored industrial buildings and hosts a rotating programme of free contemporary art exhibitions drawn from Hirst's extensive collection and beyond.

Inside, you'll find large, light-filled galleries showcasing everything from painting and sculpture to photography and installation art. The exhibitions often feature internationally renowned artists, making this an excellent stop for anyone seeking a cultural experience without the crowds of London's larger museums.

Best for: Hardcore art fans or curious gallery hoppers.
Good to know: Entrance is free!

Stay right in the middle of the Battersea action at art’otel London Battersea Power Station, a design-focused hotel on Electric Boulevard, just moments from Battersea Power Station, the Northern line and the riverside.

Alongside the carefully curated interior and plush bedrooms, one of the standout features of this five-star hotel is the rooftop infinity pool with views over Battersea Power Station’s iconic chimneys. And whether a guest or not, we recommend heading up to the luxurious JOIA Rooftop Bar on the 16th floor for Portuguese-inspired dining, cocktails and mesmerising skyline views.

Best for: Couples looking for a stylish city break.
Good to know: The hotel is on Electric Boulevard, close to Battersea Power Station Underground Station and the wider dining and shopping district.

For a quieter luxury base near Nine Elms, consider Park Hyatt London River Thames. Set beside the river, the hotel boasts contemporary interiors, curated artworks and easy access to Battersea Park and central London landmarks.

The hotel has 203 rooms and suites, with exceptional views of the Thames or London skyline, plus a dedicated wellness floor with an indoor heated pool, fitness centre, spa treatment rooms, sauna facilities and a riverside relaxation area.

Best for: Luxury stays with river views.
Good to know: The hotel is in Nine Elms and Vauxhall, so position it as a nearby stay for Battersea exploring rather than strictly central Battersea.