South Bank

London

A pedestrian bridge over a river with a view of a historic clock tower and cityscape.
A Ferris wheel, a park with red flowers, and people walking.
A historic church with Gothic architecture, including pointed arches and a large statue in the entrance.
A pedestrian bridge over a river with a cityscape in the background.
A cathedral interior with arched ceilings, stained glass windows, and rows of pews.

Stroll along this area on the River Thames packed with famous landmarks, including the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe and the London Dungeon.

South Bank is a lively area of about 2 square miles (5 square kilometres) full of artistic, cultural and entertainment landmarks by the River Thames. The busy pedestrian area is home to the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe and the London Aquarium among many other attractions. Live music, street performers and vendors contribute to the atmosphere. Travellers and locals make their way here to learn about London or to relax on the banks of the river overlooking famous sites.

Spend the afternoon walking along the riverbank. Watch a dramatic production at Shakespeare’s Globe in the east. The theatre is a reproduction of the original Elizabethan playhouse.

Enjoy an unobstructed view of the sprawling city on the London Eye. The giant Ferris wheel is one of London’s most famous landmarks. It reaches 443 feet (135 metres) at its highest point and is one of the tallest monuments of its kind in the world.

Take the kids to the Sea Life London Aquarium to touch stingrays and see sharks. Explore the gory replicas of medieval torture techniques at the London Dungeon. The museum uses a mixture of actors and special effects to entertain children and adults.

Browse the British Film Institute to learn about the history of movies in Britain. Watch a classic movie in comfortable, velvet seats with a program brochure explaining the history surrounding the production.

The area developed in the 1950s, much later than the north bank of the river. Admire unobstructed views across the river of the attractions on the north bank, such as the Houses of Parliament and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Dine at one of the many restaurants and bars along the riverbank. Enjoy the romantic skyline view from an upscale bar in the evening.

South Bank sits on the River Thames in the centre of London. Take the London Underground to Waterloo Station, which is a large transportation hub. You can take a bus from anywhere in the city to South Bank.

Explore the area for free. Many of the attractions charge individual entrance fees and have varying opening hours.


Stay near popular South Bank attractions

Things to do


South Bank Hotel Deals

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road London England
The price is CA $290 per night from Aug 23 to Aug 24
CA $290
CA $348 total
Aug 23 - Aug 24
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in London. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (6,171 reviews)
"Great stay, lovely hotel in an amazing location."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2026

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Sea Containers London

Sea Containers London

5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground London England
The price is CA $406 per night from Aug 16 to Aug 17
CA $406
CA $487 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
Sea Containers London
Park Plaza County Hall London

Park Plaza County Hall London

4 out of 5
1 Addington Street London England
The price is CA $266 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
CA $266
CA $320 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
Park Plaza County Hall London
Otherwander Soho Pod Hotel (ADULTS ONLY)

Otherwander Soho Pod Hotel (ADULTS ONLY)

2 out of 5
91-92 Dean Street London England
The price is CA $150 per night from Aug 9 to Aug 10
CA $150
CA $179 total
Aug 9 - Aug 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, rainfall showerheads, and climate control. Popular attractions Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus are located ...
Otherwander Soho Pod Hotel (ADULTS ONLY)
Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand London England
The price is CA $189 per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
CA $189
CA $227 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,556 reviews)
"Excellent location!!!! Great price, helpful and kind staff."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2026

Strand Palace Hotel
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way London England
The price is CA $204 per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
CA $204
CA $244 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very good! (10,486 reviews)
"Perfec"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2026

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.

Where to stay in South Bank

Find the best South Bank areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about South Bank
Learn more about South Bank

Canary Wharf

Crossrail Place Roof Garden and Museum of London Docklands are top sights in Canary Wharf, and you should be sure to explore the fantastic nightlife. Hop aboard the metro at Heron Quays DLR Station or Canary Wharf Underground Station to see more sights in the area.

London City Centre

Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus are a few top attractions in London City Centre. Hop around the city on the metro at Charing Cross Underground Station or Leicester Square Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, stunning river views, and acclaimed art galleries.

City of Westminster

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.

Covent Garden

The lively bars and colorful gardens are just a few top-rate features of the neighborhood. Make a stop by Covent Garden Market or London Transport Museum while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Covent Garden Underground Station to get around town.

West End

Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square are a few top attractions in West End. Hop around the city on the metro at Bond Street (Elizabeth Line) Station or Oxford Circus Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries.


South Bank

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