The best things to do on the South Bank in 2026 are riding the London Eye, the free Tate Modern, a play or tour at Shakespeare's Globe, eating your way round Borough Market, The View from The Shard, and walking across Tower Bridge and its glass floor.
The South Bank's riverside path runs from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge, linking the London Eye, the Southbank Centre, the National Theatre, Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe and Borough Market. Walking the whole stretch takes about an hour without stops, and gives the best views of the north bank's landmarks.
A slow, 30-minute rotation with views over Parliament and the Thames.
The London Eye's glass capsules take about 30 minutes to complete a rotation, rising high above the river with views of Parliament, Westminster and, on clear days, far across London.
It is one of the city's signature experiences for first-timers.
Good to know: Book online in advance; tickets at the door cost more.
Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
Free modern art in a former power station, with a free viewing level.
Tate Modern fills the former Bankside Power Station with modern and contemporary art, and its Turbine Hall hosts major commissions. The collection is free.
The viewing level in the Blavatnik Building has free panoramic views.
Good to know: Go up to the viewing level for views of St Paul's.
Bankside, London SE1 9TG
A reconstruction of Shakespeare's open-air theatre, with tours and plays.
Shakespeare's Globe is a faithful reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse, staging plays from spring to autumn, with cheap tickets to stand in the yard. Guided tours run year-round.
Its indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse stages candlelit performances.
Good to know: Standing 'groundling' tickets are a bargain; bring a waterproof.
21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
London's great food market, with lunch stalls and specialist traders.
Borough Market's covered halls under the railway viaduct are packed with greengrocers, butchers, cheesemongers and lunch stalls.
Come hungry, and avoid Saturday lunchtime if you dislike crowds.
Good to know: Weekday mornings are calmest.
8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL
The highest viewing platform in London.
The View from The Shard takes you to viewing galleries near the top of London's tallest building, with views of up to 40 miles on a clear day and an open-air level above.
Book a sunset slot for the most dramatic views.
Good to know: Check the forecast; low cloud can hide the view.
Joiner Street, London SE1 9QU
Walk the high-level walkways and glass floor of London's most famous bridge.
The Tower Bridge experience takes you up to the high-level walkways, with glass floors looking down on the traffic and river far below, and into the Victorian engine rooms.
Check the bridge-lift times to see it open for a passing ship.
Good to know: Bridge-lift times are published online; time your visit to see one.
Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2UP
Concerts, art and free events in one of Europe's largest arts centres.
The Southbank Centre, including the Royal Festival Hall and Hayward Gallery, hosts concerts, talks, art exhibitions and festivals, with plenty of free events in its foyers and on the riverside.
Its riverside terraces are a good spot for a drink with a view.
Good to know: Check the listings for free foyer music and events.
Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
Britain's flagship theatre, with three stages and affordable tickets.
The National Theatre stages new plays and classics across its three theatres in a landmark brutalist building on the river, with backstage tours and a busy foyer.
Its Friday Rush scheme releases cheap tickets each week.
Good to know: Try Friday Rush for cheap tickets to the following week's shows.
Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX
A Second World War cruiser moored by Tower Bridge.
HMS Belfast served in the Second World War and the Korean War, and you can explore nine decks, from the bridge to the engine rooms, gun turrets and mess decks.
It is run by Imperial War Museums and is great for older children.
Good to know: Allow at least two hours to explore all the decks.
The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2JH
For first-time visitors, yes: a rotation takes about 30 minutes and gives views over Parliament and the river. Book online in advance for a cheaper fast-track or timed ticket.
Tate Modern, the riverside walk, Borough Market browsing, the Southbank Centre's foyers and the free viewing level at Tate Modern. See our free things to do guide.
The Shard is much higher and indoors, while the London Eye gives a closer view of Westminster. The free Sky Garden across the river is another option.
Yes, from spring to autumn in the open-air Globe, with cheap standing tickets in the yard, and year-round in the candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
See our South Bank restaurants guide and food markets guide.