London Bridge and Bermondsey: 18 unmissable things to do and see

When you think of London, it’s likely that a few defining icons pop to mind – the London Eye, Big Ben, red buses… and Tower Bridge, the architectural marvel that connects Southwark and Tower Hamlets. But few people know that you can actually venture inside!

Built in the Victorian era, the bridge was designed in its distinctive Gothic style to complement the neighbouring Tower of London and alleviate congestion. Today, while it continues to serve its initial purpose, the doors have been opened to visitors to step inside the bridge and trace its history.

Starting at the North Tower, the exhibits transport visitors through the history of the bridge and all the people involved in its creation. Then, you’ll be guided to the walkways and glass floors, where you can admire panoramic views of London around and beneath you! The experience continues with a descent through the South Tower, before ending through The Blue Line and Engine Rooms to learn more about how it was once powered.

Best for: A unique view of the city from a London landmark.
Good to know: Check the bridge lift times in advance to time your visit as the bascules rise.

Housed in a former power station, Tate Modern has a Brutalist exterior which is almost as impressive as the art that hangs inside. Its vast industrial spaces create a backdrop for one of the world’s most important collections of contemporary art, worthy of any London itinerary, whether you’re a first-time visitor, avid gallery hopper, or just looking for a rainy-day activity in the area.

Our favourite thing about this cultural institution is the variety of artworks on display. From Henri Matisse and Claude Monet to Man Ray and Marina Abramovic, everyone can find something to enjoy here. Visit the permanent and temporary exhibitions, but also make sure to head to Level 10 for panoramic views of the city, and pass through The Tanks, where you can really feel the grandeur of the building.

Pick up unique art-themed souvenirs at the gift shop, including prints, tote bags, stationery, books and more. Children can explore their creative side at Tate Draw, two hands-on activity spaces. And fuel up with delicious dishes and drinks at Tate Corner.

Best for: Experiencing the capital’s largest collection of modern art.
Good to know: Tate is free to enter, but some exhibitions require a paid ticket, which you can buy at the Turbine Hall. Look out for special events such as tours, talks and Tate Lates, to see world-class live performances throughout the building.

Towering over the city stands The Shard, London’s tallest skyscraper and one of the most visually unique. At 309.6 metres (1,016ft) high and with 96 storeys, it also boasts the city’s highest viewing platform – The View from The Shard, a bucket-list activity that easily makes the top of our London Bridge and Bermondsey picks.

Travel in a high-speed lift to floors 68 and 69, where you’ll be met with spectacular views of the skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows in every direction. See how many landmarks you can spot, from nearby Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral to Canary Wharf and the London Eye.

Fill your camera roll with photos before venturing even higher to the Skydeck on level 72, an open-air viewing deck which makes for the perfect selfie backdrop!

Best for: Wow-factor views of the city skyline.
Good to know: Try to get a sunset slot, where you can see the sun cast a golden glow over the city, before watching the city lights start to twinkle by night. Just be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Dating to the 12th century, Borough Market has been feeding Londoners for more than 1,000 years! Today, independent traders and street-food vendors serve up some of the best fresh eats in the capital. Whether you’re after a quick snack, a filling meal, or just want to wander through and have a browse, it’s simply a rite of passage if you’re in the area.

It doesn’t matter where you start; just arrive hungry and slowly make your way around the vendors. We divide the stalls into four different types: ready-to-eat snacks such as fresh pastries, sweet bakes and artisan cheese; store cupboard food, including jars, cans, tins and bottles of local and speciality goods (perfect for gifting); seasonal fruit, vegetables and other produce delivered every day from around the world; and freshly cooked dishes from almost every cuisine.

We recommend walking through the market and picking up tasters so you can see all the options before you buy. Or, take a guided culinary adventure on the Borough Market Food Tour if you want to tick off the highlights and learn more about the market’s history.

Fancy a sit-down meal? Nearby Borough Yards is packed with plenty of fantastic food options such as OMA, Kolae, Berenjak and Plaza Khao Gaeng.

Best for: Fresh food, local produce and unique gift ideas.
Good to know: The market is closed on Mondays. Stalls get very busy on weekends, visit on a weekday morning to avoid the bustle if you can.

Bread Ahead Bakery is known for bringing its heavenly doughnuts to the masses, but did you know that you can learn how to make the little baked rounds of goodness?! Choose from a selection of workshops at this bakery on the edge of Borough Market to strengthen your baking skills or give you the knowledge needed to start.

Workshops take place most days, with options including half days, full days, two to three days or evenings for those with busier schedules. And doughnuts aren’t the only treat on the menu, with workshops to learn how to make everything from empanadas, hand-rolled pasta and focaccia to artisan bread and beer snacks. There are also introductions to different baking styles around the world, such as Japanese, Danish, Greek and Turkish.

Grab an apron, sit at one of the workspaces and get ready to follow along as you’re taken through every step of the process. All the ingredients and tools needed are, of course, provided, and you even get to take your creations home!

And if you’re not visiting for a class, stop by for a warm doughnut fresh from the counter (get the vanilla custard flavour and thank us later!).

Best for: Food lovers looking to learn a new skill.
Good to know: Popular classes often sell out weeks ahead so be sure to book in advance.

Despite being so centrally located, Bermondsey Street has a strong village feel, making it one of our favourite stretches in the neighbourhood. Lined with independent restaurants, cafes and wine bars, it draws a local crowd, creating a noticeably calmer atmosphere than nearby London Bridge.

Feast on sharing plates at José, a laidback tapas bar from Spanish chef José Pizarro, where you can enjoy fresh, simple ingredients cooked to perfection and doused in olive oil while you watch people walk past from the comfort of the bar stools.

Relish in a daily-changing menu of rich, hearty plates at Casse-Croûte, a cosy neighbourhood bistro with authentic red checked tablecloths, handwritten chalkboard menus and short-stemmed wine glasses waiting to be filled by one of the menu’s French wines.

Savour every bite at Flour & Grape. Choose from a variety of tasty Italian starters before tucking into the star of the show: pasta! From filled tortelloni with roasted pork shoulder and ravioli with ricotta, lemon and sage butter to a classic carbonara and pappardelle with beef short-rib ragu, each dish melts in the mouth. We just recommend sharing, so you get to try more!

Best for: Sit-down dining with a local atmosphere.
Good to know: Evenings and weekends draw a crowd, so be sure to book in advance or visit during quieter times if you can, to avoid disappointment.

The Bermondsey Beer Mile is one of London’s most distinctive drinking destinations. Thousands flock to the railway arches between London Bridge and Bermondsey to sample craft beers, local lagers, tasty bites and catch the afternoon sun as it leads into the buzzy evening.

More than 20 independent breweries, taprooms, bars and bottle shops form the length of this popular spot, and while there are highlights, our favourite way to experience it is to wander the area and hop between the spots that take your fancy. Maltby Street Market is a good place to start; pick up some street food here to line your stomach, before taking your time to explore the different spaces and sample the different brews.

The Barrel Project is a spacious and stylish beer hall with guest taps for those looking to try something unique. Anspach & Hobday's The Arch House offers a quintessential taproom experience with long communal tables and a lively atmosphere. And make sure you leave time to visit The Kernel, an understated taproom and original pioneer of the beer mile – if you only visit one, make it this. After the sun sets, we usually head to These Days Aperitivo Bar to share some nibbles, cocktails, wine and conversation before calling it a night.

Best for: A tour of south London’s finest local brews.
Good to know: Each venue along the beer mile has a different offering and opening times, but almost all are open on Saturday. Just note that you might have to stand at busier spots as tables get snapped up quickly.

One of our favourite things about the neighbourhood is that it borders the river Thames, and with that, it has no shortage of riverside pubs. The best in the area? For us, undoubtedly, The Anchor Bankside. Dating to the 17th century, the tavern is steeped in history; it is rumoured to have welcomed visitors to The Globe in Shakespearean times, provided a safe house to Samuel Pepys as he watched the Great Fire, and opened its doors to river pirates, who stashed smuggled goods inside the building’s nooks.

Visit today, and the heritage is preserved by low oak-beam ceilings, bare brick walls and the smell of classic pub food as waiters bring dishes to tables. It’s cosy and warm, with fireplaces lit during the colder months.

But when the sun is shining, venture outside and up the steps to the beer garden, where this pub truly shines. Waiters serve fresh draught pints and spritz cocktails from the outdoor bar as people catch up in the sunshine with a backdrop of St Paul’s and The Shard – bliss!

Best for: A historic pub with outdoor riverside seating.
Good to know: You can’t book outdoor tables at The Anchor.

Stroll just a few minutes from London Bridge Station to Vinegar Yard, a large outdoor space filled with communal benches, food stalls and street art. Head upstairs and grab one of the tables that boast one of the best views of The Shard in the city.

Arrive hungry. This venue is lined with a solid selection of street-food vendors, including Bad Boy Pizza Society with its Neapolitan-style slices, rich meat-filled tacos topped with punchy salsas from Taco Collective and juicy fried chicken sandwiches from Japanese Chicken Shop. Just scan the QR code on your table and wait for your freshly cooked plate to arrive.

Pick up cold pints, wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy in the summer months. Or cosy up with seasonal tipples such as mulled wine and hot chocolate during winter, when the covers are raised and heaters are dotted around the space.

Look out for year-round events, such as sports screenings, and make sure to check out art installations by local artists throughout the site.

Best for: A casual hangout with street food and sports viewings.
Good to know: The space is updated seasonally, with covers and heaters in winter, which are removed in summer, making it a great spot to visit year-round. Make sure to book a table in advance during weekends and evenings or be prepared to queue a little.

Docked up on the river Thames is HMS Belfast, a Royal Navy Warship with more than 80 years of history as a vessel that served during the Second World War. It sailed across the Arctic and fired some of the first shots at the D-Day landings. Today, step aboard the famous ship, filled with family-friendly activities for a day out to remember.

Explore all nine decks with the free multimedia guides and hands-on activity trails made for families. Find clues around the ship, solve nautical-inspired puzzles and learn about life at sea. Climb ladders once used by crew members, take command from the Captain’s chair and see if you can navigate the ship to its destination in time for D-Day.

Look out for exclusive talks on weekends and during school holidays, where you can hear eyewitness accounts from war veterans who once served on the ship.

Best for: Learning about a slice of history.
Good to know: You should book tickets in advance. Children under four can visit for free.

Enter a world of performance at Shakespeare’s Globe, a theatre dating to the Elizabethan era that has welcomed some of the capital’s most prolific actors to its stage. Set on the Thames, the thatched playhouse is as visually enchanting as the productions it hosts. Packed with child-friendly entertainment and activities, it’s one of London’s top theatres for families and one of the city’s most distinctive cultural experiences.

See some of Shakespeare’s most famous stories reimagined for little ones and retold through a modern lens. Or, get involved in one of the many child-friendly events. From interactive storytelling for babies and hands-on activities for older children to themed tours and demonstrations, children can explore theatre through a range of events at the playhouse.

Budding actors can also take part in family workshops and short courses to embrace imagination, creativity and expression among children in the same age bracket.

Best for: Introducing children to Shakespeare and theatre.
Good to know: The venue prides itself on being as accessible as possible, with special events and activities for children with extra requirements, such as workshops for Deaf and BSL children and relaxed and assisted performances.

Uncover the hidden history of one of the UK’s oldest prisons at The Clink Prison Museum. Follow the stairs down to the dark museum, built on the former site that once held some of London’s most high-profile inmates.

Spot gruesome displays and take photos with interactive exhibits that transport you through the history of crime, punishment and everyday life in medieval Southwark. Curious children love learning about the strange, grim and fascinating stories that took place on the very site, with original objects and creepy props that mimic some of the events of the time and an intact prison wall preserved inside the museum.

All ages are welcome, but we recommend this one to slightly older children due to the nature of some of the displays!

Best for: Discovering a darker side of London’s past.
Good to know: The museum is fairly compact, taking around an hour to visit, making it an ideal place to stop between larger attractions.

Wander the cobbled streets of Maltby Street Market, a must-visit foodie destination tucked beneath railway arches and packed with freshly made food from around the world. Quieter, calmer and smaller than nearby Borough Market, this feels like the younger cousin that wants to show you around all the local hidden gems!

Lined with cool shops, eateries, wine bars and bakeries, the weekend market brings an additional host of independent traders, serving up authentic global flavours. Take your pick from crispy fried chicken dumplings, Ethiopian curries, French fries topped with pulled confit duck, biryani and more. Get down there early in the morning to beat the lunchtime crowds and have first pick of all the freshly baked goods from local bakeries to pair with your morning coffee.

Located around the Bermondsey Beer Mile, this makes for a fantastic spot to grab some food before, during or after sampling the local beer houses and breweries.

Best for: A slow weekend food hunt.
Good to know: While some of the shops, bars and eateries are open across the week, the official market is only open on weekends, making this the best time to visit.

Spend time learning more about well-known artists at White Cube. Set within an existing 1970s warehouse, three intimate gallery spaces frequently welcome acclaimed international artists, usually with a contemporary feel that matches the modern surroundings.

The gallery has a special sense of space and calm that allows you to engage with the art at your own pace and appreciate how artists utilise the space through different mediums.

Set along the popular Bermondsey Street, spend a couple of hours here before enjoying one of the street’s many celebrated restaurants for a relaxed afternoon in what feels like a little local village neighbourhood.

Best for: A quieter gallery visit.
Good to know: Entry is free, and exhibitions change regularly throughout the year.

Hidden beneath the London Bridge railway arches, Nine Lives is one of the neighbourhood’s best-kept secrets. Expect inventive cocktails, funky music and an intimate atmosphere, where warm lighting provides just enough illumination to catch your date's eye from across the table.

Flick through a menu of fresh Mexican bites to accompany punchy craft cocktails, all made with seasonality and sustainability in mind. Live musicians and DJs often set up in the corner of the room to serenade visitors as they catch up among hanging plants, rattan furniture and low lighting.

If you’re looking for a low-key spot that feels undiscovered – this is it.

Best for: Pairing small plates with cocktails in a stylish setting.
Good to know: We recommend you reserve a table during busier times, such as Friday and Saturday evenings.

Treat yourself to a luxury stay at Shangri-La The Shard, one of London’s most iconic hotels, occupying the upper floors of the city’s tallest building. Admire spectacular skyline views, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, as exceptional staff ensure your stay is memorable.

Wake up above London and watch the city emerge through the morning light, before winding down and watching the city lights sparkle by night. With spacious rooms, multiple impressive restaurants and Europe’s highest infinity pool – this is one of the most breathtaking hotels in the city.

Best for: A wow-factor London stay.
Good to know: Book a room facing the river Thames.

Book a room at Hilton London Bankside and stay just a short stroll from some of London’s most notable streets. Choose from several cosy rooms with comfortable beds, warm lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows.

This hotel is perfect if you have children in tow, with options including family connecting rooms and double rooms with a small sofa bed. After a long day of exploring the nearby sites of Borough Market, Tower Bridge and Tate Modern, relax at the on-site gym and indoor pool before tucking into dinner at the restaurant. Or, wander just 10 minutes down Southwark Street to the culinary hotspot of Borough Yards.

Best for: First-time visitors and families.
Good to know: Family rooms are snapped up quickly so make sure to book your room well in advance.

The Hoxton is one of the coolest hotels in town, known for bringing design-led interiors and state-of-the-art amenities to spaces across the capital. Its Southwark location is no exception, with rooms that pair colourful tiles and waterfall showers with creative pendants and wall art.

Drop off your bags and head to Seabird, the rooftop bar, which serves a menu of seafood with a side of striking skyline views. Once you’ve filled up, start your journey around London on foot, with the likes of Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and the National Theatre all within a short walking distance.

Best for: Design lovers looking for a central location.
Good to know: Children under 12 can stay in any double room free of charge with a travel cot or extra bed; just be sure to let the hotel know as soon as possible.