Things to do in South Bank

Stick close to the river for some memorable moments.

• 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 – make it even more special with a champagne experience.
• East of Waterloo Bridge, the riverside walkway is perfect for people-watching, lazy afternoons in a pavement cafe, or browsing book and art shops and regular markets.
• In the 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.
• Feeling the heat? The Appearing Rooms fountain on the Southbank Centre’s upper deck is a fantastic place to cool off.

Find some of London's top kids' attractions along the South Bank. 

• SEA LIFE London hosts all kinds of creatures from the deep – here you can brave the Shark Walk or 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 frighteningly good The 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.

Enjoy epic days out along the South Bank, from exclusive gigs to thrills on wheels and water.

• Skater haven, the Undercroft of the Southbank Centre, is the world’s oldest continually used skate park.
• Find more ramps at skater and BMX hotspot House of Vans, which hosts regular free gigs, screenings and exhibitions.
• Venture onto the river and get the adrenaline pumping with a fast-paced speedboat tour with Thamesjet or 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.
• Insta-worthy Leake Street Tunnel is full of constantly changing street art – keep an eye out for workshops to have a go yourself.

Get your culture fix at South Bank'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 sit in on a performance of Witness for the Prosecution, played out in a former debating chamber.
• Grab a theatre ticket for a South Bank show at the National Theatre, Old Vic or Young Vic.
• Book a spot for South Bank 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, or marvel at more works within gallery@oxo.

Find one-of-a-kind items at markets, boutiques and independent shops.

• Browse the designer boutiques in the OXO Tower to find little treasures, from ceramics to custom jewellery.
• Hunt for goodies at the independent shops lining unique Gabriel's Wharf.
• Peruse paperbacks and hunt for hardbacks at the daily Southbank Centre Book Market under Waterloo Bridge.
• Market stalls and shops along Lower Marsh are perfect for fresh produce and even more unique items.

Splash out, find something quirky or savour the views from your table at eclectic South Bank restaurants.

• There are plenty of fine dining restaurants in South Bank ideal for celebrations. Try the rooftop Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie, laid-back Art Yard Bar & Kitchen at Bankside Hotel, 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 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.
• Wander to London’s oldest pop-up, Gabriel’s Wharf, for a choice of bars, cafes and restaurants.
• Are you seeing a show at the National Theatre? It’s home to two restaurants, two cafes and even a burger pop-up for a pre-show meal.
• Take your pick from authentic Polish fare at Mamuśka! Polish Kitchen and Bar or Vietnamese treats at Banh Bao Brothers in Leake Street Arches.
• Looking for delicious food on the go? The Southbank Centre food market is bursting with all sorts of flavours and takes place every weekend.

From cocktails to craft beer, grab a drink and unwind in one of the many bars in South Bank.

• Time for a drink… If you're craving a cocktail, head to Sea Containers’ destination bar Lyaness, which mixes unusual creations with sweeping river views.
• Music lover? Spiritland Royal Festival Hall combines DJ sets with food and drink to match.
• If beer’s more your bag, head to The Understudy at The National Theatre for crate-loads of craft options.
• Underneath the arches leading up to Waterloo Station, you’ll find Bar Topolski, the former studio of Polish expressionist painter and draughtsman Feliks Topolski.
• Are you looking for a night out with a difference? Challenge your mates to a board game at Draughts, which has more than 800 games to choose from!

There are events in South Bank 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 from the Southbank Christmas market during Winter at Southbank.
• Be treated to quirky acts, from comedy to cabaret, during Vault Festival.
• Enjoy plenty of gigs during the annual Meltdown music festival, which is curated by a big name each year.
• The London Literature Festival brings together poetry, talks, readings and more, as it hosts famous authors from across the globe.
• Enjoy electronic music at Concrete Lates or make use of free Friday Lunch concerts and weekly Futuretense performances from emerging artists, all at Southbank Centre.

Have South Bank 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 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.