The smart, definitive guide to Southbank, London

About Southbank

The London Southbank is one of the areas of the city that is equally popular with both tourists and locals due to the amazing amount of famous venues, things to do, general entertainment available along this incredibly scenic walk along the Thames.  From the London Eye to the Tate Modern, the area is heavy with important London names.  Bordered by Borough on the east, Lambeth to the south and Westminster to the north, it sits right in the centre of London action.  The Southbank becomes most popular when the warm weather arrives as hundreds of visitors flock to the wide walkways along the river to admire the view, check out the unique street performers and enjoy the pubs, shops and restaurants along the side of the walk. 

What's on in Southbank

While the venues in the area provide structured entertainment, Southbank is most popular as a place to stroll along the river and enjoy the views, shopping, eating and drinking available. As far as scheduled events go, theatre scene is especially busy in the area thanks to a number of great fringe and larger venues that provide variety to Southbank performances. There are also a fair few art galleries on the side streets along the main Southbank walk.

Southbank Venues

• The Young Vic
  Best for: great theatre and an educational programme around every production, on a mission to inspire the young and spread the word that theatre is for everyone.
• Tate Modern
  Best for: London's flagship contemporary art museum and likes of Warhol, Rothko, Picasso, Lichtenstein, Martin Creed, Sol LeWitt, and Anish Kapoor.
• National Theatre
  Best for: amazing theatrical productions that, at their best, are electrifying.
• Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
  Best for: a stunning reproduction of the original Globe theatre, built 200 yards from the original site on the banks of the Thames.
• BFI Southbank
  Best for: catching a season of vintage film classics or new independent releases in a relaxed environment with stunning views.
• Hayward Gallery
  Best for: a landmark gallery for London and is worth a visit whatever show is on.
• London Eye
  Best for:a brilliant way to see London with new eyes for tourists and locals alike. It's also a dead cert for a date.

Southbank Facts

Tubes: Waterloo, Southwark, London Bridge, Borough
Borough: Lambeth