This is a post about a self-guided walk from the Southbank to London Bridge.
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Inspired by the beautiful sunny days we’re finally having, I started writing a post about self-guided London walks. Each route had so much to be said for, thought! So I ended up deciding to write one post per walk so I can be more detailed.
This used to be one of my favourite parts of London! I know it’s super touristy, but every time I was having a hard time (because that comes with the territory when you live here…), I’d go for a walk around the Southbank and remember how lucky I was to be living my teenage dream of living in London.
I’ve been here a long time now and that still stands! The other night I went for a long walk around the City and London Bridge and the same feeling hit me.
This is one of the most iconic walks in London, following the Thames from Westminster to London Bridge. Along the way, you’ll pass some of the city’s most famous landmarks, vibrant cultural spaces and plenty of great spots for food and drinks. This self-guided walk is ideal for visitors looking to experience classic London sights while enjoying the riverside atmosphere.
Start point: Westminster Tube Station
Start at Westminster Bridge and take in views of the iconic Big Ben and Houses of Parliament. From here, cross the bridge towards the South Bank. This area is always lively with street performers, buskers and plenty of people strolling along the river. Watch out for your belongings here!
Depending on the day or season, there are different things going on as you stroll by the river. Around Christmas there’ll be Christmas markets, during spring/summer there will be big crowds and all kinds of street performers.
London Eye & Jubilee Gardens
As you step onto the South Bank, you’ll see the London Eye towering above you. If you want to take a ride, this is a great place to pause and soak in panoramic views of the city. Nearby, Jubilee Gardens offers a lovely green space to sit and take in the bustling atmosphere or perhaps have a picnic. Please note, advance booking of the London Eye is highly recommended.
As you reach the Royal Festival Hall, if it’s a weekend you’ll find one of my favourite food markets just behind it – the Southbank Centre Food Market. If you stop there for a bite, I highly recommend the Korean burrito, steak and chips and gözleme!
Southbank Centre & BFI
Continue along the riverside, passing the Southbank Centre, which is home to art exhibitions, markets and performance spaces. If you’re into film, the BFI (British Film Institute) is worth a stop. Offering a fantastic selection of classic and indie films, there’s also a stylish bar, café and riverside terrace.
Book Market & National Theatre
Right outside the BFI you’ll also find an open air second hand book market where you can browse books in all kinds of genres as well as a selection of vinyl records!
A little further along, you’ll find the National Theatre, one of London’s most important cultural venues. There’s also a bookshop, bathrooms, cafes and plenty of seating areas if you need a break.
Gabriel’s Wharf & OXO Tower
As you continue walking, you’ll reach Gabriel’s Wharf, a small courtyard of independent shops, artists’ studios, vintage stores and cafés. Just beyond that is the OXO Tower, a great place to stop for drinks or dinner. The OXO Tower Restaurant offers one of the best rooftop views over the Thames, though it’s on the pricier side.
When the tide is low you’ll see people down on the riverbank playing on the “beach”. I haven’t seen a sand sculptor in quite a while there but once I saw a guy who made a giant Simpsons couch out of sand with a tv + console and everything!
Tate Modern
One of the highlights of this walk is passing by the Tate Modern, housed in a former power station. If you have time, step inside to explore world-class contemporary art exhibitions. It’s FREE to go in, you just pay for certain exhibitions. The building alone is worth going in for!
Millennium Bridge & St. Paul’s View
Walk across the Millennium Bridge for one of the most photogenic views in London. Looking one way, you’ll see St. Paul’s Cathedral rising over the city, and looking back, you’ll have a postcard-worthy shot of the Tate Modern and the Thames.
This is a little snippet I recorded just the other day from the Millennium Bridge while on an evening walk:
Shakespeare’s Globe
Just past the bridge you’ll see Shakespeare’s Globe, a stunning reconstruction of the original 16th-century theatre. In warmer months, you can watch live performances here. You can find tickets for as little as £5! Alternatively, if you don’t feel like watching a show, you can book a guided tour of the Globe.
Borough Market
Just past the Globe you’ll walk under Southwark Bridge and head towards Borough Market, one of the best food markets in London. It’s packed with fresh produce, artisan cheese, street food and some of the best coffee in the city. If you’re hungry, this is a great spot to grab lunch. It closes at 4pm though! But the restaurants and bar in the area stay open until later.
Final Stop: London Bridge & The Shard
Your walk ends at London Bridge, where you’ll see The Shard, London’s tallest skyscraper. If you want to finish the day with a view, head up to one of the bars inside The Shard for a cocktail and a breathtaking look over the city.
This route is one of the best ways to experience London’s riverside charm, blending history, culture and food into a leisurely walk. It’s perfect for first-time visitors, but even locals love revisiting this iconic stretch of the city. I know I do!
If you’re up for a night cap, the Borough Market/London Bridge area has numerous options for food and drinks. If you go down Bermondsey Street, you’ll find loads of really great restaurants outside the tourist area.
Where to Eat
There’s only 2.2 miles / 3.5 km in this walk, yet the food options are endless – and for every budget too!
Here are some of my top recommendations:
Full meals
Côte Brasserie @ Royal Festival Hall / Hay’s Galeria
Flour & Grape @ Bermondsey Street for some of the best fresh pasta you’ll ever have!
Brother Marcus Borough for Mediterranean
Casa do Frango for Portuguese goods
Hawksmoor Borough for the most delicious steak meal (pricey!!)
Flat Iron Steak for delicious and much more affordable steak (£12 – last I checked you also got a free soft serve ice cream on the way out!) – this one is just by Borough Yards but there’s one coming to the Royal Festival Hall
Quick bites
BAO Borough (their steak on rice is one of the best things I’ve ever had!)
Porteña @ Borough Market (empanadas + scrumptious steak sandwiches)
Honest Burgers @ Royal Festival Hall / London Bridge
Five Guys by the City Hall (eat your burger with the best view of Tower of London!)
Franco Manca @ Borough Market for a quick Neapolitan pizza
MOMO @ Borough Yards
KERB food market @ National Theatre
On the go & Snacks
Wahaca food truck outside the Royal Festival Hall for tacos and the likes
SNOG food truck near Jubilee Gardens for frozen yoghurt
Southbank Centre Food Market (weekends and bank holidays only)
Crosstown Donuts @ OXO Tower
Caffé Nero @ OXO Tower
Bathroom Break
Fear not, this is an easy one.
- Royal Festival Hall
- National Theatre
- TATE Modern
I hope you enjoy this self-guided walk from Westminster to London Bridge via the Southbank! Let me know in the comments where you’d like to go next.
This was a post about a self-guided walk from Westminster to London Bridge.