There’s an unmistakable energy about South Bank that’s unlike any other London neighbourhood. Culture-seekers spill out of internationally renowned sites like the BFI Southbank, the Hayward Gallery and the National Theatre; skateboarders duck and weave in the Undercroft; families point excitedly at boats cruising by on the glittering Thames.
But dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover so much more. We’re talking serene hidden green spaces, mini beach terraces serving up Caribbean plates and rum cocktails and tucked-away art studios where you can watch creatives in action.
This summer is the perfect time to explore all that South Bank has to offer; the neighbourhood is celebrating 75 years since the Festival of Britain, the landmark post-war event that kicked off South Bank’s transformation into a cultural and commercial destination. The area is going all-out with its major events, including the Southbank Centre’s Meltdown festival curated by Harry Styles, a major Anish Kapoor exhibition at the Hayward Gallery, and Skate 50, an exhibition marking 50 years of the Undercroft Skate Space.
While you’re there, why not spend a little longer? Below, you’ll find nine recommendations that will take your South Bank visit to the next level, from well-known favourites to more under-the-radar spots and pop-ups.
1: Lose yourself in an underground graffiti tunnel
Okay, so Leake Street may not be able to claim under-the-radar status – but even if you’ve visited this legendary graffiti-covered tunnel before, we guarantee no two trips are the same. The 300-metre tunnel is an ever-changing canvas for the city’s best street artists. It’s also home to independent venues like Passyunk Avenue, a US-style dive bar, Mamuska Polish Kitchen, and more.
2: Chill out at a pop-up Caribbean beach terrace
Sunshine calls for rum punch and jerk chicken. Follow the sound of soca to Gabriel’s Wharf where you’ll find Limin’ Summer Beach. Limin is one of London’s only Trinidadian restaurants, and this summer, it’s hosting a pop-up outdoor beach terrace with all the ingredients for a good time.
3: Hide away in a serene museum cafe
In South Bank you’re not short of excellent museum cafes and bars, but the most peaceful has to be the cafe attached to the Garden Museum. It’s located in a leafy courtyard of a deconsecrated church next to Lambeth Palace, serving a daily-changing menu focusing on seasonal ingredients.
4: Enjoy a street food feast by the river
Whether you’re seeing a show at the National Theatre or not, the Kerb-curated selection of street food vendors on the institution’s riverside plaza is a must for summer. Bask in that golden hour glow as you order Bajan-inspired dishes from Barbs, slow-roasted duck from The Duck Shed and – to cool off at the end – a scoop of sorbet by Chill Gelato.
5: Explore a network of designer-makers
You know South Bank for its world-famous galleries like the Hayward Gallery – but there are some smaller spots that are well worth visiting, too. Head to Oxo Tower Wharf’s shops to find independent fashion by the likes of Ariike Studio and Furious Goose, handmade homewares by KCHossack Pottery and By Raffaella, and much more. Want to continue your cultural exploration? Drop in to the nearby Lambeth Palace Library, founded in 1610, which is home to some of the oldest printed books in the world.
6: Sip £5 cocktails with panoramic Thames views
South Bank levelled up when Forza Wine took over one of the National Theatre’s riverside terraces in 2023. Here, you can take in the building’s brutalist architecture as the sun sets over the Thames, and sip your Forza Fiver (white vermouth on the rocks) while enjoying Italian small plates. Bliss.
7: Find a page-turner at one of London’s favourite second-hand book markets
The South Bank Book Market has been operating for more than 40 years – and you’re bound to find something you’ll love. This buzzing market under Waterloo Bridge welcomes booksellers offering classic and contemporary titles, plus historic prints, comics and more. When you’ve bought a book, why not read a chapter or two on a nearby riverside bench?
8: Pair your lunch with a visit to an artists’ studio
Bankside Hotel, near Blackfriars Bridge, holds an arty secret: it has an artist-in-residence programme in its Art Yard Makers Studio. Here, guests and passers-by are encouraged to watch artists at work, whether they’re painting, making prints or building a sculpture. Overlooking the space is a hidden courtyard called Art Yard Piazza, serving seasonal small plates, hearty mains and more.
9: Escape the city on a rooftop
It’s possible that you’ve walked by a bright yellow staircase next to Queen Elizabeth Hall countless times without realising where it leads. Ascend it and you’ll find yourself at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, a calm and wildflower-filled space that feels like an oasis from the crowds below. There’s a small café-bar up here open in the afternoon and evenings, which means sunset aperitifs are very much on the cards.
Find more South Bank tips and plan your visit.
Produced in partnership with South Bank London.