Here’s what to see in South Bank (colorful lit up scenes, waterfront venues, historic sites)
The South bank area of London along the Thames river is a very popular area to explore a variety of culture, art, dining and entertainment venues. It is busy with riverfront promenades lining both sides of the Thames River. The many attractions receive a steady flow of tourists visiting early morning until late at night when the last of the bars and cafes close down. If you haven’t had the chance to explore this fun to area, you will find so many options that appeal to all ages, wonderful river and skyline views with a mix of ancient to modern architecture. Take a look at some of cool attractions to explore in South Bank of London and you will definitely see a different side of London.
Fun and cool spots in the South Bank to explore
You’ll find a fascinating mix of ancient, old, kitshy to ultra modern along the banks of the Thames in the South Bank area. It’s fun to explore during the day time, but takes on more a magical scene with illuminated lights that takes the river area into a different dimension.
The London Eye in South bank, London
The London Eye
The London Eye is a prominent feature that you can see throughout the South bank and Thames river. Set along the waterfront facing Parliament and Big Ben on one side and the New Performing arts center on the same side of the river. Of course the views are the main draw to visiting this attraction. You’ll get some fantastic views along the riverfront areas surrounding the London Eye and popular landmarks that dot the skyline. This is definitely a fantastic spot to photograph London’s key attractions and historic sites.
Tip – the best time to visit for taking photographs would be in the late afternoon for sunset and late into the night for the colorful light show with many of the surrounding buildings lit in bright and bold neon colors along the Thames.
Tower bridge along the South bank, London
Tower Bridge
Always mistaken as the London Bridge on the Thames river, the tower bridge is the iconic symbol of London with the two large towers with a suspension segment that is instantly recognized around the world. The Tower bridge is accessible both for pedestrians and automobiles, but enjoying the views is best by walking from one end of the span to the other end.
Tip – views along the Thames, Tower of London and the London skyline are best taken along the pedestrian walkways especially during sunset which is a perfect time to be on the bridge for photography.
South bank area of London
The Shard
Piercing the sky like a sharp dagger, the Shard is the tallest modern building in London. You can take a super fast elevator ride to the top observation floors with panoramic views of the entire city. It’s fun to walk around both levels of the building and check out the major landmarks below with the help of some landmark maps.
Tip – sunset to late evening is the perfect time to enjoy the views and end of day light show into the night when the buildings and bridges along the Thames river are lit up in bright neon colors that make the scene below pop like a night carnival. As a special treat, you can buy tickets with a glass of champagne while enjoying those magnificent views of the city below.
The Shard at sunset from the Tower Bridge
The Shard tower at sunset in South bank, London
Sunset views along the Thames and South Bank
This is a fantastic time to walk along the shoreline and waterfront areas of the Thames here in the southbank and capture some of the attractions wtih sunset vistas to enjoy and photograph. It’s not so busy with the typically crowds that flock around this area during the day time and more pleasant to walk around the South Bank area.
Tower of London and skyline in South bank, London
The Tower of London
Along the waterfront facing the Tower Bridge, the Tower of London is one of the most iconic images that Identifies London town. Dwarfed by all the contemporary architecture that frames the modern skyline of the city, the Tower of London exudes a regal and historic centerpiece to the waterfront. Facing the Tower bridge, the fortress castle and prison was built by William the conqueror in 1078 and represented the absolute rule and oppression of the monarchy, especially when it was used as a prison from 1100 up to 1952.
Tip – you can buy tickets for entry online here and save a few dollars for making a reservation.
Tate Modern in South bank, London
The Tate Modern
This is an expansive modern art gallery and part of the Tate group on the Bankside area of South Bank. Originally a power station used until 1981, a competition was held to covert the power station into the contemporary art space of the British National Art Museum. The successful adaptive reuse space has become one of the most popular venues for visitors and locals to enjoy British and International contemporary art.
Tip – even if you are not into contemporary art, the museum is free and a beautiful place to explore the huge building with spectacular views of the London skyline. For more information about current shows and calendar, visit the Tate Modern website here.
The National theater in South bank Center, London
South Bank Center
A very colorful and popular complex of contemporary buildings, the South bank center comprises of three main performance halls, art galleries and restaurants. This is one of the largest performing arts center in all of Europe and a shining jewel to visit and attend any of the daily performances that occur at the center. With over 1,000 performances of music, dance, literature and other creative arts, the center draws in over three million visitors annually.
For a calendar of events and special programs, you can visit the South bank Center website here.
More popular and fun venues in the South Bank
In between glass paneled arcades, food markets, ornate train stations and a new skate board venues in the Bankside area, the waterfront walks are a fun way to explore the eclectic neighborhoods and mix of ruins, stately architecture to contemporary buildings. There are many small streets and alleys to explore along with fantastic bars and pubs to world class restaurants to have a nice meal in this district.
Glass arcade venue in Bankside, London
Skate boarding underneath the bridges in Bankside
Skate boarding in Bankside, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral at night
St. Paul’s Cathedral at night in London
The Winchester Rose
The last remains of the Winchester palace called the Winchester rose
South bank lit up at night with colorful lights
Along the Thames river at night
Modern London skyline and the South Bank
Modern London skyline and the Shard
Please do check out my other posts about London below
Exploring London’s East End district
Eating London – a delicious food tour
Things to do in Greenwich, London
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Great shots as always Noel! I love the tips following the photos which will help us find our own great shots in London. Night views are one of my favorites to view and photograph. You captured them wonderfully.
Yet again wonderful photos Noel. You’ve really captured some of the magic of that part of London especially with the time of day when you took the pictures. With so many landmark icons we always love our trips down south to London.
It was like walking down memory lane. You share so many of the places we enjoyed on London’s South Bank. I am glad you captioned the Tower of London photo as I almost missed it amongst the modern architecture.
London is hands-down my favorite city, but its been a while since I’ve visited. Looks like some new buildings have gone up. My favorite images from your lot are the Tower Bridge and the Bankside arcade.
Gorgeous pictures! I haven’t been in London in years but it may get back on the list and I’ll have to check out the South Side if I do. I have to confess though that – for me- once to the Tate Modern was enough for my entire lifetime!
We have yet to visit London, but the South Bank is definitely a must on our running list of things to see when we do get there. Your night photography skills are so strong. It’s always a pleasure to view things through your lens.
Just flew through London the other day and realized that we haven’t been anywhere but the airport in over twenty years. Love the photos, makes us realize that we have to fix our lack of going into the city.
Lovely tour of the Southbank in the evening! We just talked yesterday about going to London at Christmastime this year. Wonderful photos Noel.
Beautiful evening tour of South Bank, really makes me want to go there…and especially, have a look over London from The Shard!
Very interested by your posting since we will be in London in November. Looking forward to taking a view of London from the top of the Shard. As always, your photos are awesome!
Another beautiful post! You’re truly a master of night photography and there’s no better city to showcase than London with its mix of stunning old and new architecture. Fab!
Such awesome night time views of London’s landmarks and a great virtual tour of every place I’ve been wanting to visit! I love the visual contrasts between the iconic structures like the London Tower mixed in with the massive new buildings.
Hi Noel, I love the first photo St. Paul’s and the Millennium bridge in South bank. I have a feeling I may have seen it before. What I like about it apart from your photographic skills, is the mix of old and new and the angle it is taken from. The next one of the London Eye is another favourite of mine. London keeps on keeping on!
I love the South Bank, and I’m always amazed at the number of Londoners who hardly know the area! I’ve often stayed at the Travel Inn (a budget hotel in the former County Hall), which is in a great location just behind the London Eye.
The South Bank is an amazing area. I find London to be a very accessible city, and love the trip down memory lane, even though it is only 12 months since we were there. I love Tower Bridge, by day, night and from every angle.