What are the best things to do near London Bridge?

Date post added: 7th January 2025

What’s to love about London Bridge? The question should really be, ‘What’s not to love about London Bridge?’

Located just across the River Thames from the City of London, it’s a brilliant place for a day out. The London Bridge area combines a fascinating mix of sleek modern architecture, centuries of history, eclectic food offerings and diverse cultural experiences. With its enchanting cobbled streets, winding alleys and riverside walks, London Bridge is a wonderful place to explore.

Here are some of the many reasons why you should visit the London Bridge area.

London Bridge or Tower Bridge?

Firstly let’s clear up a common misconception. London Bridge definitely isn’t Tower Bridge – the prettier sister. Set beside the Tower of London, Tower Bridge has been open to the public since 1894. It’s ornate, historic and an iconic London landmark.

The current London Bridge, on the other hand, was built around 1970. It’s a more functional, less impressive-looking river crossing. There has been a bridge in this spot since Roman times. No, London Bridge didn’t fall down. There have been various iterations of London Bridge over the centuries. The one erected by Sir John Rennie in the early 19th century was sold and rebuilt in Arizona!

Foodie hotspots

Whether you’re after fine dining, exciting street food, authentic food markets or brilliant pub food, it’s all here in London Bridge. It’s become a rich and interesting foodie destination with so many cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and food stalls to choose from.

Borough Market

As you cross London Bridge to the south side, or exit London Bridge station, you’ll find Borough Market beneath the railway arches. It’s a London institution, but is heaving with crowds at the weekends. You’ll find the best British produce as well as a huge array of international delicacies. Sample artisan cheeses in Neals Yard or on market stalls. Savour locally roasted coffee or beautiful baked goods.

You don’t have to eat on the go though. There are great restaurants in Borough Market too. Try authentic Spanish food at Tapas Brindisa. Head to Roast for traditional British fare with exceptional views over the market. And Wright Brothers is a dinky venue with excellent seafood.

Bermondsey Street

There are amazing eateries on trendy Bermondsey Street. Chef Angela Hartnett’s Cafe Murano has a welcoming atmosphere and delicious Italian food. Chef José Pizarro has an intimate and cosy restaurant, José, serving up authentic Spanish tapas and Andalucían dishes.

You’ll also find traditional pubs turned inviting gastropubs, and more coffee shops than you can shake a sugar stick at. It’s a great place for a potter, a brunch (or full English) with friends or a locally crafted beer. Discover the delights and interesting history of the Bermondsey area on our guided walk.

Tooley Street

Amidst the popular chain bars and restaurants, you’ll find traditional pubs and cool bars. Hay’s Galleria is worth a visit. The former warehouse and wharf is a Grade II listed building with high vaulted ceilings that now houses shops and restaurants. Or grab some picnic bits from Borough Market and head to Potters Field Park for a chilled-out al fresco feast beside the River Thames.

Cultural experiences

Did you know that both Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare lived in this area in their day? It’s attracted art and culture lovers for centuries, and still does today. With unmissable art galleries, old and new styles of theatre and museums, it’s a veritable cultural hotspot.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Set on Bankside, the Globe Theatre is an accurate remodelling of Shakespeare’s original venue. The open air theatre comes complete with a thatched roof and three levels of seating encircling the stage. Watching one of Shakespeare’s plays here is a memorable experience.

The Bridge Theatre

For a more contemporary theatre experience, you must visit The Bridge Theatre. It’s modern, it’s innovative and it’s the place to catch a new, up-and-coming production. You’ll find it right beside Tower Bridge and The Ivy restaurant.

Tate Modern

Housed in a former power station, Tate Modern showcases many of our most important contemporary artists. From Pablo Picasso to Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dalí, to Mark Rothko and Andy Warhol, this immersive art museum on the South Bank of the Thames is absolutely must-visit.

The Waste Land

See TS Eliot’s classic poem in a whole new light, with our poetic guide Rick Jones’s guided tour.

Historic highlights

HMS Belfast

Moored on the River Thames in the shadows of Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast is part of the Imperial War Museum. You can step aboard the British battleship and find out what naval life would be like. HMS Belfast served in both World War II and the Korean War and now allows us to access a slice of British military history.

The Clink Prison Museum

As you walk along the cobbled lanes near Clink Street, you can’t help but be aware of the centuries of history that have happened here. The Clink was one of England’s most notorious prisons, dating back to the 12th century. The Clink Prison Museum is a stark reminder of the dark history there – an area rife with taverns, gambling dens, bear baiting and brothels. It’s gruesome yet absolutely engaging and intriguing.

Old Operating Theatre Museum

Talking of gruesome, this neighbouring museum to The Clink takes you through a potted history of surgery and medicine. You may never complain about the NHS again. It includes one of the oldest surviving operating theatres too.

The Golden Hinde

This full-scale replica of Sir Francis Drake’s famous 16th-century galleon is quite a curious sight as you turn the corner into Cathedral Street. It’s an opportunity to be transported back to that pioneering voyage across the world, or just to pose for a photo with an interesting backdrop. (By the way, if maritime history is your thing, then Greenwich should be top of your must-visit list.)

Southwark Cathedral

Right beside London Bridge, you’ll find the 12th-century Southwark Cathedral. London’s oldest Gothic cathedral has beautiful stained glass windows and is a simply stunning place to worship. It’s a special venue for a live music recital, especially at Christmas.

The Tower of London

This top attraction and iconic London landmark needs little introduction. Centuries of history has happened here. Executions, imprisonments – the original game of Traitors – all took place here. It’s also where the Crown Jewels are locked up securely.

The London Bridge Experience

This is probably the closest you’ll get to experiencing this area’s dark and grisly history. The London Bridge Experience is an immersive, and pretty terrifying, journey into the historic vaults and even the London tombs. Be prepared to jump out of your skin!

Panoramic views

Heading to the top of a tall building to take impressive photos of the view should be on every visitor’s to-do list. You’ll get a real vision of the mix of historic and contemporary architecture in this part of London.

The Monument to the Great Fire of London

The Great Fire of London transformed the city in 1666. The Monument is a site to remember that historic event, and the city’s recovery. It’s worth the climb to the top (and you do get a certificate to prove it) as you’ll take in a pigeon’s eye view of the surrounding city.

The Shard

At 1,016ft high, The Shard is the tallest building in London and Western Europe. As such, you get spectacular views to coo over as you ascend its 72 floors. The Shard oozes luxury and expense though. Expect to pay through the nose for the pleasure of a cocktail with a panoramic view or even to step onto the viewing platform.

Tower Bridge

Did you know that you can climb to the top of Tower Bridge? There are new glass walkways that provide breathtaking views along the Thames. You can also look into the Engine Rooms which still operate the bridge lifts today.

Saunter along the South bank

The London Bridge area comprises some of London’s biggest tourist attractions. Head west along the South bank from London Bridge and you’ll encounter the Tate Modern and The London Eye, with views across the river to St Paul’s Cathedral and then the Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster). Head east and you’ll discover Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast and the Tower of London.

The area has such a rich and interesting history. But you’ll only scratch the surface of that if you go it alone. By joining a guided walking tour, you’ll hear incredible stories from knowledgeable guides who really know their stuff. Join us for a bridge to London tour or go deeper and discover tales of hidden London.