11 Best Things to Do in Southwark, London
Visiting London and overwhelmed by how much there is to do? You’re in the right place!😊 As a frequent visitor since 2017, who’s clinically obsessed with London, I’m so excited to help you prepare for your trip!
One crucial thing I’ve learned with all my visits, is that the best way to visit London is to visit one borough at a time. So today, we’re diving into Southwark – one of my absolute favorites areas in London, and the home of my queen, Bridget Jones.
Besides being the “home” of Bridget Jones (sorry I’m too big of a fan-girl), Southwark is where you’ll find the iconic Tower Bridge, the Borough Market, and the Shard. And, something really fun about Southwark is its vibe and blend between history and modernity ranging from Gothic cathedrals to skyscrapers like The Shard.
This list is perfect for first-time visitors who want to enjoy the best of Southwark with a side of gluten free recommendations and insider tips.
Going with my tip about going borough-by-borough when visiting London, it’s worth noting that you can easily cover most of the borough’s main sights in half a day, or stretch it into a full day.
Without further ado, here are the best things to do in Southwark!👇
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Top Things to See & Do in Southwark
Quick Overview: 3 Top Things to Do in Southwark
- Tower Bridge
- Borough Market
- The View from the Shard
Grab my Quick Recommendations!👇
🔥 Book ASAP: Tower Bridge, The View from the Shard and/or Borough Market Guided Tour
🏠 Stay at Shangri-La The Shard or CitizenM London Bankside
Tower Bridge
London is home to many icons, and Tower Bridge is one of them!
Dating back to the 19th century (completed in 1894), this Victorian bascule bridge has two stunning towers on each side, a regular roadway and high-level walkways.
If you’re not afraid of heights (or standing on glass) you should consider visiting the towers and walk the raised walkways that connect the North and South Towers. They include a glass-floor section where you can look straight down at cars and boats passing below.
In here you will also see its historic Engine Rooms, and or take the Highlights Tour. Entry to the towers costs about £16.
Of course, you don’t have to pay to enjoy Tower Bridge. The regular walkway, which is shared with cars, is completely free to cross and still gives you fantastic Thames River views.
As one of London’s biggest icons – make sure to book your tickets now, before they sell out!👇
The Shard – London’s Tallest Viewpoint
Opened in 2012, The Shard is a newer icon of London – a shard-shaped skyscraper with a height of 310 meters (1,016 feet). Its shard-like shape means you can spot it from almost anywhere in the city.
The building is multi-purpose, housing offices, restaurants, the Shangri-La Hotel, and its famous observation decks, The View, on floors 68, 69, and 72. Floor 69 has an observation deck while Level 72 is an open air deck.
From there you’ll enjoy 360-degree views and see as far as 40 miles on clear days. This is the highest viewpoint in London and an absolute must-see. From up there you’ll see places like the St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Thames, Tower Bridge, and more. On clear days, you can even see as far as Windsor!
Being such a popular attraction, I recommend booking well in advance to get your preferred time slot. Book your The View from the Shard tickets here, before they sell out!👇
Borough Market
With roots that date back to the 12th century and a formal charter granted in 1756, Borough Market is one of the oldest and most iconic food markets in London. With more than 100 stalls, it’s also one of the biggest markets in the city.
Crowds here are always intense, but by mid-morning or late afternoon they are slightly calmer.
Make sure to visit with an empty stomach and admire all the delicious food surrounding you – from the viral chocolate covered strawberries to hot cider, thai street food, and artisanal desserts. It’s truly a foodie paradise.😋
Check out my Gluten Free London guide for the best GF spots in Borough Market!😍
Want to dive deeper into Borough Market’s history while sampling the best bites? Led by a local guide, this Borough Market Food Tour could be perfect for you!👇
What’s nice about this 3.5 hour tour is that it is a food tour that combines sightseeing – giving you the best of both worlds between food and views.
You’ll get to see everything from the iconic Borough and Leadenhall Markets to Southwark’s hidden gems, all while you enjoy traditional British bites, including fish and chips, and end with an exclusive tasting experience.
Sounds like the perfect food tour for you? Book your spot here!
Southwark Cathedral
Just a few steps from Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral is the oldest Gothic church in London, with roots going back to the 12th century. The cathedral’s architecture and art is a beautiful mix of medieval and Victorian work.
This is a great spot to admire stone vaults and stained-glass windows, all while enjoying a peaceful break from the crowds of Southwark.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
“Oh Romeo, Romeo… wherefore art though Romeo?” Sorry, had to!😂
Shakespeare’s Globe is not the original theatre, but a reconstruction that gives you a true Elizabethan playhouse experience.
This theatre offers daily tours that allow you to learn about its history and construction. Even better? You can book tickets to a play and watch Shakespeare performed in the way it was meant to be seen: live, in an open-air theatre. Minus the rotten fruit throwing though.
This is one of London’s most iconic and most accessible cultural experiences. Book your tickets!👇
Tate Modern
One thing I love about London is how many free museums are free, and Tate Modern is (for the most part) one of them.
I say “for the most part” because Tate Modern is a museum full of incredible art and exhibitions that are free to enter and admire. However, any major exhibitions like the past Rothko to Hockney, have a paid entry.
Located in a former power station from 1917, the Tate Modern is a very large museum and a great place to admire art, but also to protect yourself if it randomly starts to downpour.
If you’re looking for a break – head to the café on the top floor for a drink with sweeping views over the Thames. And yes – this is also a great place to run to if you’re caught in a London downpour.
Millennium Bridge
Opened in 2000, the Millennium Bridge is a gorgeous steel suspension footbridge connecting St. Paul’s Cathedral to Tate Modern museum. Crossing this bridge takes you from Southwark into the City of London borough.
It’s free, always open, and best at golden hour when the river glows and the skyline feels almost cinematic.
If you walk this bridge on a rainy day, like I did, make sure you walk carefully, as the bridge can become slippery.
The Golden Hinde
If you’re a fan of history and ships, you’ll love the Golden Hinde. This is a full-size reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s galleon – the first English ship to travel around the globe (1577–1580).
This is a museum that shares two different histories, ones that are 400 years apart: Francis Drake’s 16th century circumnavigation of the globe, and the 20th century reconstruction voyages.
Here you will get to enjoy hands-on experience of what it was like to live aboard a 16th-century ship.
Hay’s Galleria
This is one of my personal favorite covered galleries (arcades) in London!
Dating back to the mid-19th century, Hay’s Galleria was once a wharf for cargo.
Today, it’s a stunning glass-roofed arcade filled with shops, cafés, and restaurants. On sunny days, the sunshine filters through the roof, lighting up the golden details of the arcade.
Starting mid to late November, the gallery and surrounding riverside path along the Thames host Christmas markets – perfect for holiday browsing with river views.
Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour
Not to make assumptions, but with how beloved the movies are, chances are you’re a Harry Potter fan. Let me know in the comments if I assumed correctly!😂👇
Beginning at the Southwark Cathedral, this 2.5 hour best-rated tour brings you through several Harry Potter locations – including St. Paul’s (Divination Staircase) and Borough Market (Leaky Cauldron).
If this sounds like the perfect tour for you, book your tickets here!👇🪄
River Thames Cruises from Bankside
One of the best and most iconic things to do in London is to hop on a boat, cruise down the River Thames, and enjoy all of the London icons that surround you.
While this cruise doesn’t technically start in Southwark, it passes through the area – bringing you by the Millennium Bridge, the Tower Bridge, all while you admire the City of London and Southwark – two of London’s best boroughs that are parallel to one another.
With well-over 20,000 incredible reviews, the Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise tour is the best-selling and best-rated cruise experience on GetYourGuide.
Book your tickets now or well in advance, before they sell out!👇
Is Southwark a Good Place to Stay in London?
Absolutely. Southwark is one of the best areas to stay in London – especially for first-time visitors.
It sits right next to the City of London and Westminster, while also being home to some of London’s most famous icons (as this guide shows). Add in the riverside walks, great food, and hotel options for different budgets, and it’s a fantastic base.
Popular, Best-Rated Hotel Picks in Southwark
Based on both Google and Tripadvisor reviews, here are the best hotels in Southwark.
- Shangri-La The Shard iconic 5-star hotel set inside The Shard with panoramic views.
- CitizenM London Bankside modern, design-focused 4-star hotel located near Borough Market.
📌 Read my Where to Stay in London guide for more details & Southwark’s top hotels
Map of the Best Things to Do in Southwark London
Planning to explore more of the UK while you’re here?
- My complete Guide to London for First Time Visitors
- Discover the 19 Iconic Things to Do in Westminster
- Read my answers to 15 London Burning Questions First Time Visitors Ask
- Read my tips on How to Save Money in London as a Tourist
- Discover all the Best Gluten Free Restaurants in London
- Everything You Need to Know about visiting London in November
📌 Pin it for your Future London Trip!
What are you most excited to see or experience in Southwark? Will this be your first time visiting London? Let me know in the comments!☺️👇
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