Where to Stay in South Bank London

London › South Bank Hotels
Updated: April 24, 2026
By Santorini Dave

• Best Hotels in South Bank & Bankside: London Marriott Hotel County Hall (stately and historic beside Westminster Bridge) • Park Plaza Westminster Bridge (large, modern, and very convenient) • Park Plaza County Hall (great for families) • Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard (spectacular views near London Bridge) • Sea Containers London (stylish, maritime-inspired design with a fantastic riverfront bar) • Novotel London Bridge (solid mid-range choice near Borough Market) • ibis London Blackfriars (best budget-friendly choice)

South Bank is one of the best places to stay in London if you want river views, major sights, easy walking, and a lively cultural atmosphere. Strictly speaking, South Bank is the stretch of the south side of the Thames around Waterloo, Westminster Bridge, the London Eye, the Southbank Centre, and the National Theatre. Just east of it is Bankside, home to Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market, and The Shard. For travelers, the two areas work well together and are often treated as one long riverside area.

The big advantage of staying here is simple: you can walk to an enormous number of things. From the western end of South Bank, you are just across the river from Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. Walk east along the river and you pass the Royal Festival Hall, National Theatre, Gabriel’s Wharf, OXO Tower, Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market, London Bridge, and eventually Tower Bridge.

South Bank is not the prettiest residential neighborhood in London, and parts of it can feel busy, modern, and slightly corporate. But for sightseeing convenience, river walks, theater, museums, family attractions, and first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of the action without staying in the West End, it is excellent.

Pros and Cons of Staying in South Bank

Pros

• Excellent location for first-time sightseeing.
• Wonderful river walks and skyline views.
• Easy access to Westminster, Covent Garden, Tate Modern, Borough Market, and Tower Bridge.
• Strong transport links from Waterloo, London Bridge, Blackfriars, and Southwark.
• Good choice for families, especially near County Hall and Westminster Bridge.
• Lots of cultural attractions, theaters, galleries, and seasonal events.

Cons

• Can feel crowded and touristy, especially near the London Eye.
• Not as charming or village-like as some London neighborhoods.
• River-view rooms can be expensive.
• Some restaurants rely more on location than quality.
• Parts around Waterloo are practical rather than pretty.

Best For

• First-time visitors: You are close to Westminster, the London Eye, Tate Modern, Borough Market, and easy transport across the city.
• Families: The London Eye, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Jubilee Gardens, river walks, and large modern hotels make this one of London’s easier family bases.
• River views: Some of London’s best hotel views are found here, especially around Westminster Bridge, County Hall, The Shard, and the Blackfriars/Bankside stretch.
• Theater and culture: The National Theatre, Southbank Centre, BFI, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Tate Modern are all nearby.
• Walkers: The riverside path is one of the best urban walks in Europe.
• Gatwick arrivals: Blackfriars and London Bridge have convenient Thameslink connections to Gatwick Airport.

Not Best For

• Classic neighborhood charm: South Bank is lively and central, but it is not as atmospheric as Notting Hill, Marylebone, Mayfair, or parts of Kensington.
• Quiet evenings: The riverfront can be crowded, especially near the London Eye, Westminster Bridge, and the Southbank Centre.
• West End nightlife: Covent Garden, Soho, and Leicester Square are close by Tube or taxi, but not quite on your doorstep.
• Luxury shopping: Knightsbridge, Mayfair, and Bond Street are better if shopping is a major focus.

Where To Stay in South Bank: Best Areas

1. Westminster Bridge and County Hall

Best for: first-time visitors, families, short stays, Big Ben views, and easy sightseeing.

This is the most convenient part of South Bank for classic sightseeing. You are positioned right beside the London Eye, across the bridge from Big Ben, and within easy walking distance of Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, and Trafalgar Square. In my experience, while it is busy and touristy, the sheer convenience of the location is outstanding for those who want everything on their doorstep.

Recommended hotels:

• London Marriott Hotel County Hall: Luxury stay in a historic building with the best river views.
• Park Plaza Westminster Bridge: A large, modern hotel that is very popular with families.
• Park Plaza County Hall: Excellent for those who need extra space and kid-friendly amenities.

2. Waterloo and Southbank Centre

Best for: transport, theater, culture, families, and practical sightseeing.

Waterloo is the transport heart of the area. It is not the most beautiful pocket of London in every direction, but it is extremely useful. Staying near Waterloo gives you fast access to the Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, and Waterloo and City lines, plus national rail services. You are also close to the Royal Festival Hall, National Theatre, BFI Southbank, and the endless restaurants and bars along the river. I recommend this area if you want to be central without relying on taxis.

Recommended hotels:

• Marlin Waterloo: Modern apartment-style rooms that are great for longer stays.
• Ruby Lucy Hotel London: A trendy, lean-luxury option with a great bar and design focus.
• H10 London Waterloo: A sleek hotel featuring a rooftop bar with excellent city views.

3. Blackfriars and Bankside

Best for: Tate Modern, St Paul’s, quieter riverside walks, Gatwick connections, and couples.

The Blackfriars and Bankside stretch is slightly calmer than the London Eye end. It is better for travelers who prioritize culture and food over big-ticket family attractions. You are close to the Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge, and St Paul’s Cathedral just across the river. Blackfriars Station is also very useful for Thameslink trains, which offer a direct service to Gatwick Airport. I find the atmosphere here more sophisticated and less frantic.

Recommended hotels:

• ibis London Blackfriars: One of the better-value choices in the area for budget-conscious travelers.
• Sea Containers London: A stunning, high-design hotel located right on the riverfront.
• Hilton London Bankside: A reliable upscale choice with excellent service and a great location near the Tate.

4. London Bridge and Borough Market

Best for: food lovers, Borough Market, The Shard, London Bridge Station, and Tower Bridge walks.

This area is technically a mix of Bankside and London Bridge, but it is essential for a South Bank search. The area is excellent for food, views, and transport. Borough Market is one of the best food stops in London, The Shard offers spectacular city views, and London Bridge Station has Tube and rail connections across the city and to Gatwick. I always suggest staying here if you want to be in the middle of London’s best food scene.

Recommended hotels:

• Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard: Pure luxury with incomparable views from the tallest building in London.
• Novotel London Bridge: A reliable mid-range stay within easy reach of the market.
• London Bridge Hotel: An independent feel with classic rooms in a very central location.

Top Things To Do in South Bank

Walk the Queen’s Walk

The Queen’s Walk is the riverside promenade that runs along the south bank of the Thames. The best stretch for most visitors is from Westminster Bridge past the London Eye, Southbank Centre, National Theatre, OXO Tower, Tate Modern, and toward Tower Bridge. This is one of the best walks in London, especially around sunset.

For photos, the views back toward Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the City skyline are excellent. If you do only one walk from your hotel, make it this one.

Ride the London Eye

The London Eye is touristy, expensive, and still worth considering, especially for families or first-time visitors. The views are best on clear days, but even in imperfect weather it gives a useful sense of London’s layout. Book ahead during school holidays, summer, and weekends.

Visit the Southbank Centre

The Southbank Centre is one of London’s major cultural complexes, with concerts, festivals, exhibitions, food stalls, and seasonal events. Even if you are not attending a performance, it is worth walking through the area. In winter, the Southbank Centre Winter Market gives the riverfront one of its most festive atmospheres.

See a Play at the National Theatre

The National Theatre is a major reason to stay in this area. It has multiple stages, a lively lobby, good bars, and some of the best theater programming in London. Even if you are not a serious theater person, check what is playing during your stay. Same-day and lower-priced tickets are sometimes available, though popular productions should be booked in advance.

Explore Tate Modern

Tate Modern is one of London’s best free museums and a must if you are staying anywhere near South Bank or Bankside. The building itself, a converted power station, is part of the appeal. Combine it with a walk across the Millennium Bridge to St Paul’s Cathedral.

Visit Shakespeare’s Globe

Shakespeare’s Globe is a reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse associated with Shakespeare. Performances are atmospheric and more fun than visitors expect, especially from the standing yard if you are up for it. The guided tours are also worthwhile when performances do not fit your schedule.

Eat at Borough Market

Borough Market is one of the best food markets in London and an easy walk from Bankside, London Bridge, or the eastern end of South Bank. It can be crowded, especially on Saturdays, but it is still a highlight. Go earlier in the day if you want a calmer experience, and avoid arriving starving at the busiest lunch hour unless you are comfortable with lines.

Walk to Tower Bridge

From South Bank or Bankside, continue east along the Thames toward Tower Bridge. This route passes some of London’s best river scenery and makes a great half-day walk with stops at Tate Modern, Borough Market, London Bridge, and the Tower Bridge viewpoint.

Transportation and Getting Around

South Bank is extremely walkable and well-connected. The main transport hubs are Waterloo, London Bridge, Blackfriars, and Southwark. The best station depends on which end of the neighborhood you choose.

• Waterloo: Best for the London Eye, County Hall, Westminster Bridge, Southbank Centre, and National Theatre. Tube lines include Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, and Waterloo & City.
• Southwark: Useful for the central South Bank/Bankside area and the Jubilee Line.
• Blackfriars: Good for Tate Modern, Bankside, Thameslink trains, and access to Gatwick via train.
• London Bridge: Best for Borough Market, The Shard, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge walks, and rail connections.
• Westminster: Across the river from the London Eye and useful for Westminster Abbey, Parliament, and St James’s Park.

Getting to South Bank from Heathrow Airport

For most travelers, the easiest route from Heathrow is to take the Elizabeth Line into central London and switch to the Tube or a taxi for the final leg. If you are staying near Waterloo or Westminster Bridge, a common route is Elizabeth Line to Bond Street or Tottenham Court Road, then the Jubilee or Northern Line depending on your hotel. With heavy luggage, it can sometimes be easier to take the Elizabeth Line into central London and finish by taxi rather than make multiple Tube changes.

Getting to South Bank from Gatwick Airport

For South Bank, Bankside, Blackfriars, or London Bridge, Thameslink is the easiest train option from Gatwick Airport. Trains run to London Bridge and Blackfriars, both of which are very useful for this area. This is simpler than going to Victoria and then crossing London by Tube or taxi.

Getting to South Bank from King’s Cross and St Pancras

From King’s Cross St Pancras, take the Northern Line to Waterloo or London Bridge, depending on where you are staying. If your hotel is closer to Blackfriars or Bankside, Thameslink can also be useful. For Eurostar arrivals at St Pancras, South Bank is one of the easier central areas to reach.

Getting to South Bank from Paddington

From Paddington, you can take the Bakerloo Line directly to Waterloo, which is very convenient for the western South Bank hotels. If you are staying closer to London Bridge or Bankside, the Elizabeth Line plus a Tube or taxi connection may be easier.

Walking Distances from South Bank

• London Eye to Big Ben: about 10 minutes on foot, crossing Westminster Bridge.
• London Eye to Westminster Abbey: about 15 to 20 minutes.
• London Eye to Covent Garden: about 20 to 25 minutes, depending on route.
• Southbank Centre to Tate Modern: about 15 to 20 minutes along the river.
• Tate Modern to Borough Market: about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Borough Market to Tower Bridge: about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Waterloo to Trafalgar Square: about 20 minutes.

South Bank with Kids

South Bank is one of London’s best hotel areas for families. The riverfront is easy to navigate, there are plenty of casual places to eat, and many of the major attractions are close together. The London Eye, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure, Jubilee Gardens, and river walks all sit near the Westminster Bridge end. Older kids and teens may prefer Tate Modern, Borough Market, Shakespeare’s Globe, or the walk toward Tower Bridge.

For families, I prefer the area around County Hall, Westminster Bridge, and Waterloo. It is busy, but it reduces transport hassles and makes it easy to return to the hotel during the day. Park Plaza County Hall and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge are two of the more practical family choices.

South Bank vs Bankside vs London Bridge

These areas blur together for visitors, but there are useful differences.

• South Bank: Best for the London Eye, Westminster, Waterloo, the National Theatre, and the Southbank Centre.
• Bankside: Best for Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, riverside walks, and a slightly less touristy feel than the London Eye area.
• London Bridge: Best for Borough Market, The Shard, Tower Bridge walks, and train connections.

For families and first-time sightseeing, stay closer to Waterloo or Westminster Bridge. For food, views, and a slightly more grown-up city feel, stay closer to Bankside or London Bridge.

Practical Tips for Staying in South Bank

• Book river-view rooms carefully. “River view” can mean anything from a sweeping Big Ben panorama to a partial side view. Read room descriptions closely.
• Do not underestimate the walking. South Bank is wonderfully walkable, but a full day along the river can add up quickly.
• Use Waterloo wisely. It is one of London’s most useful stations, but it is large and can feel confusing at first. Give yourself extra time when catching trains.
• Eat away from the most obvious tourist strip. The best food is toward Bankside, Borough Market, or side streets behind the riverfront.
• Plan around weather. South Bank is at its best when you can walk outside. In wet weather, Tate Modern, the National Theatre, Southbank Centre, BFI, and nearby pubs become especially useful.
• Expect crowds near Westminster Bridge. The area around the London Eye and Westminster Bridge is busy most of the year, especially weekends, holidays, and late afternoons.

FAQ: Staying in South Bank London

Is South Bank a good area to stay in London?

Yes. South Bank is one of the best areas to stay in London for sightseeing, river walks, cultural attractions, and transport. It is especially good for first-time visitors and families because so many major sights are within walking distance. The main downside is that it can feel busy and touristy, particularly near the London Eye and Westminster Bridge.

Is South Bank safe?

South Bank is generally a safe and well-trafficked central London area. As in any busy tourist zone, watch for pickpockets around crowded attractions, bridges, stations, and riverside bottlenecks. Late at night, stick to well-lit main routes around Waterloo, the riverfront, and major stations.

Is South Bank good for families?

Yes. South Bank is one of the easiest London bases for families. The London Eye, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Jubilee Gardens, river walks, and family-friendly hotels are all close together. Hotels around County Hall, Westminster Bridge, and Waterloo are especially practical because you can return to the room easily during the day.

What is the difference between South Bank and Bankside?

South Bank refers to the area around Waterloo, the London Eye, the Southbank Centre, and the National Theatre. Bankside is farther east, around Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Borough Market. For visitors, they function as one long riverside district, but the London Eye end is better for families and first-time sightseeing, while Bankside is better for Tate Modern, food, and a slightly less touristy feel.

Is South Bank better than Covent Garden?

South Bank is better for river views, family attractions, Westminster access, Tate Modern, and long walks along the Thames. Covent Garden is better for restaurants, shopping, theaters, nightlife, and classic West End atmosphere. For a first trip, either can work well. Choose South Bank for space and river scenery; choose Covent Garden for nightlife and central buzz.

Is South Bank better than Westminster?

South Bank and Westminster face each other across the Thames. Westminster is better for Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and government landmarks. South Bank is better for river walks, family attractions, theaters, and cultural venues. Many travelers prefer staying on South Bank because it gives you the views of Westminster rather than placing you directly inside the busier government district.

What Tube station is best for South Bank?

Waterloo is the most useful station for the western and central parts of South Bank. Southwark is useful for the Jubilee Line and the area behind the riverfront. Blackfriars works well for Bankside and Tate Modern. London Bridge is best for Borough Market, The Shard, and the eastern end of the riverside walk.

Can you walk from South Bank to Big Ben?

Yes. From the London Eye or County Hall, it is about a 10-minute walk across Westminster Bridge to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. This is one of the best short walks in London and a major reason to stay in the area.

Can you walk from South Bank to Covent Garden?

Yes. From the Southbank Centre or Waterloo area, Covent Garden is about 20 to 25 minutes on foot, depending on your exact hotel and route. You can walk across Waterloo Bridge for excellent views of the Thames, St Paul’s, and the City skyline.

Is South Bank good for restaurants?

South Bank has plenty of restaurants, cafes, pubs, and riverfront bars, but the quality is mixed in the most touristy stretches. For better food, walk toward Bankside, Borough Market, London Bridge, or across the river to Covent Garden and Soho. The area is very convenient for dining, but it helps to be selective.

What is the best part of South Bank to stay in?

For first-time visitors and families, the best area is around County Hall, Westminster Bridge, and Waterloo. For culture and food, stay closer to Blackfriars, Bankside, or London Bridge. For luxury views, consider London Marriott County Hall or Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, depending on which end of the south side you prefer.

Is South Bank too touristy?

Parts of South Bank are very touristy, especially around the London Eye, Westminster Bridge, and the aquarium. But the area becomes more interesting as you walk east toward the Southbank Centre, National Theatre, Gabriel’s Wharf, Tate Modern, and Bankside. If you like river walks and cultural venues, the tourist crowds are a fair trade-off for the convenience.

How many nights should I stay in South Bank?

South Bank works for anything from a one-night stopover to a full London trip. For first-time visitors, three to five nights is ideal because you can cover Westminster, the West End, Tate Modern, Borough Market, Tower Bridge, and several museums without difficult logistics.

Should I book a hotel with a river view?

If your budget allows, a river-view room can make a South Bank stay feel special. Views of Big Ben, Westminster, St Paul’s, or the City skyline are some of the best in London. But do not stretch your budget too far for the view if it means sacrificing location, room size, or comfort. You will get excellent river views just by walking outside.