Southbank London guide: Where to live, eat and unwind
Southbank is London’s go-to area for fun and entertainment and is one of its most dynamic riverside neighbourhoods.
It may be small, but this buzzing stretch along the Thames packs a major punch with its bars, eateries, markets, and cultural attractions. Making it an incredible place to hang-out, but also an exhilarating place to live – especially as an international student.
Where is Southbank?
Southbank is a Zone 1 neighbourhood in the London Borough of Lambeth. True to its name, it lies on the south bank of the River Thames, opposite the City of Westminster, with Albert Embankment to the west and Bankside to the east.
Known as the area around Waterloo station, it runs from Lambeth Bridge to Blackfriars Bridge, covering parts of both Lambeth and Southwark. At roughly two square miles, it’s a compact but lively hub, home to some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including the London Eye, Tate Modern, Southbank Centre, Royal National Theatre, and the BFI Southbank.
Transport links
Southbank’s central location means it’s extremely well-connected. You can get here by train, tube, bus, bike – or even boat.
Tube
Waterloo station (Bakerloo, Northern, Jubilee, Waterloo & City lines): Fast access to Westminster, Green Park, London Bridge and other key stations.
Southwark station (Jubilee line): Direct links to Bond Street, Baker Street, Canary Wharf and the West End.
Rail
Waterloo station: Britain’s busiest rail station, with services to South West London and beyond. Including Clapham Junction, Wimbledon, Guildford, Southampton, Reading and Bournemouth.
Waterloo East station: Connected to Waterloo station by footbridge. Trains from Waterloo East head to Kent and Sussex, including London Bridge, Dartford and Hastings.
Buses
Buses from Southbank run everywhere in London, from Oxford Circus to Shoreditch.
Popular routes: 59, 139, 211, 76.
Boat
Southbank has excellent riverboat connections, and is one of the few parts of London where you can commute, sightsee, or relax via boat. With London Eye (Waterloo) Pier being the main boarding point.
Services include: Uber Boats by Thames Clippers, City Cruises, and Circular Cruises.
Cycling
Southbank is super bike-friendly, served by riverside paths and major cycle routes:
Cycleway 6 (C6): Passes just east of Southbank, ideal for north–south commutes.
Cycleway 3 (C3): Great for connections east to Canary Wharf.
Thames Path: Some parts of the riverside allow for scenic, low-traffic cycling – especially early mornings or late at night.
Local universities and schools
Southbank is close to lots of universities and language schools. With many walking distance or a short ride away.
Universities
King’s College London (Strand Campus) – A 10-15 min walk.
London South Bank University (LSBU) – Right on the South Bank.
London School of Economics (LSE) – A 20 minute walk via Waterloo.
Camberwell College of Arts (University of the Arts London) – Around 20 minutes by bike or bus.
BPP London South (Waterloo) – A five minute walk.
Language schools
Bell London – A five minute walk.
Kaplan International College London – A 10 minute walk.
What to do on the Southbank
Southbank is rammed with activities, whether you're into art, theatre, music, or just want to soak up the riverside views.
Ride the London Eye – One of London’s most famous attractions. Panoramic city views from a giant observation wheel.
Watch a film at BFI Southbank – The home of British film culture, with indie screenings, film festivals and archives.
See a play at the Old Vic – A historic theatre with world-class productions and famous alumni.
Enjoy live music at Royal Festival Hall – Part of the Southbank Centre, hosting everything from orchestras to contemporary acts.
Visit an exhibition at Southbank Centre – Art, performance and culture all under one roof. What’s not to love?
Relax in Jubilee Gardens – A lovely green space with views of the London Eye and room to unwind.
Browse the Southbank Book Market – Secondhand books, art prints and collectibles under Waterloo Bridge.
Watch skateboarders at the Southbank Skatepark – An iconic public skate space and long-standing subculture hub.
Explore Gabriel’s Wharf – Quirky boutiques, creative shops, and hip restaurants with a colourful, village-like vibe.
Where to eat and drink
No matter your dining preferences, Southbank offers something for every taste. From global street food and riverside cocktails to relaxed brunch spots and upscale restaurants, there’s plenty to explore.
Forza Wine
A laid-back rooftop bar serving first-class sharing plates and vino. Worth a visit for its sunset views alone.Flat Iron
A steakhouse favourite offering high-quality flat iron cuts at affordable prices.Southbank Centre Food Market
A buzzing weekend market with international street food: Thai curries, Indian bites, burgers, vegan eats, and more.Oxo Restaurant
Elegant riverside dining in the iconic Oxo Tower. A go-to spot for British-European cuisine with panoramic views.Baya Baya Bankside
A vibrant café/bar offering brunch, small plates, and cocktails in a stylish setting, with a focus on Middle Eastern dishes.Cubana
A colourful Cuban restaurant near Waterloo. Known for its mojitos, tapas and street-style Cuban food.Vaulty Towers
A quirky, art-filled pub just along from the Old Vic. Eclectic décor and casual vibes, perfect for drinks with friends.
A little about us
Compact, cultural, and full of life, Southbank is one of London’s most exciting neighbourhoods. Whether you're catching a show, grabbing a bite by the river, or living nearby as a student, it’s a vibrant place to be – and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring London.
Looking for private Southbank London apartments for rent? Including London South Bank University accommodation? Our modern, all-inclusive Southbank apartments, in Waterloo and Southwark, put you right at the heart of the action. Boasting excellent amenities and housekeeping service, flexible stays of one month up to a year.
Got a question or ready to explore Southbank life? Get in touch – we’re here to help you feel at home.
