26 Cool Things to do around London Bridge
When thinking about London it is easy to stick around popular places, however, to get more into the skin of a place you should discover it into its soul. Go and explore the London Bridge area, which offers an incredible choice of experiences and activities. This list will guide you through some of the best things to do around London Bridge.
From the iconic The Shard to a lovely walk along the Thames toward Tower Bridge. Enjoy the beautiful things to do in London Bridge and not only, push yourself in the nearby area of Bermondsey with trendy clubs and wine bars, the eclectic Vinegar Yard and the hidden breweries.
This guide will also help you to go around Borough Market, one of the most suggestive locations in London Bridge, a paradise for foodies and a meeting point for Londoners.
Basic information about London Bridge
- Things to know before visiting London Bridge
- How to get to London Bridge
- Where to stay in London Bridge
- Best experiences to do in London bridge area
- Where to eat in London Bridge
- Best coffee shops in London Bridge
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Things to do in London Bridge
- Indulge into Borough Market
- Admire Southwark Cathedral
- Up into the Sky – Panoramic view from The Shard
- River Cruise at sunset
- Discover the Golden Hinde galleon
- D-Day memories on the HMS Belfast
- Walk on Southwark
- Visit the contemporary art galleries at Tate Modern
- Enjoy the view of St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Catch a play at Globe Theatre
- A Pint at the Anchor Tavern
- The ruins of Winchester Palace
- Busking Artists in Southwark Bank
- Find the iconic Shakespeare Murales
- Reach Tower Bridge from London Bridge
- Like a local in Bermondsey
- Vinegar Yard vintage stands
- Taste a proper burger at Belushi’s
- Hang out at London Bridge Rooftop
- Relax on The Scoop’s steps
- Take a photo from More London Riverside
- Aperitif at Hays Galleria
- Meetup with friends at Flat Iron Square
- Discover the Hidden Spots
- Picture perfect Shad Thames
- Relax in St. Katharine Dock Marina
- Maltby Market
Incredible things to do in London Bridge
Best Things to do in London Bridge MAP
Don’t miss anything in our guide about things to do around London Bridge with our free map. Who doesn’t love self-guided walk maps? Use this as a handy itinerary that includes the main London landmarks.
What you should know before visiting London Bridge
- Until the 18th Century, London Bridge was the only point to cross over the River Thames in London.
- On Friday 17th October 1091 an unusual Tornado in London destroyed some solid constructions in the city, one of which is the London Bridge.
- In the 15th-century, London Bridge was similar to Ponte Vecchio, the famous bridge in Florence, Italy. Along the bridge, there were houses, public buildings, many shops and religious places. London Bridge was totally different compared to the one we know today.
- The original London Bridge was built by Romans in 55AD, but there are no remains of the original structure.
- In the early 1960s, experts discovered that London Bridge was sinking by 1 cm every 8 years due to heavy traffic crossing the Thames. The bridge was unprepared for the high amount of vehicles crossing it. The brilliant idea came to a city councillor who sold it for $2,460,000 and $7 million for transporting it to the US. The Bridge was then rebuilt over Lake Havasu in Arizona, part of a promotion to revive tourism in a small village. Check more of this funny story.
- On the history above is easy to understand that Havasu city Lake is often referred to as the London Bridge Lake.
- The old and original London Bridge sold to the USA features beautiful vintage lamps, these are made from melted-down cannons of Napoleon Bonaparte’s army.
- In 1984, the British warship HMS Jupiter collided with London Bridge, causing significant damage to both the ship and the bridge.
- London Bridge is sometimes confused with Tower Bridge, which is the oldest bridge in London and is about 0.5 mi (0.8 km) Eastside.
How to get to London Bridge
London Bridge is one of the far east great stations of London. Trains from all over England arrive and depart from London Bridge, making this station one of the busiest in the whole country.
It’s easy to get into the London Bridge area by tube also taking the Jubilee Line (Grey) or the Northern Line (Black) to Morden. It is a huge station and is easy to get lost in, but take advantage of the view of the Shard from any side to direct you.
Where to stay in London Bridge
The first thing to look out for the best staycation in London is definitely having the right accommodation in a central area. While London is too wide, we always suggest having a tube stop at a short distance. That’s why for our London Staycation, we decided to stay in the St. Christopher’s Inn Hostel. If you are not familiar with how to stay in a hostel as a couple, these are our smart tips for you.
The St. Christopher’s Inn Hostel is right in the centre of the action, around the London Bridge area, with direct access to the tube and train station. The Hostel also features a nice pub for a quick pint, and it’s perfect for a short stay over the weekend or a bit longer. From the hostel, you can also reach Borough market within 5 minutes walking or cross into the station to reach Tower Bridge within 10 minutes walking.
26 Amazing things to do around London Bridge
We have already introduced to you some good reasons why you should concentrate your trip to London in the London Bridge Area. Without indulging more in details, below there are 25 amazing things to do around London Bridge to add to your list.
Make a note and follow our map to not miss any sights of this stunning area of the England Capital.
Indulge into Borough Market
Definitely the core of London Bridge, Borough Market is the best food market in London. It is also the busiest one, with locals and tourists walking along the alleys tasting delicatessen, local and international recipes.
This is an unmissable place for any foodies on a staycation in London. The activities at Borough Market started in the 12th century, but there is evidence that a smaller market was there before. The beautiful complex features a building dated back to 1851, then the stands and stalls took every year a bigger place and area of London Bridge to become what we can see today.
Borough Market should be on every explorer’s London bucket list; it’s the ideal place to unwind with friends, grab a fast bite to eat on the go, or merely roam around the hundreds of food stalls. You can find any kind of food, especially fresh fruit and vegetables, anything about meat and seafood, wine and cider, artisan bread and local cheese.
Walking on the side of Borough Market, on Stoney St. you can taste fresh Oysters at Portena, have a refreshing juice at Chegworth Valley or just stop for a pint at The Market Porter.
Things to do near Borough Market
- Get a coffee at Gentleman’s Barista
- Have a fresh paella at Furness Fish Markets
- Fresh Juice at Turnips
- Sangria and Pimms Time at Cartwright Brothers Vintners
- Traditional British Fish and chips at Fish!
- Get the best fresh pastries at Bread Ahead
- See the Hearth Graffiti on Stoney St.
Admire Southwark Cathedral
While this is one of the most beautiful and attractive places in London Bridge is not the most popular. Today Southwark Cathedral remains immutable for more than 800 years and is a strategic worship place for far longer.
Some of the most important facts about London Bridge are directly connected to this stunning Cathedral, this was the place where condemned to death for heresy were executed in the 16th, it’s also recognized as the oldest Cathedral of London, even older than St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Located a short walk from Golden Hinde and totally attached to Borough Market is unmissable on a guide about things to do around London Bridge. You can tour the inside chapels on Friday and Sunday for just £3.
More details are below. The Cathedral hosts ceremonies like weddings, and you can enjoy these from the outside, or get inside during Xmas time to enjoy and listen to the carols.
TOUR TIMES: Friday at 11 and Sunday Morning
Up into the Sky | Panoramic view from The Shard
The Shard is not only the highest building in the British Capital but also a strategic sightseeing location that gives you insight into your position in London. Basically, it is possible to see the Shard from everywhere. You can enjoy the view from the top of the most recognizable icons, a 72-storey building opened in 2009 designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano dominates the London landscape with its 300 metres tall. The view from the top is unbelievable, and you can reach the 72nd floor or the gift shop on the 68th.
For a unique experience in London, you might opt for the Hotel on the 32nd floor, the Shangri La hotel, a luxury facility that will leave you astonished. For a fancy experience but more affordable you can go for a drink at the Aqua Shard on the 31st floor. However, you can choose from the list of 7 bars and restaurants in the building to enjoy the experience. Book your experience in advance.
BARS AT THE SHARD:
YOU SHOULD KNOW | A full-price adult ticket is £32 (£42 with fast-track entry and a guidebook), although if you’re willing to book ahead, you can pick tickets up for £24 if you book more than 14 days in advance. Reserve here your tickets.
River Cruise at sunset
To enjoy London from another point of view, we invite you to consider going on a river cruise at sunset. London Bridge is the ideal place to hop on a riverboat and go up and down the Thames. Imagine yourself with a cocktail in your hand, admiring the landscape with your other half.
This is one of the most romantic experiences to do in London, and it’s not expensive as you can believe. Check out the prices.
London at sunset is unbelievable beautiful and worth the cost. If you don’t want to book in advance and are most likely to organize it on the spot. Just show up on London Bridge Pier and wait for the Thames Clipper running up toward Greenwich or down the river to West London. You can use the Oyster Card onboard or purchase a single ticket on the spot.
Discover the Golden Hinde galleon
At some point strolling on the Riverside you might arrive at the Golden Hinde Galleon. The story behind this beautiful boat is intriguing and tells the tale of sailors circumnavigating the globe. This ship was used in the 16th century by Sir Francis Drake and is part of the colonization history of England. Queen Elizabeth ordered the transformation of the ship into a museum vessel, and today it’s possible to visit this place.
However, the actual version is not the original but a reconstruction of the old vessels using original pieces. The spot hosts guided tours with costumed actors proposing Tudor Era scenes.
D-Day’s memories on the HMS Belfast
From one boat to another, but even bigger. You might be intrigued by a navy ship in the middle of the Thames. This is the HMS Belfast and is part of the Imperial War Museum of London display.
The large ship was built in 1936, soon before the outbreak of World War II. The HMS Belfast fought in several wars over her lifetime, including the First World War and the Korean War. Today, this is one of the most popular attractions in the London Bridge area. Over a quarter of a million visitors board the ship each year to get a glimpse of life aboard such a massive navy warship.
Walk by Southwark
One of our favourite walks in London is between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, easy to do just walking east, following the Thames Bank. However, the extension of Southwark walk is far more, arriving at the London Eye, and Westminster area.
Walking along Southwark is one of the best things to do around London Bridge, and you will spot various notable London sights. Due to the crowds visiting the evocative Christmas stalls along this route during the busy Christmas season, it will take even longer, so plan enough time to explore and get lost.
Visit the contemporary art galleries at Tate Modern
Tate Modern is a modern art gallery housed in a former power station, and you can clearly see that from its shape. The natural edgy industrial aesthetic just gives more value to the great expositions and art galleries hosted in the building.
We are passionate photographers, and visiting the Tate Modern always gives us inspiration and new angles. The Tate Modern is one of the world’s most important modern art museums, with over 6 million visitors each year, and is completely free.
This stunning building at a short distance from London Bridge station has got not only inspiring art galleries but also a nice coffee shop and a view platform on the 10th floor open to the public. From the top you will have the perfect view of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge, we advise you to visit it in the late afternoon or evening.
Enjoy the view of St. Paul’s Cathedral
We already introduced you to the view, but let’s talk about that. Go up to the observation deck of the Tate Modern and snap unique photos of London. It is usually busy on the weekend, so make sure to find time to snap photos during the week if you can. Go through the Gift shop and then the Coffee area to reach the balcony.
Catch a play at Globe Theatre
Globe Theatre is a smidgeon in comparison to Tate Modern, its next-door neighbour. While it may not be as tall as the others, its cultural value is just as significant! Because the Globe Theatre is a copy of Shakespeare’s company’s 16th-century theatre, which used to be roughly 230 metres distant from its current location.
The replica of the original Globe Theatre, which was destroyed by fire in 1613, was founded in 1997 by American actor and director Sam Wanamaker. Theatre productions are only performed here from April to October due to the open roof. However, since the inauguration of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse next door in 2014, you can now enjoy indoor candle-lit performances here between October and December.
Make sure to plan ahead your visit to the Globe Theatre, which is often sold out, performing plays not necessary by Shakespeare on the open stage. You grab a bargain stand-up ticket for about £5.
A Pint at the Anchor Tavern
It’s time for a pint. Doesn’t matter if you are with friends, your lovely half or by yourself while exploring the best things to do around London Bridge you should stop by the Anchor Tavern. A London Bridge guide wouldn’t be complete without a slew of excellent pubs, and Southwark does not disappoint.
Include this on the list of things to do in London Bridge at night, but don’t worry, we have a few other suggestions for you coming along. Many of the pubs in London Bridge have unique backstories, with a strong nautical, industrial, and artistic heritage, such as the Anchor Tavern. This once served as a meeting spot for sailors arriving in London. When you stroll inside these often-unassuming drinking dens, you never know whose footsteps you’re following. Hang out in the outside area in summer, enjoying the London vibes and the beautiful view.
The ruins of Winchester Palace
From a historical site to another, the ruins of Winchester Palace is more of a hidden spot in Southwark, built in the 12th century. Located and hidden behind Southwark Cathedral a short walk from Borough Market, the ruins are on your walk from the Southwark and London Bridge area.
Don’t blame yourself if you don’t spot the ruins, because these are hidden in the narrow alley and buildings. You will not recognize it as a proper Palace, but we can assure you it is part of the local heritage and was once one of England’s grandest and most beautiful structures.
Recent history says that the building was completely forgotten about after a fire in the early 1800s. It was eventually unearthed and handed to Heritage England’s care, as it is considered one of the last major mediaeval London relics.
Busking Artists in Southwark Bank
Walking along the Thames, you will find many street artists performing. We love walking on Southwark in summer all the way from the London Eye to Tower Bridge, the atmosphere is unique and on a sunny day is an unmissable piece to tick off from your London Bucket List.
Around London Bridge Area you can find anything from transformers to soapy bubble performers for kids, incredible singers and musicians. There is no specific place to find them, but walking along, you will be transported by the magic of the moment and the rhythm that only London can give you.
Find the iconic Shakespeare Murals
Just a few meters away from the iconic The Globe Theatre where the plays of the most famous playwright performed in well-known tragedies, there are awesome murals. On a brick wall of Clink Street, that take you to the famous formerly prisons, a colourful William Shakespeare will attire your attention.
The work is by Jimmy C, an Australian artist best known for another beautiful portrait, David Bowie in Brixton.
Reach Tower Bridge from London Bridge
Walking on Southwark bank, you can reach Tower Bridge from London Bridge in about 15/20 minutes at a normal pace. This walk is the ideal place to take some photos of the London cityscape and has always been inspiring for tourists and Londoners. Make sure to get time to sit at the benches along the way, stop for a quick bite at a local stand or grab a pint in a proper British Pub.
You can also go inside Tower Bridge, which can give you access either to the engine room or the glass ski walk up to the tower. Take the top walkway, which has a glass floor and allows you to hover above the bridge while watching Londoners (and visitors) go about their daily lives below.
Like a local in Bermondsey
Bermondsey has a rich and varied history; it was formerly London’s industrial heartland, home to adjacent docks and thriving industries in the nineteenth century. Today the formerly working-class neighbourhood is one of the fancy rising and cool areas of London. In recent years the borough has changed significantly, having heavy investments and seeing privates opening bars, restaurants, wine cellars, grocery shops and many more attractive locations for locals and tourists.
It is not located in one of the most touristic areas of the city but is very close to the London Bridge area and worth a visit. Traditional pubs and old buildings are still there, but there is also a diverse range of restaurants, taverns, and stores. Make sure to find time to explore Maltby Street Market, an iconic location of the Bermondsey area, erected in 2010. Over 30 stalls offer everything about food, drinks and fun, with dishes from everywhere and also fancy stalls.
Vinegar Yard vintage stands
The brand-new Vinegar Yard is located directly behind London Bridge Station. This is usually packed during the weekend and more approachable during the week, it is slowly becoming a very popular spot for Londoners and tourists alike is home to unique market stalls as well as food stalls.
Vinegar Yards is located on the outskirts of the Bermondsey neighbourhood and is a melting pot of the essence of both boroughs.
The Vinegar Yard is composed of two areas: the shops and stands area and the foodie piazza. Include Vinegar Yard in your guide of quirky things to do in London Bridge.
Taste a proper burger at Belushi’s
London has plenty of places that know how to cook and prepare a proper burger. London Bridge is filled with nice pubs and cool places to hang out and taste delicious dishes. While staying at the St. Christopher’s Inn Hostel, you can enjoy the perfect burger spot for foodies right on the ground floor of the complex. Also, the guests have a discount on burgers, beers, and spirits that can save you some bucks.
Belushi’s is just on Borough High Street and accessible to guests of the hostel and external. At a short walk from London Bridge, you can enjoy a friendly atmosphere with some drinks. On every day of the week, you can enjoy live music and DJs along with a badass Belushi’s burger.
Hang out at London Bridge Rooftop
Continuing on our suggestions for the best things to do in London Bridge at night, why don’t enjoy the landscape of the city. Right above the Tube station of London Bridge, there is an amazing Rooftop open every day. The view from above is just insane.
The bar offers anything from drinks to food, DJ performances and special nights. Definitely, a place to visit to enjoy the nights in London with a perfect view of The Shard and meet up with some friends.
Relax on The Scoop’s steps
At a fair distance from London Bridge, walking toward Tower Bridge, there is The Scoop. This place is an architectonical gem of London, often crowded. The scoop is basically an oval amphitheatre with a stage in the centre which is frequently used to show movies, performances, live concerts, sports events.
The Scoop has 800 seats outdoor and offers free events to everyone. Around the Scoop, there is always something going on with stands and special events. On the same square, there is the City Hall, with its strange shape and the glass facade that reflect the lights of the city.
Take a photo from More London Riverside
Before arriving at The Scoop, you have to pass by More London Riverside. This is an authentic architectonic beauty of London, with the perfect line of sight toward Tower Bridge.
Enjoy your walk toward The Scoop, and admire on one side the Tower Bridge and just behind you The Shard. These 5 minutes walk in the middle of office buildings is inspiring. Fine restaurants, bars, and coffee shops on both sides are the perfect excuse to stop and chill for a bit.
Aperitif at Hays Galleria
The beautiful Hays Galleria is at a few steps by the River Thames, a place still in time, redeveloped in the 1980s was originally a warehouse. The beautiful spot, often busy, is filled with shops and restaurants, but also offices and residential flats.
If you are going on a cruise on the river, it is impossible to don’t be astonished by the beautiful structure. If you are lucky enough, you might see the bronze sculpture of a ship by David Kemp, the masterpiece is there since 1987 and is called “The Navigators” to commemorate the origins of the Galleria and its shipping heritage.
Meetup with friends at a London Bridge beer Garden
If this guide of things to do around London Bridge wasn’t giving you enough suggestions on how to enjoy your time in the big city, there we go with a list of beer gardens in London Bridge to don’t miss.
We have introduced you to the Vinegar Yard, which is not only a vintage clothing shop but also an awesome place to buy unique stuff. This place between the Bermondsey area and London Bridge is also a nice beer garden with food stands all around. You can also go and explore Flat Iron Square, definitely the most popular in London Bridge.
This place is for reservation only and makes sure you book it in advance, especially at the weekend. Flat Iron square has a good selection of beers, included the Mahou Beer, loved by us, but difficult to find outside of Spain. Another great place, next to the previous one is St. Felix Place, similar to the Flat Iron Square under the arches, very popular, especially at the weekend. This is a must to don’t miss things to do in London Bridge in the evening.
Discover the Hidden Spots
Horsleydown Steps | This is one of the most beautiful views of Tower Bridge. From an anonymous entrance on The Shad Thames Street, you will get into a building, and never imagine the view and the little sandy beach that is coming out on the low tide.
Hearth Graffiti | Not often reported on tourists map, but just behind Borough Market, there is an anonymous street, that not many people know about. Look on the map for Stoney Street to find this beautiful wall with hearts and stars, ideal for your couple pictures with your loved ones.
Picture perfect Shad Thames
This is a suggestive area, ideal to be in the guide about things to do around London Bridge. Going more in deep in the heart of the borough, toward Bermondsey and meeting the maritime soul of London you will be marvelled by The Shad Thames. After 7 years in London, I am still impressed by the beauty of this spot. The brick buildings, the steel passages between them and the timeless style is unique, and you can’t find it anywhere else in London. We found part of this style in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona or some ways in the Unesco World Heritage canals of Hamburg.
Relax in St. Katharine Dock Marina
This is a special place for us, it’s where this website started to have results, and give us hope to make our dream and passion something to do as a mission.
St. Katharine Dock Marina is an internal space of the Thames, which hosts small and big boats and offers shelter from the variable tilde. It’s not the only area like that in London, but there are many, and St. Katharine Dock Marina is one of the most beautiful.
The spot hosts also people living in the boats. All around the water vibrant restaurants and coffee shops. The most famous pub is The Dickens Inn, a picturesque pub and restaurant in an 18th-century reconstruction and restyled building.
Visit Maltby Street Market
In recent years, Londoners believe that Borough Market is losing its old style, becoming popular among tourists more than locals. Our opinion is that no trip to London is complete if you don’t visit Borough Market, as it is one of the best things to do around London Bridge.
However, if you want a truly local experience in London Bridge, you should head to Maltby Street Market. This local market is open just at the weekend and hosts multicultural food under the arches of the Train lines.
Since 2010 Maltby Market is growing in popularity, offering an alternative to people arriving in London Bridge at the weekend, especially those who arrive on Sunday to find Borough Market Stands close. Point your GPS to Maltby Street if you are looking for London Bridge places to eat.
Best experiences to do in London Bridge Area
Where to eat in London Bridge
Best Coffee shop in London Bridge
We are always coffee hunting, and while exploring London Bridge in our staycation in London, we needed our daily dose of caffeine.
There are some Coffee shops worth to mention and this is our list:
Q&A Things to do in London Bridge
Is London Bridge safe?
Yes. The area of London Bridge is one of the safest in London for tourists and locals. It is a central Location and attention by police all day. As always while visiting new places, take care of your belongings.
What can you do at London Bridge?
Here are all the amazing u003cstrongu003ethings to do at London Bridge:u003c/strongu003eu003cbru003eIndulge into Borough Marketu003cbru003eAdmire Southwark Cathedralu003cbru003eUp into the Sky – Panoramic view from The Shardu003cbru003eRiver Cruise at sunsetu003cbru003eDiscover the Golden Hinde galleonu003cbru003eD-Day memories on the HMS Belfastu003cbru003eWalk on Southwarku003cbru003eVisit the contemporary art galleries at Tate Modernu003cbru003eEnjoy the view of St. Paul’s Cathedralu003cbru003eCatch a play at Globe Theatreu003cbru003eA Pint at the Anchor Tavernu003cbru003eThe ruins of Winchester Palaceu003cbru003eBusking Artists in Southwark Banku003cbru003eFind the iconic Shakespeare Muralesu003cbru003eReach Tower Bridge from London Bridgeu003cbru003eLike a local in Bermondseyu003cbru003eVinegar Yard vintage standsu003cbru003eTaste a proper burger at Belushi’su003cbru003eHang out at London Bridge Rooftopu003cbru003eRelax on The Scoop’s stepsu003cbru003eTake a photo from More London Riversideu003cbru003eAperitif at Hays Galleriau003cbru003eMeetup with friends at Flat Iron Squareu003cbru003eDiscover the Hidden Spotsu003cbru003ePicture perfect Shad Thamesu003cbru003eRelax in St. Katharine Dock Marinau003cbru003eMaltby Market
Why you should visit the London Bridge area?
London Bridge area is one of the most popular ones in London. Thanks to its great atmosphere, modern landmarks and amazing things to do, today this place is one of the most visited ones.