London Waterloo pulses with a rich, eclectic blend of attractions, culinary, and cultural delights. It has since turned into a go-to destination for tourists and residents alike!
Take a walk along the world-famous South Bank, and soak up its beautiful riverside vistas, sights including the London Eye. Find fortuitous finds in culture-filled local bazaars and artsy arenas—adventure awaits!
The famous and busy Waterloo Station sits in the district. Most importantly, it’s your gateway to London itself, zipping you across the city in minutes.
Whether you’re looking to stroll along the Thames, enjoy world-class performances, or dive into local eats, Waterloo has plenty to offer. This stage, debuting at Frieze London, is designed specifically to show that artists consider Waterloo #LdnWaterloo one of #LdnWaterloo’s biggest available stages!
1. Explore the Southbank Centre
The bustling Southbank Centre, an arts, food and cultural nexus, has plenty on tap to please just about anyone. Take a stroll through the Southbank Centre Food Market, open Friday-Sunday. Home to a colorful melting pot of street food and local delicacies, including offerings from the nearby Waterloo Oasis Farm!
Fancy some traditional fish & chips, for example? Or would you prefer some spicy curries or delicious pastries? The market is a feast that is sure to please every taste bud! It’s the ideal place to snag a snack or sit outside with a larger meal on the lawn, perhaps enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the Waterloo Millennium Green.
For culture vultures, the Southbank Centre plays host to some of the best exhibitions and events on the planet. The Hayward Gallery, located within the venue, features contemporary art from leading global artists. There are live music performances, family-friendly activities, and free events scheduled year-round, like the Imagine Children’s Festival.
It’s this appeal that makes the Southbank Centre the ideal place for audiences young and old. It’s hardly surprising that more than 80% of visitors would tell their friends and family to go!
Once you need a little rest and reset, cafes and restaurants just steps away offer a perfect respite to recharge. The Hayward Gallery Cafe is an easily accessible option, with good coffee, snacks and lunch options for visitors making the rounds of this fantastic venue.
With some of the eating places offering views of the Thames, it’s a beautiful place to stop and recharge. An amble down the South Bank does wonders to sweeten the deal.
The quarter is alive with the souls of street performers, with pop-up art exhibits, as well as magnificent views of London’s expansive skyline. It’s inclusive and welcoming. It’s really easy to get to London Waterloo.
Waterloo East and Blackfriars stations are all within a short walk.
2. Visit the London Eye
After that, go to the London Eye, which at 443 feet high provides stunning 360-degree vistas of London. The world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel proudly welcomes you to London. With a rotation speed of just 0.37 miles per hour, there’s plenty of time to take in the stunning views from high above.
From the glass capsules, you can spot iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace. Whether during the day with clear views or after dark when the city lights up, it’s a unique perspective of London life.
If you’re a photography lover, this place is paradise. The 360-degree views provide incredible photo ops of London’s skyline. This is particularly the case at sunset when the city is bathed in warm golden light.
The leisurely pace of rotation lets you enjoy some time and frame the perfect Instagram shot. Most visitors agree that the view of the Thames snaking through the city is the highlight. If you’re looking for quieter moments, early morning or late evening visits usually have fewer crowds, letting you enjoy the experience at a more relaxed pace.
Apart from the gorgeous views, the site has exhibitions that explore the history and engineering that brought the London Eye to life. Since opening in 2000, it’s had more than 70 million visitors, including high-profile personalities such as Kim Kardashian and Prince William.
Understanding the way it was made and how it works under the hood put another layer of appreciation for this modern day marvel. Combine your trip with a leisurely stroll along the Thames and you have a complete London sightseeing experience.
Be it walking to the Southbank or getting a meal in the vicinity, there’s so much to go discover and eat. Tip: Be sure to pre-book your tickets online in advance for timed entry to skip the longer wait!
3. Stroll through Borough Market
Besides being a must-visit spot near London Waterloo, Borough Market offers a feast for your taste buds. You’ll find an incredible variety of food stalls serving everything from artisanal cheeses and fresh fruits to international dishes like paella or handmade dumplings. Sampling your way through the market is a treat, whether you’re nibbling on truffle-infused brie or enjoying a savory empanada, making it a highlight of the London neighborhood.
It’s a great way to explore flavors from around the world in one vibrant place. It’s a great place for anyone with a sweet tooth. Local bakeries display their distinctive wares, whether it’s flaky croissants or rich chocolate brownies. You’ll find all the rainbow-colored macarons you dream about, along with classic British desserts like sticky toffee pudding.
These sweets aren’t mere after-meal treats—they’re usually made with love by local artisans, so each one is a delightful little boost of energy on your walk. What really enhances the Borough Market experience, though, is the relationship that you’re able to cultivate with the vendors. Few are just sellers; many are artisans who take great pride in their craft, much like those at the waterloo oasis farm.
Chatting with them gives insight into how a particular jam comes to life. You’ll discover the intriguing tales behind each of their stops, including one family-run bakery. It makes the whole process more personal, much more than just buying some food and walking away.
The friendly buzz in the air is infectious – be prepared to dig in. With its origins reaching over a thousand years in the past, the market is a historic crown jewel of London. On sunny days, just wandering around and taking in the frenzied energy is a real pleasure, especially with the backdrop of the London skyline.
Saturdays can draw upwards of 100,000 visitors. Located right by the entrance, the Borough Market Store is fully wheelchair accessible, and a great location to find information if you’re not sure how to proceed.
4. Discover the Imperial War Museum
The Imperial War Museum takes an unflinching look at Britain’s military history. It spans history from World War I right up through contemporary conflicts. The collection includes more than one million items, with rare artifacts from the Eastern Front.
These amazing exhibits spark your imagination and inspire awe at the full story of the impact and legacy of war. Discover exhibits that go deep on the Holocaust, spycraft and what it really means to be courageous. Each exhibit is designed to present information in an interactive, intriguing, challenging, and often emotional way.
Reading plaques isn’t the only way to learn. Standing in front of original historical objects that did help shape the 20th century does make for a much deeper experience. Immersive, interactive displays keep the experience fun, educational, and open to visitors of all ages.
Whether it’s testing out simulations or interacting with hands-on exhibits, these elements serve to immerse you in the stories. Families, history-lovers and curious minds will leave with a greater understanding of how wars impact societies. It’s a fantastic introduction to complex issues such as military strategy and the human cost of conflict, none of it delivered in a heavy-handed manner.
Once you’ve explored all the exhibits, let your mind slow down by enjoying a stroll through the museum’s beautiful gardens. They offer a soothing, contemplative space for reflection. Or take a moment to appreciate a bit of green space in the heart of the bustling city.
Grab lunch at the on-site café and recharge! Pick up a souvenir cup of coffee or London-themed treat before heading back out to explore. The museum features special events and screenings that bring focus to pivotal moments in history.
Explore rich, interdisciplinary lectures on all aspects of World War II. Explore drama and documentary films covering iconic historical figures that will deepen your experience on arrival. Tucked only about 1.6 miles from London’s central Underground district, it makes a lovely walk and is very easy to fit into your travel itinerary.
5. Enjoy a Thames River Cruise
A Thames River Cruise is a perfect way to take in London’s iconic landmarks while enjoying a relaxed and unique experience. When it comes to sightseeing tours, you have plenty of choices. These popular tours highlight must-see attractions including the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and London’s Eye, along with the nearby Waterloo Millennium Green.
Boats leave every 10-20 minutes from major piers, making it easy to incorporate a cruise into your itinerary. For a leisurely ride, the Tate Boat connects Tate Modern and Tate Britain, offering art lovers a convenient and scenic route. This picturesque journey is a great way to see the London skyline from the water.
The open-air deck provides incredible views of the city’s skyline. Soak in the stunning scenery during the day or at dusk when the lights start twinkling. Sit back and relax on a 50-60 minute journey that allows you to take in breathtaking views, including St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, with the Waterloo Bridge as a stunning backdrop.
You might even spot the Cutty Sark on your cruise! A 3-hour evening cruise offers a different perspective. You haven’t seen London until you’ve witnessed it aglow in the dark. The twinkling fairy lights make for an enchanting experience to be had on the river.
Dining aboard deepens the experience with opportunities like a 4-course dinner complemented by a welcome drink. Live English commentary by an entertaining expert guide makes the trip a fun, informative adventure as you learn all about the city’s amazing landmarks.
This unique mix of food, history, and scenery makes for an amazing experience. That’s what makes today’s ride special. It makes the journey an amazing experience in itself.
Families love the cruise, too, thanks to large discounts for children. Plus, children 0-4 are free, and kids 5-15 get a 33% discount, all adding up to a very affordable family day out.
Sightsee in comfort or travel quickly between attractions on our new, open-air, air-conditioned boats. With open-air seating, you’ll experience the comfort of fresh air along your relaxing journey, making it a delightful addition to your London blog.
Conclusion
Waterloo really does have so much crammed into such a small area of central London. Cram in some culture at the Southbank Centre. Absorb the iconic views of the high-flying cityscape from the London Eye or immerse yourself in the past at the Imperial War Museum! The flavors of Borough Market bring something special, while a cruise along the Thames offers a laid-back way to see it all. Every turn here, you can discover something unique, whether your interest lies with culinary experiences, art, or just enjoying the dynamic ambiance.
Plan a trip to Waterloo today—the perfect adventure is waiting. Whether you plan a full day or just a quick visit, there’s no shortage of ways to make it memorable. Head on out, aerospace adventurer, and let the day find you!