Things to do near London Eye

This historic bridge offers some of the best panoramic views of the London Eye, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. A favorite spot for photos and riverside strolls.

• Distance: 8-min walk (600m)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Visit at sunset for golden-hour cityscapes.

See London’s most famous clock tower and the seat of British government. The neo-Gothic architecture and riverside setting make it a must-see.

• Distance: 10-min walk (800m)
  
• Cost: Free (tours from £25)
  
• Tip: Book a guided tour for access inside Parliament.

Europe’s largest arts complex, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and a lively food market. The riverside terrace is ideal for people-watching and soaking up London’s creative energy.

• Distance: 7-min walk (500m)
  
• Cost: Free to browse, events from £10
  
• Tip: Check the event calendar for free outdoor performances.

Discover the story of the world’s most famous nurse and the history of modern nursing in this engaging museum inside St Thomas’ Hospital.

• Distance: 7-min walk (500m)
  
• Cost: From £12
  
• Tip: Kids can pick up activity trails at the entrance.

Explore powerful exhibits on conflict, peace, and the people affected by war. Highlights include the WWI galleries and the Holocaust Exhibition.

• Distance: 18-min walk (1.4km)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Arrive early for quieter galleries.

Learn about the five regiments of Foot Guards who protect the Royal Family. Uniforms, medals, and military history in a compact museum.

• Distance: 20-min walk (1.5km)
  
• Cost: From £8
  
• Tip: Combine with a stroll through St James’s Park.

A world-class collection of modern and contemporary art, set in a converted power station on the Thames.

• Distance: 20-min walk (1.6km)
  
• Cost: Free (special exhibitions from £15)
  
• Tip: Head to the viewing terrace for city panoramas.

Stroll along the Thames for street performers, pop-up markets, and city views, all at no cost.

• Distance: 1-min walk (50m)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Evenings bring live music and food trucks.

A quiet spot for reading or people-watching, right by the river.

• Distance: 6-min walk (450m)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Ideal for a coffee break with a view.

Browse independent shops and grab street food at this creative riverside enclave.

• Distance: 12-min walk (900m)
  
• Cost: Free to browse, meals from £8
  
• Tip: Try the artisan ice cream stalls in summer.

Classic British steaks and riverside cocktails in County Hall, with sweeping views of the Thames and Parliament.

• Distance: 3-min walk (200m)
  
• Cost: Mains from £20
  
• Tip: Book a window table for sunset views.

Family-friendly global cuisine, from burgers to salads, with kids’ menus and outdoor seating.

• Distance: 5-min walk (350m)
  
• Cost: Mains from £12
  
• Tip: Great for quick, casual meals before a show.

French classics and seasonal specials in a relaxed setting, just steps from the river.

• Distance: 6-min walk (450m)
  
• Cost: Mains from £16
  
• Tip: Early evening prix fixe menu offers good value.

Modern European dining with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river, inside the Southbank Centre.

• Distance: 7-min walk (500m)
  
• Cost: Mains from £18
  
• Tip: Try the set lunch menu for value.

Vibrant Mexican street food in a colorful riverside setting, with tacos, burritos, and margaritas.

• Distance: 8-min walk (600m)
  
• Cost: Small plates from £6
  
• Tip: Grab a seat on the outdoor terrace in summer.

Steak, jazz, and cocktails in a unique railway arch setting, with live music most evenings.

• Distance: 9-min walk (700m)
  
• Cost: Mains from £18
  
• Tip: Check the schedule for live jazz nights. 

A riverside park with lawns, flowerbeds, and a playground, perfect for a family picnic.

• Distance: 2-min walk (150m)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Early mornings are quietest for a peaceful stroll. 

A tranquil spot with benches and Thames views, ideal for a break from sightseeing.

• Distance: 6-min walk (450m)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Bring a takeaway coffee for a scenic pause. 

A seasonal rooftop garden with city views, plants, and seating, open spring to autumn.

• Distance: 8-min walk (600m)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Check opening dates before visiting.

Public parks across the river, known for vibrant flowerbeds, historic statues, and shaded benches with river views.

• Distance: 8-min walk  (650 m)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: See the tulips bloom in Spring.

Located between the Houses of Parliament and the River Thames, with sculptures, and iconic views of the Palace of Westminster.

• Distance: 12-min walk (900 m)
  
• Cost: Free 
  
• Tip: Stop by the playground if you have kids

A community park with lawns, flower beds, and public art, located between the river and Gabriel’s Wharf.

• Distance: 13-min walk (1 km)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Great for a picnic or a quiet read. 

A lively promenade with buskers, markets, and riverside views stretching from the London Eye to Tower Bridge.

• Distance: 1-min walk (50m)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Evenings bring live music and food trucks. 

A graceful pedestrian bridge connecting South Bank and Embankment, with some of the best panoramic views of the London skyline.

• Distance: 6-min walk (500 m)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Visit at dusk or after sunset for the most dramatic night views and reflections on the river.

A vibrant street behind Waterloo Station, lined with food stalls, vintage shops, and quirky cafés.

• Distance: 10-min walk (800m)
  
• Cost: Free to browse, meals from £6
  
• Tip: Visit on weekdays for the market. 

A creative enclave with street food, independent shops, and riverside seating, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

• Distance: 12-min walk (900m)
  
• Cost: Free to browse, meals from £8
  
• Tip: Try the artisan ice cream stalls in summer. 

London’s iconic public square, home to the National Gallery, fountains, and regular events.

• Distance: 18-min walk (1.3km)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Arrive early for crowd-free photos. 

Let little ones run wild on climbing frames and slides, right beside the London Eye.

• Distance: 2-min walk (150m)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Bring a change of clothes for the splash zone. 

A spacious open terrace overlooking the Thames and the London Eye, perfect for casual drinks or watching the sunset above Westminster’s landmarks.

• Distance: 4-min walk (300 m)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Head up around golden hour for live music and pop-up bars.

Enjoy evening concerts, late-night exhibitions, and riverside bars at London’s premier arts venue.

• Distance: 7-min walk (500m)
  
• Cost: Events from £10
  
• Tip: Check for free outdoor gigs in summer. 

Sip cocktails with skyline views at this seasonal rooftop bar, open late on summer evenings.

• Distance: 8-min walk (600m)
  
• Cost: Drinks from £6
  
• Tip: Arrive early for sunset seating.

Catch classic films, new releases, and film festivals at the British Film Institute’s riverside cinema.

• Distance: 10-min walk (800m)
  
• Cost: Tickets from £8
  
• Tip: Check for Q&A events with filmmakers. 

Evening street food, pop-up bars, and live music make this riverside spot lively after dark.

• Distance: 12-min walk (900m)
  
• Cost: Free to enter, meals from £8
  
• Tip: Look for weekend DJ sets. 

Bustling weekend market featuring gourmet street food, craft stalls, and small-batch treats from around the world.

• Distance: 4-min walk (300 m)
  
• Cost: Free entry
  
• Tip: Go around lunchtime for the widest food selection and live buskers.

One of London’s oldest outdoor book markets, with secondhand books, prints, and maps.

• Distance: 8-min walk (600m)
  
• Cost: Free to browse, books from £2
  
• Tip: Arrive early for the best selection.

A lively street market with food stalls, vintage clothes, and local crafts, just behind Waterloo Station.

• Distance: 10-min walk (800m)
  
• Cost: Free to browse, meals from £6
  
• Tip: Open weekdays for lunch. 

Browse independent boutiques, artisan crafts, and vintage finds at this creative riverside hub.

• Distance: 12-min walk (900m)
  
• Cost: Free to browse, items from £5
  
• Tip: Visit on weekends for pop-up stalls.

Designer shops, galleries, and riverside dining in a converted warehouse, perfect for unique gifts.

• Distance: 14-min walk (1.1km)
  
• Cost: Free to browse, gifts from £10
  
• Tip: Head to the rooftop for city views. 

A compact shopping center with high-street brands and quick eats, ideal for last-minute needs.

• Distance: 15-min walk (1.2km)
  
• Cost: Free to enter
  
• Tip: Good for rainy-day shopping.

Open-air festival with comedy, cabaret, circus, and street food right by the London Eye. Perfect for family outings.

• Distance: 6-min walk (400m)
  
• Cost: Free to enter, shows from £10
  
• Tip: Book tickets early for headline acts. 

Outdoor concerts, food markets, and art installations bring the riverside to life all summer.

• Distance: 7-min walk (500m)
  
• Cost: Free to browse, events from £10
  
• Tip: Bring a picnic for the outdoor gigs. 

Annual celebration of London’s river heritage, with live music, floating parades, and fireworks along the South Bank and Westminster Bridge.

• Distance: Various spots nearby
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Check the schedule for river cruises and fireworks. 

Festive lights, Christmas markets, and pop-up wooden chalet bars transform the South Bank into a winter wonderland.

• Distance: 5-min walk (350m)
  
• Cost: Free entry, food from £5
  
• Tip: Try the mulled wine and street food stalls. 

London’s famous fireworks light up the sky above the Thames, with the London Eye as the centerpiece.

• Distance: At the London Eye
  
• Cost: Ticketed area, from £15
  
• Tip: Book well in advance; public viewing areas fill quickly.