Neighborhood at a glance

Why visit: Waterloo sits directly across the Thames from Westminster, with the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Southbank Centre and a riverfront promenade running the full length of the neighborhood.
Atmosphere: Busy, cultural, riverside, pedestrian-heavy.
Top things to do: Ride the London Eye, walk the South Bank promenade from the London Eye to Westminster Bridge, see a performance at the Southbank Centre, browse the BFI Southbank and Underbelly Festival stalls in summer.
Best for: First-time visitors to London, families, cultural events, riverside walks.
Time needed: 2–3 hours for the promenade and key attractions; a full day to include the London Eye, SEA LIFE and a Southbank Centre event.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon to early evening for the riverside views, when the Westminster skyline and the London Eye are lit as the sun drops behind the buildings to the west.
Nearby: Westminster Bridge, Houses of Parliament, Tate Modern, Borough Market, Lambeth North, Elephant and Castle.

Top things to do in Waterloo

💡 Pro tip

If you're visiting the London Eye without fast-track tickets, arrive before 10am on a weekday. The first hour after opening typically has the shortest boarding queues, and the morning light gives a cleaner view of the Westminster skyline from the top than the hazy midday light that builds by noon.

Why visit Waterloo

1/5

South Bank Westminster Views

The closest south-bank view of the Westminster skyline, directly across the Thames. From the South Bank between the London Eye and Westminster Bridge, sightlines are clear. See Big Ben, Parliament, and the Thames in one frame, with the London Eye to the left.

South Bank Promenade

One of London’s busiest pedestrian stretches, running from the London Eye to Waterloo Bridge.
Lined with street performers, food stalls, public art, and a weekend book market under the bridge.
Lively at lunch and weekends, used as much for strolling and relaxing as for getting around.

County Hall Attractions

Major family attractions are grouped inside County Hall beside the London Eye. It houses SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure! London, and the Sea Containers hotel. You can visit both attractions without leaving the building; the London Eye is a 2-minute walk outside.

Southbank Centre Complex

The UK’s largest arts complex, set between the London Eye and Waterloo Bridge. Includes the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Hayward Gallery, and outdoor terrace spaces. Free entry to the Royal Festival Hall; hosts markets and festivals, including Underbelly in summer.

Waterloo Transport Hub

Waterloo is the UK’s busiest station, served by multiple Underground lines and National Rail. The South Bank is a 5-minute walk from the main York Road exit. Westminster and Embankment are minutes away, making it a convenient starting point.

Best ways to explore Waterloo

The Shrek's Adventure! London + London Eye are the two anchor paid attractions on this stretch of the South Bank and are directly adjacent in the County Hall complex.
Booking them together is the most common combo for family visits. Shrek's Adventure is in the same building as SEA LIFE and pairs naturally as a second stop for the same family audience.
For adults, pairing London Eye admission tickets with a Southbank Centre evening performance covers both the daytime observation and a cultural evening in the same neighborhood.

Book the London Eye & River Experiences

The London Eye is the highlight here, and fast-track tickets save significant time on busy or clear days. Book
London Eye Fast-Track Tickets and pair it with a Thames Sightseeing Cruise to Greenwich.

London Eye and Thames River cruise boat near Tower of London.

Plan your visit

Waterloo sits on the South Bank (SE1), opposite Westminster, with the London Eye as the main landmark and Waterloo Station as the transport hub.

Man using smartphone on a bench in a London Underground station.

Transport

Underground: Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, Waterloo & City) is a 5-minute walk; Lambeth North and Southwark are ~10 minutes.
Rail & River: Waterloo is the UK’s busiest rail hub; riverboats run from Waterloo Pier toward Greenwich and Putney.
Bus & Walk: Multiple bus routes serve the area; Westminster Bridge is a 3–4 minute walk from Westminster Station.

Walking distances

5 min: Westminster Station
8–10 min: Waterloo Station
10 min: Southwark
8–10 min: Embankment
20 min: London Bridge

Waterloo Bridge over the River Thames with a red double-decker bus in London.

The South Bank is busiest from 11am–4pm on weekends and holidays, with London Eye queues building after 10am.
Visit weekday mornings for fewer crowds, or late afternoon for better light and a quieter promenade.

Time of day

Morning (8–10am): Quiet, best for riverside walks and photos.
Midday (11am–2pm): Peak crowds; longest London Eye queues.
Late (4–6pm): Fewer crowds, best light on the Westminster skyline.
Evening (after 6pm): Lively but relaxed, with lit views and open venues.

London Eye on the Thames River with nearby historic buildings.

The essentials (1.5–2 hours): A ride on the London Eye (book London Eye admission tickets in advance) and a walk along the South Bank promenade from the Eye to Waterloo Bridge, including the book market and the Southbank Centre exterior. This covers the two defining experiences of Waterloo at the most efficient pace.
The ideal day (4–5 hours): Adds SEA LIFE London Aquarium, the Hayward Gallery or a Southbank Centre visit, lunch at one of the riverside food stalls or the Southbank Centre's ground-floor cafe, and an evening performance at the National Theatre. The promenade walk provides the natural connective tissue between each stop.
With guided tours (2.5–3 hours): A South Bank walking tour covering the London Eye, Southbank Centre, the book market and the National Theatre exterior typically runs 1.5–2 hours. Adding the London Eye ride before or after the tour extends the visit to 2.5–3 hours.

Wheelchair access sign indicating barrier-free entry.

Wheelchair access:
London Eye, South Bank promenade, Westminster Bridge, Southbank Centre, SEA LIFE, National Theatre, BFI Southbank, and Waterloo Pier are step-free.
Limited access:
Hungerford Bridge (north end), some underpasses, Southbank Centre terraces, and Gabriel’s Wharf.
Support:
Audio guides (London Eye), captioned and accessible shows (National Theatre), and sensory support at SEA LIFE and Southbank Centre.

Waterloo Station entrance with statues and Union Jack flags, London.

Crowds & pickpocketing: Busy stretch between the London Eye and Waterloo Bridge. Keep bags zipped and in front.
Performers & cyclists: Ignore aggressive tipping; stay aware of fast cyclists on the shared promenade.
Roads & late hours: Use crossings at Westminster Bridge; quieter streets near Waterloo after 10pm.

London Eye Fast-Track Tickets

Fast-track is the most valuable upgrade on busy days, especially in clear weather. Standard queues can reach 45–60 minutes; fast-track cuts this to under 10 minutes. Book London Eye Fast-Track Tickets in advance to save time.

Free things to do in Waterloo

Suggested itinerary for visiting Waterloo

Waterloo's attractions run in a linear sequence along the South Bank, making it one of the most straightforward London neighborhoods to navigate. The London Eye and County Hall cluster at the western end; the Southbank Centre, National Theatre and BFI are in the middle; and Tate Modern is at the eastern end. All are connected by the same riverside path.

London Eye overlooking the Thames River at sunset.

Best for: Quick London Eye + South Bank experience
Total time: ~90 mins

Route:

Westminster Bridge (10–15 mins): Start on the south pavement for clear Parliament and London Eye views.
London Eye (30–45 mins): Walk west; pre-book tickets to skip the ticket queue.
Promenade to Waterloo (20–25 mins): Walk east past Jubilee Gardens and Southbank Centre to the book market.

Optional upgrade: London Eye Fast-Track cuts wait to under 10 minutes.

Tip: Use the south pavement for clearer views and fewer crowds.

Guests observing starfish at SEA LIFE London aquarium.

Best for: London Eye + family attraction + cultural stretch
Total time: ~3.5 hours

Route:

London Eye (45–60 mins): Start here; fast-track saves time and gives skyline views.
SEA LIFE (60–75 mins): Enter via County Hall; see the shark tunnel, ocean tank, and penguins.
Promenade walk (30–40 mins): Head east past Southbank Centre to the book market.
Southbank Centre / BFI (30–40 mins): Stop for a drink and views or visit the free Mediatheque.

Optional upgrade: Choose Shrek’s Adventure , or include a Thames sightseeing cruise .

Tip: Combine SEA LIFE and Shrek’s Adventure in County Hall to avoid re-queuing.

Tate Modern's modern extension with geometric design in London.

Best for: Families and culture-focused visitors
Total time: ~6.5 hours

Route:

London Eye (45–60 mins): Arrive early; fast-track helps you board quickly with clearer morning views.
SEA LIFE (60–75 mins): Explore before peak crowds build.
Shrek’s Adventure (75 mins): Book a timed slot to avoid waiting.
Lunch (45–60 mins): Riverside food stalls or Royal Festival Hall cafés.
Southbank Centre + Book Market (30–40 mins): Browse public spaces and stalls under Waterloo Bridge.
BFI Southbank + National Theatre (45–60 mins): Visit the Mediatheque and riverside terraces.
Tate Modern (45 mins): Walk east; free entry to the permanent collection.

Upgrade: Add Thames Sightseeing Cruise from Waterloo Pier.

Tip: Book timed entries in advance and check Tate exhibitions if planning a visit.

Tips for visiting Waterloo

London Eye queues: Two lines, tickets and boarding. Book in advance; fast-track skips the main wait. Arrive before 10am for shortest queues.
Book market: Under Waterloo Bridge on the building side. Easy to miss; best on weekends.
County Hall attractions: SEA LIFE and Shrek’s have separate entrances. Start with SEA LIFE, then exit toward Shrek’s.
Southbank Centre: Undercroft skatepark is free; upper terraces offer great river views without a ticket.
Getting around: Use Waterloo’s York Road exit for the South Bank. Watch for cyclists on the promenade.
Food & photos: Lower Marsh has cheaper weekday food. Visit the London Eye at blue hour for the best photos.

Best photo spots in Waterloo

Westminster Bridge and Big Ben in London with red double-decker buses.

Westminster Bridge (South Pavement)

Face northeast for Parliament and Elizabeth Tower, with the London Eye in frame. Best in morning light.

London Eye Ferris wheel on the Thames River with city buildings in the background.

Hungerford Bridge spanning the River Thames with London skyline in the background.

Aerial view of London skyline with the Thames River and St. Paul's Cathedral.

Riverside view of Waterloo Bridge over River Thames, London, with Embankment Pier in foreground.

🍴The Anchor & Hope Tip

No reservations for most tables. Arrive around 12:30pm on weekdays for a good chance of seating. Order from the daily-changing menu rather than bar snacks. One of the most food-focused pubs in the area.

Should you stay in Waterloo?

Staying in Waterloo puts you on the South Bank with the promenade and the London Eye minutes away, but the neighborhood is primarily a transit hub and the hotel stock reflects that.

The vibe: Waterloo puts you right on the South Bank, steps from the London Eye and promenade. It’s lively by day but quieter after 9pm, with some activity around the Southbank Centre and theatres. The area feels more practical than atmospheric, and some station noise is common.

The logistics: Well-connected and easy to get around, with many mid-range and budget hotels near the station (especially York Road and Waterloo Road). Prices are moderate for central London, but rooms on main roads can be noisy.

Who it’s for: Best for budget-conscious travellers and those arriving by train. Less ideal if you want a characterful or very quiet base, or plan to walk everywhere.

Where to stay: Cornwall Road or Coin Street. Quieter, but still close to the London Eye, promenade, and Lower Marsh.

Explore other London neighbourhoods

Frequently asked questions about Waterloo

Yes. Beyond the station, the neighbourhood, including South Bank, Leake Street, Lower Marsh, and the residential streets behind the platforms, offers enough to fill a few hours or a full day.

South Bank Promenade

Riverside path from Lambeth Bridge to Blackfriars Bridge, free to walk, with the busiest stretch between the London Eye and Waterloo Bridge. Street performers and a weekend book market animate this section.
Best for: Scenic walks, street performance
Duration: 30–60 mins
Combine with: London Eye or BFI Southbank

Jubilee Gardens

Public park beside the London Eye with open lawns, event space, and a playground near Hungerford Bridge. Also serves as the main waiting area for Eye boarding.
Best for: Families, waiting for the Eye
Duration: 15–30 mins
Combine with: London Eye or South Bank promenade

Southbank Centre (Public Spaces)

Free-access outdoor areas around Royal Festival Hall, Hayward Gallery terraces, and the Queen Elizabeth Hall undercroft skate space. Indoor cafes and seating are open without tickets.
Best for: Architecture, skate culture, relaxing
Duration: 20–30 mins
Combine with: South Bank promenade or book market

Book Market (Waterloo Bridge)

Daily secondhand book market under Waterloo Bridge, open from around 11am to dusk. Sells paperbacks, art books, and prints along the promenade.
Best for: Book browsing, low-cost finds
Duration: 15–20 mins
Combine with: South Bank promenade or BFI Southbank

Westminster Bridge Views

Free crossing with clear street-level views of the Palace of Westminster and Elizabeth Tower. The London Eye appears in frame from the south pavement.
Best for: Photography, first-time visits
Duration: 10–15 mins
Combine with: South Bank promenade or London Eye

Quick bites

Marie's Cafe
No-frills greasy spoon on Lower Marsh, serving full English breakfasts, sandwiches, and tea in a classic diner setting.
Location*: 8 mins south of the London Eye
*Price range:** £5–£10
Lower Marsh Market
Weekday street food market (Mon–Fri, ~10am–3pm) with 15–20 stalls offering global dishes like Korean fried chicken, jerk, and falafel.
Location*: 8 mins south of the promenade
*Price range:** £6–£12

Cafés

Southbank Centre Cafés
Casual café and bar inside Royal Festival Hall with coffee, pastries, and light meals. Upper terrace offers river views.
Location: South Bank, between the London Eye and Waterloo Bridge
Price range: £8–£15
WatchHouse Waterloo
Specialty coffee spot in a converted railway arch, known for single-origin brews and pastries.
Location: 10 mins south of the promenade
Price range: £8–£18

Fine dining

Skylon
Modern British restaurant in Royal Festival Hall with floor-to-ceiling river views. Grill section offers a more casual option.
Location: South Bank
Price range: £30–£60
Aqua Shard (nearby)
Upscale dining on the 31st floor of The Shard with panoramic London views and contemporary cuisine.
Location: London Bridge, ~15 mins east
Price range: £50–£90

Pubs & drinks

The Anchor & Hope
Gastropub on The Cut with a daily-changing British menu; popular and mostly walk-in.
Location: 10 mins south of the promenade
Price range: £20–£40
The Wellington
Traditional pub near the Old Vic, serving ales and classic pub food.
Location: Waterloo Road, ~12 mins from the London Eye
Price range: £15–£30

Street food

South Bank Food Market
Weekend riverside stalls near Southbank Centre with rotating global vendors.
Location*: Promenade by Royal Festival Hall
*Price range:** £8–£18
Gabriel's Wharf
Riverside cluster of independent food spots and cafés with outdoor seating by the Thames.
Location: 15 mins east of the London Eye
Price range: £10–£25

Skylon, Royal Festival Hall

Riverside fine dining with a view

Inside Royal Festival Hall with floor‑to‑ceiling windows framing the Thames and city skyline, serving modern European dishes and a serious wine list.
Price range: mains roughly £25–£40, set or tasting menus higher, cocktails around £14–£18.
Atmosphere: polished, grown‑up, ideal for celebrations.
USP: one of the most spectacular dining rooms on this stretch of river; go around sunset if you can.

Lasdun, National Theatre

Modern British inside a landmark

A brasserie inside the National Theatre from the team behind The Marksman, serving modern British food that matches the strength of the building around it.
Price range: mains about £25–£35, starters £10–£18.
Atmosphere: smart but relaxed, heavy on pre‑ and post‑theatre diners.
USP: eating genuinely good food inside one of Britain’s great modern buildings; especially strong as a pre‑show dinner.

Forza Wine, National Theatre terrace

Small plates and natural wine with a view

On the theatre’s riverside terrace, Forza serves Italian‑leaning small plates and a wine list that leans towards natural, with the river just beyond the railings.
Price range: plates around £7–£16, glasses of wine roughly £7–£12.
Atmosphere: bright, sociable, outdoors‑leaning when the weather behaves.
USP: one of the best spots in Waterloo to eat and drink in the open air with a front‑row Thames view; best on summer evenings.

Soho · 🚶 Central London

Music clubs, theatres, bars, and independent shops. Streets buzz day and night, with hidden courtyards, colourful façades, and a mix of global eateries.

Greenwich· 🚶 Southeast London

Greenwich blends maritime history with leafy streets, markets, parks, and riverside views for a day of discovery.

Kensington · 🚶 West London

Elegant streets lined with museums, garden squares, and boutique shops. Perfect for art, history, and a relaxed stroll through leafy avenues.

Westminster · 🚶 Central London

Iconic London landmarks at every turn. Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Parliament Square mix history, politics, and riverside vistas in a compact walkable area.

Transport

Underground: Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, Waterloo & City) is a 5-minute walk; Lambeth North and Southwark are ~10 minutes.
Rail & River: Waterloo is the UK’s busiest rail hub; riverboats run from Waterloo Pier toward Greenwich and Putney.
Bus & Walk: Multiple bus routes serve the area; Westminster Bridge is a 3–4 minute walk from Westminster Station.

Walking distances

5 min: Westminster Station
8–10 min: Waterloo Station
10 min: Southwark
8–10 min: Embankment
20 min: London Bridge

The South Bank is busiest from 11am–4pm on weekends and holidays, with London Eye queues building after 10am.
Visit weekday mornings for fewer crowds, or late afternoon for better light and a quieter promenade.

Time of day

Morning (8–10am): Quiet, best for riverside walks and photos.
Midday (11am–2pm): Peak crowds; longest London Eye queues.
Late (4–6pm): Fewer crowds, best light on the Westminster skyline.
Evening (after 6pm): Lively but relaxed, with lit views and open venues.

The essentials (1.5–2 hours): A ride on the London Eye (book London Eye admission tickets in advance) and a walk along the South Bank promenade from the Eye to Waterloo Bridge, including the book market and the Southbank Centre exterior. This covers the two defining experiences of Waterloo at the most efficient pace.
The ideal day (4–5 hours): Adds SEA LIFE London Aquarium, the Hayward Gallery or a Southbank Centre visit, lunch at one of the riverside food stalls or the Southbank Centre's ground-floor cafe, and an evening performance at the National Theatre. The promenade walk provides the natural connective tissue between each stop.
With guided tours (2.5–3 hours): A South Bank walking tour covering the London Eye, Southbank Centre, the book market and the National Theatre exterior typically runs 1.5–2 hours. Adding the London Eye ride before or after the tour extends the visit to 2.5–3 hours.

Wheelchair access:
London Eye, South Bank promenade, Westminster Bridge, Southbank Centre, SEA LIFE, National Theatre, BFI Southbank, and Waterloo Pier are step-free.
Limited access:
Hungerford Bridge (north end), some underpasses, Southbank Centre terraces, and Gabriel’s Wharf.
Support:
Audio guides (London Eye), captioned and accessible shows (National Theatre), and sensory support at SEA LIFE and Southbank Centre.

Crowds & pickpocketing: Busy stretch between the London Eye and Waterloo Bridge. Keep bags zipped and in front.
Performers & cyclists: Ignore aggressive tipping; stay aware of fast cyclists on the shared promenade.
Roads & late hours: Use crossings at Westminster Bridge; quieter streets near Waterloo after 10pm.

London TravelGuide MISCThings to do in Waterloo

Things to do in Waterloo

Crafted by Headout, a global experiences brand offering curated tours, tickets & experiences. Discover with ease, book with peace.

Panoramic view from Waterloo Bridge over River Thames towards London skyline.

London Eye

A 135-metre observation wheel on the South Bank at Jubilee Gardens, featuring 32 enclosed capsules. Each rotation takes about 30 minutes, with space to move around inside. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of central London, including the Palace of Westminster, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the City skyline on a clear day.
Best for: First-time visitors, families, skyline photography
Duration: 30–45 minutes including boarding
Combine this with: South Bank promenade or Westminster Bridge walk (both within 5 minutes on foot)
Explore experiences: London Eye Admission Tickets

South Bank promenade

The riverside path from the London Eye east past the Southbank Centre, National Theatre, and Tate Modern, lined with street performers, food stalls, and a weekend book market under Waterloo Bridge. The busiest stretch runs to Waterloo Bridge, with performers active from around 11am to dusk.
Best for: Scenic walks, casual exploration, street performance
Duration: 30–60 minutes one way
Combine this with: London Eye or Southbank Centre (both directly on the promenade)

Southbank Centre

London’s largest arts complex, set in Brutalist buildings between the London Eye and Waterloo Bridge. Home to the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and Hayward Gallery. Hosts concerts, exhibitions, and year-round outdoor events.
Best for: Arts and culture visitors, live performance, contemporary art
Duration: 45–90 minutes for a performance or exhibition; 20–30 minutes to walk through the public spaces
Combine this with: South Bank promenade or BFI Southbank (5 minutes east along the river)

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

A large aquarium in County Hall beside the London Eye, with themed habitats across two floors.
Highlights include a shark tunnel, penguin enclosure, and ocean tank with sharks, rays, and tropical fish. Touch pools offer close encounters; queues build quickly on weekends and school holidays.
Best for: Families, children, marine life enthusiasts
Duration: 1–1.5 hours
Combine this with: London Eye (directly adjacent) or Shrek's Adventure (in the same County Hall building)
Explore experiences: SEA LIFE London Aquarium Tickets

Shrek's Adventure! London

An indoor attraction in County Hall with live actors, themed sets, and motion ride sections based on the Shrek films. Designed mainly for children aged 6–12, with interactive scenes and character encounters. The experience lasts around 75 minutes, including a 4D bus ride through Far Far Away.
Best for: Families with children, fans of the Shrek films
Duration: 60–75 minutes
Combine this with: SEA LIFE London Aquarium (in the same building) or London Eye (2 minutes on foot)
Explore experiences: Shrek’s Adventure! London Tickets

National Theatre

A three-auditorium theatre complex on the South Bank, east of Waterloo Bridge, opened in 1976.
The Olivier, Lyttelton, and Dorfman stages run simultaneous productions at different scales.
Public foyers, riverside terraces, and the Lyttelton restaurant are open all day, even without a ticket.
Best for: Theatre-goers, architecture fans, evening visits
Duration: 2–3 hours for a performance; 20–30 minutes for the public areas
Combine this with: South Bank promenade or BFI Southbank (directly adjacent)

BFI Southbank

The British Film Institute’s main cinema on the South Bank under Waterloo Bridge, with four screens. Shows new releases, classics, director retrospectives, and film festivals year-round. The free BFI Mediatheque offers on-demand access to British film and TV archives.
Best for: Film enthusiasts, rainy-day visitors, culture seekers
Duration: 30 minutes for the Mediatheque; 2 hours for a film screening
Combine this with: National Theatre (directly adjacent) or South Bank promenade

Westminster Bridge

A seven-span bridge linking Waterloo to Westminster, with views of the Palace of Westminster, Elizabeth Tower, and the London Eye. The south pavement offers clear ground-level views of the Houses of Parliament. Waterloo Station is a 10-minute walk from the Lambeth end.
Best for: Photography, short scenic walks, first-time visitors
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Combine this with: South Bank promenade (turn east from the bridge) or London Eye (5 minutes west)

Best for: Quick London Eye + South Bank experience
Total time: ~90 mins

Route:

Westminster Bridge (10–15 mins): Start on the south pavement for clear Parliament and London Eye views.
London Eye (30–45 mins): Walk west; pre-book tickets to skip the ticket queue.
Promenade to Waterloo (20–25 mins): Walk east past Jubilee Gardens and Southbank Centre to the book market.

Optional upgrade: London Eye Fast-Track cuts wait to under 10 minutes.

Tip: Use the south pavement for clearer views and fewer crowds.

Best for: London Eye + family attraction + cultural stretch
Total time: ~3.5 hours

Route:

London Eye (45–60 mins): Start here; fast-track saves time and gives skyline views.
SEA LIFE (60–75 mins): Enter via County Hall; see the shark tunnel, ocean tank, and penguins.
Promenade walk (30–40 mins): Head east past Southbank Centre to the book market.
Southbank Centre / BFI (30–40 mins): Stop for a drink and views or visit the free Mediatheque.

Optional upgrade: Choose Shrek’s Adventure , or include a Thames sightseeing cruise .

Tip: Combine SEA LIFE and Shrek’s Adventure in County Hall to avoid re-queuing.

Best for: Families and culture-focused visitors
Total time: ~6.5 hours

Route:

London Eye (45–60 mins): Arrive early; fast-track helps you board quickly with clearer morning views.
SEA LIFE (60–75 mins): Explore before peak crowds build.
Shrek’s Adventure (75 mins): Book a timed slot to avoid waiting.
Lunch (45–60 mins): Riverside food stalls or Royal Festival Hall cafés.
Southbank Centre + Book Market (30–40 mins): Browse public spaces and stalls under Waterloo Bridge.
BFI Southbank + National Theatre (45–60 mins): Visit the Mediatheque and riverside terraces.
Tate Modern (45 mins): Walk east; free entry to the permanent collection.

Upgrade: Add Thames Sightseeing Cruise from Waterloo Pier.

Tip: Book timed entries in advance and check Tate exhibitions if planning a visit.

Things to do in Waterloo

Neighborhood at a glance

Top things to do in Waterloo

Quick navigation

Why visit Waterloo

South Bank Westminster Views

South Bank Promenade

County Hall Attractions

Southbank Centre Complex

Waterloo Transport Hub

Best ways to explore Waterloo

Attraction combos

River and waterfront cruises

Unique experiences

Book tickets to experiences in Waterloo

Plan your visit

Free things to do in Waterloo

Suggested itinerary for visiting Waterloo

Tips for visiting Waterloo

Best photo spots in Waterloo

Westminster Bridge (South Pavement)

Dining in Waterloo

Should you stay in Waterloo?

Explore other London neighbourhoods

Frequently asked questions about Waterloo

Is Waterloo worth visiting beyond the station?

How long should I spend in Waterloo?

Is Waterloo safe?

What are some free things do in Waterloo?

Is Waterloo accessible?

When does Lower Marsh Market run?

Can I visit the South Bank Book Market every day?

What is Leake Street Tunnel?

Do I need to book the London Eye in advance?

What is the best way to pay for transport?

Where are toilets and facilities?

Are there family-friendly areas?

Can I bring a bike to Waterloo?

South Bank Promenade

Jubilee Gardens

Southbank Centre (Public Spaces)

Book Market (Waterloo Bridge)

Westminster Bridge Views

Quick bites

Cafés

Fine dining

Pubs & drinks

Street food

Skylon, Royal Festival Hall

Lasdun, National Theatre

Forza Wine, National Theatre terrace

Soho · 🚶 Central London

Greenwich· 🚶 Southeast London

Kensington · 🚶 West London

Westminster · 🚶 Central London

Things to do in Waterloo

London Eye

South Bank promenade

Southbank Centre

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Shrek's Adventure! London

National Theatre

BFI Southbank

Westminster Bridge

Get Help 24/7

Headout

We Accept

Book tickets to experiences in Waterloo