Southbank Centre, London

ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø

Southbank Centre, London

Southbank Centre, London

If London’s South Bank is a party, then the Southbank Centre is definitely one of the hosts — and it knows how to throw a good one. Sitting proudly alongside heavyweights like the National Theatre and the British Film Institute, the Southbank Centre is a powerhouse of arts, culture, and general creative buzz.

This sprawling concrete wonderland bundles together four big venues: the Royal Festival Hall, the Hayward Gallery, the Queen Elizabeth Hall, and the Purcell Room. And rest assured, it’s never just sitting quietly — the place hums with life, from rooftop bars and riverside cafes to open terraces where the soundtrack is anything from a violin solo to a spontaneous drum circle.

What’s on the menu? Pretty much everything. You can catch classical concerts, opera, folk, world music, avant-garde experiments that will make your head spin — and just when you think you've figured it out, here come comedy shows, thought-provoking talks, dance performances, and a whole parade of festivals. Ever heard of the London Jazz Festival, Women of the World (or WOW) Festival, London Literature Festival, or Meltdown? Yep, all that and more happen right here.

And in case you wonder, why should you pop in? Because where else can you stroll the river, grab a drink, see an art exhibition, listen to a world-class concert, and maybe accidentally join a flash mob — all before dinner? With a top-tier gallery and three world-class auditoriums stitched into the riverside fabric, the Southbank Centre isn’t just a cultural landmark — it’s a full-blown experience.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø App

Southbank Centre on Map

Sight Name: Southbank Centre
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in London, England

Create Your Own Walk in London

Create Your Own Walk in London

Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
London Introduction Walking Tour

London Introduction Walking Tour

London: the capital of England, heart of the UK, and international heavyweight in history, culture, and sheer charm. Its name comes straight out of Rome. Londinium was founded circa 43 AD as a trading post. Then came Queen Boudica in 61 AD, who, let’s say, didn’t care much for Roman urban planning and burnt it to the ground. But Londinium wasn’t one to stay down—it bounced back,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Sherlock Holmes Tour in London

Sherlock Holmes Tour in London

Among a myriad of other, real-life celebrities who have ever called London their home, perhaps the most famous is the fictional consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes, created by Conan Doyle. Indeed, the ingenious sleuth has left an indelible mark on the literary and cultural landscape of London ever since the appearance of the first stories about him in the late 1880s. Years on, there are several...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
London's Historic Pubs Walk

London's Historic Pubs Walk

If there’s any more iconic symbol for London than Big Ben or the London Eye, then it must be the traditional English pub. And London sure is full of them, dating from pre-Victorian times to just about five minutes ago.

With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
South Bank Walking Tour

South Bank Walking Tour

London’s South Bank, stretching along the southern side of the River Thames, roughly between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge, is one of the most interesting and liveliest parts of the British capital. Here, London’s old soul and modern edge shake hands... and then probably go grab a pint together. Famous for its arts, culture, food, and scenic riverside walks, the area has a long and...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Harry Potter Walking Tour II

Harry Potter Walking Tour II

The Harry Potter movies and London go together like Butterbeer and a cold winter night at Hogsmeade. While much of the magical world was brought to life with computer-generated images and studio sets, quite a few iconic scenes were filmed right in the heart of the British capital, transforming ordinary city spots into wizarding landmarks. Here's a look at six more London locations where the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Walk around Buckingham Palace

Walk around Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace, the British monarch's official residence, is a must-see for anyone visiting London, but so are the adjacent royal establishments that give a unique window into the royal way of life. On this self-guided walking tour, along with Buckingham Palace and its memorable fountain, you will visit the St. James's private royal residence, the wonderful Queen's Gallery, and...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


London Souvenirs: 18 Distinctively British Products for Travelers

London Souvenirs: 18 Distinctively British Products for Travelers

Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...