The London Eye might be queen of the South Bank skyline, but there’s also a world of London magic waiting just a few steps from its base. This is where big-ticket attractions, riverside strolls, fun street performers and under-the-radar gems collide, all in the shadow of those huge glass pods. Whether you’re seeking a classic bit of London history, world-class culture, a top-notch meal or just somewhere new to soak up those stellar Thames views, you’ve landed in the perfect neighbourhood. We’re serving up everything you need for a day out that goes way beyond the Eye.
Our favourite things to do near the London Eye include:
- Thames River Cruise
- Westminster Abbey
- The Royal Festival Hall & Southbank Centre
- SEA LIFE London Aquarium
- London Dungeon
- Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
- St. James’s Park
- Florence Nightingale Museum
- Hard Rock Cafe - Old Park Lane
- National Theatre
- Graze on Gabriel’s Wharf
- Jubilee Gardens
- Leake Street Arches
- Tate Modern
City Cruises – Thames River Pass
City Cruises – Thames River Pass
If you want to see London from a fresh angle, jump on a Thames River Cruise. It’s hard to beat gliding along the water as the city’s best-known landmarks roll past. The pier sits right next to the London Eye, and soon enough you’ll find yourself floating beneath the bascules of Tower Bridge, spotting the dome of St Paul’s, and waving at tourists perched along the banks. These cruises aren’t just a great way to avoid the city’s traffic—they give you a totally different feel for London’s grand skyline and hidden highlights.
Expect a lively, fun commentary that mixes quirky history with a few cheeky jokes. Open-air decks are perfect for snapping photos on sunny days, and in chillier weather the covered cabins keep you toasty and dry. You’ll cruise past everything from the Shard to Shakespeare’s Globe, all while getting a new appreciation for the city’s riverside beauty. Whether you’re seeking romance, relaxation or a blockbuster photo-op, there’s something about seeing London from the Thames that always gets under your skin.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
You’re already steps from one of London’s most storied locations. Westminster Abbey features on every bucket list and with good reason: over a thousand years of royal drama, architectural mastery and poetic legend combine under one soaring stone roof. As soon as you enter, you feel history pressing in from every side—kings and queens crowned, poets and scientists laid to rest, impossible gothic arches stretching above.
We adore the sense of ceremony: choir stalls echo with centuries-old hymns, and the light slants through stained glass just so. Look for the gold-leafed Coronation Chair, the little memorials tucked in Poet’s Corner, or the roses in the Cloisters’ tranquil garden. Guides and friendly staff help you find your way, but the best bits are often those quiet corners where time seems to stop. It’s one of London’s most atmospheric sites to wander, wonder, and soak in the place where so much history was made.
The Royal Festival Hall & Southbank Centre
The Royal Festival Hall & Southbank Centre
Just along the river, the Royal Festival Hall stands as the beating heart of the Southbank Centre—London’s ultimate hub for live music, theatre and inspiring art installations. The building’s open-plan foyer feels energetic from morning to late at night, filled with laughter, art lovers and coffee aficionados. Drop in for anything from classical concerts to drag shows, or just to enjoy free exhibitions displayed across public spaces.
The river-facing terrace is a prime spot for people-watching. Order an espresso from the ground-floor cafe or unwind with a cocktail at Skylon, where you get wall-to-wall Thames views. In summer, the outdoor pop-up bars and food markets spill onto the terraces—grab a craft beer, stretch out on the steps, and watch London float by. There’s something different going on year-round, making this a go-to if you want to feel plugged into the city’s creative pulse.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
If you need a dose of underwater adventure, SEA LIFE London Aquarium delivers. Here, right beside the London Eye, you’ll wander through glass tunnels beneath glowing shoals of fish, look a shark in the eye, and let kids run wild among colorful jellyfish tanks. SEA LIFE’s immersive layout pulls you from rainforest rivers to coral reefs, all in one visit.
Highlights? The Ocean Tunnel, where rays swoop overhead and toothy shark grins glide past. Brave visitors can spot crocodiles, stroke starfish in touch pools and squeal at piranhas, while everyone loves to watch the penguins paddling around their icy home. Thoughtful displays and interactive quizzes help visitors uncover aquatic secrets (and explain the importance of ocean conservation). It’s calming and exhilarating, with cool blue lighting that makes every tank feel magical. Perfect for families, but honestly—it’s just as fun for grown-ups who want to lose themselves in another world.
London Dungeon
Do you love your sightseeing with a side of shivers? The London Dungeon, about three minutes’ stroll from the Eye, plunges you headfirst into London’s thrillingly gruesome past. Actors in full period costume narrate tales of plague, pirates, crime and royal scandal with gory props, clever special effects and an infectious sense of mischief.
Each walk-through set is like a stage: dark streets, dank cellars, secret chambers and the sound of cackling laughter (or the distant clang of a guillotine). We love the immersive rides—think dodging Sweeney Todd or sailing down the Thames like a 17th-century convict. Even the bravest will get a fright from the jump scares, all while learning something new and unusual about the city’s history. The mood is playful with just enough of a pulse-race, making it an all-ages hit—parents, teens and adults will leave grinning (and maybe, just maybe, a tiny bit spooked).
Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
Gaze across the Thames from the London Eye and you’re staring straight at the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben—two of the UK’s most recognisable buildings. Grabbing a photo from Westminster Bridge is a must, but dig deeper: tours of Parliament’s grand interior reveal a dramatic world of gilded ceilings, carved stonework and centuries-old debating chambers.
Inside, the Committee Rooms buzz with political intrigue, while the stately Westminster Hall gives you a sense of the history that’s unfolded here—from coronations to historic speeches. Knowledgeable guides pepper their stories with humour and tales of London’s most colourful characters and Big Ben’s familiar chimes make the perfect soundtrack for a sunny stroll along the riverbank. Altogether, it’s a walk through living history, where you can imagine secret deals and decisions that have steered the nation’s course.
Florence Nightingale Museum
Step away from the crowds and discover a hidden gem: the Florence Nightingale Museum, located within St. Thomas’ Hospital, just across Westminster Bridge. It’s a bright, interactive spot that celebrates the world’s most famous nurse and the birth of modern healthcare. Eye-catching exhibits re-create Nightingale’s famous lamp-lit rounds, display quirky Victorian medical equipment, and offer insight into her pioneering reforms.
Personal letters, uniforms and mini-documentaries bring her story vividly to life. Younger visitors can dress up as nurses, while everyone enjoys stories about the hospital’s remarkable history (and its ties to Dickens, Sherlock Holmes and the real-life world of wartime London). The museum feels welcoming and hands-on, making it a brilliantly engaging break from outdoor adventures. Plus, it connects you directly to the city’s living legacy—countless real-life frontline heroes have walked these halls. If you’re even a little bit curious about London’s medical past—or just want a dose of inspiration from a true pioneer—this museum is absolutely worth a look. You'll come away with a fresh respect for the Lady with the Lamp, and maybe even bag some creative souvenirs (trust us, the lamp-themed tote bags are a hit).
National Theatre
National Theatre
For a slice of cultural London, you can’t really go wrong with a visit to the National Theatre. The building itself—an unmistakable concrete labyrinth hugging the Thames—hosts world-class plays, readings, and experimental performances across three distinctive stages. Stepping inside, you’ll catch the vibrant buzz of pre-show chatter mingling with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee from the stylish foyer café.
Feeling spontaneous? Same-day tickets are often available. Sit for a drink on the riverside terrace or nab a spot at the Understudy Bar for post-show pints. Whatever’s on, you’ll know you’re experiencing London’s arts scene at its boldest, surrounded by folks who are just as passionate about great storytelling as you are.
Graze on Gabriel’s Wharf
Less than a 10-minute wander along the riverfront and you’ll arrive at Gabriel’s Wharf, an indie oasis dotted with independent eateries, quirky boutiques and riverside bars. The mood here is laidback and creative, with outdoor tables perfect for sun-drenched lunches or sunset spritzers. Sample wood-fired pizzas, fish tacos or classic British pies. The casual, friendly vibe makes it easy to while away a lazy afternoon, and the river views seal the deal.
After you eat, browse the neighboring artist studios and gift shops for jewelry, pottery and prints that are anything but ordinary. If you like your exploration with a side of artisan charm, Gabriel’s Wharf is your happy place—never too busy, always just delightfully offbeat.
Jubilee Gardens
If you’ve got little ones in tow—or simply need to stretch those sightseeing legs—Jubilee Gardens promises a perfect green escape. Laid out right beside the London Eye, its neat lawns and shady trees offer prime picnic territory plus a playground that’s a real hit with visiting families. Seating is generous, and the space fills up with laughter and impromptu ice cream breaks on sunny days.
You’ll get unique snapshots of the Eye overhead, plus a close-up peek at London’s cheerful riverside energy. Take a breather, watch the world go by, or join locals on their lunchtime strolls. Jubilee Gardens is living proof that sometimes, the simplest stop is the most satisfying.
Leake Street Arches
Leake Street Arches
For a grittier London vibe and contemporary street art, duck beneath Waterloo Station and uncover Leake Street Arches. Known by locals as the Banksy Tunnel, this ever-changing, graffiti-covered underpass is a living, breathing art project. Anyone can leave their mark—so you’ll spot intricate murals, bold tags and even 3D installations, all with a symphony of color as your backdrop.
Beyond the spray paint, the arches hide buzzy venues: there’s a craft beer taproom, pop-up cocktail bars, and supper clubs serving up global flavors. Even if street art isn’t usually your thing, you can’t help but get a buzz from all the creative energy on display here. For a break from London’s grandeur, this spot offers the city at its most spontaneous and freewheeling.
Tate Modern
Chase the river a bit further and you’ll reach Tate Modern, where contemporary art and London’s industrial history collide in spectacular style. Housed in a former power station, the gallery’s grand Turbine Hall hosts showstopping installations, while permanent collections span everyone from Picasso to Warhol. It’s free to enter, and you can spend as little or as long as you like—dipping into weird, witty, and sometimes downright wild artworks. Or take a guided tour to hit the highlights.
The upper-floor balcony boasts one of the best views of St. Paul’s across the Thames, making it a must-do for lovers of panoramic cityscapes. Hungry for a pit stop? Head to the café for pastries and coffee, or linger in the bookshop for unique finds. Whether you come for a blockbuster exhibition or just to soak up the creative spirit, Tate Modern never fails to inspire.
Looking for more London inspiration? Find things to do near The Shard and around St Paul's Cathedral.
Step up your sightseeing with Go City®
We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.
See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® - just choose a pass to get started!
