First Day Walks
A flat riverside route past London's big landmarks, ending across the water from the Houses of Parliament, ideal for a jet-lagged first afternoon.
Duration
3 hr 30 min
Distance
5.1 km
Difficulty
Easy
Stops
9
Best time
Afternoon, 13:00 to 17:00
Photo: Palace of Westminster, London - Feb 2007
Start
London Bridge station
Finish
Westminster Bridge
Route map: South Bank First Walk
A Google My Maps embed drops in here. Until then, follow the numbered stops below, they are written so the route works without a live map.
Overview
London's South Bank is one of the easiest orientation walks in Europe: flat, riverside, and signposted the whole way, with almost every major landmark visible from the path at some point.
This route starts near London Bridge, passes Shakespeare's Globe and the Tate Modern, crosses at the Millennium footbridge, then continues along the water to the London Eye and Westminster.
Because it hugs the river you rarely need to check a map. If in doubt, keep the Thames on your right and you are going the correct way. That kind of route is exactly what you want on the day you land.
Fine for families, easy on tired legs, and it doubles as a good introduction to how the city sits along its river.
The route
Each stop gives you the direction from the previous one, what to look at, a practical tip and roughly how long to stay.
Direction
From London Bridge station, walk south-west along Borough High Street for about 200 m.
What to see
One of London's oldest food markets, under Victorian railway arches. Even outside trading hours the buildings and covered lanes are worth a look.
Time here: 20 min
Direction
Cut through the market lanes toward the river, about 150 m.
What to see
A full-size reconstruction of the ship Francis Drake sailed around the world, squeezed into a tiny dry dock between buildings.
Time here: 10 min
Direction
Follow the riverside path west for roughly 500 m.
What to see
A modern rebuild of the open-air Elizabethan theatre, thatched roof and all, standing close to where the original once stood.
Time here: 15 min
Direction
Continue along the path for about 400 m until the tall brick chimney comes into view.
What to see
A former power station converted into one of the world's larger modern art museums. The building alone, all brick and one huge chimney, is worth the stop.
Time here: 20 min
Direction
The footbridge is right beside the Tate, crossing the Thames toward St Paul's.
What to see
A slim steel pedestrian bridge with St Paul's Cathedral framed directly ahead. It swayed noticeably when it first opened, which locals have not let it forget.
Time here: 10 min
Direction
Return south over the bridge and continue west along the riverside path for about 800 m.
What to see
An Art Deco tower originally built to skirt advertising rules by spelling out OXO in its window design. Now home to small design studios and a rooftop restaurant.
Time here: 15 min
Direction
Keep walking west along the path for roughly 700 m.
What to see
A stretch of brutalist and mid-century cultural buildings that some visitors dislike on sight and grow fond of by the end of the trip. There is usually something free happening on the terraces.
Time here: 15 min
Direction
Continue along the path for about 600 m.
What to see
A large observation wheel on the river's edge, one of the most recognisable additions to London's skyline in recent decades.
Time here: 15 min
Direction
Walk the final 300 m to the bridge, with the Houses of Parliament directly across the water.
What to see
One of the classic London views: Big Ben's clock tower and the Houses of Parliament seen across the Thames, especially good as the light starts to change.
Time here: 20 min
Before you go
Checklist
Screenshot Mode
Save each card to your phone gallery in order. On the walk you swipe through the screenshots instead of loading maps. No app, no data, no dead battery from GPS.
London
Direction
From London Bridge station, walk south-west along Borough High Street for about 200 m.
See
One of London's oldest food markets, under Victorian railway arches. Even outside trading hours the buildings and covered lanes are worth a look.
Navi Tip
Full stalls run Wednesday to Saturday. On other days some food counters are still open for a quick bite.
Time here: 20 min
Direction
Cut through the market lanes toward the river, about 150 m.
See
A full-size reconstruction of the ship Francis Drake sailed around the world, squeezed into a tiny dry dock between buildings.
Navi Tip
You can see the whole thing from outside the fence, no need to pay for the ship tour unless travelling with curious kids.
Time here: 10 min
Direction
Follow the riverside path west for roughly 500 m.
See
A modern rebuild of the open-air Elizabethan theatre, thatched roof and all, standing close to where the original once stood.
Navi Tip
The riverside plaza outside is free to walk through and gives a clear view of the timber frame without a ticket.
Time here: 15 min
Direction
Continue along the path for about 400 m until the tall brick chimney comes into view.
See
A former power station converted into one of the world's larger modern art museums. The building alone, all brick and one huge chimney, is worth the stop.
Navi Tip
General admission to the permanent collection is free. Only the temporary exhibitions charge.
Time here: 20 min
Direction
The footbridge is right beside the Tate, crossing the Thames toward St Paul's.
See
A slim steel pedestrian bridge with St Paul's Cathedral framed directly ahead. It swayed noticeably when it first opened, which locals have not let it forget.
Navi Tip
Best photo spot is the middle of the bridge looking north, early morning light works well if you happen to pass again then.
Time here: 10 min
Direction
Return south over the bridge and continue west along the riverside path for about 800 m.
See
An Art Deco tower originally built to skirt advertising rules by spelling out OXO in its window design. Now home to small design studios and a rooftop restaurant.
Navi Tip
The public viewing gallery at the top is free and usually quiet, a good rest stop with a river view.
Time here: 15 min
Direction
Keep walking west along the path for roughly 700 m.
See
A stretch of brutalist and mid-century cultural buildings that some visitors dislike on sight and grow fond of by the end of the trip. There is usually something free happening on the terraces.
Navi Tip
Check the noticeboards outside, there are often free lunchtime music sessions in the Festival Hall foyer.
Time here: 15 min
Direction
Continue along the path for about 600 m.
See
A large observation wheel on the river's edge, one of the most recognisable additions to London's skyline in recent decades.
Navi Tip
You do not need a ticket to appreciate it from below. If you do want to ride, book a time slot online rather than queuing on the day.
Time here: 15 min
Direction
Walk the final 300 m to the bridge, with the Houses of Parliament directly across the water.
See
One of the classic London views: Big Ben's clock tower and the Houses of Parliament seen across the Thames, especially good as the light starts to change.
Navi Tip
Cross to the far side for the postcard photo, then Westminster Underground station is right there if you are ready to head off.
Time here: 20 min
English
Emergency number: check the local number for your country before you set off.
Swipe sideways to see every card. On a phone, take one screenshot per card.
Emergency phrases
Worth a screenshot of its own. Even a badly pronounced attempt usually gets you help.
Where's the nearest loo?
Where is the nearest restroom?
How much is this?
How much does this cost?
Could you point me the right way?
Can you help me with directions?
Cheers
Thanks (informal)
Which platform for the Jubilee line?
Asking for the correct Underground platform
City notes
Sprawling but walkable in patches, with parks, the Thames and distinct village-like neighbourhoods to link on foot.
Explore another walk
Rainy DayLondon, United Kingdom
A route built around three free museums and the covered arcades of Mayfair, so a wet London afternoon still gets you somewhere.
First DayBarcelona, Spain
A calm first afternoon through the old city, from a big central square down to the sea, so you finish the day knowing which way is which.
First DayParis, France
An easy riverside loop from the Louvre to Notre-Dame and back over an island, built to settle you into the city on day one without any queue.