{"id":7701,"date":"2022-01-24T09:58:51","date_gmt":"2022-01-24T09:58:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/13-best-things-to-do-in-south-london\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T08:50:05","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T08:50:05","slug":"13-best-things-to-do-in-south-london","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/13-best-things-to-do-in-south-london\/","title":{"rendered":"13 Best Things to Do in South London (Parks, Markets & Hidden Gems)"},"content":{"rendered":"

With all the incredible places to see<\/a>, London is the kind of city you visit and never fully see it all – in fact, I think that task is almost impossible. This is why I think it’s easier to focus a visit on each of London’s areas<\/a>; South London is<\/span> no exception. Honestly, there are many spots and heaps of the best things to do in South London that are dotted all across the river. <\/p>\n

This makes it a fun-filled place with heaps of history, gorgeous areas (like Greenwich<\/a>),<\/span> and palaces<\/a>, too! <\/p>\n

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Now, you’ve probably realised that I’m biased. I can’t help it, London is my favourite city and South London is a gem I love so much. <\/p>\n

So, to help you get the most out of your time south of the river, I wanted to share my favourite spots you should explore on your first trip to South London. <\/p>\n

Some spots might seem obvious, whilst others are more ‘off the beaten track’. Whatever the case, I’m sure you’ll find a fair few spots to explore while heading around South London.<\/p>\n

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Take a look below at the best things to do in South London.<\/p>\n

1.) London Eye<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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You kinda can\u2019t start off a list of best things to do in South London without mentioning the iconic London Eye – especially if you’ve never been to London before! <\/span><\/p>\n

Now, the London Eye is probably one of the most recognisable landmarks in the South of London and is well worth a 30-minute ride on the wheel for views all across London. <\/span><\/p>\n

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We’ve been on it a few times (over the years of living here), and it’s always so nice.<\/p>\n

Though my favourite time to head up is at sunset, and I’d recommend you book these fast-track London Eye tickets<\/a> for this time of day if you want to see the orange hues all across the city. <\/p>\n

Yes, it’s very popular with visitors, but rightly so – the views are fantastic. Afterwards, take a stroll east (along the Thames) towards the Southbank area.<\/p>\n

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Here, you can watch a performance, visit some of the foodie spots and make the most of the seasonal fairs and markets that line the area. It’s lovely. <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re lucky enough to visit on New Year’s Eve, you\u2019ll be blown away by the immense fireworks display that we try and catch every year. <\/span><\/p>\n

With the London Eye being the centrepiece of the show, it’s best to book tickets (to view from the street) way in advance so you get a space on the cordoned-off streets themselves. <\/span><\/p>\n

Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/div>\n

Read more: Best things to do in London<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

2.) Tower Bridge<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Built back in the 1800s, Tower Bridge is one of the most quintessential sights to see in London<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, you can take a wander over Tower Bridge, towards the Tower of London<\/a> and see the views over the River Thames. <\/p>\n

Oh, and don’t forget to book your Tower of London tickets<\/a> if you’re heading north of the Thames. This way, you’ll be guaranteed entry. <\/p>\n

Not only that, nowadays you can tour the inside of the towers themselves and discover the Tower\u2019s fascinating history. Plus, you’ll get to stand on its glass floor and enjoy outstanding panoramic views of London from the very top walkway on Tower Bridge. <\/span><\/p>\n

Feeling peckish? Head over to nearby Santo Remedio<\/a> for the most delicious Mexican food in South London. We love this spot for its fresh fish and tacos. Plus, they have a pretty potent bottomless brunch, too! <\/p>\n

Looking for the best London hotel<\/a>? Make sure to book this room at The LaLit London<\/a>. It’s one of London’s most iconic hotels<\/a>, and the rooms are absolutely stunning. So much so that it might even stop you exploring! You will love it! <\/p>\n

Read more: Best tours in London to book<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

3.) Crystal Palace<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Quite far away from the riverfront, visiting Crystal Palace is one of the best things to do in South London, which is a little away from the busier touristy spots. <\/p>\n

Now, one thing you can’t miss is the large dinosaurs<\/a> that call Crystal Palace Park home! First created as part of a Victorian-era theme park, the dinosaurs, which were restored in 2002, provide a peek into the 1850s\u2019 understanding of palaeontology. Though, to be honest, they just look super cool, and they’re probably Crystal Palace’s most famous residents. <\/span><\/p>\n

Also, the best part, Crystal Palace Park is totally free to visit, making it a perfect way to spend a family-friendly day out. <\/span><\/p>\n

Read more: Best places for coffee in London<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

4.) Cutty Sark<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Built back in 1869, the Cutty Sark is a British tea clipper ship that’s steeped in history (see what I did there? Steeped!). <\/span><\/p>\n

Now one of the last tea clippers to ever be built, it’s set in pride of place right in the heart of Royal Greenwich<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Long ago, the Cutty Sark used to transport tea to England from Asia and was prized for its speedy service and luxury tea leaves that fetched quite a pretty penny! <\/span><\/p>\n

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Nowadays, the Cutty Sark is a gorgeous museum that’s well worth an hour (or so). Plus, you can easily partner this with a visit to all the great spots in Greenwich<\/a>, like the Painted Hall and the Royal Naval College. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Oh, and you can climb the roof of the O2<\/a>, too. Just book these tickets before arriving<\/a>! It’s such a cool experience. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Greenwich<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

5.) Maltby Street Market<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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A food-lover\u2019s paradise, be sure to check out the Maltby Street Market in the Bermondsey area of South London. Here, you’ll get to devour a shedload of tasty <\/span>delicacies and treats from around the world. <\/span><\/p>\n

Typically a weekend market, it has delicious street food being sold by loads of food and drinks stalls that line the route. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Open on Saturday and Sunday from 9 am-5 pm and 11 am-5 pm, it’s visited by locals and visitors alike. To beat the majority of the crowds, arrive early and give yourself plenty of time to pursue and devour everything in sight! <\/span><\/p>\n

Afterwards, for a night of immersive theatre and creative spaces, head to Waterloo and explore the Vaults<\/a>. Here, they host a range of theatre spots underground, right within the arches of the railway itself. It’s totally cool, and you get to see some epic shows. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best markets in London<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

6.) Eltham Palace<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Nestled in the wider Royal Borough of Greenwich<\/a> (not Greenwich Town), Eltham Palace is often forgotten in lieu of London’s more iconic palaces<\/a>. That being said, it’s one of the best things to do in South London if you want to explore our city’s vast history. <\/p>\n

Presented to King Edward II in 1305, and later serving as King Henry VIII\u2019s childhood home, Eltham Palace was once a royal treasure that is nowadays open to the public.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Eltham Palace is one of London\u2019s best-kept secrets and is typically less crowded than some of London\u2019s other attractions due to being located a train ride away from the busier Zone 1 area of Central London. <\/span><\/p>\n

That said, it is definitely worth a visit from the well-travelled part of town to experience the English Heritage Site that has so much going for it. <\/span><\/p>\n

Once here, make sure to explore the Tudor Palace\u2019s original moat (with the oldest working bridge in the city), the lush lavender gardens on the grounds and explore the Medieval Great Hall and Art Deco Rooms. <\/span><\/p>\n

We loved it! <\/span><\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Greenwich<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

7.) Shakespeare’s Globe<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, not too far from the original site of the theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe is great to visit for a tour or even to watch a performance. <\/span><\/p>\n

Originally built in 1599, the Globe Theatre was destroyed in 1644, but visitors can still experience history as Shakespeare\u2019s Globe is an incredible rebuilding of what the original Globe Theatre was like during the Elizabethan Era. <\/span>It’s beautiful.<\/p>\n

Looking for a gem of a hotel nearby in London<\/a>? Make sure to book this room at Shangri-La The Shard<\/a>. It’s perched south of the river and housed within one of Europe’s tallest buildings, The Shard<\/a>. The hotel is stunning and the views are even better! Request this west-facing room<\/a> for the best sunsets and views over to the London Eye. <\/p>\n

Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/div>\n

Read more: Free things to do in London<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

8.) Royal Observatory<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Famous for having the prime meridian run through it, the Royal Observatory is located in Greenwich Park and overlooks the River Thames towards Canary Wharf.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Commissioned in 1675 by King Charles II, the Greenwich location of the Royal Observatory serves almost entirely as a museum.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Now, after the observatory\u2019s scientific work moved to a different location, if you\u2019re at all interested in the history of astronomy, exploration, or navigation, be sure to check it out. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Plus, afterwards, you can head for a stroll around Greenwich Park and stop for a bite to eat in Greenwich Market, that’s been around for centuries. The local food vendors serve up some real treats. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Greenwich<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

9.) South London’s foodie spots <\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Gosh, there are so many to tell you about! <\/p>\n

If it’s Piri-Piri chicken you’re after, head across to Casa do Frango<\/a> in the London Bridge area of the city. Their chicken is everything, and they serve up some tasty Portuguese green wine, too. <\/p>\n

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Alternatively, head across to Kricket Brixton<\/a> for their delicious Indian-inspired dishes that are so flavourful.<\/p>\n

Situated within the railway arches, it’s a spot that’s totally cool and so tasty. <\/p>\n

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Finally, for some of the best gelato in London, head over to Gelataria 3Bis<\/a>, which serves up a treat in a cone. <\/p>\n

If it’s chocolate you’re after, visit Dark Sugars Cocoa House<\/a> in Greenwich. Here, they’ll serve you up some incredible truffles and treats to try.<\/p>\n

Read more: Best food markets in London<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

10.) Peckham <\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Sometimes, an overlooked area of London<\/a>, visiting Peckham<\/a> is one of the best things to do in South London for an evening out. <\/p>\n

You see, in Peckham, there’s a heap of spots to eat, have a few tipples with friends and just chill out. A totally local haunt for Londoners, you’ll be in good company on the rooftop at the Bussey Rooftop Bar<\/a>.  <\/p>\n

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Also, don’t forget to check out Peckham Levels<\/a>, with the art spaces and foodie vendors that focus on local enterprises. <\/p>\n

Finally, if you want to try some traditional pie, liquor and mash, head over to M.Manze<\/a> on Peckham High Street. These lots know their stuff when it comes to pies! <\/p>\n

Read more: Best beaches near London to visit<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

11.) Richmond<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Exploring Richmond is easily one of the best things to do in South London if you want a slice of nature! <\/p>\n

You see, Richmond has one of the few remaining deer parks in London, Richmond Park. For centuries, the deer have roamed freely and openly, and you’ll easily spot them all across the park. <\/p>\n

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Afterwards, take a ramble towards nearby Kew Gardens and explore the stunning grounds and Palm House, too. They even have a treetop walk that’ll take you through the trees. <\/p>\n

If you’ve got time, take a gander around Ham House and Garden<\/a>, which dates back to the 1600s. Here, you’ll be able to explore the rooms, see the world-class paintings and stroll the historic gardens. <\/p>\n

12.) Wimbledon <\/strong><\/h3>\n
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You probably know Wimbledon<\/a> for its tennis competition, yeah?<\/p>\n

Well, that’s incredible and totally fun to visit. We’ve been a few times, and it’s always been so much fun – though, we always end up with a sore head the next morning (after all the bubbles and strawberries and cream). <\/p>\n

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If you’re not visiting around the time of Wimbledon, check out Wimbledon Common with the historic windmill<\/a> that sits proudly in the greenery. <\/p>\n

Read more: Our day at Wimbledon’s Centre Court<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

13.) Bermondsey Street<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Around a 10-minute stroll from London Bridge Station, Bermondsey Street has a small-town feel even though it’s right within Central London. <\/p>\n

After heading to some of the bars and restaurants along the way, make sure to visit the White Cube Gallery for their seasonal exhibitions and shows. It’s a forever-changing space that we love. <\/p>\n

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Also, for some great coffee, head to WatchHouse Bermondsey<\/a>, which serves up some of the best brews south of the river. <\/p>\n

Nestled within a historic Victorian watchhouse, it’s a cosy little spot to chill after a morning exploring South London. <\/p>\n

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Finally, head over to the Tate Modern<\/a> (a 25-minute stroll) and see some of the world’s best modern art galleries!<\/p>\n

We love it. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in London<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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28 Very Best Things to Do in London (Ultimate City Travel Guide)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n