South Bank & Southwark
Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is London's temple of modern art — and one of the most visited museums in the world. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station (a massive brick building from the 1950s), the architecture alone inspires awe: The vast Turbine Hall in the entrance area hosts changing monumental installations.
The Collection
- Free Permanent Exhibition: Picasso, Matisse, Dalí, Warhol, Rothko, Pollock, Hockney, Giacometti — the permanent collection includes masterpieces of modern art and is completely free.
- Special Exhibitions: Tate regularly hosts blockbuster-style special exhibitions on individual artists or themes (admission fee, £15–25). Often sold out months in advance.
- Viewing Level: On the 10th floor of the Blavatnik Building extension (2016), there is a free viewing platform with panoramic views of the Thames, St Paul's, and the city skyline.
Practical Information: Admission: Free (special exhibitions chargeable). Open daily 10 AM–6 PM (Fri/Sat until 10 PM). Friday evenings are particularly atmospheric — art with cocktails. Allow 2–3 hours.
Tipp
The walk across the Millennium Bridge from Tate Modern to St Paul's Cathedral is one of London's most iconic strolls — the steel bridge perfectly frames the cathedral. It's magical when illuminated in the evening.
Shakespeare's Globe
The Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is a faithful reconstruction of the theater where William Shakespeare staged his greatest plays. The original Globe (1599) stood just 230 meters away and burned down in 1613. Today's theater (1997) is an open-air circular building made of oak with a thatched roof — the only thatched-roof building permitted in London since the Great Fire of 1666.
Performances
From April to October, Shakespeare plays and other classic works are performed — as in the 16th century: in the open air, by natural light, with interaction between actors and audience. The Groundling Tickets (standing places in the yard, directly in front of the stage) cost only £5 — the cheapest theater experience in London and one of the most authentic.
Tours
Outside of performance times, guided tours (£18, 40 min.) offer fascinating insights into Elizabethan theater culture, building techniques, and Shakespeare's world. The adjacent exhibition museum tells the story of the theater and performance practice.
Borough Market
The Borough Market is London's oldest and best food market — and a paradise for gourmets. For over 1,000 years, trading has taken place here on the south side of London Bridge (the current market hall dates from the 19th century). Today, Borough Market is a cornucopia of fresh produce, street food, and artisanal delicacies.
What You Must Try
- Raclette: The Kappacasein stall with melted Swiss raclette on potatoes, gherkins, and onions — the market's most legendary queue.
- Scotch Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs in sausage meat, breaded and fried — a British classic. Best at The Scotch Egg Challenge.
- Paella: The giant paella pans from Brindisa — Spanish chorizo, seafood, and saffron rice, prepared right on the market.
- Cheese: Neal's Yard Dairy — the holy grail of British cheese culture. Stilton, Cheddar, Stichelton, all handmade and available for tasting.
- Brownies: Bad Brownie — the best chocolate brownies in London. Gooey, rich, unforgettable.
- Oysters: Fresh oysters and a glass of champagne — from £6 for half a dozen. A London tradition since the Middle Ages (when oysters were poor man's food).
Practical Information: Full market operation Wed–Sat (10 AM–5 PM). Limited on Mon/Tue (only fixed stalls). Free entry. Best to come on Thursday or Friday — Saturday is overcrowded. Come hungry and sample everything!
Tipp
Borough Market is busiest on Saturday mornings between 10 and 1 PM. Come during the week (Thursday or Friday) for the full market experience without the crowds. Friday evening: Many stalls are open until 6 PM, offering a relaxed after-work atmosphere with street food and wine.
South Bank Walk & London Eye
The South Bank Walk
The Thames walk along the South Bank is London's most beautiful city stroll — and completely free. From Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge (about 4 km), the path passes a chain of highlights: London Eye, Southbank Centre (art complex with Hayward Gallery, National Theatre, and Royal Festival Hall), Oxo Tower (restaurant with a view), Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market, and the Golden Hinde (replica of Francis Drake's ship).
Tip: At sunset, when the buildings on the north side glow golden and the bridges reflect in the Thames, the walk is at its best. In the evening, when the city is illuminated, take a second stroll.
London Eye
The London Eye (135 meters, 32 capsules) was the world's largest Ferris wheel when it opened in 2000. A rotation takes 30 minutes and offers a 40-km panoramic view over London in clear weather — Big Ben and Parliament directly opposite, The Shard, St Paul's, Buckingham Palace, and even Windsor Castle on a good day.
Practical Information: Admission: from £32 (much cheaper online, Fast-Track for £42). Ride in clear weather in the morning or at sunset. In high season (summer, Christmas), be sure to book online in advance.
Southbank Centre
The largest arts complex in Europe: the National Theatre (performances from £15, architectural icon of Brutalism), the Royal Festival Hall (concerts of all genres), and the Hayward Gallery (contemporary art). In between: book stalls under the Waterloo Bridge (open-air antiquarian, daily), street food, and street musicians. In winter: the Southbank Centre Winter Market with mulled wine, raclette, and an ice rink.
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